Well, I’ll have to say that this is a blog post I was not planning on doing, but thanks to Pinterest, here we are! It’s a look at the crates I have built into my home, so they are part of the furniture.
You see, a few years ago I wrote a blog called “Could I Be A Dog-Loving Mentor?” … and the image of my built in crates is one that has been shared on many Decor or DIY boards at Pinterest. That post is also on Dog Training boards, and if you have not seen it, I’d recommend you check it out.
But, back to home decor … which is quite the diversion for my blog … it happens that some time ago in our Agility Nation membership program, I did a segment showing the built in dog crates in my home. We’ve pulled that video clip out, and it’s below for you.
Many of you are probably thinking … “Why is this in Agility Nation, Susan? Is home furnishing the true ninja secret of your agility success?”.
It’s because we bring out something new every Monday in Agility Nation in relation to dog agility training and the supporting skills for agility. The month is divided into 4 main topic areas. As we all know, sometimes a month will have a 5th Monday, so on those Mondays, we take a look “Behind the Scenes”. The video above is an extract from a look behind the scenes with me about what I pack in my bag when going to agility trials. I just happened to be in that area of my home when filming, so did the quick overview of the crates on the spur of the moment!
Specifics On The Built In Crates
Each crate measures 24” (61 cm) wide, 34” (86 cm) tall and 33” (84 cm) deep. They were built to suit the size of dogs I have, so if you have larger or smaller dogs, you will need to change the size accordingly.
The crates were part of the design of our home. That means that I don’t have some of the specifics like the type of hinges and so on. I am sure you can take your phone or tablet to any hardware store and play this video, or send a link to this blog post, and you will get immediate ideas back on the materials that will suit you best.
The crate partitions are removable. The door slides out from the top of the crates.
We’ve got a PDF for you showing the layout of my built in crates and have included photos for reference. Click here to download the “Built In Dog Crates” PDF.
Don’t Forget Crate Games!
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t include that if you are going to build crates as part of your home decor, it is vital to crate train your dog. It’s super important that our dogs are happy and relaxed in a crate.
If you ever need to leave your dog at the Vet, it’s going to make your dog’s experience much better if he feels safe in a crate and can relax. You will need your dog in a crate for travelling. If there is ever an emergency and your dog needs to be crated, it’s far better for everyone if he is comfortable, most especially it’s better for your dog.
Crate Games is going to help you condition your dog to a crate for comfort and confidence. People who do dog sports know the benefit and possibilities in Crate Games, but it’s also for dogs who might never do sports. For a “great family pet”, Crate Games:
- Is a great tool to help your puppy with toilet training,
- Helps to transport your dog safely in the car or by plane,
- Creates comfort for your dog when your dog has to stay at the vets,
- Helps the crate become a den or safe place for your puppy or dog,
- Helps if your dog ever needs to be confined due to major surgery, or events such as evacuation,
- Teaches our dogs self control and motivation within a positive framework,
- Is a great way to learn about shaping and maintaining criteria for all the family.
More Home Decor
Seeing as the theme today is decor, I’ll leave you with a photo of Momentum and Tater in front of their new collage portraits. The collage portraits are very unique for sure, and look different the further away you get from them. I just love them. The reason the dogs are posing so well under their portraits is that they both have the foundation of Crate Games … so that’s another reason to play!
Tater-Salad and Momentum posing with their “Samuel Price Art” portraits.
Returning to the built in dog crates … I know that many of you have done similarly as a DIY project. Let us know in the comments what you did and the materials you used. Your ideas help everyone! I’ve seen some of your photos and videos, and you have super ideas to share.
Today I am grateful for all of you, who visit my online ‘virtual home’ across many locations and spend time with me and my dogs.
I once made a bedframe out of 2×4, 4×4 posts, a sheet of AC board 4’x8’x1/2″ and I believe the sides and partition were made of AC board that was a quarter inch instead of half inch thick. It was originally going to be storage but before I actually built it (with the help of my brother), I changed the design to have a partition so that it could be crates instead for my boys (male dogs). So they each had a slightly less than 4’x4′ crate under my bed. Worked great for about a year before my pitbull decided to chew his way out for reasons unknown while I was away from the house. Then I bought a camper with crates built into the benches of the dinette set. Unfortunately, they’re built for smaller dogs than mine but they still make great storage spaces!
Very cool and looks great. But….wood! What if you have big chewers in the house?
I love this idea, Ash’s crate is his personal cave, where he goes to unwind and rest on his own.
I am just trying to figure out a spot in my old house for a nice built in one, big enough for a very large rough collie!
Your home is magnificent and your dogs live royally! Thanks for sharing your personal life with us. I also love your collage photo frame of all your dogs – I think I should do that of all our family pets – the kids will enjoy seeing it displayed and bringing back the fond memories of each life that has blessed our home too.
What kind of wood do u use to build these?
Omg Susan thank you so much for doing this post. Years ago when you showed a video where you were walking through your kitchen I paused it and took a snapshot for my husband. My words literally were wouldn’t this be awesome if you built this in our kitchen! Maybe I should take a video when I hand him the design. Hahaha, you’re magical thank you for being you XO your fan just a little ways down the highway!
Are your built in crates in a quiet space away from the action of the house hold? We have a space which is crying for a built in, and where the pup often chooses to sleep anyway, but it’s close to the tv and where we sit. He can see all the coming and going. Just wondering if it would be better to find a quieter spot so that he’ll get a better rest when he’s in chilling. Currently his crate is in a quieter corner out of sight. He will go in through out but seldom chooses to sleep there on his own. What would you recommend?
Is there a place to get the DIY on how to build the closing doors? We are building these right now but though we would put on conventional doors. This is a MUCH better solution
Are these built-in crates in a place where the dogs can see the front door?
Now that you have lived with them for a while, would you change anything?
What do you think of putting a regular crate door in the front door that drops down to make it easier to play crate games?
Thanks in advance,
John
That is amazing! I have wanted to do something similar but hadn’t seen any designs that had side panels that pull out. Thank you for sharing!
I live the concept but wonder how you keep the white interior so clean?
I love your pretend trip and stumble.
Your home is amazing beautiful.
My home is super small but amazing just the same.
Hi to LOH
I need my house remodeled. I know exactly where a crate can be built. Thanks for giving me a great idea!
What a great idea!. One of the things I don’t like about crates is the room they take up and the open doors, yet they seem like a necessity. I’m currently looking to buy another home and this is something I’m definitely going to keep in mind.
How easy are these to clean? I have senior dogs, and they are not always predictable, or if a dog is ill. I had an older male dog, and when crated side by side, if he piddled in his crate, he also sprayed his neighbor and her crate!
Love the built-ins! Can’t tell you how many times I’ve hurt myself on an open crate door!! Wayfair sells furniture style crates – they look like they are real wood & you can get them in all shapes and sizes.
Love your crates, especially the slide away doors!! IKEA hackers site also has some nice ideas on how to make dog crates/covers and other interesting things using IKEA furniture or similar.
We have a neighbor who has two end tables that are crates. Their dogs are small, those crates absolutely fit into their living room decor.