Crate size

[ItsMilkAndEggsBitch]

We are picking up our lovely little cocker jack pop next week and are getting the crate on Friday.
We're not sure what size to get though I was thinking about a 30inch one but not sure if that will be too big? Do they like them to be small. I've seen some people use them with just enough room to put a bed in and some that have room for water and food bowls and a little area to play in

I think I prefer the latter but if she would be more settled in a smaller more 'snug' crate? I wasn't too sure of even getting one but I can see the benefits but I feel overwhelmed by everything she needs!

[BiteyShark]

I bought a massive one for my cocker puppy. I think from memory it was 48 inch size ?xxl.

I wanted a safe area for him to play or sleep when I couldn't actively watch him. I know people recommend a smaller one for toilet training but I didn't really care about that as I wan happy to take him out even in the middle of the night.

[Jouska]

Yep small and cosy - is generally what the dogs prefer. This may mean more than one crate in their lifetime or you may be happy to not use a crate when they are bigger.

Best not to encourage play in the crate - but a place to chill and be calm.

[Mrsducky88]

I would say big as possible then pop a smaller bed inside when puppy is young particularly if you plan to shut the dog in overnight or when you go out. My cocker had a 48in one, now aged 5 he has a much smaller one with just his bed in but the door is never shut so he has access to water and extra space to stretch out in the kitchen.

[missbattenburg]

I wonder if preference is also linked to sleep style. Battendog is (and always has been) a sprawled out kind of sleeper. Often lying on his side, legs out or lying on his back with legs akimbo .

Because of this I also opted for a crate that was on the larger size - so he had space to do this.

I also took him out through the night so, for us, the crate was less about that and more about just keeping him from chewing something dangerous when I was asleep.

[missbattenburg]

p.s. you can get crates with moveable divider walls so the space the dog has can grow with him/her.

[Jouska]

Obviously the crate needs to be big enough for the dog to lie flat out and sit up without touching the top of the crate. Like our beds, you would not put a newborn in a double bed or my 6ft 6 husband in a cot!

[Floralnomad]

Whatever size you decide on it does need room for a water bowl .

[ItsMilkAndEggsBitch]

Thanks for the replies I'm just so excited. Think I'll look for one with a movable wall and see what she prefers. We're not using puppy mats or anything just going to try and keep taking her out so I really don't have to worry about space for her to do that in it