Are you looking to use a dog crate divider? Maybe your dog crate divider has arrived and you don’t know how to use it?
Or are you curious and want some inspiration? Whatever your question is, we are sure to have the answer for you!
Figuring out how to use a dog crate divider can be tricky, especially if you have never used one before. You head online to find out more but are met with a slew of contradicting answers and advice.
Frustrated and disappointed, your crate divider remains unused. You wonder if you will ever know how to use it.
Well, no more! Today, we are here with the answers you need! Keep reading to find out how to use a dog crate divider and everything you need to know about them. Get ready to become a dog crate divider expert today!
What Is A Dog Crate Divider?
Before we dive into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it. A dog crate divider allows you to divide the space of your dog’s crate.
Usually a metal square, the divider can be slotted vertically into the crate and will divide the space up.
When the divider is in place, your dog or puppy will only be able to access one portion of the crate. These dividers are often used to restrict the access of the crate when needed.
They typically come with your crate when you purchase them and allow your puppy to have a crate that will grow with them.
You can start with a small space in the crate, and as your puppy grows, you can move the divider, allowing the crate to grow with them. Crate dividers remove the need for you to buy multiple crates.
A large crate can be overwhelming for a small puppy, and might even intimate them. But as they grow so quickly, you might have a puppy that is bursting out of a small crate in a few weeks.
By buying a large crate and divider, you control the size and only need to spend once!
Now that we have established what a dog crate divider is, let’s get to what brought you here and find out how to use it.
How To Use Dog Crate Divider
Using your dog crate divider is pretty simple!
- Once the crate has been assembled, slide the divider in through the entrance to the crate.
- You can attach the hooks on the crate to the walls on both sides of the crate. Make sure you are positioning the divider where you want it to be.
- Once attached, you can use the books on the top of the crate divider to hook them to the ceiling (top of the crate).
- Give the divider a little shake to ensure that it stays in place without moving or collapsing. The last thing you want is for your dog to tear the divider down!
You can put the divider in place and then add beds, blankets, or toys and introduce your dog or puppy to the crate. It might take them some time to get used to the space, so don’t worry if they don’t like the crate straight away.
While they get used to their space, leave the crate door open. You don’t want them to feel too confined. If the space looks a little cramped, take your dog out of the crate and adjust the space as needed.
Once you are happy, you can keep the divider in place until you need to move it. As your dog grows and fills the space, unhook the divider and move it to create more space.
You should continue to do this until your dog is ready to use the full space of the crate.
There is no set time limit on this, it depends on how big your crate is and how long it takes your dog to grow.
Most dogs are fully grown between one and two years, so you might need to adjust the divider every few months for their first year and then allow them to use the full space of the crate.
It varies so much, it’s hard to give one answer!
How Long Should My Dog Be In The Crate?
Your dog should not be in the crate for more than a few hours unless they are sleeping in it overnight (see also ‘When Should Your Dog Stop Sleeping In A Crate?‘). You will want your dog to be out of its crate frequently throughout the day.
Dog’s need to be entertained, and lying in a crate all day can be boring. Make sure they are having plenty of opportunities to come out of the crate, run around, and play.
They will also need to use the bathroom (especially if you are toilet training them). You won’t want a puppy to be in there for more than 2 to 3 hours before taking them outside to use the toilet.
They will also need to be taken out for a walk and to have some food and water.
There is no set time that your dog should be in their crate for, but we think it’s best to limit their time. Of course, if they are happy there, you don’t want to pull them out! It can be hard to get the balance right.
They should feel comfortable and happy in their crate, but also have enough temptation outside their crate to join you for playtime and walks!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, your complete guide to using dog crate dividers. As you can see, dog crate dividers are simple enough to use and will allow you to adjust your crate to the size of your dog.
Why buy multiple crates when you can purchase one that will grow with your dog?
Just be sure to start gradually when crate training them so your dog views the crate as a positive place to be!
