Dog crates: how to choose the right size and type

Why crate size matters

The crate should be just large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, the American Kennel Club (AKC) advises.

• Too large. A puppy can eliminate in one end and sleep in the other, the AKC says, which works against house training.
• Too small. A cramped crate is uncomfortable and may put the dog off using it, Chewy notes.

How to measure your dog for a crate

Weight is not a reliable guide to crate size, both Whole Dog Journal and Chewy say. Measure the dog instead.

1. Length. With the dog standing, measure in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
2. Height. Measure from the floor to the top of the head. Whole Dog Journal measures with the dog standing, and Chewy with the dog sitting. Measuring both ways and keeping the taller number covers either posture.
3. Add room. Whole Dog Journal recommends a crate several inches longer and taller than the dog. Chewy adds four inches to both the length and the height.
4. Check the inside. Compare your numbers with the interior dimensions the manufacturer lists for that crate. A bed takes up an inch or so of height, Whole Dog Journal notes.
5. Between sizes. If the dog falls between two sizes on length or height, choose the larger one, Chewy advises.

Once the crate is set up, check that the dog can stand, turn around and lie down in it comfortably.

Sizing a crate for a puppy

The AKC suggests buying a crate for the puppy's adult size, with a divider so the space can grow with the dog. Wire crates often come with a divider panel, and dividers are less common in plastic and wooden crates, Chewy notes.

Breed standards give a range for adult height. For a mixed-breed puppy, Chewy suggests asking your veterinarian how big the dog is likely to get.

Types of dog crates and what each is for

• Wire crates. Good ventilation, and most fold flat, Whole Dog Journal notes. A cover over the top makes the space feel more like a den. Wire crates are the type most likely to include a divider for a growing puppy.
• Plastic crates. Enclosed and den-like, and the usual choice for travel. Humane World for Animals calls them flight kennels. For a flight, check the airline's own crate requirements, Whole Dog Journal advises.
• Soft-sided crates. Light and easy to carry. Whole Dog Journal advises them only for dogs that are already crate trained, and not for puppies or chewers.
• Heavy-duty and crash-tested crates. Built for strength. Some are certified by the Center for Pet Safety for car travel, and they tend to be heavy and expensive, Whole Dog Journal notes.
• Furniture-style crates. Wooden crates can double as an end table and blend in with the room, Chewy notes.
• Collapsible pens. Folding metal pens are another option Humane World for Animals lists, next to plastic crates and fabric crates on a rigid frame.

Where to put the crate and what goes inside

• Where in the house. Humane World for Animals suggests a room where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. The AKC adds that the spot should be relatively quiet, since a dog cannot be expected to relax or sleep in the middle of commotion.
• Near you at night. At first, the crate can go in your bedroom or in a hallway nearby, especially for a puppy, Humane World for Animals suggests.
• Bedding. Many puppies prefer to go potty on soft surfaces, so the AKC advises waiting to add a bed or blanket until the dog consistently has no accidents and does not shred fabric. Choose washable bedding that suits the dog's size and chewing habits, Humane World for Animals adds.
• No collar. For safety, always take your dog's collar off when they are in the crate, the AKC advises.
• The door. While the dog is getting used to the crate, make sure the door cannot swing shut and startle it, the AKC advises.

How to introduce the crate

Crate training can start as early as 8 weeks old and can take days or weeks, depending on the dog's age, temperament and past experiences, Humane World for Animals says. The steps below follow its guide and the AKC's.

1. Prop the door open and lure the dog in with treats or a favorite toy. Never force the dog in. This can take a few minutes or several days.
2. Feed meals near the crate, then inside it, moving the bowl a little farther back each time. Once the dog eats there calmly, close the door during the meal.
3. Leave the door closed a little longer after each meal, until the dog stays in the crate for 10 minutes or so after eating.
4. Crate the dog while you are home. Sit quietly nearby for five to 10 minutes, then go into another room for a few minutes. Build up to about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight.
5. Start crating the dog when you leave, putting it in the crate five to 20 minutes before you go. Keep departures matter-of-fact, not emotional and prolonged.

A food-stuffed chew toy gives the dog something to do in the crate, the AKC suggests. If the dog whines, never punish it. Humane World for Animals advises ignoring the whining until it stops, unless you are sure the dog needs to go outside.

How long a dog can stay in a crate

• Puppies under 6 months. No more than three or four hours at a time, Humane World for Animals says.
• Adult dogs. As a general guideline, no more than 4–5 hours during the day, Humane World for Animals says.
• Any dog. Never longer than the dog is comfortable or can hold its bladder, the AKC says. If you will be out longer, a dog sitter or walker can let the dog out.

When a crate is not the answer

• Punishment. A crate should never be used as punishment, both the AKC and Humane World for Animals say.
• Separation anxiety. A crate will not solve separation anxiety, Humane World for Animals says, and the dog may get injured trying to escape. Ask a professional animal behavior specialist for help.
• Signs of stress. Never crate a dog if it causes stress or panic, the AKC says. Watch for pacing, shaking, scratching or biting at the door, long bouts of howling or barking, and drooling.
• Older dogs with stiff joints. A senior dog with arthritis may need a larger area to get comfortable, the AKC notes.