How to Measure for Crates

Keeping your dog safely contained is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Many owners choose to keep their dog inside a secure fence while at home, while others use tie outs or chains to contain their pets. Dog crates come in all shapes and sizes and a crate is an excellent tool for securing your dog while at home or on the road. Measuring your dog for a crate is not difficult, but is necessary to make sure you purchase the right size crate.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar and lead
  • Soft measuring tape
  • Pencil and paper
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buckle your dog̵7;s collar on him and attach his lead. The collar and lead will make it much easier for you to control him and keep him still while you measure him.

    • 2

      Hold the measuring tape in one hand and place the free end at the front edge of your dog̵7;s shoulder, pulling it straight back to the base of his tail. This will give you the length measurement for your crate. You will need to add two inches to the length for small and medium breeds and six inches for large breeds to allow the dog room to turn around.

    • 3

      Place the tape at the top of the shoulder and measure down to the floor to get a proper height measurement. Add three inches for small and medium breeds and six inches for large breeds to give the dog plenty of room if he wants to stand up.

    • 4

      Reward your dog with a treat or two when he stands quietly and calmly. It can be difficult for many dogs to stand still while being handled and measured, and rewarding him for a job well done will keep him happy while you work.

    • 5

      Write your measurements down so you do not forget them. Crates come in many types and sizes, and knowing exactly how large your dog is will ensure that you order the proper crate for your canine companion.