Making a crate divider is a straightforward and cost-effective way to customize your dog's crate size. You can easily create one using a solid piece of cardboard or thin plywood and securely attaching it to the crate frame. This allows you to adjust or remove the divider as your dog grows, eliminating the need to buy a new crate or divider every few months.
Why Create Your Own Crate Divider?
Custom-made crate dividers offer several benefits over store-bought alternatives, especially when training a puppy:
- Cost Savings: Crafting your own divider can be done for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a commercial one.
- Perfect Fit: You can tailor the divider's dimensions precisely to your specific crate and the size of your growing puppy.
- Flexibility: Easily adjust the divider's position or remove it entirely as your dog matures, ensuring the crate always provides the ideal amount of space.
- Effective Crate Training: Providing just enough space (enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably) is crucial for house-training. It discourages accidents within their sleeping area, as dogs instinctively prefer not to soil their sleeping space.
Essential Materials for Your DIY Divider
Before you begin, gather the following basic materials:
- Divider Material:
**Thick Cardboard:**(e.g., from moving boxes) - A good temporary solution, especially for young puppies who aren't strong chewers.**Thin Plywood:**(e.g., 1/4 inch or 6mm thickness) - A more durable, long-lasting option, suitable for stronger chewers.- Alternative: Corrugated plastic sheets are also lightweight and water-resistant.
- Measuring Tools: Tape measure, ruler, pencil.
- Cutting Tools:
**For Cardboard:**Utility knife or strong scissors.**For Plywood:**Jigsaw, hand saw, or circular saw.
- Attachment Methods:
**Zip Ties:**Strong, easily adjustable, and widely available.**Heavy-Duty Twist Ties:**Similar to zip ties but often reusable.**Small C-Clamps or Binder Clips:**Can grip the crate bars and divider for easy adjustment.**Velcro Straps:**Reusable and offer quick adjustments.
- Safety Gear: Gloves and safety glasses (especially when cutting plywood).
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Crate Divider
Follow these steps to create a functional and secure divider for your dog's crate:
1. Measure Your Crate's Interior
- Using a tape measure, determine the inside width and height of your dog's crate where the divider will be placed.
- Tip: Subtract a small amount (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 inch or 0.5 to 1 cm) from the width measurement to ensure the divider can easily slide into place without getting stuck. The height should be almost as tall as the crate to prevent your dog from jumping over it.
2. Cut Your Chosen Material
- Based on your measurements, mark the dimensions onto your
**solid square of cardboard or thin plywood**. - Carefully cut the material using the appropriate tool.
- For cardboard: Use a utility knife and a straight edge for clean cuts.
- For plywood: Use a jigsaw or hand saw. Ensure all edges are smooth and free of splinters; sand the edges of plywood thoroughly.
3. Securely Attach the Divider to the Crate Frame
- Position the divider inside the crate at the desired point. Remember to create just enough space for your dog to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down.
**Attach it to the crate frame**using your preferred method:- With Zip Ties or Twist Ties: If using cardboard or corrugated plastic, you can poke small holes near the edges of the divider. For plywood, drill small holes. Thread the zip ties through these holes and around the vertical bars of the crate. Pull them tight and snip off any excess for safety.
- With C-Clamps or Binder Clips: Place the divider, then use small C-clamps or large binder clips to secure it to the top or side bars of the crate. This method offers quick and easy adjustability.
- With Velcro Straps: Wrap heavy-duty Velcro straps around the divider and the crate bars, ensuring a snug fit.
4. Adjust and Monitor as Your Dog Grows
- Regularly check your divider's position. As your puppy grows, you can easily
**adjust or remove the divider**to expand their living space within the crate. This flexibility eliminates the need to purchase new equipment every few months. - Always supervise your dog when they are first introduced to the divider to ensure they don't try to chew it or get stuck behind it.
Tips for a Safe and Effective Divider
- Material Consideration: Choose a material appropriate for your dog's chewing habits. Strong chewers will need plywood, while light chewers or non-chewers might be fine with sturdy cardboard.
- Eliminate Gaps: Ensure there are no large gaps around the divider where your dog could potentially get stuck or injured.
- Smooth Edges: Always finish edges carefully. Sand plywood, and for cardboard, you might consider taping the edges with strong duct tape.
- Cleanliness: Select materials that are easy to wipe down and keep clean.
- Stability is Key: The divider must be firmly attached and stable. It should not wobble, tip over, or be easily dislodged by your dog.
Comparing DIY Divider Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thick Cardboard | Very inexpensive, easy to cut and shape, lightweight | Less durable, easily chewed/damaged, absorbs liquids | Young puppies, temporary use, non-chewers |
| Thin Plywood | Highly durable, long-lasting, sturdy, chew-resistant | Requires proper tools to cut, heavier, potentially more expensive | Strong chewers, long-term use, larger dogs |
| Corrugated Plastic | Lightweight, waterproof, easy to clean, moderate durability | Can be chewed, might flex more than plywood, less rigid | Dogs with minor chewing habits, easy cleaning |
Additional Resources
- For more guidance on introducing your dog to their crate, refer to reputable sources on Crate Training a Puppy.
- Ensure your dog has appropriate chew toys to redirect any chewing instincts from their divider by checking out tips on Safe Puppy Chews.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a functional and cost-effective crate divider that supports effective crate training and adapts to your growing dog's needs.
