I have heard that you should not get a crate that is too big for your dog. Is this true?

Sherlock

What would be considered too big? my 6 month old german shep/lab puppy weighs 50-55 pounds but he is supposed to get bigger so we got him a crate meant for 60-90 pounds. Is this fine? He only sleeps in it at night he is not in it during the day.
He is already completely potty trained, I got him from a rescue and they potty trained him so I do not have to worry about him going to the bathroom in it. It is not significantly bigger than him. Do I still need to block of one end?
He is already crate trained so he likes his crate and we put him in right when we go to bed at around 10-11 and take him out first thing when we get up. We put a large sheet over the top.

Answer
1 - The crate should never be used for punishment. That is the fastest way to guarantee your pup will hate the crate. Remember that fact when you are tempted to force the pup in the crate when you are upset with him/her for making a pile, puddle or tearing up something. Remember when the pup does behavior like that, you failed to keep close enough watch on the pup. 2 - The crate should be large enough that when your dog is grown there will be room to sit, stand, turn around and stretch out fully.You may want to get a smaller crate for when she is a pup or get a crate that comes with a partition to block off a small area for the pup. Don't allow him room enough to turn a corner of the crate into a toilet. 3 - The crate should be an inviting place. Dogs are den animals, they like a den to call their own. It is their safe place, where they go to chill out, to take a nap. Or to get away from something that may be scares them a little, like the vacuum, thunder or arguing humans. Some dogs like a blanket or large towel draped over their crate to give it that cave effect. Keep the crate with the family,not stuck in the basement or garage. Dogs are pack animals and her family is now her pack. While the pup is being house trained do not use a thick absorbent pad for the bottom of the crate. You don't want something that will easily soak up all the pee. Maybe just use a towel at first. When the pup is no longer eliminating in his crate then you can put in more comfortable bedding. Most dogs like a blanket as they can bumble it up, do their nesting. Put a good chew toy in the crate. One they can not get chunks off. Put a couple of treats in the crate, make it inviting. Praise the pup for going in. 4 - Lure your pup into his crate, do not push him in. Forcing her in could cause a dislike of the crate as it will be a negative experience. After the pup has went in and out of the crate a few times and seems okay with it, not apprehensive, you can close the door when she goes in. Leave it closed, with you in the room, for about 10 minutes. Open the door when the pup is not whining. If he starts whining, wait for the whining to stop before you open the door. If you let her out while protesting you will quickly teach "whine and you come out". Not the message you want to send. As the pup gets used to the 10 minutes add another 10, and so on. When the pup is comfortable with short stays in the crate start leaving the room for short intervals 5 - While being house trained your pup should not have the run of the house. The pup should either be right with you so you can see what he is doing or crated. Some people leash the pup to them.If you are in the kitchen and the pup is in the front room, don't blame the pup for that pile or puddle you find. You were not watching close enough. Put the pup where she can not see you and clean up the mess with an enzyme cleaner. If the pup sees you cleaning the mess it will give the idea that is your job. It's okay if they see you pick up outside, but not inside. The enzyme cleaners eliminate the odor, not cover it up. You want to eliminate the smell. You can't cover it to where the dog can't smell it. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean the dog can't. 6 - As you, and the pup, progresses make sure you use the crate some when you are home, not just when leaving the house. When you do have to leave give the pup a good long walk so she can do the deeds then have him go in the crate about 10 minutes before you go. Do not do long good-byes, reassuring the pup she will be okay. It will have the reverse effect telling the pup something is wrong. When you come home, no big immediate greeting. Ignore the pup for 10 minutes before letting him out. You don't want the pup thinking your coming and going is a big deal. 7 - To help reinforce that the crate is a good experience feed the pup her meals in the crate. Be sensitive to the pups needs, don't leave him in the crate longer than that little bladder can be controlled. At night you will have to get up and take the pup out. They can only hold their bladder for roughly 1 hour for each month of age. A 3 month old pup can hold herself roughly 3 hours. Rule of thumb, some maybe a little longer, some maybe a little less. The smaller the breed, the smaller the bladder. Do not leave the pup longer than he can wait, then be upset because there is a mess. Your fault, not the pups. 8 - Teach your pup a verbal command for getting in the crate. You pick how involved you want the command to be. Remember to when
giving a command, any command, preface it with the pups name. Do not repeat commands. That gives your dog the choice of when to respond. When she goes in give a treat and praise. 9 - Do not leave toys in the crate they can chunk pieces off and choke on. Remember rawhides are choke hazards, if you allow them do not leave the pup unattended with them. Remove your dogs collar while crated.

