One pup, two pup, three pup, uh oh. If you’ve ever walked into your living room and found all of your dogs giving you the look, you know it’s probably because they each want their spot on the couch, and there’s simply not enough room for them and you.
If this sounds at all familiar, then you’re probably living in a home with multiple dogs, which means you need to master the fine art of space management (and compromise).
When it comes to space management, crates aren’t just cages; they can actually be quite the sanctuary for your dogs. The right crate setup can make all the difference between having a peaceful (less chaotic) home and having the canine version of the Hunger Games playing out right there in the living room.
So, how do you pick the right crate when you have more than one furry roommate to consider? Buckle up as we dive into how to create harmony, safety, and the best nap vibes for your pack.
Here’s Why Crates Really Do Matter in a Multi-Dog Household
Some people think that dog crates are just for training puppies or dogs who need to be disciplined. These, of course, are big misconceptions that we want to take a minute to clear up.
Crates are more like little doggy bedrooms. They give your pup a safe and personal space where they can hang out, relax, decompress, or just hide from the chaos that is you vacuuming at 9 pm or their furry brothers and sisters having a tug of war game during nap time.
For multi-dog households, the following are more reasons why having the right crates around is so important:
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Prevents Tension: Dogs, just like people, need alone time. Having a designated spot where your pup can go and feel secure (and not territorial) is so important.
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Makes Mealtime Easier: If one of your dogs sucks up their food in a breath and you have another that’s more of a grazer, then feeding them in separate crates can alleviate a lot of stress and resentment.
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Makes Travel Easier: Going to the vet or groomer, or even on a road trip, can be a big challenge for a multi-dog household. Crates can make the process smoother, safer, and less headache-inducing.
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Reduces Chaos: Having a solid crate setup means less fighting over space, fewer messes, and overall, a much more peaceful home.
So, what did we learn here? Crates equal structure, safety, and sanity!
Step One: Measure Your Pups and Your Space
Yes, we know. This sounds like an obvious first step, but you would be surprised that this is actually where many dog owners go wrong. When you’re buying multiple crates, there’s more to think about than just the pup’s size. You also have to look at how they will each use their space.
When measuring your pups and space, consider the following:
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Height: Your pup needs to be able to stand up comfortably without their head brushing the top of the crate
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Length: Your pup should also be able to turn around and stretch out comfortably without bumping into the sides of the crate.
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Width: Your pup needs room to sprawl, especially if they’re big on lounging, or curl up if they’re more of a cozy burrower type.
The best time to measure your pup is when they’re napping in their most relaxed (and stretched out) position. This could be a great baseline for you to start with. And don’t forget to measure your space too.
If you have two or three dogs, you need to think more like a furniture designer. The crates you end up buying are going to be a part of your home setup, so you want to make sure they fit properly and still look good.
Step Two: Your Layout
Now you have to move into more of a strategic mode as we march into step two. It really comes down to two different options when you look at crates and layouts: separate crates or shared crates.
Option One: Separate Crates
This option provides peace and quiet for everyone and is ideal because most dogs have different temperaments, energy levels, and sizes. So, separate crates are always the best bet.
Going separate is good for dogs who value their own space. It can also prevent fights and food guarding and make it easier to manage their routines, like sleep, feedings, and downtime.
This is all especially important if each of your pups has a mix of personalities. You might have a chill senior pup paired with a high-octane puppy who thinks sleep isn’t necessary.
Option Two: Shared Crates
In some cases, and we are going big on emphasizing some here, dogs who are bonded can share a crate. But this really only works in special circumstances, like if they’re similar in size, have shown zero aggression or resource guarding, and the crate is big enough for both of them to stretch out comfortably without being on top of each other.
Even then, you should always have some kind of backup plan in place in case something suddenly changes. Changes can happen as they age or if one gets sick or anxious. Shared crates might work for besties (for a while), but separate ones can keep the peace in the home more long-term.
Step Three: The Material Matters
Do you consider your pup a little machine of destruction? Maybe they can chew through something you thought at one point was indestructible. Well, the material you choose for your crate can make or break your setup, and we mean this quite literally.
