Crate size?

LoveDrewb

Hello,

I'm new to crate training.  My dog is ~45 lbs.  Not chubby or tall.   I have the 36" L X 23" W X 25" H wire crate that says it's for dogs 41-70 lbs.  Obv she is well within the weight range but it just seems so small.  She can stand up and turn around but when she lays on her side sometimes there are pieces of her sticking out (back against the side or part of a foot.    Is it suppose to be this small?   Thanks

LuckyAngel07

Without knowing your dog's height and length, I can't tell you if it's too small. But in general, if the dog can stand up and turn around, it's fine. You want it to be snug, especially if you ever have issues with indoor elimination.

spalko

LuckyAngel07:

Without knowing your dog's height and length, I can't tell you if it's too small. But in general, if the dog can stand up and turn around, it's fine. You want it to be snug, especially if you ever have issues with indoor elimination.

This.

Dishylo

Our dog is 48 pounds and those dimensions sound about right.  At first I thought the crate was too small and I was worried that we weren't "doing the right thing" but she absolutely loves it in there now.  She goes in there on her own and ends up curling up in a ball, taking up about 1/4 of the room in the crate (if that).  The point of the crate is for it to be cozy, a den etc.

ewill7911

I think that sounds right- the main things are being able to stand up and turn around. If your dog is a stretch out to the max dog then she is going to spill out of any crate a little. My dog will sometimes stick her feet out the sides of hers and she loves it. It does seem small until you both get used to it.

Here is a guide that should help a little too and from looking at it, sounds like your crate size is good or you could get one a little bigger: http://www.apdt.com/petowners/choose/cratesize.aspx 

nikkiborge

We crate trained our dog Royce from the day we brought him home. I would say in the beginning when shes learning to sleep and spend time in her crate I would say stick with the crate you have. When she knows that you don't go potty or anything in the crate upgrade to a bigger one. We started with a 30x19x21and his weight really didn't have much to do with the manufacturers recomendations. He's an English Bulldog so hes not a tall dog, but hes really long. A few months ago we noticed he would be scratching at the bottom of the crate several times a night, which we took as he couldnt get comfy. So we got the 36x23x25 so he could stretch out in it and he's fine now. You could always bring her along to the store and try her out in the crate before you buy it. But I think you're on the right track. Good luck!