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How do I determine the right size of dog crate?

2K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  MiniMommy 
#1 ·
My 24lb poodle mix is just over 1.5 years and has never been crate trained. He has started going under the bed and growls if we try to move him. I was thinkng he might like a crate and I could pick him up in it if we have to go somewhere. Does that make sense?

I saw a nice one on Craigslist, but I have no idea what are the right dimensions. This one is small

How do I know the right size?

19.5"wide/22.5"deep/22.5"tall
 
#2 ·
I would measure how high his head is when he is standing and roughly how much space he likes to lie in if he stretches out. Usually most crates tell you what size dog they are mostly used for. If your Poodle has something else in him that makes him taller don't go for one with a regular sized Poodle.
 
#3 ·
Thanks @Kyllobernese

I was going to look at one for sale in my neighborhood, but my husband does not want me to. He thinks crates are cruel. I just want to give our dog a place to go instead of under our bed. We don't have to close the door. Am I wrong?

Right now, the dog has the run of the house. He does not get into much mischief. He will get into the trashcan if we leave it out and chews on comforters sometimes. He sleeps with us usually.
 
#4 ·
If it's only because you don't want him hiding under the bed, and your husband doesn't like crates then just block the areas under your bed or shut the door. Seems simple enough.

If you do end up with a crate then go for the biggest you can get so he has room to move around. I can't imagine it's much fun to be confined to a small space that doesn't give you room to do anything. If he's not harming anything in your home, just let him roam and if you need one for travel then get one that's big enough to stand up and turn around, but a smaller crate like that shouldn't be used for extended periods.
 
#6 ·
Thanks. Yes, I can close the door. He gets really protective of the space and growls if I try to move him. I don't mind if he hides but he guards the space.
 
#7 ·
Yeah the easiest way to solve that dilemma is no crate. If you were that dog what would you prefer? The prob is lots of peeps are leaving them in there too long, shut in. The other prob is theyre not learning anything in there, & some end up self harming from the stress of being confined. This dog doesnt need one & will probably feel that a crates a punishment for his very good behaviour out of one. Great way to confuse & upset a good dog. He's learning how to behave out of one, that is what you want. ☺
 
#8 ·
I crate three of my dogs at night and they love their crates. I just say bedtime and they run into their crates. The oldest one I started leaving her door open at night but she still goes into the crate and sleeps in their all night. They are not cruel if used properly.


I don't think a crate is the answer for this dog as it needs training to not guard the space under the bed.
 
#9 ·
Yeah well he sleeps in bed with them, so sleeping at nights not the issue. I looked after a dog that loved going under my bed & I just let her, she'd sleep under there happily coz it was cool, dark & quiet, she'd come out when she was ready. The growling might be resource guarding, check if there's a bone or much loved treat stashed under there.
 
#10 ·
If your dog has never been created and he’s a year and a half old you may have a problem getting him used to the crate. A dog that has had the run of the house is not going to be confined without putting up a fight and that could be traumatic for him in the long run. If he wants to hide under the bed why not? Apparently he feels a lot more secure under the bed. Trying to change his lifestyle at this point could be a problem.
 
#11 ·
I don't mind him going under the bed. It is that he guards that space and I cannot get him out if we have to go somewhere. Like a vet or grooming appt

He is the sweetest dog, but he gets aggressive (growling, snapping) when he is guarding something.

I have been closing the door, so he can't go under the bed.

I think everyone is right. He probably would not go in or like a crate
 
#13 ·
They need to be able to stand up, turn, and lay down without hinderance for air travel so I’d go with that. And from what she likes to do, hide under the bed, It seems like she’d love a den. Mine kept hiding behind the toilet and digging during thunder storms and always trying to hide under things. My husband thought crates were cruel so he never let me get one but I thought he would love it.

Fast forward we had to move from Mexico to Brazil and get a crate to take Conan with us and he auto loved it. Took a couple tossing of treats inside for him to try it out and he loves going in. I don’t even lock the gate at home. My husband is so surprised but now agrees that it’s great for him. Now in a thunder storm he runs into it and hides until it’s passed. Heck he’s in there right now just chilling. ( folding laundry so don’t mind the mess lol) from what you wrote about your dog I seems lol she wants a den and somewhere that is hers. a crate sounds like it would be perfect, you might not even need to close and lock it if you don’t want, I don’t
 

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