Dog Crate Size Calculator

What are dog crates?

Dog crates are specially designed enclosures meant to provide a safe and secure environment for dogs during transportation, training, or as a personal space within the home. Often constructed from durable materials like metal, plastic, or fabric, these crates serve multiple purposes in a dog’s life, including aiding in house training, ensuring safety during travel, and offering a retreat where dogs can relax and feel secure.

Types of dog crates

• Wire Crates: These are the most common type, offering good ventilation and the option of a view out for your dog. They are foldable for easy transport and can be covered with a blanket to create a more enclosed space.
• Plastic Crates: Ideal for travel, especially by air, as they meet most airline regulations. They provide a cozy, den-like space for your dog but are less ventilated compared to wire crates.
• Soft-sided Crates: Made from fabrics like nylon or canvas, these are lightweight and portable, perfect for short trips or for dogs that are already crate-trained. They are not suitable for puppies or dogs that might chew the fabric.
• Heavy-duty Crates: Constructed from stronger materials like steel, they are designed for dogs that are powerful or prone to escaping. These crates are more expensive but offer the highest level of durability.
• Decorative Crates: These crates are designed to blend in with home décor. They may be made from wood or wicker and are more about aesthetics than portability.

How to measure your dog for a crate

Measuring a dog for a crate is a crucial step to ensure they have enough space to be comfortable, but not so much that they lose the feeling of security the crate is supposed to provide. Here’s how you can accurately measure your dog to find the ideal crate size:

1. Measure their Length

1. Have your dog stand up straight.
2. Use a tape measure to measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail, as that can make the crate too large).

2. Measure their Height

1. Have your dog sit down since some dogs are taller while sitting.
2. Measure from the floor to the top of your dog's head or ears (whichever is higher).

3. Measure their Width

1. Use a tape measure to gauge the widest part of your dog, which is usually around the chest or shoulders.
2. This measurement isn't always necessary for purchasing a crate, as crate width generally corresponds appropriately with length and height, but it's good to know if your dog is unusually wide.

4. Measure their Legt Height

1. Have your dog stand up straight on a level surface. Ensure they are calm and relaxed. It's best if they are looking straight ahead and not sitting or lying down.
2. Use a tape measure to determine the distance from the bottom of your dog's front paw to the elbow joint. This measurement is the leg height.
3. Make sure the tape measure is perpendicular to the floor and that your dog's leg is not bent.

Tips for crate training

Crate training can be a highly effective method to provide your dog with a personal space and teach them house manners. Here are some practical tips to make the process of crate training smooth and successful for both you and your dog:

1. Ensure the crate is the right size for your dog. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom and the other as a sleeping area.
2. Start by placing the crate in an area where your family spends a lot of time. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate, and leave the door open to allow your dog to explore the crate on their own. Encourage them by placing treats inside.
3. Add a comfortable bed and favorite toys inside to make the crate a pleasant place for your dog. This helps in creating a positive association with the crate.
4. Begin feeding your dog their regular meals near the crate, and then inside it, to create a positive association. If they are reluctant at first, place the dish only as far inside as they will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious.
5. Start with brief crating sessions while you're home. Encourage them to enter the crate, then close the door and stay nearby for short periods before letting them out.
6. Gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate while you're at home. Once they can stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can begin leaving them crated when you're gone for short time periods and letting them sleep there at night.
7. When leaving your dog in the crate, avoid lengthy farewells. Departures should be matter-of-fact; this helps to prevent anxiety. Similarly, when returning home, keep arrivals low-key to avoid increasing their anxiety over your return.
8. The crate should be associated with positive experiences and not used as a place for punishment. This helps your dog feel safe and secure in their crate.
9. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and interaction outside of the crate. This reduces their energy levels and promotes more relaxed time spent in the crate.
10. Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperament, and past experiences. Remain patient, and consistently reinforce the positive aspects of the crate.

References

1. E.C. Jongman, K.L. Butler, P.H. Hemsworth, The effects of kennel size and exercise on the behaviour and stress physiology of individually-housed greyhounds, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 199, 2018, Pages 29-34, ISSN 0168-1591