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How Big Should a Crate Be?

by Krista Mifflin
for About.com

Question: How Big Should a Crate Be?

Answer: A crate, or wire kennel, whether for travel, or den training, should be big enough for your dog to stand up on all fours, turn around easily, and lie down comfortably. If you plan to use the crate for travel, you can go as large as you wish, beyond the aforementioned guidelines.

If you are using a crate to train your dog, then it is best to stick to those size guidelines until your dog is fully trained. If your crate is too large for your puppy, but will fit once your puppy is full-grown, you can adjust the size using a partition made from a box, a plank of wood, or anything that your dog will not eat. A too-large crate during crate-training will give your puppy space removed from his resting area to eliminate, and will result in a much longer housetraining period.

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