Maya Ellison
Dividers for dog crates are useful for house training puppies by preventing them from using the bathroom in their sleeping area. While some crates come with dividers, they can be expensive, and it may be difficult to find a divider for a plastic crate. However, there are several DIY methods for creating a divider for a plastic dog crate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | House train puppies by keeping them from using the bathroom in their sleeping area |
| Crate divider types | Detachable dividers, RuffLand Kennel Divider, DIY dividers |
| DIY divider materials | Cardboard, plywood, plastic bins, crates with built-in dividers |
| DIY divider tools | Measuring tape, sandpaper, drill, plastic zip ties |
| Divider positioning | Move the panel forward or backward to change the size of the puppy's sleeping area |
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What You'll Learn
Using a cardboard box
Dividing a plastic dog crate using a cardboard box is a simple and inexpensive way to create a comfortable space for your dog. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Measure the Crate and Dog
Firstly, you'll need to measure the height and width of the inside of your plastic dog crate. It's important to measure from the bottom of the crate to the top for the height and from one side to the other for the width. Additionally, measure your dog's height and length to ensure they have enough space. As a rule of thumb, add 3 inches to both their height and length measurements.
Step 2: Cut the Cardboard
Using sturdy corrugated cardboard, mark the measurements of the crate's height and width, subtracting 1/2 inch from each side. This allowance will make it easier to install the divider and prevent your dog's body from getting stuck. Cut along the lines using scissors or a box cutter for straighter edges. You can reinforce the edges of the cardboard with duct tape to prevent fraying and tearing.
Step 3: Create Holes and Install
Drill or punch holes in each corner of the cardboard divider. These holes will be used to attach the divider to the crate. Place the divider inside the crate and secure it by threading plastic zip ties through the holes and looping them around the crate's wires. Ensure the divider is stable and snip off any excess zip tie.
Step 4: Adjust as Needed
As your dog grows, you can adjust the divider to increase the size of their sleeping area. Simply cut the zip ties, move the divider, and re-tie it in the new position. Cardboard dividers are also easy to replace if your dog chews on them or if you need to adjust the size of the divided space.
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Buying a plastic divider
Crate dividers are useful tools for house-training puppies, as they prevent them from using the bathroom in their sleeping area. While some crates come with built-in dividers, they can be quite expensive. If you already have a crate without a divider, you can buy a separate divider panel to place inside. These panels can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, with prices starting from $21.88.
Alternatively, you can make your own crate divider. This can be done by measuring the height and width of the inside of the crate and cutting a piece of sturdy cardboard, plywood, or plastic to size. Be sure to sand down any sharp edges and drill holes for zip ties to secure the divider to the crate. You can also use a large plastic bin for this purpose. When installing the divider, make sure there are no gaps that your puppy's paws could get stuck in.
It is important to observe your puppy in the crate to determine the optimal placement of the divider. There should be enough room for your puppy to stand up, stretch out, and turn around without difficulty. You can adjust the size of the sleeping area by moving the divider forward or backward.
Overall, whether you purchase a divider panel or create your own, it is a useful tool for house-training your puppy and ensuring they have a comfortable and safe space.
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DIY with plywood
Dividing a plastic dog crate with plywood is a great option if you have a puppy that is teething or likes to chew. While cardboard is a more cost-effective option, it is not suitable for dogs that like to chew.
To start, you will need to measure the inside of the crate. Measure the width or length and height, depending on whether you want to divide the crate crosswise or lengthwise. Subtract about half an inch from these measurements. Mark these measurements onto your plywood. Cut the plywood with a handsaw or table saw. You can then sand the edges with high-grit sandpaper to ensure there are no splinters or wood burrs.
Once you have your plywood cut to size, you can punch holes in each corner using a drill or by pounding nails through the plywood. You can also add extra holes along the upper edge of the divider and on the sides. These holes will serve as anchor points to secure the divider in place.
