Does Stew need an even bigger crate?

[Jess & Stewart]

My "mini" is not so mini! He's a whopping 16 inches tall and 26 lbs. I had really hoped he'd be smaller but he isn't LOL. He definitely has a poodle build, tall & skinny under all his fluff! I have a 36 x 27 x 25 midwest crate. Stew spends most of his time in his crate curled up, but his body (nose to butt) almost touches the edges when he lays down. I hadn't thought it was too big until my dad mentioned that he thought he needed more room.

I can't believe he's outgrown a crate for a 50 lb dog! I really don't want to get a 42 inch crate because that seems way too big! Are there in between sizes or extra long crates?

[Deborah Brown]

He definitely is better than you think!  He's got a spunky personality which keeps you on your toes.  You've made a lot of progress and it will keep getting better.  Again, I wouldn't stress about the sleeping arrangements.  He probably really enjoys being out of the crate.

[Jess & Stewart]

Here's another picture. One of these days I'll get a new computer and stop posting from my iphone!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

From this photo, I would say he is ready for a larger crate. 

[Jess & Stewart]

Yeah, my apt is definitely all Stew's. I was thinking of it more along the lines of Stew's guarding, but I think he's fine. He ripped up his beloved green dog bed that I've had since day one so I'll need to get him another. It really was his place even though we never trained the command.

He's rarely in his crate except for when I leave for long periods of time. Sometimes I'll put him in it during the day just so he gets time in it while I'm there so he doesn't associate it with me leaving. More recently, he's gone in on his own but it may be because I'm home during the day and he's more comfortable.