Hoping to fly my dog from Tampa to Dallas- help?

:)

I have never flown with my dog before, but plan on doing so in the next few weeks. I am flying from Tampa to Dallas, and have a Shiba Inu / Chow mix that weighs about 55-60 lbs. I was planning on finding a crate that fits under a window seat for Southwest Airlines, which is 19"L x 14"W x 8.25"H.
What I am wondering is, will a dog of her weight fit in a crate of that size? She's a medium sized dog and can be easily picked up, but am worried that I will buy the crate and then find out she does not fit. HELP!

Answer
a 55 lb dog will not be allowed in the cabin, only in cargo. I believe the weight limit for in cabin is like 15 maybe 20 pounds, if that.

no crate that a dog that size could fit in will ever fit under a seat. any animal must be able to stand up and turn around completely. the smallest pet carriers are the ones that fit. nothing larger.

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how big a crate does a 55 lbs dog need?

UNCCHgirl

I have a 2.5 month old puppy who is predicted to be 55 lbs... I am looking to buy her a crate she can use when shes full grown too. How big a crate would she need? (i know its suppose to be only big enough for her to stand up, turn around, etc. The crates come with a divider)

thanks for all the help
Shes a jack russell terrier/pit bull mix
how big is a large crate, inch wise?

Answer
If she is a going to be a 55 pound Bulldog, you won't need a very large one, if it is a 55 pound Whippet, you will need a good size crate. The height matter, weight does not. On average, a 36 inch crate is good, but you might be able to use a 30 inch crate. Use the divider so she doesn't have too much room.

I have heard that you should not get a crate that is too big for your dog. Is this true?

Sherlock

What would be considered too big? my 6 month old german shep/lab puppy weighs 50-55 pounds but he is supposed to get bigger so we got him a crate meant for 60-90 pounds. Is this fine? He only sleeps in it at night he is not in it during the day.
He is already completely potty trained, I got him from a rescue and they potty trained him so I do not have to worry about him going to the bathroom in it. It is not significantly bigger than him. Do I still need to block of one end?
He is already crate trained so he likes his crate and we put him in right when we go to bed at around 10-11 and take him out first thing when we get up. We put a large sheet over the top.

