Dogs are social creatures with a pack mentality. As such, they prefer to sleep and play together. This can be difficult when it comes time for them to go into the kennel as most do not feel safe with other dogs.
Pet parents often wonder if their dog should share a kennel with another pup, and this is often because they want their pets to have company while they’re away from home. Still, some negative aspects need to be considered before making this decision.
Namely that many breeds don’t do well-sharing cages with other dogs, particularly smaller breeds. Not only are they frightened, but they can become physically ill in this type of environment due to stress.
If you choose to have your pet share a kennel with another dog or dog, remember that some breeds do well when allowed ‘doggy camaraderie.’ These include dogs raised with other dogs in their litter or that have been socialized at an early age.
Pit Bulls, beagles, and some hunting breeds are good examples of this type of dog.
However, if you need to kennel your pet and it’s not a breed known for ‘canine camaraderie, there are still ways to provide them with some sense of security that comes from the doggy company.
Namely, you can kennel your dog near another or even let them hang out in the same room as a friend’s dog. But, be warned: this will not be suitable for all dogs and will depend on their personality and level of training.
Cons of Two Dogs Sharing a Crate
- Some breeds don’t do well-sharing cages with other dogs
- Smaller breeds can be frightened and become ill from stress
- There can be a possible fight.
- Sharing crates can adversely affect a dog’s behavior, and he might not remain well when uncrated.
- They might not share the same stuff, like food, water, bed, etc.
Pros of Two Dogs Sharing a Crate
- Dogs like to live in packs and feel more secure when they do
- Pups that were raised with other pups will be less stressed. This socialization is better for their mental health and can reduce stress-related problems, such as separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
- Doggy camaraderie can be fun.
- If you are looking to socialize your dog with other dogs, this is a great time to do it. Ensure both of them are up to date on their vaccinations and that they’ve been given the OK from their vet before getting them together.
- Dogs that are socialized with other dogs can do well sharing a kennel
- Dogs may feel less lonely if they’re near another dog
- Many breeds, but not all, can share a crate if given early socialization or raised together as puppies.
As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to your dog sharing a kennel with another canine friend. Some dogs will get on well together, and others may not. It is up to you and you alone to decide if the pros outweigh the cons.
If you decide your two dogs will share a kennel, make sure the location is well away from food and water bowls if they are not to be crated together for any time.
The benefits are far bigger than the cons, but make sure You train them for crate before crating them.
What is a dog’s idea of “personal space”?
A dog’s idea of personal space will vary from breed to breed and every individual dog too. Generally, a new dog may feel threatened by another dog near his food bowl, toys, or owners – anywhere he feels the most secure.
Measure dogs before you purchase a kennel. Make sure there is room for your dogs to move around comfortably inside the kennel. Please do not put a dog in a situation where he feels threatened by another dog.
Give your new pet time to adjust to the presence of other pets before crating them together. Then, if they start fighting, separate them immediately and keep them apart until they are ready to be socialized again.
When can you put several dogs into one crate?
You should never put several dogs in one crate if they do not get along. Dogs can scratch, bite and fight when they are created together.
Always introduce them to each other when you have time to monitor their interactions and separate them immediately if fighting occurs. If a dog has been in a shelter for a long time and is not used to being around other dogs, you should never crate them together. This can stress the dog and lead to a fight when they are in close quarters.
Never put a new puppy and an adult dog in the same kennel. Newborns and older dogs do not get along well and may hurt or kill the pup if you leave them together unsupervised.
Can you put two dogs into a playpen?
Dogs are social animals that will work well together, whether they are or were raised together, or you have introduced them to one another.
You can put dogs into a playpen if their behavior is appropriate for safe cohabitation. Introduce dogs to the pen without any toys first, so you know they won’t fight over them. Ensure the pen is large enough for both of them to move around comfortably, so they don’t feel trapped or cornered by one another.
You can put a young pup and an adult dog together if they get along great, but you should never leave them alone — no matter what age they are.
Crating two dogs together in the car
If you are going to be driving with your dogs in the car, crating them together is a great idea. They will feel safer and more secure if they are allowed to stay near one another.
They will not fight or become territorial as long as you get them fixed at a young age and have introduced them properly from the beginning. Dogs will not become territorial unless there is a breeding pair.
Do not crate two intact dogs together without supervision, no matter how well they get along. They could end up fighting and causing damage to one another.
Conclusion: There are some circumstances when it can be beneficial to crate your dogs together. Dogs that have been raised together or that have been properly introduced will do well in the same enclosure.
If you will be away from home for a long time or must crate them separately, make sure your dogs are comfortable with being crated apart before leaving them alone.
Dogs should always be supervised when they are near one another so serious damage does not occur.
You can also use a playpen to create separate pockets for your dogs if you have issues fighting when crated together.
This will allow them to get used to being around each other without the risk of injury but still gives each dog his own space.
Separate Crates Vs. Shared Crates for Dogs
So I get asked to allot whether you should have one crate for each dog or share; the answer is that it depends.
If both dogs are ok with sharing, then there is nothing wrong with having one big crate for both of them to share; however, in most cases, this isn’t recommended.
1 thing you need to check when you have multiple crates is that they are the same size. I often see people with one large crate and one small crate, which, if both dogs are in there at once, will make them feel uncomfortable, so the same size is best.
If your dogs are ok sharing a crate, but you must leave them crated for hours on end, then it’s best to get two crates so they can have some alone time away from each other.
If you do get two crates for your dogs to share, then be sure that they can’t sneak into the same crate without it being an accident; if you do this and one of the dog’s gets stuck in another dogs crate and can’t get out then there is a chance that the other dog will attack it when it comes out.
When you are around to supervise two dogs in one crate together, they usually get along fine, but if you are not around when crated, then I would recommend getting two crates.
Night-Time Crating: The Possible Exception
Although I don’t recommend it, if you have a puppy and an adult dog that is ok with sharing a crate, then the only time that this may work for you is when you are home at night.
This works for most people because they can supervise them and make sure there isn’t any fighting or chasing going on during this time together.
So if you are willing to take the risk, then do what you feel is best for your dogs; however, keep in mind that fighting may break out without warning, so be ready to intervene if it does happen.
Pre-Crated Introductions
Put one dog in the crate and give him a treat or toy before putting him back into the kennel. Make sure the door is securely latched before letting the next dog approach for introductions. If he shows any signs of stress, such as growling, whining, pacing, or scratching at the crate, separate them and reevaluate this situation later.
Always provide a chew toy for each dog if you decide to put two dogs together in one kennel. They will fight over toys and food bowls if they lack things to do. Give them ample time to de-stress after crating them together before letting them out of the kennel.
The bottom line is
If you are willing to work with your dogs, then you can have them in one crate together, but it’s best to keep them separated at first until they are comfortable being near one another.
The longer they have been raised together, the better chance you have of having them share a kennel.