How To Choose The Best Crate Size For A Vizsla
When I first got my Vizsla, it dawned on me that I didn’t know the best crate size for him or what factors to consider when choosing the best crate size. I did some research to find the answer, so let’s take a closer look at how to find the best crate size for a Vizsla.
Some standard dog crate sizes are 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, and 48″. Since Vizslas are medium-sized dogs, 42″ is the best crate size for an average Vizsla height and length. Your dog should be able to stand without its ears or head touching the top of the crate. It should also be able to turn around and move comfortably. Choosing the best crate size for your Vizsla will make your dog feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable, which is desirable for many reasons.
Emergencies
One reason is in case of emergencies. Every region of the world faces natural disasters and emergencies. In an evacuation or shelter situation, it will save precious time and be less stressful for you and your pet if you do not have to force them inside their crate unwillingly. I learned the importance of this when my home in Houston flooded twice, once during Tropical Storm Frances in 1998 and again during Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. In emergencies such as those, it will be beneficial for your pet to willingly get in its crate and consider it a safe, comfortable, and familiar place.
Aside from emergencies, the success and timeline for training your Vizsla will be much better if your dog is comfortable and feels safe, especially for puppies. Your dog will be much more distracted and resistant to learning if physically uncomfortable and stressed. It will not only cause a lot of distress for your dog but also lead to undesirable behavior.
Successful Training
Aside from emergencies, the success and timeline for training your Vizsla will be much better if your dog is comfortable and feels safe, especially for puppies. Your dog will be much more distracted and resistant to learning if physically uncomfortable and stressed. It will not only cause a lot of distress for your dog but also lead to undesirable behavior
What Measurements Are Needed To Find The Best Crate Size For A Vizsla?
The measurements needed to find the best crate size are length and height. Once you have those measurements, an easy-to-remember rule of thumb is to add 4″ to 6″ to your dog’s measurements to find the best crate size. This method will ensure your dog has enough room to stand, turn around, lie down, and freely move. It will also leave no extra space to feel vulnerable or consider going potty.
How To Measure A Dog's Length:
While your dog is fully standing, measure from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. Don’t include the length of the tail in the measurement. Including the tail will cause you to choose a crate that is too large.
How To Measure A Dog's Height:
Height can be measured while your dog is sitting or standing, but a good practice is to measure both ways and use the larger measurement. Measure from the floor to the highest point of your dog. This point will likely be the top of its head, but if your dog’s ears stand up, you’ll want to measure to the top of the ears.
Can A Dog Crate Be Too Small?
Using a too-small crate is not recommended and should be avoided if possible. A dog crate is a safe place for your Vizsla to call their own. As mentioned before, a crate can be essential in helping you train your pup to be calm and well-behaved. It can also help you keep them safe while they are unsupervised.
The size of the crate is critical. If it is too small, your dog may feel uncomfortable or restrained, making it stressed, anxious, or panicky. In addition, dogs and puppies are at higher risk of injuring themselves when in confined spaces, especially if panicking.
Suppose your Vizsla’s crate is too small and uncomfortable. In that case, it may reject its training and associate it with a negative experience. Vizslas are exceptionally responsive to positive and negative experiences. Therefore, the best and fastest way to successfully train a Vizsla with crate training is to make it a positive and comfortable experience.
Can A Dog Crate Be Too Big?
On the other hand, if your dog’s crate is too big, they will be tempted to use one end of it to sleep and another to go potty. Dogs naturally don’t go potty where they sleep or eat and will hold it until they are in a larger area. Making crate training an excellent method for housebreaking and routine training. Therefore, choosing a crate that is too big is not recommended.
Another reason you don’t want to choose a crate that is too big is that dogs naturally feel more relaxed the less exposed they are. Therefore, selecting a crate that is the correct size for your dog will make it feel more hidden and safe from predators. Conversely, choosing a too-big crate will make your Vizsla feel more exposed to predators. Although you’re not likely to have predators in your home, your dog likes to feel safe regardless, thanks to its evolutionary instincts.
Do I need to buy different size crates as my dog grows?
We recommend a crate with an adjustable fence that allows you to purchase the best size for your dog’s anticipated full size. Then adjust the fence to make the space appropriately sized as your puppy grows into an adult. However, if the crate you choose doesn’t have this feature, it will be necessary to monitor your dog’s growth and ensure its crate size is adjusted as it grows.