How to Measure Your Dog for a Kennel Divider
By Howling Dog Alaska | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to measure your dog for a kennel divider, ensuring proper fit for crate training and comfort. Step-by-step guide with tips for puppies and adult dogs.
Quick Answer
To measure your dog for a kennel divider, first measure your dog's height at the shoulder and length from nose to base of tail. Then, subtract 2–4 inches from the length to determine the divider position that gives your dog enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably without extra space that encourages soiling.
Why Proper Kennel Divider Sizing Matters
A kennel divider isn't just about making a crate smaller—it's about creating a safe, den-like environment that supports house training and reduces anxiety. When a divider is placed too far back, your dog has excess space that can lead to accidents. Placed too far forward, your dog may feel cramped and stressed. The goal is to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down flat, but no more. This is especially important for growing puppies, where adjustable dividers like the Howling Dog Alaska Forever Insert let you shift the wall as your pup grows.
Tools You'll Need
You only need a flexible measuring tape (like a tailor's tape), a notepad to record measurements, and your dog standing on a level surface. If your dog is wiggly, have a helper hold a treat to keep them still. For puppies, measure every few weeks to adjust the divider position as they grow.
Step-by-Step Kennel Divider Measurement Guide
- Step 1: Measure Your Dog's Length: Have your dog stand on all fours. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (where the tail meets the body). Record this length in inches. Common mistake: measuring to the end of the tail instead of the base. The tail should be able to rest naturally without being pressed against the divider.
- Step 2: Measure Your Dog's Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the shoulder (withers) while your dog stands naturally. This helps ensure the divider height is adequate for your dog to stand without crouching. Checkpoint: If your dog's shoulder height exceeds the divider's clearance, the divider may not fit. Most dividers are designed for standard kennel heights, but always verify with the product specs.
- Step 3: Determine Divider Position: Subtract 2–4 inches from your dog's length measurement. This is the ideal distance from the back of the kennel to the divider. For example, if your dog is 20 inches long, position the divider 16–18 inches from the back wall. Common mistake: leaving too much space. Extra room encourages dogs to eliminate in one corner and sleep in another, undermining house training. The divider should create a space just large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down.
- Step 4: Install and Test the Divider: Install the divider at the marked position according to the manufacturer's instructions. For Howling Dog Alaska Forever Inserts, the divider slides into the kennel and locks in place. Place your dog inside and observe for a few minutes. Checkpoint: Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down flat. If your dog seems cramped or cannot turn, move the divider back an inch. If there's visible extra space, move it forward.
- Step 5: Adjust as Your Dog Grows: For puppies, remeasure every 2–4 weeks and move the divider back accordingly. The Forever Insert is designed for easy adjustment without tools. Continue until your puppy reaches adult size, then remove the divider entirely. Common mistake: forgetting to adjust the divider as the puppy grows. A divider that's too small can cause discomfort and behavioral issues. Set a recurring reminder to check the fit.
Kennel Dividers That Make Adjusting Easy
- Forever Insert Large Kennel Divider for Puppies: The Forever Insert is a convenient kennel divider for our large size G3 kennel. This is ideal for puppies making the full-size kennel smaller with the ability to adjust as the pup grows into the kennel. Molded and assembled in the USA. For owners of a large G3 kennel, this divider lets you start with a snug space for a puppy and gradually expand it, supporting proper crate training without buying multiple crates.
- Forever Insert X-Large Kennel Divider for Puppies: The Forever Insert is a convenient kennel divider for our x-large size G3 kennel. This is ideal for puppies making the full-size kennel smaller with the ability to adjust as the pup grows into the kennel. Molded and assembled in the USA. If you have an x-large G3 kennel, this divider provides the same adjustability for larger breeds, ensuring your growing dog always has the right amount of space.