Answer
1 - The crate should never be used for punishment. That is the fastest way to guarantee your pup will hate the crate. Remember that fact when you are tempted to force the pup in the crate when you are upset with him/her for making a pile, puddle or tearing up something. Remember when the pup does behavior like that, you failed to keep close enough watch on the pup. 2 - The crate should be large enough that when your dog is grown there will be room to sit, stand, turn around and stretch out fully.You may want to get a smaller crate for when she is a pup or get a crate that comes with a partition to block off a small area for the pup. Don't allow him room enough to turn a corner of the crate into a toilet. 3 - The crate should be an inviting place. Dogs are den animals, they like a den to call their own. It is their safe place, where they go to chill out, to take a nap. Or to get away from something that may be scares them a little, like the vacuum, thunder or arguing humans. Some dogs like a blanket or large towel draped over their crate to give it that cave effect. Keep the crate with the family,not stuck in the basement or garage. Dogs are pack animals and her family is now her pack. While the pup is being house trained do not use a thick absorbent pad for the bottom of the crate. You don't want something that will easily soak up all the pee. Maybe just use a towel at first. When the pup is no longer eliminating in his crate then you can put in more comfortable bedding. Most dogs like a blanket as they can bumble it up, do their nesting. Put a good chew toy in the crate. One they can not get chunks off. Put a couple of treats in the crate, make it inviting. Praise the pup for going in. 4 - Lure your pup into his crate, do not push him in. Forcing her in could cause a dislike of the crate as it will be a negative experience. After the pup has went in and out of the crate a few times and seems okay with it, not apprehensive, you can close the door when she goes in. Leave it closed, with you in the room, for about 10 minutes. Open the door when the pup is not whining. If he starts whining, wait for the whining to stop before you open the door. If you let her out while protesting you will quickly teach "whine and you come out". Not the message you want to send. As the pup gets used to the 10 minutes add another 10, and so on. When the pup is comfortable with short stays in the crate start leaving the room for short intervals 5 - While being house trained your pup should not have the run of the house. The pup should either be right with you so you can see what he is doing or crated. Some people leash the pup to them.If you are in the kitchen and the pup is in the front room, don't blame the pup for that pile or puddle you find. You were not watching close enough. Put the pup where she can not see you and clean up the mess with an enzyme cleaner. If the pup sees you cleaning the mess it will give the idea that is your job. It's okay if they see you pick up outside, but not inside. The enzyme cleaners eliminate the odor, not cover it up. You want to eliminate the smell. You can't cover it to where the dog can't smell it. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean the dog can't. 6 - As you, and the pup, progresses make sure you use the crate some when you are home, not just when leaving the house. When you do have to leave give the pup a good long walk so she can do the deeds then have him go in the crate about 10 minutes before you go. Do not do long good-byes, reassuring the pup she will be okay. It will have the reverse effect telling the pup something is wrong. When you come home, no big immediate greeting. Ignore the pup for 10 minutes before letting him out. You don't want the pup thinking your coming and going is a big deal. 7 - To help reinforce that the crate is a good experience feed the pup her meals in the crate. Be sensitive to the pups needs, don't leave him in the crate longer than that little bladder can be controlled. At night you will have to get up and take the pup out. They can only hold their bladder for roughly 1 hour for each month of age. A 3 month old pup can hold herself roughly 3 hours. Rule of thumb, some maybe a little longer, some maybe a little less. The smaller the breed, the smaller the bladder. Do not leave the pup longer than he can wait, then be upset because there is a mess. Your fault, not the pups. 8 - Teach your pup a verbal command for getting in the crate. You pick how involved you want the command to be. Remember to when
giving a command, any command, preface it with the pups name. Do not repeat commands. That gives your dog the choice of when to respond. When she goes in give a treat and praise. 9 - Do not leave toys in the crate they can chunk pieces off and choke on. Remember rawhides are choke hazards, if you allow them do not leave the pup unattended with them. Remove your dogs collar while crated.

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What kind of bedding should I put down in a dog crate, that she won't eat??

dog crate 55 image

emmytwinst

We have a Yellow Lab, and anything we put down to make her comfortable, she eats. She's over a year old. We just bought her a new bed, $55.00, and she ruined that one too! Any ideas??

Answer
Obedience training--get to the root of the problem.

What size crate do I need for a Doberman Pinscher?

Misty_00

Hi! I am currently crate training my puppy, and while the crate that I am using now is great (we were given it as a hand-me-down), I am starting to see that my pup will most likely outgrow it in the next 3 weeks. He is a purebred Doberman, and I am starting to shop for crates online. Can anyone reccomend any brands (that are durable) or sizes that would be good for this breed? Online, crates are listed by inches (not small, med, or large), so I am trying to decipher the sizes to make sure that I don't purchase one that is not too small or too big.

Answer
HI, We crate trained our dog and was able to buy at the petstore one that has an expansion capability. While she was growing we could adjust her kennel so she didn't have too much room and could be trained. If it is too big then they will go potty in it and not learn how to use the crate beneficially. See if your local store has one that can be adjusted for her size or buy one that will be for her recommended size and block it off inside to allow for turnaround room and keep moving the divider as your pup grows!
Here is some more specific info on doberman pinscher and crate training that is recommended:
The size of crate for Dobermans varies depending on the size of the dog (males are usually bigger). We recommend no smaller than 24W x 26"H x 32"L (or 400 size) for females and 28-30"W by 30-32"H x 36"L (or 500 size) for males.

With respect to bedding, I recommend putting an old, single layer blanket (nothing with stuffing) in the crate for your puppy. Some pups chew their bedding and an old blanket is worth less than the new $55.00 designer version of a pet bed. More often than not your puppy will rearrange the blanket into his own, comfy bed, so don't worry about folding it. I do not recommend placing ticking alarm clocks or hot water bottles in the crate. To help your new puppy feel a little more secure I recommend an old stuffed teddy bear but be sure that any button eyes and nose are removed or re-stitched securely.

I do not recommend feeding your puppy in the crate unsupervised. As well, do not provide water in the crate, as food and water will cause the puppy to have go potty. You can leave the pup with a safe toy or two and perhaps a doggy biscuit. Do not put your Doberman in the crate wearing a collar, or put rawhide, pig's ears or squeaky toys inside. Remember, you want him to be safe.

