How to Build a Puppy Crate

A puppy crate is a small space, designed to meet the needs of your new puppy and give it a place of its own in your home. Crates are a safe place for puppies, somewhere they can run and hide when a storm rolls in or a comfortable place to sleep at night. Manufactured puppy crates can be expensive, but you can build your own and save yourself some expense and make sure that it is the right size to house your new puppy as it grows into a dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, four boards
  • Pencil
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Sanding paper
  • Latch and Hook
  • Hinges
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research your new puppy, noting the average height, length and width for your puppy̵7;s breed when it is fully grown. Use these measurements to determine the size of your puppy crate, ensuring it can still use the crate well into adulthood.

    • 2

      Cut two pieces of plywood for your top and base. Use the length measurement for your puppy̵7;s adult average for the length, but add a 6 inches to ensure your dog̵7;s comfort. Use the width measure for your puppy̵7;s adult average for width, but add 6 inches to 1 foot for comfort, making sure your dog can turn around comfortably in the space.

    • 3

      Mark another piece of plywood, using the measurement for your puppy̵7;s adult average height. Add 4 to 6 inches to this measurement for comfort. Cut this piece in several 2-inch-wide boards. Cut enough of these to form the sizes and rear of the crate. Remember, you will space these pieces along the outside of the crate, with gaps between each to give your puppy the ability to see through the crate.

    • 4

      Place the crate base against a solid ground and begin nailing each of the smaller pieces to the base around the two long sides and rear, but leave the front open. Make sure your nails go into the plywood base and are not sticking up inside the crate, as this could injure your puppy. Use the solid floor to keep the wood panels straight.

    • 5

      Turn your crate, so that the slots are laying against the ground and slide your top in position. Nail each slot in the top, again making sure that each nail goes into the top and is not sticking out inside the crate.

    • 6

      Cut another piece of plywood for the door, measured to fit over the entrance of your crate. Attach hinges to the slot on the right side of the doorway, and your latch fixture on the left. Attach the hook to the door, opposite of the hinges, and attach the hinges to the crate. Try opening the door to make sure it opens easily, without resistance.

    • 7

      Sand the plywood carefully to make sure it is free from splinters and ready for your new puppy. Place a small piece of carpet inside, along with toys, chew bones and a blanket for your puppy to enjoy. Remember, it can take a new puppy a few days to get used to a new crate, but be patient while it gets acclimated.