Crating Multiple Dogs: Best Practices

Crating Two Dogs: General Recommendation

It is generally not recommended to put two adult dogs in a single crate for extended periods. Each dog should ideally have its own designated crate. This approach ensures each dog has a safe space to retreat with enough room to get comfortable, as suggested by "Crate Training For Multiple Dogs: Tips And Techniques."

Individual crates provide a safe, personal space for each animal. This setup helps prevent potential conflicts over territory or resources. It also ensures adequate room for each dog's comfort and well-being.

Exceptions for Shared Crating

While individual crates are the standard, there are specific situations where crating two dogs together might be considered. These exceptions typically involve very young animals or specific setups designed to mitigate risks.

Very Young Puppies

Very young puppies, especially those from the same litter, may be crated together temporarily. This can provide comfort and a sense of security, mimicking their natural litter environment. During initial training phases, sharing a crate can help puppies learn from each other and reduce anxiety.

Supervised Short Durations

Two well-bonded, calm dogs might be crated together for very short, supervised periods. This is only advisable if the crate is exceptionally large, allowing ample individual space for both dogs to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably without touching. This scenario should be rare and closely monitored.

Crate Dividers

A large crate equipped with a secure divider can effectively create two separate, safe spaces within one unit. According to Hiddin, "putting two dogs in one crate for an extended period is not advised unless you have dividers and the dogs have enough of their own space." Dividers allow each dog to have its own defined area while still being in proximity to the other.

Why Separate Crates are Best

Separate crates offer numerous advantages for the safety, comfort, and training of individual dogs, particularly in multi-dog households. These benefits often outweigh the perceived convenience of a single, shared crate.

Personal Space & Comfort

Each dog needs sufficient room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without infringing on another's space. A dedicated crate ensures this personal space, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Without adequate individual space, dogs can become anxious or uncomfortable.

Safety & Conflict Prevention

Even well-bonded dogs can experience disputes over resources such as bedding, toys, or even just prime resting spots. Confinement in close quarters can escalate minor irritations into fights or injuries. Separate crates eliminate this potential for conflict.

Individual Training

Separate crates greatly facilitate individual crate training. This allows each dog to develop a positive association with their own den at their own pace. It also helps in house-training, as each dog learns to hold their bladder in their designated space.

Hygiene

Individual crates prevent one dog from soiling the entire space if the other is still learning bladder control. This maintains a cleaner environment for both animals. It also simplifies cleaning and reduces the risk of skin irritations or infections.

Temperature Regulation

Dogs can overheat more easily when confined closely together, especially in smaller spaces. Individual crates allow for better airflow around each dog, aiding in temperature regulation and preventing discomfort or heat-related issues.

Setting Up Multiple Crates

Properly setting up multiple crates is crucial for maximizing their benefits and ensuring the comfort and safety of all dogs in the household. Strategic placement and appropriate contents are key.

Proximity

Placing individual crates next to each other can offer the benefits of companionship without the risks of shared confinement. Animal behaviorists note various benefits to crating two dogs together in nearby crates, especially in a multi-dog household, as stated by Hiddin. This setup allows dogs to see and smell each other, fostering a sense of togetherness while maintaining personal boundaries.

Comfort Items

Each crate should contain appropriate bedding, a safe chew toy, and potentially a piece of clothing with the owner's scent. Preventive Vet suggests that "The scent of you may be comforting for your pup," especially during the transition period. These items help create a positive and secure environment within each crate.

Location

Crates should be placed in a quiet, safe area of the home where the dogs still feel part of the family. According to Preventive Vet, "young puppies do better when their crate is in closer proximity to their family as they transition from sleeping next to littermates to sleeping on their own in a crate or pen." Dogs are social animals and can become distressed if they feel isolated.

Risks of Shared Crating (Without Proper Setup)

Crating two dogs together without proper setup, such as a divider or individual crates, poses several significant risks that can negatively impact the dogs' physical and psychological well-being. These risks highlight why individual crating is generally preferred.

Injury

Even minor disagreements between dogs can escalate into fights, leading to bites, scratches, or other injuries when confined in a small space. The inability to escape or create distance can intensify conflicts.

Stress & Anxiety

One dog may feel trapped, bullied, or constantly on edge when forced to share a confined space. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, or even aggression, potentially damaging the bond between the dogs. The constant proximity can be overwhelming for some animals.

Resource Guarding

Dogs may become possessive over the limited space, bedding, or any items within the shared crate. This resource guarding behavior can lead to tension and conflict, even between dogs that typically get along well.

Hygienic Issues

If one dog has an accident within a shared crate, both dogs will be exposed to the mess. This can be unsanitary, uncomfortable, and may lead to skin irritations or infections. It also makes house-training more challenging.

Interference with Training

Shared crating can hinder individual house-training efforts, as it becomes difficult to determine which dog is responsible for accidents. It can also interfere with other behavioral training, as one dog's behavior might negatively influence the other's.

When to See a Vet or Professional Trainer

Recognizing when to seek professional help is crucial for addressing crating issues and ensuring the well-being of your dogs. Certain behavioral changes or persistent problems warrant expert intervention.

Sudden Behavioral Changes

If dogs who previously coexisted peacefully in proximity begin showing aggression, extreme anxiety, or fear around crates, it's a sign to consult a professional. These changes can indicate underlying stress or a developing behavioral issue.

Crate Aversion

If a dog develops a strong fear or refusal to enter their crate, despite previous positive associations, professional guidance is needed. This aversion could stem from a negative experience or an underlying anxiety disorder.

Injuries

Any injuries sustained from conflict within a shared or nearby crating situation require immediate veterinary attention. Following treatment, a professional trainer or behaviorist can help address the root cause of the aggression.

Persistent Anxiety

If separation anxiety or distress symptoms persist despite proper crate training and environmental adjustments, a veterinarian or certified professional dog trainer should be consulted. They can help diagnose the issue and develop a tailored management plan.