Crate Size

[aweitzm1]

So I met with the foster mom of the two dogs I plan on adopting yesterday. She said they prefer to be in one crate and like the plastic (airline approved) over the wire crates. She had a really big crate that seemed huge to me. It was one she already had not one bought specifically for them.

I was wondering if a medium size crate would fit two small dogs each are 10 and 12 pounds. The crate is just going to be used for them to have a place to go to since they enjoy it. I plan to leave the door open since I am going to close off my kitchen area and make that place where I keep them when I am not home.

I would appreciate any feedback regarding which type of crate to get. I am going to Petco today to look around and see what is available.

Ashley

[ritapatt]

I really like the airline type crates- easy to clean,good for (hurricane) traveling, we have even taken them camping, and nice and dark-quiet (I keep them on a bathrug to prevent shifting on our tile floors). My dd has an older medium crate and her 10 lb yorkie is always trying to get into my girls smaller crates. I have bought all online at Dr Foster and Smith Pet Den brand- they are a little taller than most available locally.It is really a one time investment.

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by ritapatt

I really like the airline type crates- easy to clean,good for (hurricane) traveling, we have even taken them camping, and nice and dark-quiet (I keep them on a bathrug to prevent shifting on our tile floors). My dd has an older medium crate and her 10 lb yorkie is always trying to get into my girls smaller crates. I have bought all online at Dr Foster and Smith Pet Den brand- they are a little taller than most available locally.It is really a one time investment.

Thanks I was thinking of going with the medium to Intermediate one. I know they will need room to move but the large one seemed too big for my area where I want to keep them so if the medium on works I would prefer it. Going to Petco now to see what is around and maybe talk to a sales person regarding the size.

[Harrysmum]

Congratulations Ashley...so happy for you!

I think you're brilliant - looking into things so well and looking to do the very best for your new babies...

Well, as far as crates are concerned - when Harry was a baby (about the combined weight of your 2 as they are now....) we had him in a Labrador sized crate, and that was about right for him...but they're all so different.

We have pet shops etc. that hire crates out - do you have that in your area? Might be worth doing until you know what suits them best Sally + Harry x

[aweitzm1]

Never thought of something that would hire a crate out. That is something I will look into.

Thanks for the suggestion

[Mayzoo]

Also, ask the foster mom if they yorkies can jump. I decided to gate our little guy in the kitchen when I had to run an errand (9lbs) and it took just long enough for me to turn around before he had jumped over the 30 inch gate. I think he was even flat footed jumping and he cleared it without touching it .

[aweitzm1]

I did ask that. She hasn't seen to much jumping only when being greeted to be safe I plan on getting a higher gate just in case.

[JadeD]

My dogs have so many crates! I have an intermediate size that both puppies can be left in when I have to leave them home, which is very rare. If I only leave for 15-20 mins I don't crate them. If I have to leave for longer then I do put them in a crate. I also have 2 smaller crates so they each have their own. When I travel I take my puppy and the smallest crate with me. My daughter can take her puppy with another small crate to a separate location or keep her puppy at home and use the intermediate size crate. Then we have a HUGE crate in the other room for our 80 lb dog. He is very tall, so he needs a big crate so he can stand in it. The puppies can not get into the room his crate is in, if someone accidentally leaves the gate open to that room the puppies go in there and poop in the big dog crates, not sure why.

So, mine share an intermediate crate and they have a ton of room. They are each 7 1/2 lbs and have plenty of room to grow (they are 6 months). I don't know if you would need individual crates for them as I do. Mine are sometimes at different places. With them being fixed this week I have had to crate one in the intermediate crate and one in the smaller crate when I have to leave them to take my kids to/from school so they can't be running/jumping/wrestling while I am gone, but normally the small crates are just for travel and are not out.

Good luck! I prefer the wire crates as they are easy to clean. If you get a wire crate and they don't seem to like it then cover it with an old sheet or blanket except the front,
so it isn't so open and maybe you can slowly uncover more of it over time.

[aweitzm1]

I went to Petco today and got a medium size crate it looks large to me but according to website it is medium. It holds up to a 60lb dog. They will have enough room to move around. I looked at the small crate and it seemed that they would barely fit into it.

If I need a bigger one Petco said I can return it with no problem.

[ritapatt]

Since crate mats are rather expensive I took an old lightweight puffy comforter and sewed a pillow sized mat 2 layers thick for my daughters dog- easy to wash!

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by ritapatt

Since crate mats are rather expensive I took an old lightweight puffy comforter and sewed a pillow sized mat 2 layers thick for my daughters dog- easy to wash!

That is a great idea. I found one at Petco for $21.00 which I felt was reasonable since everything else was over $50.00

The crate alone was $100.00. I wish the dogs would like the wire crate they are much cheaper, but they won't even go in there said the foster mom.