#3: Use the detachable crate dividers
Many dog crates come with a crate panel divider.
As the name implies, it’s used to divide the interior of a dog crate into smaller parts.
It’s a more convenient way of making a dog crate smaller for a puppy.
Usually, this divider is made out of the same materials used for the crate’s walls.
And it’ll have hooks on the 3 sides. While the fourth side of the panel is used to line against the crate tray.
Technically, a newly bought crate comes with an assembly guide.
And it contains the crate assembly process. As well as the instructions on how to attach its divider.
But if you lost the assembly guide or you don’t have any in the first place, don’t worry.
There’s a general way to install a crate panel divider.
Step 1: Finish assembling the dog crate.
Step 2: Slide in the divider through the crate door. You might need to find an angle that’ll make the divider go through the door.
Step 3: Attach the hooks on both sides of the divider to the walls of the crate.
Step 4: Locate the hooks on the top of the divider. Attach them to the crate ceiling.
Step 5: After that’s done, you can now adjust the space inside the crate to the right fit for your pup.
Also, here’s a video demonstration on how to assemble a dog crate with a detachable divider:
5 easy ways to make a dog crate smaller for a puppy
If a dog crate is too large, housetraining your puppy can be very difficult.
A simple way to prevent that from happening is by reducing the interior space of the crate.
And you do this by putting fillers inside.
You can put a non-porous material as flooring. Then cover it with a blanket, towel, or beddings.
Other dog parents would also put a dog bed inside.
This will make the ceiling of the crate lower and reduces its height.
It’s especially useful when your pup is jumping inside their crate.
Just make sure that your flooring is non-absorbent and non-toxic.
First, it needs to be non-absorbent to repel the doggy waste that seeps through the materials on top.
Second, the blankets or towels can be pushed aside by your pup. As a result, the flooring is exposed and your little fur baby can chew on it.
So a non-toxic flooring is a safe option for your pooch.
Here are some preferred crate flooring options on Amazon:
For the coverings, it’s better to use durable pet blankets.
Because your pup can get extra chewy when they’re teething.
Also, ensure that the fabric of your covers is breathable.
And avoid using knitted blankets that may snag or unravel. This can be a choking hazard for your pup.
PetMD also suggests not to use blankets with tassels, stitches, or fringes.
Since these kinds of materials is tempting your pooch to chew or bite them.
Instead, fur parents suggest putting chew toys in the crate to misdirect your pup’s attention.
You see, if your puppy is bored they can get destructive.
There’s even a study that explores how boredom can affect the behaviors of animals.
It says that boredom can encourage behavioral problems in your pooch.
Examples of these problems are:
So to save your crate beddings, you can offer your puppy a toy to stimulate their minds.
What can I Use for a Crate Divider?
Cardboard, wood, or plexiglass tends to be the best options. Pick the best material for your dog crate and budget.
FREE Diy Crate Divider
Dog crates are an incredible training tool. They make potty training much easier, but you need to make sure the crate is the right size for your dog. While there are great cheap and affordable dog crates, most of those can’t stand up to escape artists or heavy chewing. If you want to save money, it is best to buy a crate that will fit your puppy as an adult and use a divider to make it the appropriate size for your dog as it grows. If your crate didn’t come with a divider, you can easily make your own.
You may be wondering why you need to bother. Dogs won’t pee or poop where they sleep! Well, if the dog feels like it has enough space, it may do so. This is particularly true for puppies in an adult-sized crate. They feel like they have plenty of space. This can make it hard if you are trying to train your puppy to go outside. Instead of buying multiple crates as your puppy grows, you can just buy one of the best dog crates and use dividers to restrict the space to be the perfect size for your puppy. Using the right size of a crate can make your crate training go more smoothly. An easy solution, however, is to choose dog crates with dividers.
You can also use dividers to make it easier for multiple dogs to share a single crate. While some dogs enjoy sharing a crate, this isn’t universal. Some dogs prefer their own space. Dividing the space can also help a nervous dog feel more secure. Dogs love to feel hidden and snug, so using a divider can help make your dog more willing to use the crate.