Most kennel mistakes come from one of three things: buying the wrong size, trusting the crate to fix a behavior problem, or stacking units without a plan. This guide covers all three. It's written for owners of big dogs, multi-dog homes and anyone shopping for a stackable dog kennel that has to hold up day after day.
Key Takeaways
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The American Kennel Club says to measure your dog standing, from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet, then from nose tip to tail tip, and add 3 to 4 inches to each number. Your dog needs room to sit, stand and lie down comfortably.
Don't guess from breed alone. A lean German Shepherd and a stocky Mastiff mix can share a weight range and need very different kennels. Measure the actual dog, standing on a flat floor, ideally with a helper holding a treat so the head stays level.
The AKC's sizing rule is simple. Take the dog's standing height and nose-to-tail length, add 3 to 4 inches to each, and pick the smallest kennel that clears both numbers. Too big is a problem too, because a roomy crate lets a dog toilet at one end and sleep at the other.
Here's a worked example nobody else spells out. If your dog measures 33 inches nose to tail, adding 4 inches gives 37, so a kennel whose listing shows a 37-inch length is right at the edge for that dog. Always confirm the length, width and height in the product listing before ordering.
37" Stackable Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
Stackable kennel with 1-pack to 9-pack options.
37" Stackable Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Stackable crate in 1-pack to 9-pack sets.
24-42" Collapsible Copper Gold Dog Crate
Collapsible crate in a copper gold finish, sizes 24 to 42 inches.
24-42" Collapsible Pink Dog Crate
Collapsible crate in pink, sizes 24 to 42 inches.
Buying for a puppy? The AKC suggests a crate sized for the breed's typical adult size, with a divider you move out as your puppy grows. For a longer comparison of crate types, see our wire, soft-sided and heavy-duty crate buying guide.
The AKC calls metal and wire crates the sturdiest you can buy, and notes they suit dogs who chew through other materials. They also offer good airflow and visibility. That's why heavy-duty metal kennels are the usual pick for big, strong or determined dogs.
Look past the label. "Heavy duty" isn't a standard, so judge the kennel by what you can check: how the door latches, how the panels join, how thick the frame looks and how the listing describes weight capacity. Cover the sides with a fabric cover if your dog likes a den feel, since the AKC notes covers add privacy.
Heavy Duty Dog Kennel with Sliding Barn Door
Furniture-style kennel with a sliding barn door.
31.5" Wooden Dog Kennel, Double Lock Doors
Wooden crate furniture in white with double lock doors.
Prefer something that blends into a room? Wood and furniture-style kennels trade some airflow for looks. Our indoor dog house and crate furniture guide walks through that trade-off.
Yes, that's what stackable units are for, and they save floor space. Per the listing title, our 37-inch kennel is built to stack, and multi-pack options run from a single unit to 9 units. The practical rule: one dog per compartment, never two dogs sharing one.
These are general setup tips, not manufacturer instructions, so follow the product's own assembly steps. Use a flat, level floor. Put the heavier dog's kennel at the bottom if a unit will be loaded. Keep stacks away from stairs and ledges. Give each dog a clear view of you, and rotate who gets which level only if both dogs are calm about it.
Stacking works because it multiplies vertical space, not because it multiplies tolerance. Each dog still needs exercise before crating, a comfortable bed and a calm introduction. A stack of kennels without those habits just gives you two stressed dogs in a smaller footprint.
16-Panel Dog Playpen with Lock and Large Door
Playpen with a lock and large door, 24 to 40 inch heights.
6-Panel Plastic Dog Playpen, Locking Door
24 inch indoor or outdoor pen with a locking door.
Short on room? Stacked kennels are one of several space savers covered in our small-apartment guide to compact crates, gates and carriers.
Start with the basics the AKC lists: pick a crate "secure enough to prevent an escape" and sized correctly. Then check the latch every day, since a door that isn't fully closed or a latch a clever dog can nudge open is a common way out.
A short checklist helps. Close and test the latch by hand. Remove collars with tags that can snag in the bars. Position the kennel so the dog can't reach curtains, cords or furniture through the sides. Add a chew-safe toy and a bed. Exercise your dog first. A tired dog settles; a bored one tests every weld.
The most common weak point isn't the metal. It's the routine. Dogs that rehearse an escape routine (paw the latch, push the corner, bark until the door opens) are learning from your response. Stay quiet, wait for a pause, then open the door, so the dog learns that calm opens it.
4-Panel Wooden Pet Gate, 83" x 30"
Freestanding wooden gate for sectioning off a room.
31.5" Indoor Outdoor Dog Playpen, 12 Panels
12-panel white playpen, 31.5 inches tall.
