By Audrey HayesDouble dog crate furniture is a crate built into a piece that looks like a side table, console, or sofa-style cabinet, sized to hold two dogs or two separate compartments. This guide walks you through how to decide whether it fits your household, how to measure for two dogs, what to check before you buy, and how to set it up so both dogs settle in. Whether you are crate training two puppies at once or managing an adult dog and a young one, the steps below will help you get the layout right the first time.
What Double Dog Crate Furniture Is and Who It Suits
Most double dog crate furniture comes in one of two forms. The first is a single large enclosure divided by a wire or solid panel into two sleeping areas, each with its own door. The second is two smaller crates housed side by side inside a single cabinet frame, often with a shared top that doubles as a surface. Both designs save floor space compared with two freestanding crates, and both can blend into a living room better than bare metal.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Dog Beds for Crate Training: Expert Picks for Every Need.
This setup tends to suit households where two dogs are already comfortable in crates, dogs of similar size, or pairs that need a shared “home base” in a common room. It is less ideal if your dogs have a history of fighting over resources, if one dog is a heavy chewer who might damage a wood frame, or if the dogs differ greatly in size and need different sleeping heights.
Step 1: Measure Both Dogs Before You Shop
Sizing is where most problems start. Measure each dog separately, then size the compartment to the larger dog. Use these measurements:
- Length: from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, with the dog lying flat.
- Height: from the floor to the top of the head while sitting upright, plus 1 to 2 inches for ears.
- Width: at the widest point of the shoulders or hips, whichever is broader.
A compartment should be long enough for the dog to stretch out and turn around, and tall enough to stand up without the head touching the top. Many trainers suggest adding about 2 to 4 inches of length beyond the nose-to-tail measurement. For a deeper explanation of how to do this accurately, see How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate and Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog.
Measuring for Two Different-Sized Dogs
If your dogs differ in size, you have two options. You can choose a unit with one large and one medium compartment, or you can buy a standard double unit and make sure the smaller dog’s compartment is still comfortable. Do not assume that a small dog will be happy in a large space. Some dogs feel more secure in a snug area, while a larger dog needs room to stretch. Check manufacturer specifications for each compartment separately rather than relying on the overall footprint.
Step 2: Check the Materials and Build Quality
Double dog crate furniture is usually made from engineered wood, MDF, solid wood, metal, or a combination. Each material behaves differently under chewing, scratching, and moisture. Before choosing, look at how each material handles the specific risks in your home. Dog Crate Materials Compared: Wire, Plastic, Fabric gives a useful overview of how these materials perform in general.
| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Frame material | Solid wood or sturdy engineered panels | Resists flexing and daily wear |
| Door type | Metal wire or reinforced panel doors with secure latches | Keeps dogs contained and allows airflow |
| Divider | Fixed, full-height panel or wire grid | Prevents dogs from reaching each other through the wall |
| Floor | Removable, washable tray or pan | Simplifies cleaning after accidents |
| Ventilation | Openings on at least two sides | Keeps air moving in each compartment |
| Top surface | Load rating stated by the manufacturer | Determines what you can safely place on it |
Step 3: Plan the Placement in Your Home
Location affects how both dogs feel. Place the unit where people are around but not in a high-traffic path. A quiet corner of a family room works well. Avoid placing the unit directly in front of a door, near a heater vent, or in direct sunlight, since these can cause drafts, temperature swings, or overheating.
Leave at least 3 to 4 feet of clearance in front of each door so dogs and people can move easily. Keep the unit away from cords, curtains, and anything your dogs might pull down. If you plan to use a cover, make sure it does not block the ventilation panels.
Step 4: Introduce Each Dog to Its Own Compartment
Do not put both dogs in at once on the first day. Introduce each compartment separately, with the crate door open, using treats and a calm voice. Let the dog walk in, sniff, and come out on its own. Gradually increase the time with the door closed, starting at a few seconds and building to a few minutes over several days.
Keep each dog’s experience independent at first. A dog that feels pressured may associate the crate with stress. For a full pacing plan, Introducing Your Dog to a Crate Step by Step walks through the process in detail.
Setting Up Each Compartment
- Place a flat, chew-resistant bed in each compartment sized to the dog.
- Add one water bowl per compartment, secured so it does not tip.
- Offer a durable chew toy in each space, but only one at a time to reduce conflict.
- Use a light cover over the top or sides if your dog settles better in a den-like space. Dog Crate Covers: Den Feel, Airflow and Safety explains the tradeoffs.
