The Right Size Dog Crate for the Right Size Dog

My wife gets asked a lot (and so do I), what size crate should I get for my dog? This editorial is in regards to indoor crates, for while you're at work, asleep etc.

The answer is quite simple. You want a crate that is large enough for the dog to walk into it upright, turn around, and lie down. They should be able to stand upright without squatting.

Doesn't sound like much does it?

First, let's take a look back. Dogs are domesticated wolves, and they still have a lot of the wolf instincts in them, one being their "den" (or home). These dens are usually small, either under a tree or in a small cave / hole in the ground. It's their bedroom, and they like cozy, not luxurious. They don't need a lot of room because they'll sleep most of the time while they're in there.

People also ask, what about "accidents". Well, we don't try to have "accidents" in out bedrooms, and neither do dogs, just make sure you walk them before you put them in the crate for the day. This is another point where the "small" size comes in handy. You don't want your dog doing that in the crate, and the dog doesn't want to lie in it. If you give them an oversized crate, they'll have the space to do that, and be able to lie on the other side. To some of them, that would be acceptable, and unless you catch them in the act, it will continue to be acceptable to them.

That's simple, but it's a small part of the question.

What kind of crate should we get? That all depends on your usage and the dog.

If the crate is going to be stationary all the time, then I'd suggest one of the hard plastic ones with the metal gate door (such as VariKennel and SkyKennel). These look like large cat carriers without the handle on the top. The advantages are: