Dog Crates, Gates, & Housing Accessories

When it comes to crating a dog overnight, opinions vary, but the answer will likely depend on your dog. Many adult dogs do just fine with crating overnight for up to eight hours, especially if you provide your pet with plenty of interaction and stimulation during the day. Some dogs with anxious personalities may not do as well in a crate for that long.

Most puppies also will need bathroom breaks during the night, so be prepared to set your alarm for at least one wake-up call.

Giving your dog lots of attention during the day and making their crate a welcoming and positive place will increase the likelihood they’ll do well overnight in a dog kennel. Consult your vet if your dog struggles with crating overnight.

Choosing the right-sized dog crate for your canine will play a big role in their enjoyment of their special sanctuary. Ideally, your dog’s crate should be big enough so your pet can stand, turn around and lie down in the crate.

Many pet parents instinctively want to give their pet a large dog kennel. While well-meaning, this choice might lead to a dog having accidents if there is enough room to lounge in one end of the crate and use the other as a bathroom.

A good way to choose an appropriately-sized dog crate for your pet is to measure your canine from nose to tail and then add a few inches. However, it’s recommended to get new, larger crates as your pet grows instead of buying a large one they’ll grow into eventually. Learn more about helping make your dog feel comfortable and secure with our guide, Finding the Right Crate Size for Your Dog.

These helpful solutions come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. However, you’ll find the four primary types of kennels below.

• Wire kennels
• Plastic kennels
• Soft-sided kennels
• Wood kennels

Each type of dog kennel is ideal for different situations. Wood kennels might not be the best for people who live in humid climates, and soft-sided kennels probably aren’t the best fit for larger pups.