Discovering the appropriate size for a dog kennel can feel overwhelming. Are the dimensions of one brand's medium kennel comparable to another's? Is your dog larger than average for its breed? Will the kennel fit into the necessary spaces? These are the inquiries you may encounter, often through trial and error. Here is a guide designed to address these questions and assist you in finding a suitably sized crate for your dog.
What constitutes the appropriate size kennel for a dog?
Essentially, a kennel should allow a dog to stand up and turn around comfortably; that's the fundamental criterion. However, if you're considering opting for the largest kennel available, it's essential to pause and reconsider before making a purchase. A dog's kennel should ideally closely match its size requirements for several reasons. Firstly, to instill a sense of security akin to a "den," the kennel should provide snug enclosure walls. Secondly, in terms of house training, an overly spacious kennel might inadvertently encourage a dog to use it as a bathroom. While dogs naturally avoid lying in their waste, excessive room in a too-large kennel could turn it into an inadvertent bathroom area. Finally, for transport in a vehicle, a correctly-sized kennel significantly enhances safety in case of an accident. It's crucial to prevent the dog from bouncing around inside the kennel and potentially injuring itself during such events.
Now that we've established the necessary size of the kennel relative to your dog, what measurements are required? Primarily, we focus on two dimensions: the length and height of your dog.
These initial measurements pertain to the "internal" dimensions of the kennel. If a manufacturer fails to provide both interior and exterior dimensions, caution is advised for prospective buyers. After measuring your dog, compare the results with the internal measurements specified for the kennel.
To measure the length of the dog, gauge from its nose to its tail. Add 2 inches for smaller breeds, 4 inches for average breeds, and 6 inches for larger breeds.
Regarding height, while some may suggest measuring a sitting dog, we recommend measuring a standing dog from the floor to the top of its ears. An inch of clearance above the dog's measurement suffices. In fact, many opt for shorter kennels to encourage dogs to lie down and rest, especially during frequent travel.
Typically, the width of the kennel correlates with these two primary dimensions in standard kennel constructions, with length being the most critical measurement. However, it's essential to ensure the dog can comfortably turn around inside the kennel.
Finding the Right Kennel Size Based on Dog Weight
Determining the correct kennel size based on your dog's weight can be somewhat uncertain. Often, when a dog is near the weight limit specified by a kennel manufacturer for recommended sizes, it may not accurately reflect the requirements, especially with slender dogs. Utilizing actual measurements proves to be a much more reliable method.
What if My Dog is a Young Pup?
The phase of crate training is crucial for puppies, and the size of the kennel plays a vital role in its success. A kennel that's excessively spacious can lead to the issues mentioned earlier, resembling a one-room apartment. Traditionally, people have tackled this by purchasing smaller kennels initially and then upgrading as the dog grows. Dakota 283 has addressed this challenge with our Forever Inserts. These inserts enable you to modify the interior size of the kennel until the dog reaches the stage where it can comfortably occupy the entire space. This cost-effective solution is available for our medium, large, and extra-large G3 kennels.
Placing Your Kennel in the Right Spot
Now that your dog is comfortably settled in the kennel, it's essential to think about its placement. Many pet owners have both an indoor kennel and one for the vehicle. While adjusting the indoor kennel's location may involve some rearrangement, it's more challenging with a vehicle. Common places for transporting a kennel include the bed of a pickup truck, the trunk of an SUV, or occasionally the back seats for side loading. However, not all kennel manufacturers cater equally to these needs.
Dakota 283 Kennels offers two innovative products to accommodate various storage conditions. The 2D side entry is a popular choice for those seeking alternatives where a traditional front door setup may not suffice, featuring a second side entry door. The T1 low profile was initially designed to fit under a tonneau cover but can be adapted to various situations. Moreover, our rotomolded designs prioritize safety while minimizing excess space often found in two-piece kennels and other designs.
To determine how a kennel will fit in your vehicle, consider three measurements: maximum height, length, and width. Measure the narrowest points where the kennel will be placed, which may be the vehicle door rather than the available space inside. Once these measurements are determined, compare them with the exterior dimensions of the kennel, not just the interior ones.
Finding the right-sized kennel can be a stressful task. However, by following these steps, you'll ensure the safety and training success of your furry companion throughout its life.