Alright, so I’ve been meaning to share this for a while, and since I finally got my act together, here’s the lowdown on how I figured out the right kennel size for my German Shepherd, Max.
First off, let me tell you, Max is a big boy. Not fat, just big. When I first got him, I made the rookie mistake of getting a kennel that seemed “big enough.” Boy, was I wrong. Within months, he was cramped in there like a sardine in a can. Felt so bad for the guy. I measured his length and height. This was a challenge because Max was always on the move, but I managed it with a treat in hand.
So, I learned my lesson and started looking for a new kennel. I figured, I gotta get this right this time. I knew I needed to consider Max’s size, not just now, but also when he’s fully grown. German Shepherds, they get pretty big, you know? He is about 62cm tall and about 95cm long from his nose to the start of his tail. I learned that German Shepherds can sprint at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, which is incredibly fast! After consulting with my vet and doing some research, I realized that a 48-inch long, 30-inch wide, and 33-inch high kennel would be ideal for him. This would give him enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers. I wanted to make sure Max would be comfortable. I started looking at different types of kennels. Some were these flimsy plastic things, others were metal, and then there were those heavy-duty ones. I measured Max’s length and height. This was a challenge because Max was always on the move, but I managed it with a treat in hand. I also talked to my vet and other German Shepherd owners to get their advice on the best kennel size.
I measured Max’s length and height. This was a challenge because Max was always on the move, but I managed it with a treat in hand. I also talked to my vet and other German Shepherd owners to get their advice on the best kennel size.
Eventually, I found the perfect one, a sturdy, heavy-duty kennel. It’s spacious, it’s 48 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 33 inches high. I added a comfy bed and his favorite toys, and he took to it immediately, it’s more like a small room than a cage.
I watched Max closely for the first few days. He seemed much happier and more relaxed in his new kennel. He could stretch out fully, stand up without hitting his head, and turn around with ease. It was a relief to see him so comfortable.
So, here are the takeaways from my little adventure:
- Size Matters: Don’t underestimate how big your German Shepherd will get. Always go bigger than you think you need.
- Measure Your Dog: Get those measurements right. Length, height, the whole nine yards.
- Consider Material: Think about what the kennel is made of. You want something durable and comfortable.
- Observe: Finally, after getting the kennel, I observed Max’s behavior in it. It was clear that he loved the extra space.
It took a bit of trial and error, and definitely some learning on my part, but seeing Max happy and comfy in his kennel made it all worth it. I hope this helps some of you out there with your own furry friends!
