15 Signs It’s Time to Upsize Your Dog’s Crate

An appropriately sized crate is essential for the health and well-being of your dog. Crates should be a haven for your dog, but an ill-fitting one can cause physical discomfort and behavioral problems. As your dog grows and their needs change, you must reassess their living space to ensure it continues to meet their requirements. Here are 15 signs that indicate it is probably time to upsize your dog’s crate.
Visible Stress Signals

Clear stress indicators include excessive panting, drooling, or pacing within the crate. Check whether these behaviors occur only when your dog is in the crate. If that’s the case, it might be due to insufficient space.
Lack of Space to Turn Around

Dogs should have enough room to stand up and turn around easily within their crate. If you notice your dog struggling to make a complete circle without touching the sides, you need no other indication that the crate is too small. This lack of room can lead to discomfort and increased pressure.
Difficulty Lying Down

Your dog should be able to lie down cozily on their side without being cramped. When your dog is forced to curl up tightly or cannot fully extend their legs while lying down, they might feel restless, which can affect their well-being.
Inability to Stretch Out

Dogs must stretch their legs and bodies to stay limber and comfortable. Besides uneasiness, not being able to extend their legs or lie outstretched fully within the crate could lead to joint stiffness. Stretching is especially important for older dogs.
Increased Anxiety

Cramped spaces can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress in dogs. If your dog seems extra anxious or nervous when in their crate, maybe they feel confined and unable to relax in that space.
Refusal to Enter the Crate

If your dog hesitates or outright refuses to enter their crate, it could be because the space is too small and confining for them. Dogs often associate negative experiences with uncomfortable places, so reluctance to enter the crate is a strong signal that it might be time for an upgrade.
Scratching at the Crate

Persistent scratching or pawing at the crate walls can indicate that your dog feels cramped and is trying to create additional space or escape. This behavior, while signaling that your dog is not cozy, also calls for a more spacious environment.
Barking or Whining

Continuous barking or whining while in the crate can signify distress due to lack of space. If your dog vocalizes too much when in the crate, it’s worth considering whether the size contributes to their uneasiness.
Injuries

Minor injuries such as scraped noses, paws, or areas where fur is worn off can indicate that your dog struggles to fit comfortably in their crate. These injuries can result from your dog pressing against the sides or trying to reposition themselves in a small area.
Weight Gain and Growth

Puppies usually grow quickly, and what fits them as young dogs might not fit them as they reach adolescence or adulthood. If your dog has gained weight or grown in size since you initially bought the crate, it might no longer be enough. Dogs need room to accommodate their current size and weight to maintain comfort and mobility within the crate.
Behavioral Changes

Confining environments can lead to behavioral changes such as aggression, destructiveness, or withdrawal. Has your dog’s behavior changed for the worse, and you can’t identify another cause? Consider whether their crate is contributing to this tension.
Chewing on Crate Bars

Excessive chewing on the crate bars or other parts of the crate may point to frustration or an attempt to create extra room. Chewing sometimes means your dog is trying to alleviate the anxiety and discomfort caused by a restricted environment.
Difficulty Sleeping

If your dog seems restless, has trouble sleeping, or frequently changes positions in the crate, it may be that they cannot find a cozy position due to limited room. Get a bigger crate to ensure your dog has enough room to stretch out and sleep peacefully.
Changes in Eating Habits

You may notice that your dog’s eating habits change, for example, refusing to eat when in the crate. It could be because the crate is not comfortable. A bigger crate can help them feel more at ease and willing to eat.
Preference for Open Spaces

If your dog prefers open spaces and avoids confined areas, one reason could be that they find the crate too restrictive. You can get clues about their comfort level by observing their behavior outside the crate.