How big should the crate be?
 

My little fella needs a new crate. He's been using a cat carrier *face palm* which he still likes to sit in. But he's a growing boy, and though he is comfortable now, I feel like it's going to be too cramped for him.

What size should I aim for?

He's a Shiba, 3 month old.

We were looking at this one:

[url]http://www.petco.com/product/10316/PETCO-Home-and-Travel-Premium-Kennel.aspx?CoreCat=LN_Shopping_DogSupplies_CarriersCratesandKennels[/url]

but can't decide between the 300 and 400 series.

Typically your dog should have enough room to stand, and turn around. What worked well for us while our puppy was growing was to buy one similar to the one you mentioned, except it had a wire mesh grate that went through the center of it. That way you could adjust it so that it moved further and further back towards the end of the crate to make it bigger as your dog grows. You don't want it to be too big because they may think that they can start to mess in their crate if there is enough space.

I would tend to buy the bigger size especially if you are crating during the day. The smaller size is important during potty training but after that it is better to give them a roomier option where you might be able to leave some [U]safe[/U] toys.

Our Shiba (6 months) sleeps in a large open crate (all wire except the bedding) with an adjustable divider. We removed the divider at around 3 months (he was already 20lbs by then, he is now 31lbs). He has never messed in the crate.

What am I saying? He sleeps on the bed now, lol.

Although you might want to go "big" with the crate, you might want to consider that with the extra space, your dog might want to turn part of their crate into a bathroom. :shrug:

The 300 series that is 24" long supports up to 25 lbs and you can always put in an adjustable crate divider and adjust as your puppy grows.

Good luck finding the perfect crate for your puppy! :thumbs up

and sit as well. Also provide water in the crate as well.

ACO22

I do the buy a larger crate with a divider thing.

That way you can just adjust it as your puppy grows and eventually when you are sure there aren't likely to be any accidents then you can just give them the full amount of space.