Crate Size Mistakes

Dog Crate Size Mistakes: 9 Errors (and How to Fix Them)

 

Buying the wrong crate size is one of the fastest ways to make crate training harder than it needs to be. Too small and your dog can’t settle. Too big and puppies may toilet inside. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common dog crate size mistakes, why they matter, and how to choose a fit that supports comfort and calm routines.

Mistake 1 — Choosing by weight only

Weight is a rough clue, not the full story. A lean, tall dog and a stocky, broad dog can weigh the same and need totally different dimensions.

Fix: Measure your dog’s length and height and compare to internal crate dimensions.

Mistake 2 — Measuring to the tip of the tail

That adds “fake length” and often pushes you into a larger crate than you need.

Fix: Measure from nose to base of tail (where tail joins the body), then add 5–10cm.

Mistake 3 — Forgetting bedding thickness

A plush bed steals usable internal height and floor space.

Fix: Choose the crate with the bed in mind. If your bed is thick, add that to your height allowance.

Mistake 4 — Going too big for a puppy

A big crate can turn into a “toilet corner + sleep corner” setup.

Fix: If you buy for adult size, reduce the usable space with bedding/blocks early on and expand gradually as toilet training improves.

Mistake 5 — Not accounting for sleeping style

Some dogs curl up. Others go full starfish and need extra length.

Fix: Watch how your dog sleeps. If they sprawl, favour more internal length within the correct size range.

Mistake 6 — Ignoring height (especially for pointy-ear breeds)

A crate can be “long enough” but still too low for standing comfortably.

Fix: Measure floor to top of head/ears and add 5–10cm.

Mistake 7 — Buying without measuring your room

The crate fits your dog… but blocks doors, walkways, or looks awkward in your space.

Fix: Measure the exact spot in your home and compare to external crate dimensions.

Mistake 8 — Not planning door clearance

Hinged doors need space to swing. Tight rooms can make access annoying.

Fix: In narrow spaces, consider door styles that work better in tight layouts (e.g., sliding/barn-style doors).

Mistake 9 — Using “crate size” as a vibe instead of a decision

A crate should be a practical tool. Guessing usually means buying twice.

Fix: Use measurements + intended use (sleep, training, home alone, living room furniture) to pick the right size once.