For how many hours and until what age are Dobermans crated?

When you first get your new puppy he will be 8-12 weeks of age. At this age it is advisable to have your pup in the crate for no longer than about three hours before letting him out to relieve himself, have a little play and a cuddle. Once your pup reaches 12-16 weeks, about four hours is the longest you will want to crate him. It is not advisable to leave your dog in his crate for longer than 4 hours regardless of age once your get past the 16 week mark. Should you find you must leave your pup for longer than this, then be kind and have a neighbor or relative come in and let your puppy out and spend a little time with him.

There is no exact age when your pup will miraculously be able to be left loose in the house unsupervised. Each dog is different. Personally, I would continue with your crate routine until your dog is six months old. At this time you can "test" the dog. Leave him out for very short periods of time when you are preoccupied. Watch what he does. Then increase the time spent out until he stays out while you are sleeping. If he shows himself trustworthy, then you can begin to "test" him when you go out. Only ten minutes at first. Then an hour, then two or three. Do not rush to getting your dog "crate-free" as bad habits can still be formed.

Hope this is what you were looking for and best of luck to you and your new pup!

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How to make a dog crate cover (UK)?

dog crate 55 image

Margaret

I want to make a cover for my dog's crate but have no idea how to go about it!

In centimetres it's roughly 55 (w) x 79 (l) x 63 (h) - The crate has a label on the front that says Rosewood Pet Products #078173

I'm not very experienced with sewing so have no idea how to choose which material, how to work out how much material I'll need, and how to make a pattern for it etc etc. Ideally I want a material that doesn't fray too much.

Can you help me by guiding me through this step-by-step OR can you suggest somewhere I can buy one this size?

Please help!

Thank you :)

Answer
http://www.doggiestylish.com/blog/2011/11/daily-free-pet-pattern-how-to-make-a-pet-crate-cover/
http://www.squidoo.com/dog-crate-cover-patterns

What kind of bedding should I put down in a dog crate, that she won't eat??

emmytwinst

We have a Yellow Lab, and anything we put down to make her comfortable, she eats. She's over a year old. We just bought her a new bed, $55.00, and she ruined that one too! Any ideas??

Answer
Obedience training--get to the root of the problem.

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What size crate do I need for a Doberman Pinscher?

dog crate 55 image

Misty_00

Hi! I am currently crate training my puppy, and while the crate that I am using now is great (we were given it as a hand-me-down), I am starting to see that my pup will most likely outgrow it in the next 3 weeks. He is a purebred Doberman, and I am starting to shop for crates online. Can anyone reccomend any brands (that are durable) or sizes that would be good for this breed? Online, crates are listed by inches (not small, med, or large), so I am trying to decipher the sizes to make sure that I don't purchase one that is not too small or too big.

Answer
HI, We crate trained our dog and was able to buy at the petstore one that has an expansion capability. While she was growing we could adjust her kennel so she didn't have too much room and could be trained. If it is too big then they will go potty in it and not learn how to use the crate beneficially. See if your local store has one that can be adjusted for her size or buy one that will be for her recommended size and block it off inside to allow for turnaround room and keep moving the divider as your pup grows!
Here is some more specific info on doberman pinscher and crate training that is recommended:
The size of crate for Dobermans varies depending on the size of the dog (males are usually bigger). We recommend no smaller than 24W x 26"H x 32"L (or 400 size) for females and 28-30"W by 30-32"H x 36"L (or 500 size) for males.

With respect to bedding, I recommend putting an old, single layer blanket (nothing with stuffing) in the crate for your puppy. Some pups chew their bedding and an old blanket is worth less than the new $55.00 designer version of a pet bed. More often than not your puppy will rearrange the blanket into his own, comfy bed, so don't worry about folding it. I do not recommend placing ticking alarm clocks or hot water bottles in the crate. To help your new puppy feel a little more secure I recommend an old stuffed teddy bear but be sure that any button eyes and nose are removed or re-stitched securely.

I do not recommend feeding your puppy in the crate unsupervised. As well, do not provide water in the crate, as food and water will cause the puppy to have go potty. You can leave the pup with a safe toy or two and perhaps a doggy biscuit. Do not put your Doberman in the crate wearing a collar, or put rawhide, pig's ears or squeaky toys inside. Remember, you want him to be safe.

