When is a crate too small?

[dmoore2145]

I have an 11 week old Lab and her butt is up against one end of the crate, and her head is against the other end. She still can turn around in it.
When is it time to move to the next larger size crate. How many crate changes are nessessary from a puppy to adulthood?

[Jeff Arnold]

Pat,
It sounds like it is time for a new crate now, depending on how much time he spends inside the crate. Once the dog's nose and tail are touching, then he probably is starting to get too tall, time to change. A lab will grow to a around 80-120 lbs. A large or x-large is what you need to buy if space allows you to do that.If he/she has a problem with "going" in the crate, then you will have to graduate a little slower. Safety is another issue, if he travels alot in the crate, then the larger the crate the more likely he could be injured if he is in an accident and tossed around inside.

[ March 22, 2004, 07:01 PM: Message edited by: Jeff Arnold ]

[Darth_Vaders_Mom]

Pat,

I'm in the same boat. Vader our Great Dane puppy (10 months) is needing the colossal crate. We have the XL size now. I just added Petsmart to my links page on my website. From time to time they offer 10% off or free shipping on your purchase. I'm saving up for that $230 colossal for Vader. His nose isn't touching yet but he can't stand straight up in it anymore. I'd say he weighs about 105 lbs now. And has plenty more to go. Here's the link:

Bow Wow Beds