Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but it also comes with a mountain of decisions. One of the first? Choosing the right crate. And the question many new puppy parents face is this: Should you size up for your growing pup, or start small and upgrade later?

The short answer? Yes, you should size up—but only if the crate includes a divider. Buying a crate that fits your dog’s adult size is the smartest move—but only if you can safely adjust the space during training. Otherwise, starting too big can lead to behavioral setbacks and house-training headaches.

Let’s walk through how to size your puppy’s crate the right way, why it matters for their development, and how to make your crate work at every stage of growth.

Why Crate Size Matters for Puppies

Your puppy’s crate isn’t just a place to nap—it’s a tool for house training, routine building, and creating security. The crate should mimic the feeling of a den: small, safe, and calming.

If the crate is too large, your puppy may:

• Use one side to sleep and the other to go potty
  
• Feel less secure, leading to whining or restlessness
  
• Pace or play inside rather than settle down to rest
  

Too small, and your pup may:

• Struggle to turn around or lie comfortably
  
• Develop anxiety or frustration
  
• Associate the crate with stress, not safety
  

According to the American Kennel Club, the correct crate size allows your puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around—but not enough room to treat the crate like a studio apartment.

How to Measure for the Right Crate Size

To determine the right crate for your puppy’s adult size, grab a measuring tape and:

1. Measure length: From nose to base of tail (not the tip), then add 2–4 inches
   
2. Measure height: From floor to top of head or ears (whichever is higher when sitting), then add 1–2 inches
   

Now match that with the interior dimensions of the crate—not just the label (small, medium, large, etc.), since those can vary by brand.

Use these measurements to select the crate your puppy will eventually need as an adult—but make it puppy-friendly from day one using a divider panel.

What Is a Divider Panel, and Why Does It Matter?

A divider panel is a removable insert that sections off part of the crate’s interior, allowing you to gradually expand the usable space as your puppy grows.

With a divider panel, you can:

• Start with a small space for potty training success
  
• Avoid multiple crate purchases
  
• Easily adjust the size as your dog hits growth milestones
  
• Maintain consistency by keeping your puppy in the same familiar environment
  

Many heavy-duty or premium crates include dividers or offer them as accessories—especially crates designed to last from puppyhood through adulthood.

Why Not Just Buy a Smaller Crate First?

It’s tempting to buy a tiny crate now and upgrade later. But there are drawbacks:

• You’ll spend more buying multiple crates
  
• You’ll disrupt your puppy’s routine by introducing a brand-new environment mid-training
  
• Your pup may regress if the transition to a larger crate feels unfamiliar or scary
  

A long-term crate with a divider saves money, supports consistent training, and helps your dog build a positive relationship with one space over time.

What Type of Crate Works Best for Growing Puppies?

Crates that include the following features are best for growing dogs:

✅ Divider Panel

Essential for sizing up safely and gradually

✅ Easy-to-Clean Interior

Puppies are messy. Choose smooth, wipeable surfaces and removable trays

✅ Durable Material

Your adorable puppy will chew. And scratch. And grow stronger. Go for chew-resistant, reinforced, or aluminum options if you want the crate to survive

✅ Secure Latches

Puppies are curious. If the latch is weak, they’ll test it—often successfully

✅ Proper Ventilation

Vent holes or mesh sides promote airflow and comfort, especially when napping during the day

Crates like those from Impact Dog Crates are ideal for puppy-to-adult transitions. With divider kits, chew-proof panels, and ventilation built in, they’re made for every stage of growth.

Training Tip: Gradually Expand the Space

Once your pup is doing well with crate training and growing fast, start adjusting the divider every few weeks:

• Make sure your pup can still stand, turn, and lie down
  
• Don’t jump too quickly from tight quarters to full space
  
• Watch for changes in behavior—accidents or anxiety may mean you expanded too soon

Final Thoughts: Think Ahead, Train Smarter

Yes, you should size up your puppy’s crate—but do it strategically. A full-sized crate with a divider gives your growing dog room to mature, while setting them up for crate success right from the start.

Think of your crate as an investment in your dog’s routine, safety, and sense of home. Make it adjustable, durable, and secure—and you won’t need to replace it down the road.For a one-time purchase that grows with your pup, explore long-lasting, adjustable options at Impact Dog Crates. Built for today’s puppy—and tomorrow’s best friend.