Is my crate too small?

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emmygirl

Forums Enthusiast
I am thinking about getting a new crate for my little "sweetheart" lol. She is still barking non stop at the tv. When it is on she barks through most commercials and through any animal show or sport show (She wants the ball!). My husband and I have had it. We thought maybe we would try to put her in a crate and leave the TV on when we are out and about for a couple hours to hopefully desensitize her from it. Not sure but anythingis worth a try. we have tried click and treat. We have tried obedience in the same room with it on. This is ALL I CAN THINK OF!!!

However I have a crate that I am not sure if it is too small for her or not. She can go in it. She can turn around. When she sits up her little ears stick out the top. When she lays down her paws touch the door. It is a medium size (the box said: made for a sheltie) and she is 17 lbs. How do I know if I need to go with another size? I am hoping only to use it for 3-4 weeks. (She better be cured by then!!!) She really does not like to just "go in" and lie down anymore like she used to. Any suggestions are welcomed!!! Thank you!
 
Bentley's ears stick up through the top of his crate...but he still has plenty of room.

Really it just depends. I agree with Randi. A picture or a measurement is the best way to test.
 
The medium sized crate I have for my pup is the Midwest one which is 30"L x 19"W x 21"H . Vash is about the same weight as your dog, but he's only 5 months old.

When standing his ears stick out the top. When he's sleeping (like a normal dog) he seems find and has enough room for a roomate in the crate next to him. When he sleeps like he normally sleeps which is on his side with his legs streched out he pretty much takes up the whole thing on his own.

I'd suggest getting the actual size of the crate, and figure out the size of your dog in order to find the best match. The "For Shelties" rating on a crate is a rough guestimate based on the breed standards and averages so it may or may not be right for your dog.
 
jerros said:
The medium sized crate I have for my pup is the Midwest one which is 30"L x 19"W x 21"H .
Click to expand...

That's the same size we have.

The new crates we bought are 36" and they give the dogs a little more room, but they are comfortable in both.
 
If its only for a few weeks, I think it would be fine.

I assume she is used to being crated? Otherwise, crating her AND leaving the TV on might have a negative effect. I would also start gradual. Is it the sound of the TV or the pictures that drive her crazy?

Perhaps start with just the picture, then move to volume....starting at the lowest level and gradually move it up to normal. I would also start with short periods of time, and gradually increase as well.

Too much too soon may shock her and have the opposite effect.
 
emmygirl said:
However I have a crate that I am not sure if it is too small for her or not. She can go in it. She can turn around. When she sits up her little ears stick out the top. When she lays down her paws touch the door.
Click to expand...

Technically, crates are sized to the dog has enough room to sit up, lay down, and turn around comfortably. If your dog can do this, then the crate isn't too small.

Technicalities aside, we, since our furry friends are part of our family, usually want them to be a bit more comfortable. Because of this, we often purchase crates that are at least one size too big for them.

So, based on your description, it sounds like your crate is the right size, technically, but if you would feel better giving her a little more room if the crating is for an extended period of time then it really won't hurt anything. Personally, if you have the room for it, I'd invest in an X-pen instead of a larger crate.

X-pens cost about the same as a wire crate (you can find some very good prices if you shop around the Internet.) but are much more versatile. For example, assuming you get a traditional wire x-pen, you can: (a) set it up in a shape that fits the area you are putting the dog in; (b) take it outside, assuming no fenced in yard or somewhere without one, so you can take your dogs with you and know they are safe, (c) take it to the park if you go for a BBQ or picnic - again to be able to bring the dogs with you and know they are safe, (d) multiple other uses - we stretch ours across doorways too wide for baby gates for example.
 
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