There are numerous benefits to crate training your dog, which is why so many pet parents across the United States invest the time and effort into doing so. The most important tool you can have in crate training is a well-sized, high quality, comfortable crate. What makes a crate comfortable? It has a den-like cozy appeal, it’s not too big or too small, and it’s made from sturdy safe materials. When asking yourself “How much room should a dog have in a crate?” the answer isn’t as complicated as it may sound.
Sizing Your Crate
The crate size you choose is crucial to your crate training success. A crate that is too large will be insufficient for housebreaking a puppy or calming an anxious pup. A crate that is too small will be uncomfortable for your dog, thereby causing even more anxiety on top of discomfort or even pain. So how do you find the perfect sized crate? There are a few simple steps you can take:
- Take a height measurement – The first measurement you should take is your dog’s height measurement. To do this, have a soft tape measure on hand and have your dog stand on all fours in front of you. Take your tape measurer and measure from the bottom of the paws all the way to the top of your dog’s head as they stand before you. With this measurement in hand, add about 3 inches, and this is your goal crate height measurement.
- Take a length measurement – After getting your height measurement, it’s time to get a length measurement for your dog. With your dog still on all fours, take your soft tape measurer and measure from the tip of your dog’s nose all the way to the tip of their tail. Like the height measurement, add about 3 inches to this number to get your goal crate length.
- Always err on the side of larger, not smaller – You might not find the perfect sized crate that is exactly 3 inches longer and 3 inches higher than your dog’s length and height – and that’s okay. When selecting a crate, it’s important to size up slightly rather than sizing down. A crate that is just a touch bigger than you’d like will still be cozy, comfortable, and effective in training or housebreaking. A crate that is even the slightest bit too small might be uncomfortable or even painful for your dog to spend time in. This discomfort may lead to a negative association with crate time in general or even feelings of fear or anxiety.
For the simplest way to answer “How much room should a dog have in a crate?”, see how your dog enters the crate and what they do once they settle. According to PetMD, there are three things you should look for:
- Your dog should be able to walk into their crate with ease, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Your dog should be able to lie on their side while in the crate and be able to extend all 4 limbs comfortably.
- When sitting in the crate, your dog should have at least 2 inches of clearance between the top of their head and the ceiling of the crate.
Note, these factors apply to at home kenneling. Crates for vehicle transport can and often should be a bit snugger.
Are Crates Really Necessary?
Like food, water, and veterinary care, a high-quality dog crate is an investment in your dog’s safety and well-being for the rest of their lives. Crates are often used in puppyhood to aid in the housebreaking process, but they have plenty of uses past this stage. Some of the benefits of crate training any dog with the right sized high-quality crate are:
- You provide your dog with a retreat whenever they need it – Dogs, like people, sometimes just need a little time to wind down alone. If your dog is having an “off” day, they’re nervous, they’re tired, they’re overstimulated, or they’re feeling unwell, their crate is their retreat space. They know they can relax and unwind in this space, unbothered, until they’re ready to rejoin the stimulation of the household once again. This is particularly helpful for households with dogs and children.
- You can keep your dog safe and secure in an active household – If you plan to have a maintenance professional come to your home to fix a leak, an electrical problem, or any issue, your dog may be distracting or underfoot. If you’re having a lot of guests coming and going, your dog may be tempted by an open door. If you’re cooking in the kitchen, a dog moseying about in the space could be risky if you’re carrying boiling water or hot foods. The crate is a secure space your dog can enjoy spending time in while they’re kept safe and out of the way.
- You won’t have to worry about destructive urges – When bored, anxious, or upset, dogs may decide that giving in to their destructive tendencies is the best way to alleviate these feelings. An anxious dog may even try to chew or scratch windows or doorframes in an effort to escape while in a state of panic. When you’re not home, this can lead to disaster quickly. Chewing the wrong item, choking on something they’ve chewed on, or ingesting hazardous materials means a race to the emergency vet, and all of the bills that follow. While you’re not home, your dog can feel cozy in their crate without any worry they’re getting into something they shouldn’t.
- Your dog can safely travel with you – A crash-tested dog crate is an excellent tool for safe travel. For air travel, this is a necessary tool if you wish to take your dog with you on faraway trips. In the car, it’s your way to have peace of mind that your dog is safe should an unexpected accident occur. Dogs love adventure, and a properly sized crate they enjoy is their ticket to having more of them.
- Your dog can come with you in the event of a natural disaster – While many pet parents don’t consider this when choosing to crate train, it’s a benefit that is highly appreciated should the need arise. According to Whole Dog Journal Magazine, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes can (and do) occur all over the United States, and a crate trained dog is a dog that is more likely to be able to accompany you to evacuation centers to ensure the safety of your entire family. While this may not be a benefit you consider during the crate training period, it is one you’ll be thankful for should the need arise.
How To Go About Crate Training
With your appropriately sized crate, you can then begin the crate training process. It’s important to note that any dog can be crate trained, it simply takes time, patience, and consistency.
Before getting down to any serious training, first get your dog accustomed to seeing and being around their new crate. According to the American Kennel Club, comfortable positive association with the crate is one of the most important steps in successful crate training. The crate is a new and unique item in your home, and it’s one that your dog may be unsure of at first.
Once accustomed to the crate’s presence, you can begin having your dog go into the crate by placing meals or treats into the crate for them to enjoy. This works to continue to build this positive association even further. When they go into their crate, they’ll get a reward, and they’ll begin associating these two things together.
After your dog is comfortable with going into their crate with the door open, it’s time to try short periods of closed crate time. Remaining in the room with your dog, encourage them to go into their crate, close the door behind them, and stand by the crate counting to 1 minute. After the session, open the door and reward your dog. These short training sessions can take place multiple times per day, and your time should go up to 5 minutes gradually.
If your dog is comfortable with 5 minutes of closed crate time with you in the room, try leaving the room and seeing how your dog handles the situation. You can start slowly again, for 1 or 2 minutes, but if your dog handles this well you can go up to 5. Over time, lengthen this time period to 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or even a half of an hour. After your dog is released from the crate, always follow with a treat or plenty of praise.
While this method seems straight forward, that’s not always the case with every dog. Some dogs will seemingly take to their crate naturally, while others will display nervous or stubborn behaviors. This is where your patience and consistency come in. Remaining patient is crucial to retaining that positive crate association, as losing your cool may cause stress or anxiety for your dog. With consistent practice, your dog will learn to appreciate having this den space of their own, they’ll know its safe, and in some instances, they’ll even look forward to the time they spend in the crate.
From wondering how much room should a dog have in a crate in order to select the perfect fit, to the day your dog goes into their crate on their own for a little alone time, the process should take from a few weeks to a couple of months. Each dog will take to the crate differently, but all will enjoy the same benefits along with their pet parents.