Step 5: Set a Routine for Both Dogs
Crate time works best with a predictable schedule. Feed each dog in its own compartment with the door closed, then open the doors after the meal and give a short bathroom break. This builds the association between the crate and calm, routine events. A sample daily structure might look like this:
- Morning: potty break, breakfast in the crate, short rest period.
- Midday: exercise or play outside the crate, then a short crate rest.
- Evening: dinner in the crate, potty break, quiet time, then bedtime in the crate.
If you are working with puppies, timing matters even more. Dog Crate Training Puppy: A Week-by-Week Guide for New Owners gives a schedule that adapts well to two puppies sharing a double unit.
Step 6: Manage Interaction Between the Two Dogs
Even when dogs are friendly, they can compete over space, toys, or attention. Watch for stiff posture, hard staring, lip licking, or growling when the dogs are near the divider. If you see these signs, separate the dogs for a while and reduce the amount of time they spend in close proximity.
Give each dog a clear sense of its own space. Avoid placing high-value treats or toys in a way that encourages one dog to guard the other’s compartment. Supervise the first several weeks closely, especially during feeding and when new toys are introduced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sizing to the smaller dog. The larger dog needs room to lie down and turn. Size to the biggest dog in each compartment.
- Using the crate as punishment. Crates should feel safe. Using them for timeouts or as a place for stress makes settling harder.
- Leaving dogs unsupervised with chew toys. A toy that is safe for one dog may cause conflict or choking hazards for the other.
- Placing heavy items on the top surface without checking the load rating. Exceeding the rating can damage the frame and create a falling hazard.
- Ignoring ventilation. Blocking air openings with blankets or decor can cause overheating, especially in warm rooms.
- Skipping the cleaning routine. Accidents and drool build up fast in a double unit. Clean the tray and wipe surfaces regularly.
Tips for Long-Term Success
- Check the hinges, latches, and frame joints every few weeks, especially if your dogs are chewers or active jumpers.
- Rotate toys and bedding so each dog has novelty without sharing a single high-value item.
- Keep a log of any changes in appetite, sleep, or behavior so you can spot problems early.
- If a dog stops using its compartment or shows signs of distress, pause the routine and talk with a veterinarian or certified trainer before continuing.
Recommended gear
A few supporting items can make a double unit easier to use day to day.
- Kong Classic: A sturdy rubber chew toy that can be stuffed with food to keep each dog occupied in its own compartment. View on Amazon
- Frisco Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Bowl: A weighted, tip-resistant bowl that fits neatly into the corner of a compartment. View on Amazon
- Dog crate pad with a waterproof base: Helps protect the floor of each compartment and makes cleanup easier. View on Amazon
FAQ
Can two dogs share a double dog crate furniture unit?
Yes, if each dog has its own compartment with a separate door and a solid or wire divider. Shared compartments are not recommended, because dogs need individual space to rest and avoid conflict.
How big should each compartment be?
Each compartment should let the dog stand, turn around, and lie down fully stretched. Measure the dog’s length, height, and width, then choose a compartment that gives a few inches of extra room in each direction.
Is double dog crate furniture safe for puppies?
It can be, provided the compartments are sized for the puppy’s expected adult size and the materials are sturdy enough to withstand chewing. Supervise puppies closely and check the unit regularly for damage.
Can I put a cover over the unit?
Yes, but leave the ventilation openings clear and avoid covers that block airflow or make the space too warm. Some dogs prefer a darker, den-like feel, while others settle better with more visibility.
How do I clean a double unit?
Remove the trays from each compartment daily, wash them with pet-safe cleaner, and wipe the floors and walls weekly. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions, since some frame finishes are not designed for strong disinfectants.
What should I do if the dogs fight through the divider?
Stop using the unit in that configuration and separate the dogs for a time. Look for signs of stress, reassess the placement, and consider consulting a certified dog behavior professional or your veterinarian if the conflict continues.
Can double dog crate furniture be used for travel?
Most furniture-style units are too heavy and bulky for travel. For car or air trips, a dedicated travel crate is usually safer and easier to secure. Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules covers the requirements for each mode of transport.
How long can a dog stay in its compartment?
Adult dogs should not be crated for long stretches during the day. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks and cannot hold their bladder for long. Plan regular breaks, exercise, and social time outside the crate.
Conclusion
Double dog crate furniture can give two dogs their own secure spaces while keeping your living area tidy. Measure each dog carefully, check the materials and divider, and introduce each compartment slowly. With a consistent routine and close attention to how the dogs interact, the unit can become a comfortable home base for both.
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About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
