Dog ownership is on the rise in the United States. In fact, in 2017, Americans owned around 90 million dogs. That’s a lot of best friends!
One of the best investments you can make when you get a new dog is a dog kennel. Dog kennels run the gamut from small and cheap to large and expensive (with all the bells and whistles). Regardless, you’re bound to want the right kennel for your sweet baby angel.
Not sure what size or kind of crate to get for your dog? We’ve got you covered! Read on to learn all about dog kennel sizes and selection criteria.
Why Do You Need a Dog Kennel?
There are so many reasons why you need a dog kennel! Many people think of kennels as a dog cage, but that’s not necessarily the case.
So what can you do with a dog kennel? One of the most traditional uses for dog kennels is as a way to keep your dogs from getting into trouble when you’re not there to supervise. If this is your intended use, be sure to slowly introduce your pup to the kennel.
To make the kennel extra comfortable, don’t forget to add a comfy bed and give your dog yummy snacks every time they go in. You don’t want to make being in the kennel unpleasant or your neighbors will not be pleased with the howls emanating from your home when you’re away!
The second way to use a kennel is to help your dog travel safely. Most people put these kennels inside their vehicles, but if you have a truck, you can buy heavy duty kennels to put in the back that will keep your dogs safe.
One of the most efficient uses of a kennel is to use it as a method of training your new dog or puppy. If your dog is having issues with eliminating in the house, then you need to restrict its “home” area.
Dogs don’t like to eliminate in their den, so they are unlikely to eliminate in their kennel. Over time, your entire home will become the dog’s den.
Lastly, you can make a kennel an informal play area for your dog. This is especially great for puppies – they get to play, and you don’t have to chase them around the house to keep an eye on them. Anything to keep your sweet puppy happy!
What Will You Use the Dog Kennel For?
Now that you know the variety of uses for dog kennels, you can suss out the size kennel you need, in part, based upon its use. Each use requires a certain amount of space. Use that in conjunction with your dog’s size to determine the proper kennel size.
Transportation
Kennels used for transportation should be as compact as possible. Kennels used for transportation should be big enough for your dog to walk in and turn around in, no more, no less.
Training
Similar to kennels used for transportation, kennels used for training should only be large enough for your dog to enter and turn around. This is especially important if you’re using the kennel to help potty train your dog.
Why? If there’s extra space, then your dog can eliminate in one part of the kennel, and then stay safely away from it on the other side of the kennel. This means they aren’t learning that being inside means not eliminating!
Damage Control
If your dog is potty trained, it’s fine to allow a little extra kennel space for them. For example, if you’re kenneling your dog while you’re at work during the day, then they should have enough space in the kennel to move around and reposition themselves.
Play
Sky’s the limit for this category! Give your dog as much or as little space as they need.
How Many Dogs Do You Need to Kennel?
The more dogs you need to kennel, the more space you’re going to need. If you have two dogs of equal size, simply double the size of the crate you would get for just one dog.
Word of warning about putting two dogs in one kennel: be sure that your dogs have never had any issues getting along.
Close quarters make it less likely that squabbles will be easily diffused. To be safe, refrain from placing any toys or food in a kennel containing more than one dog.
If you absolutely must place two dogs in one kennel, try purchasing a crate that comes with a divider. This way, you only use one kennel, but your dogs will be safely separated in their own spaces.
How Big Is Your Dog?
This is the most important factor that determines the size of your kennel.
The first thing you should do is measure your dog’s size. Measure their height by placing a tape measure from their paws to the top of their shoulders. Then measure their length by placing a tape measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.
Make sure your kennel extends a few inches beyond your dog’s height and length so they can move around in the kennel. Add a few extra inches if you’re planning on putting a dog bed or pillow in the kennel.
For some general guidelines, dogs under 25 pounds require 18″ to 25″ crates. Dogs under 40 pounds should have a crate that’s 36″ or less. Dogs up to 80 pounds should have a crate that measures between 36″ and 45.”
Got a big one? Spring for a crate that’s around 60.”
Puppies!
Puppies are adorable! But they’re also expensive, especially if you plan on getting them a different kennel whenever they outgrow their current kennel.
Don’t want to drop a bunch of money on kennels you’ll only use for a short amount of time (they grow up so fast)? Buy one kennel that your puppy can grow into.
Estimate how big your dog will be once it’s fully grown. Then, buy a kennel that fits their full size, but also purchase a divider.
Purchasing a divider allows you to limit the amount of space your puppy has and can save you a ton of money since you only buy one kennel!
With so Many Dog Kennel Sizes, You’re Sure to Find a Good Fit!
Whether you need a kennel to help train your dog or you need a safe space for her to play, there’s a kennel for you. There are many dog kennel sizes available on the market, and it’s natural that, with so many options available, you’ll feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry, with some careful planning, you’re sure to pick the right kennel for you and your dog’s needs.
Interested in more helpful information about dogs and animals? Check out the rest of our blog for everything you need to know about animals and more!
