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So you’ve added a new pup to your family and you’re wondering if it’s okay to have them in the same crate as your existing furry family member.
Or, you’ve dove in head first into puppy parenthood and got yourself 2 new pups. Now you want to know whether you can put 2 dogs in the same crate or need separate crates.
Can You Put Two Dogs In One Crate?
More often than not… no. Dogs, especially males, can be territorial about their crates. Even if two dogs get along, putting them in the same space can create tension and stress. A crate is too small for dogs to be forced to share.
Unfortunately the answer isn’t always a simple yes or no (it never is, is it?). So we’ll look into different scenarios where 1 crate might be okay and when 2 crates is definitely needed for 2 dogs.
You might be wondering… Didn’t dogs used to live in dens which would be close quarters? And wouldn’t they be used to sharing a relatively small space?
Well here’s the long and short of it…
Table of Contents
Can Two Dogs Share A Kennel?
While dogs might be able to share a kennel without issues, it’s not ideal.
Dogs can be territorial about their crates. For example, if you put two dogs in the same crate, they may see each other as intruders.
This can lead to a battle over territory and serious injuries or worse.
It’s better if each dog has their own crate. Each dog needs their own space to feel secure and safe from the other(s).
This gives them an area that they can call their own. Even when there are others around who might be vying for attention or treats.
In addition, crates provide a place for your dog to retreat when they want some quiet time away from everyone else in the household.
If you decide to get another dog at some point down the road, having separate crates will make it easier for both of them.
Not to mention on yourself as well during potty training and housebreaking efforts.
Something else to note is when dogs get stressed and can’t flee from the situation, making them stressed out, they can turn aggressive.
If you left for work and put both your dogs in the same crate and one of them became stressed for some reason, that would be a terrible situation for the both of them as they couldn’t give each other space.
Problems That Could Arise From Two Dogs Sharing A Crate
Several problems could arise from having two dogs share the same crate.
Aggression
The most common and potentially dangerous one is aggression. When dogs are placed in close quarters with each other, they can start to see each other as a threat.
This is especially true if the crate is too small for them to comfortably move around or if they’re not used to being in close quarters with each other.
If the aggression gets bad enough, it could lead to a fight, resulting in serious injuries.
Stress
Another problem that could arise is stress. When dogs are placed in close quarters with each other, they can feel stressed out.
This is especially true if they’re not used to being in close quarters with each other or if the crate is too small for them to comfortably move around.
If the stress gets bad enough, it could lead to a fight, resulting in serious injuries or even death.
Resource Guarding
One final problem that could arise from two dogs sharing a crate is resource guarding.
This is when a dog becomes possessive of their food, toys, or other resources and doesn’t want to share them with the other dog. Resource guarding can develop when dogs feel they have to compete with each other for resources.
Resource guarding could make it hard for your dog to deal with when other dogs or people go near anything they consider to be theirs. It could also lead to a fight if the other dog tries to take the resource away from them.
Why Its Best For Dogs To Have Their Own Crate
As you can see, several problems could arise from having two dogs share the same crate.
It’s best for dogs to have their own crate for several reasons. Crates provide a place for your dog to retreat when they want some quiet time away from everyone else in the household. In addition, crates give each dog their own space in which to feel secure and safe from the other(s).
This is important because it allows them to have an area they can call their own. Even when there are others around who might be vying for attention or treats.
Having separate crates will also make things easier on you during potty training and housebreaking efforts. Not to mention, if you ever decide to get another dog in the future, having separate crates will make the transition much smoother for both dogs.
When Can You Put Several Dogs Into One Crate?
This can work if you’re training two young pups to be in the same crate.
This will require training, though. First, you’ll want to test the waters of having them both inside the crate to see how they react.
Do they whine? Do they fight? Paw to escape relentlessly? Or do they find comfort in being close to one another?
These are all signs of whether or not your two dogs can get along in a singular crate. If there are any signs that they do not like this type of confined environment with their companion.
It’s best not to force it.
If it turns out to be a pleasant experience, the crate must be big enough.
If the crate is too small where they are crammed as they grow, this isn’t a favorable situation, and you should look into getting a second crate.
Can You Put Two Dogs Into A Playpen?
This is a great way to socialize your pups and have them share a space without being in the same crate.
A playpen is a great way to let your dogs play together while also giving them each their own space. This is especially helpful if you have a small house or apartment and can’t have two crates.
Just like with the crate, you’ll want to test the waters and see how they react to being in a playpen together. If they start to fight or seem stressed, putting them in separate playpens is best.
If they seem to enjoy each other’s company, then you can leave them in the playpen together for short periods. Just make sure to supervise so that they don’t start fighting. Playpens are a better option for two dogs because there is more space. Dogs can move around and play without feeling cramped.
Crating Two Dogs Together In The Car
If you’re going on a road trip with your dogs, it’s best to crate them separately in the car. If your car is too small for two crates, trying to fit both of your dogs in one crate is still not a good idea.
Especially if your dog does not enjoy car rides. This confined space, plus being crammed in with another dog, is only going to make them more anxious.
If you have to put them in the same crate, make sure it’s big enough so they can move around and not feel cramped.
Final Thoughts
A dog’s crate is supposed to be a place where they feel safe and secure. By making a crate a shared space, they don’t get to experience the feeling of true ownership of their space.
This can make for a diluted experience for both your doggos during their crate time.
More often than not, if you are crating your dog, it’s a good idea to get them their own crate.
This will ensure that no aggression or resource-guarding habits develop, and you can guarantee both pups to have a better crating experience.
Other posts you might find interesting:
The 27 Best Dog Crates For Small Dogs And Puppies
How To Make A Dog Crate Escape Proof | Simple Tricks
How To Stop A Puppy From Crying In Their Crate | Simple Tricks