Pitbulls are a popular breed, but their strong build and energetic nature mean they require a sturdy and spacious dog crate to feel comfortable and secure.
A general rule of thumb is to choose a crate that's at least 36 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 30 inches tall.
Pitbulls can grow up to 17-20 inches tall, so a taller crate will give them enough room to stand up and move around comfortably.
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Before Buying
Before buying a dog crate for your Pitbull, consider your lifestyle and needs. You may need to purchase more than one crate, especially if you travel frequently with your dog.
If you travel a lot, you can get a separate crate for the car and another for the house. This way, you won't have to carry huge crates in and out of the house each time you travel with your dog.
It's also a good idea to look for a portable crate if you plan to use it as a means of travel for your dog.
Choosing the Right
Choosing the right dog crate size is crucial for your Pitbull's safety and comfort. It's essential to ensure the crate is not too small, as this can lead to negative feelings about the space and make crate training unpleasant for your pet.
To determine the right crate size, consider your dog's full-grown size, which can be challenging to estimate. However, knowing your dog's key breed characteristics and current and full-grown size will help you make an informed decision.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a crate that allows your dog to stand up with ease, fit through the door effortlessly, and comfortably turn around. When they sit in the crate, there should be at least 2 inches of clearance above their head. When they lie on their side, they should be able to fully extend their limbs.
Here are some key parameters to consider:
- The dog should be able to stand up with ease inside the crate.
- The dog should be able to fit through the door effortlessly.
- The dog should be able to comfortably turn around inside the crate.
- When they sit in the crate, there should be at least 2 inches of clearance above their head.
- When they lie on their side, they should be able to fully extend their limbs.
Remember, if any of these parameters are too tight for your pet, it's best to go to the next size up. A too-large crate isn't ideal either, particularly when it's going to be used as a house-training aid, as this can lead to accidents in the crate.
Choosing the Right
Choosing the right dog crate size is crucial for your pet's comfort and well-being. To determine the correct size, you should know your dog's full-grown size.
Your dog should be able to stand up with ease inside the crate, fit through the door effortlessly, and comfortably turn around. They should also have at least 2 inches of clearance above their head when sitting in the crate.
When lying on their side, your dog should be able to fully extend their limbs. If any of these parameters are too tight, it's best to go to the next size up.
A too-large crate can lead to accidents in the crate, while a too-small crate will be uncomfortable for your dog.
Here are some general guidelines for dog crate sizes:
Keep in mind that each dog is an individual, and you should base the size of the crate on your dog's measurements, not just their weight or breed.
Popular Brands
If you're looking for a reliable dog crate, you'll want to consider popular brands that are trusted by pet owners.
Pet Crates Direct recommends Midwest Homes for Pets, a brand known for its high-quality crates that provide a comfortable and safe space for your dog.
Being in a small crate that hinders it from stretching out can make it anxious, so it's essential to choose a crate that's the right size for your dog.
Some popular dog crate brands include Petmate, Precision Pet Products, and Prevue Pet Products, which offer a range of crate sizes and styles to suit different needs.
Here are some of the most popular dog crate brands:
- Midwest Homes for Pets
- Petmate
- Precision Pet Products
- Prevue Pet Products
- Richell Pet
- Petco
- Carlson Pet Products
- AmazonBasics
- ProSelect Empire
- Oxgord
- Aspen Pet
- Impact
By considering these popular brands, you can find a dog crate that meets your dog's needs and provides a comfortable and safe space for them to rest and relax.
How to Size
To size a dog crate for a Pitbull, consider their adult height and length. A Pitbull typically reaches a height of 20 inches and a length of 24 inches.
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The crate should allow your dog to stand at its full height and stretch itself while in a sleeping position without getting squeezed. To ensure this, you can use a dog crate sizing chart, like the one in Example 2, which provides a list of crate sizes and corresponding dog weights and lengths.
A good rule of thumb is to add four inches to both your dog's height and length measurements to ensure they have enough room to move around comfortably. This means a Pitbull would need a crate with a minimum height of 24 inches and a minimum length of 28 inches.
You can also use the following chart to determine the right size for your Pitbull:
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your Pitbull's individual needs may vary. Always check the crate's dimensions and adjust as needed to ensure your dog has enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Training and Confinement
A crate can be a great tool for initiating house training by teaching your Pitbull some form of routine. With the crate, you can exercise control over your dog's activities and reduce the number of times they stay outdoors.
Using a crate is especially helpful during puppy potty training, as it allows you to keep your dog clean and reduces the risk of accidents in the house. Once your Pitbull is properly trained, you can feel confident leaving them alone or going to bed knowing they're safe.
To ensure your Pitbull is comfortable in the crate, choose a size that allows them to move around a little, but not so much that they can relieve themselves inside. This will help keep your home clean and your Pitbull happy.
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House Training
House training can be a challenge, but using a crate is a great way to initiate the process by teaching your dog a routine. A crate helps you exercise control over your dog's activities, reducing the number of times they stay outdoors.
Using a crate is particularly helpful for puppy potty training efforts. It allows you to establish a pattern of behavior and can be a lifesaver when you're not home to supervise.
Proper crate sizing is crucial, as it should allow your dog to move around a little without giving them too much space to relieve themselves. This enhances cleanliness and makes cleanup a breeze.
Once your dog is properly trained, you can rest easy knowing they can keep themselves safe at night and when alone in the house.
Confinement
Confinement can be a helpful tool in managing your dog's behavior, especially during mealtimes or when there's a lot of activity in the house.
You can put your dog in a crate to help it calm down from all the excitement around it.
It's essential to ensure the crate is not too small, as this will make your dog uncomfortable.
Putting your dog in a crate can be especially useful when there's a lot of activity in the house that may be disturbing your dog.
After the excitement has cooled down, you can let your dog out to play.
Other Considerations
If you frequently travel with your pet, consider an airline-compliant travel crate for your pitbull. This type of crate can help ease your dog's stress during trips.
You may also want to think about the entrance style of the crate. A side entrance can be a good option if your space is better suited for that. Some crates even have two entrances for added flexibility.
If you plan to keep the crate in a living space, you might prefer a wooden or furniture-style crate. This can help the crate blend in with your home decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of enclosure is best for a pitbull?
For a pitbull, a spacious outdoor dog kennel with a length at least equal to their body length and double their width is ideal. This provides them with sufficient room to move around comfortably.
Sources
- professional trainers (apdt.com)
- How To Choose the Right Crate Size for Your Dog or Puppy (petmd.com)
- Dog crate sizing guide: Find the right size crate (diggs.pet)
- Which GUNNER Kennel Size Do I Need? (gunner.com)
- What Size Crate Should I Get for My Dog? Here's How to Tell (chewy.com)
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