Sometimes, but strength alone rarely solves it. The American Animal Hospital Association's separation anxiety plan says to determine whether the dog can safely be crated, and if the dog panics, destroys the crate or injures itself, to consider a pet sitter, home day care or boarding so the dog is observed and protected.
That's the myth worth dropping: that the right crate cures an escape artist. A solid kennel contains a dog that wants out for ordinary reasons like boredom or a stuffy spot. It doesn't change why an anxious dog is panicking. Record a short video of your dog alone to see which one you've got.
The AAHA plan also advises keeping departures low-key and minimizing cues tied to leaving. Pair that with a vet or certified behavior professional if your dog is hurting itself. Views differ on how much crate strength matters for anxious dogs, which is why the safety check comes first. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
The ASPCA says young puppies shouldn't be crated more than an hour or two at a time, apart from overnight, and adult dogs no more than about four hours at a time, with exercise before and after. The AKC adds that you should never use the crate for punishment.
The crate should be a place your dog chooses. The ASPCA suggests starting with a hungry, recently exercised dog and tossing treats inside, then closing the door briefly and extending the time. Reward calm behavior, then offer a long-lasting chew. If you're away longer than the limits, plan a midday walker rather than a longer stay.
Wooden Puppy Kennel with Charging Station
Rustic brown crate furniture for small dogs.
40 Inch Dog Crate Furniture, Dual Lockable Doors
Crate furniture with dual lockable double doors.
For households that run several dogs and larger spaces, our guide to wireless dog fences for multiple dogs covers outdoor containment.
If the kennel lives in a main living area, furniture-style models double as a side table or console. They usually cost more than a plain wire crate, but they blend in. For a garage, utility room or kennel space, a metal stackable unit gives you the most room per dollar.
Think about where each dog sleeps, how often you'll move the kennel and who will clean it. A removable tray, wide door and a footprint that suits your floor matter as much as the look. Match the kennel to the room first, then to the dog.
Modern Dog Kennel with Divider and 3 Drawers
Indoor crate furniture with a divider, drawers and pull-out feeder.
Dog Crate Side Table on Wheels, Lift Top
Furniture-style crate on wheels with double doors and a lift top.
16-Panel Dog Playpen, 31.5" Height
Indoor outdoor 16-panel pen, 31.5 inches tall.
Entry-level to premium, here are more options from our crates, gates and containment range.
Pet Life Ultra-Lock Collapsible Wire Crate
Collapsible wire folding crate for travel and car rides.
Pet Life Capacious Expandable Wire Crate
Dual-sided expandable wire folding crate.
40 Inch Dog Crate Furniture, Natural
Natural-finish crate furniture with dual lockable double doors.
Graffiti Dog Crate with Double Doors, White
Wooden crate furniture with double doors for large dogs.
Farmhouse Dog Crate with Sliding Barn Door
Wooden kennel end table with a flip-top.
Doodle Dog Crate with 2 Doors, White
Wooden crate furniture for medium and small dogs.
47.2" Large Wooden Dog House, Cabin Style
Indoor or outdoor cabin-style dog house with porch and 2 doors.
Measure your dog from head to feet standing and from nose to tail tip, then add 3 to 4 inches to each number, as the American Kennel Club advises. Your dog should be able to sit, stand and lie down comfortably, with no big spare corner.
Give each dog its own kennel rather than sharing one. Stackable units are designed for separate compartments, and a level floor plus the maker's own assembly steps matter most. Check the product listing's dimensions and instructions before you stack.
A sturdier build helps with chewing and pushing, but it doesn't treat panic. The AAHA separation anxiety plan suggests first checking whether a dog can be crated safely at all, and looking at alternatives if the dog injures itself or destroys the crate.
The ASPCA says young puppies shouldn't be crated for more than an hour or two at a time, and adult dogs no more than about four hours at a time, with exercise before and after.
Buy for the adult size and shrink the space while your puppy grows. Both the AKC and the ASPCA point to dividers or puppy panels so the extra room doesn't become a bathroom corner.
Sources: American Kennel Club, "What to Look for When Choosing a Dog Crate," https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-dog-crate/, retrieved 2026-10-08. American Kennel Club, "How to Crate Train Your Dog in 9 Easy Steps," https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-crate-train-your-dog-in-9-easy-steps/, retrieved 2026-10-08. ASPCA, "Introducing Your Dog to a Crate," https://www.aspca.org/node/66489, retrieved 2026-10-08. American Animal Hospital Association, sample treatment plan for canine separation anxiety (2015 behavior guidelines toolkit), https://www.aaha.org/?p=3418, retrieved 2026-10-08. General information, not veterinary advice.
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