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Wire Crates: These might be good for ventilation, easy to fold and store, and inexpensive, but they aren’t ideal for little escape artists or strong chewers.
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Plastic Crates: These might be lightweight, travel-friendly, and cozy, but don’t provide much airflow and aren’t super durable for big or anxious pups.
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Soft-Sided Crates: Yes, these are great for travel in some cases and for short-term use, but are terrible for dogs who chew, scratch, or get anxious, and they aren’t the safest option out there either.
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Aluminum Crates: These are the heavy-duty option (and best option, in our opinion). They are practically indestructible, escape-proof, beautifully built, and are designed for use in the home as well as for travel.
If you have a wolf pack, investing in a crate from Rock Creek Crates is a great move. They are made from heavy-duty aluminum, are built to last, and engineered to keep your pup safe while actually still looking amazing in your home. Bonus? They’re designed with smart ventilation, so even if you have a big breed, everyone stays comfy.
Step Four: Let’s Talk Crate Placement
Let’s say you’ve bought the perfect crate. You think everything is good until you realize you have run into chaos because you put it in the wrong spot. When it comes to your multi-dog household, crate placement is key.
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Always avoid high-traffic areas. You don’t want your pups to be constantly interrupted when they’re trying to relax.
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Keep the crates out of direct sunlight and out of drafty corners. Remember, comfort for all your pups is the number one goal here!
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Space them out if possible. Even just a few feet of distance between the crates can make a big difference in keeping the peace.
If you find you have limited space, consider creating a crate corner where you can have clear boundaries for each dog.
Step Five: Time for Comfort!
Comfort is non-negotiable here, of course. If the crates aren’t cozy, then your pups won’t love them. And if they don’t love them, you know what that means, right? You’ll end up in a fierce battle every time you tell them to go to their crates.
Add these little touches to make it their own cozy space:
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A soft bed or crate mat that fits perfectly
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Chew-proof toys
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A water bowl attachment or spill-proof dish
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A blanket or cover to create more of a den-like feel (especially good for anxious pups)
You want the crates to feel like rewards and not a timeout zone or punishment.
Step Six: Throw in Some Training
Even the best crates won’t work if your pups don’t understand how to use them. For this to work, you need to throw in some training time. Here’s how you can make crate time a positive experience.
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Avoid using the dog crate as a punishment. It should always be seen as a happy place and never as a doggy jail.
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Feed your pups their meals in the crates. This will help them associate their crate with good things (like a yummy dinner).
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Give them treats when they go in there voluntarily. Celebrate and reward that good behavior.
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Make sure to establish a routine. Same crate, same time, every day. This helps build comfort around crate time and makes things more predictable.
If you’re introducing new crates to multiple pups at once, make sure to go slow. Give each pup their own time to explore and get comfortable individually before you start crating everyone at once.
Step 7: Plan for a Few New Adventures
Multi-dog households don’t usually stay put at home 24/7. So, whether you’re heading out to the dog park, going on a cross-country road trip, or just having a quick family visit, crate travel is essential.
When choosing a travel crate for all your pups, these are the things you want to prioritize.
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The crate should have safety certifications: A crash-tested crate is definitely ideal.
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The crate should be easy to clean: Muddy paws happen, and we’re sure you don’t want the headache of having to scrub and use elbow grease every time there’s a mess.
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The crate should have good ventilation and visibility: Your pups all want to stay comfortable and calm, and you want to be able to see them, and they want to see you.
This is another area where Rock Creek Crates shine. Their aluminum construction is secure and lightweight enough for transport, with tie-down slots and smooth edges that make these crates perfect for vehicles.
It’s Time to Find the Perfect Crate for Your Pups
Finally, make sure to match the pup’s personality to their crate and don’t hesitate to evolve as your pack changes. Always stay flexible. Give it some time and then reassess crate size, placement, and comfort (probably every few months or so). The best crate setup is one that evolves with your dogs and doesn’t just sit there collecting fur.
If you take anything from this guide, let it be this: There’s no one-size-fits-all crate option for your pups in a multi-dog household. Each dog deserves their own space that fits their personality and lifestyle. And, at the end of the day, the right crate makes everyone happy, the home calmer, and everything so much more peaceful.