Measuring a Crate For Your Dog

 

 

Crate training is a great tool for dogs of all breeds and sizes. It’s useful for potty training and offers a safe place for them to retreat to when they need a break.

One of the things to consider before buying a crate is what kind of crate to get. There are soft-sided, wire, plastic, and many other choices. However, if you are looking for a home crate, wire is usually the best option because of its ability to expand.  Here are some different things to consider when measuring a crate.

Measuring for Puppies:

If you are looking to buy a crate for your puppy, the best way to measure for them is to use the average breed size measurements when they are fully grown. That way you have something for them to grow into.

Wire crates are often the best for a growing pup because many come with detachable panels so you can increase the size of the kennel as they grow. Choosing a crate that will expand to fit your dog’s needs is essential.

Adding a Crate Pad:

Consider ahead of time if you would like to buy a tough crate pad for your dog. Crate pads help make crates a comfortable place that your dog can call their own. They also help alleviate joint pain and help prevent future joint problems. So, adding a crate pad is an important step in creating a comfortable space for your pup.

When purchasing a crate, consider the height of the crate pad and add it to the height of your dog’s full-grown size.

Measuring The Length:

Make sure to measure from the nose to the tip of the tail when your dog is standing up. After that, add two to four inches to this measurement for the minimum length of the crate.

Measuring Height:

When your dog is sitting, measure from the floor to their head. Or if they have pointy ears, measure from the floor to the tips of their ears. Again, add two to four inches to the measurements for the minimum height of the crate.  It is important that your dog can sit, stand, and turn around in the crate comfortably.

 

A Home Inside A Home:

Crate training is not meant to be a trap for your pets but instead, a small home for them to relax in when they are stressed. Other ways that you can make their crate more like a home are to use tough crate covers that don’t cover the door to make it feel more den-like or to leave the door open so they can come and go as they please. Giving your pup a comfortable place of their own will help them to feel more at home in your home.