How to choose the size of the dog cage?

The canine cage can be very useful in different situations, but we must choose one that is comfortable and appropriate for the size of the dog, so it is necessary to look for a cage where our furry friend can turn around, lie down, sit or stand without inconvenience., taking into account its growth and the use of this tool. 

If you are thinking of buying a cage for your dog, the most convenient thing is that its size is adequate, especially if the pet is still a puppy, because you have to anticipate how much it will grow, because otherwise you will have lost your investment and you would have to acquire in a short time another one that adapts to the new size of the animal. It seems to be very simple to choose a dog cage, but it is important that you stop to do an analysis of the needs in your home, if you travel a lot, if you take the dog or if you leave it alone when you go to work, so you can decipher what is the best dog  crate

Next, we are going to give you some tips to help you choose the perfect size for your pet’s cage, thinking about your comfort and the happiness of the dog.

cage utility

The first point you should address is the usefulness of the cage, that is, what you need it for. In this context, it is good to know that a cage is a kind of box made of different materials; It can be wood, steel or plastic, which delimits the space in which the dog will be. Also, it usually has a door and a lock, keeping it locked up while the other family members get home.

The most used cages are made of steel and the walls are like grids, which allow dogs to have a wide view of their surroundings, which is appropriate so that they do not feel anxious or trapped. In addition, the air circulates freely between the bars, which is convenient to provide the animal with optimal breathing, as well as a cooler space, especially on the hottest days of summer or in the hottest hours of the day.

You must bear in mind that dogs love to have a shelter or den, so you must take advantage of their instincts to provide them with the cage as their home, their private area where they can retire to rest and sleep, as well as it is very useful to teach them to dogs that this place is the right compartment to transport them safely anywhere outside the home, especially if we go in the car with our pet.

For very large dogs, it is probably wisest to have a dog house in the backyard, with a place appropriate for their physiological needs. Now, if you plan to use the cage for travel, it must be smaller but with the right size so that the dog can be inside it, while it must be manageable and easily loaded. Remember that if you are going to travel by plane, the airline has some regulations that you must comply with when transporting animals. 

You can also use the cage as a training device for your furry friend or to prevent mischief at night. But, the main thing in these cases is to train your pet for the proper use of the cage, it is advisable to get the animal used little by little, with prizes or with its favorite toys until it learns to use it and does not complain while it is inside.   

How to know the size of my dog?

The next thing to consider is the size of your dog. In this sense, it is important that, if your pet is a puppy, you keep in mind that it will soon grow up. For this reason, its size must be considered when it is an adult. So, it’s important to measure the dog so you don’t end up buying an oversized crate for a poodle or chihuahua. 

The best way to measure the animal is with a tape measure, stand the animal up and measure its length, counting from the snout area to the base of its back or tail. Next, take your measurement from the ground to your shoulder, as well as the width of the dog. You should also have him sit so you can determine the dog’s height when sitting by measuring from the ground to his head or to the tips of his ears. Already having all these measurements, it will be easier for you to choose a cage with the right size.

In this sense, when looking for the appropriate cage for your pet, you must verify that its length is the length of the dog from its snout to its tail, at least 10 cm more than the length of the dog. To the height of the dog you should also add 10 cm more for the cage and in the case of the width of the cage, this should be three quarters the length of the width of the dog.

The cages and their sizes

In any pet store or in virtual stores, you find standard sizes in cages designed for dogs, the most common being the following measurements: 

• Small cages: which have measures that range between 45 and 55 centimeters.

• Medium cages: which are models from 76 cm to 91 cm.

• Large cages: ranging between 107 and 137 cm. 

But in any case, the cage should always depend on the size of the dog, since its structure should be comfortable enough to allow the animal to enter, turn around and lie down without difficulty.

Likewise, you have to think about the place where the dog will sleep when it is inside the cage and the space where it will do its physiological needs, since in general, this type of animal tries not to dirty the area where it sleeps. In this context, it is convenient to teach the animal to relieve itself when someone takes it out of the cage. So, the animal must be trained to control its sphincter until you get home. 

Finally, to give your pet’s cage a touch of home, you can add a blanket or cushion to make it more comfortable and feel some warmth inside. If the cage is a dog carrier, keep in mind that it must contain inside some containers attached to the door, special for water and food.