Crate Size - Huge!!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hello,

   I'm bringing home my goldendoodle at 8 weeks on June 26th. I was doing some reading and several sites suggested a 48" crate. I just put mine together and it is gigantic. I know they get big, but is this size really necessary?  Hes not a mini. My daughter just suggested that when he's "that big" he won't need a crate anymore. 

    Also, the one I bought is the Top Paw brand Double Door Folding Crate with the divider for when he's smaller. I cannot figure out how to get the divider in. It's not in the directions at all.

   I've had a German Shepherd/Chow mix before and he was pretty happy in a much smaller crate. 

   Any thoughts are appreciated!!

Diane

[Amy and Annabelle]

Mine is a mini and hers is 19x30. It was huge when she only weighed 4lbs, but now it is the perfect size, she can stand up in it. When we leave and she can't come with us, we leave her in her crate. She feels safe in there. That is where she slept for the first year, until she could be trusted not to chew up the bedding.

[Nga and Cinni]

My doodle is 7 months old and about 47 lbs. When she sleeps, she stretches out and almost fills out the entire crate. I wished I had started out with a 48 inch crate. The breeder recommended a 36 inch crate. I got her the 48 inch after about 2 months. We will always crate her when she's left alone because she will get into trouble otherwise.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

If you've already bought a crate this advice may not be relevant. I puchased a used small crate on Craigslist prior to Georgia coming home. This allowed me to move the crate from room to room and was small enough that I could take it with me and put her in it when attending social functions. She outgrew it pretty quickly and I sold the crate on Craigslist for the same price I paid for it. If I were to get a new puppy I would do this again.
I move her to a medium sized crate also bought and sold on Craig's list.
At about 4-5 months I abandoned the crate. She was okay when put in it but given the choice never went there willingly. She was fine and non destructive with no accidents at that point, even when left alone, so the crate was sold.