For how many hours and until what age are Dobermans crated?

When you first get your new puppy he will be 8-12 weeks of age. At this age it is advisable to have your pup in the crate for no longer than about three hours before letting him out to relieve himself, have a little play and a cuddle. Once your pup reaches 12-16 weeks, about four hours is the longest you will want to crate him. It is not advisable to leave your dog in his crate for longer than 4 hours regardless of age once your get past the 16 week mark. Should you find you must leave your pup for longer than this, then be kind and have a neighbor or relative come in and let your puppy out and spend a little time with him.

There is no exact age when your pup will miraculously be able to be left loose in the house unsupervised. Each dog is different. Personally, I would continue with your crate routine until your dog is six months old. At this time you can "test" the dog. Leave him out for very short periods of time when you are preoccupied. Watch what he does. Then increase the time spent out until he stays out while you are sleeping. If he shows himself trustworthy, then you can begin to "test" him when you go out. Only ten minutes at first. Then an hour, then two or three. Do not rush to getting your dog "crate-free" as bad habits can still be formed.

Hope this is what you were looking for and best of luck to you and your new pup!

What is the differences of Dog and Cat expenses?

chris j

I am trying to prove that financially dogs cost more than cats in monthly or annual expenses. Is there a chart or some kind of math I need in order to make my own chart of comparison? I just thought because most cats are not as big -physically- as dogs, that alone would make a cat (or more) much less cheaper in expenses, correct? If I wanted to make my own comparison chart of this, what kind of math formula would I use?

Answer
Hi Chris J!

According to http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership:

One Time Expenses

Spaying or Neutering: Dog: $200 / Cat: $145
Initial Medical Exam: Dog: $70 / Cat: $130
Collar or Leash: Dog: $30 / Cat: $10
Litter Box: Cat: $25
Scratching Post: Cat: $15
Crate: Dog: $95
Carrying Crate: Dog: $60 / Cat: $40
Training: Dog: $110
Total One Time Costs: Dog: $565 / Cat: $365

Annual Expenses

Food: Dog: $120/ Cat: $145
Annual Medical Exams: Dog: $235 / Cat: $130
Litter: Cat: $200
Toys and Treats: Dog: $55 / Cat: $25
License: Dog: $15
Health Insurance: Dog: $225 / Cat: $175
Miscellaneous: Dog: $45 / Cat: $30
Total Annual Costs: Dog: $695 / Cat: $705

Total First Year Pet Ownership Costs: Dog: $1,260 / Cat: $1,070


Enjoy further researching!

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Why is my 2 year old dog pooping in his crate?

dog crate 55 image

fauxpas88

We recently has our heat out of our house. Our two cocker spaniels staying in their cages during the night and the house got to 55 degrees. Once the heat was fixed our male cocker spaniel started pooping in the crate. I assume he is doing this because of the stress. How do I fix the situation?

Answer
May be due to fear also

How to introduce our cats to our new puppy?

LeahB

We just got a 9 month old american bulldog/ dalmation mix named Harley. Hes

still a puppy but hes about 55 pounds. We also have two cats, pumpkin and simba both around 3 years old. When pumpkin sees or hears Harley she usually just hides. When Simba sees Harley he does not move, he will hiss And swat at him and Harley starts barking and trys to lunge at hin. We have had few interations with Simba and Harley with Harley on a leash telling him no when starts barking, destracting him with treats and trying to calm him down but it doesnt work. Last night we got a crate and put Harley inside and let the cats roam freely but Simba started hissing and Harley again started barking and broke open the crate. Harley doesnt get the concept of what no means. When hes not around the cats and he does something naughty we tell him no but he just licks your face. We are going nuts and just dont know what to do. We know its going to take time but we just dont know how to calm Harley down. All advice welcome, thanks.

Answer
1. Place your puppy in his crate. 2. Let the cats into that room and supervise them. THe cats may be curious and walk over to the crate. This is a good thing! Let them sniff each other through the cage bars. 3. If your cat and dog have a favorite blanket they sleep on or toy they always use, then switch the toy/blanket while they sleep so they are accustomed to the smell. 4. Let one cat in the room with dog at a time. This way the cats don't gang up on the do and make him fearful. Do not allow your dog to follow or push or cats! This may be cute at first but will turn into a bad habit. Good Luck!

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