Now you can place the divider inside the crate. Open the door or top panel of the crate and insert the divider. Secure it by threading a zip tie through each hole and tying it around one of the grates in the crate. Ensure that it is not wobbly and cut off any excess zip tie.
You can adjust the placement of the divider to change the size of your puppy's sleeping area. Observe your puppy as it explores the crate to get a sense of where to position the divider.
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Using a plastic bin
If you're looking to divide a plastic dog crate using a plastic bin, there are a few methods you can try.
Firstly, you can try using a plastic container, such as a file box or storage bin, that fits into the crate to fill up the extra space. This method is especially useful if you have a growing puppy, as you can remove the bin once your puppy is bigger and no longer has accidents in the crate.
Another option is to use a small plastic cooler to fill the back of the crate, making it a better fit for a puppy.
If you're looking for a more adjustable solution, you can try using two plastic bins stacked on top of each other. For this method, you'll need two plastic bins that fit snugly inside the crate when stacked. Cut a solid square piece from the bottom of one of the bins, ensuring it's slightly smaller than the width and height of the bin so that it can be easily inserted and removed. This will serve as your divider panel. Punch holes in each corner of the panel and slide it into the crate, positioning it between the two stacked bins. You can then use plastic zip ties or metal wire to secure the divider panel to the crate by threading the ties through the holes and attaching them to the crate wires.
When creating your divider, it's important to ensure that your puppy still has enough space to sit, lay down, and move around comfortably. You may need to adjust or remove the divider as your puppy grows or becomes more potty-trained.
Additionally, if you're concerned about your puppy chewing on the plastic bin, you can cover it with a blanket or choose a bin with a design or colour that is less likely to attract chewing.
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RuffLand Kennel Divider
Dividing a dog crate can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do it yourself. While some crates come with built-in dividers, they can be costly. A more affordable option is to create your own divider using materials like cardboard, plywood, or plastic bins. However, the RuffLand Kennel Divider offers a convenient and adjustable solution for RuffLand GEN II Kennels.
The "Divide & Conquer" Kennel Divider from RuffLand is a fully assembled, rotomolded divider designed for ease of use. It features four spring-loaded, retractable pegs that easily snap into the vent holes of the kennel, allowing you to modify the size of your puppy's space as they grow. The divider is vented to keep the puppy cool and includes built-in finger holes for easy handling.
One of the key advantages of the RuffLand Kennel Divider is its adjustability. It comes in three tailored sizes: Intermediate, Large, and X-Large, ensuring a perfect fit for the corresponding Gen II Ruff Land Kennels. This adjustability is beneficial for accommodating growing puppies or creating separate spaces for multiple dogs.
The installation and removal process of the RuffLand Kennel Divider is straightforward and does not require any tools. The divider simply snaps into place using the retractable pegs, making it convenient to adjust the space as needed. This feature is especially useful for puppies as it allows you to increase their space as they grow without the need for purchasing a new crate.
In addition to its functionality, RuffLand also offers a range of accessories to enhance your kennel. From customizable upgrades like tie-down kits and handles to practical add-ons like cushioned pads and water-resistant covers, you can customize your setup to suit your specific needs and those of your pet. With RuffLand, you can be assured of exceptional quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
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Frequently asked questions
Dividing a plastic dog crate can be tricky, and it's generally easier to buy a crate with a built-in divider. However, if you want to divide a plastic dog crate, you can do so by purchasing a large plastic bin, measuring the inside of the crate, cutting out a piece of plastic from the bin that fits inside the crate, and then securing it in place with zip ties.
When dividing a plastic dog crate, make sure to sand down any sharp edges so your puppy doesn't get hurt. Also, ensure there are no gaps that your puppy's paws could get stuck under.
Crate dividers can be useful for house training puppies by keeping them from using the bathroom in their sleeping area. They can also help to create a separate space for smaller dogs or multiple dogs sharing a crate.
Yes, some alternatives to using a crate divider include using a cardboard box or a puppy carrier to divide the crate. However, make sure your puppy doesn't chew on any cardboard or plastic as it could be harmful if ingested.
