Hi,

I have a subaru impreza hatchback and am looking for a good sized crate for my car. From my measurements, I can fit a plastic 400 sized crate in the back seat of my car, but not a 500. My dog is about 60lbs (14 months, so will probably put on some weight). At home, I just ordered one of Leerburg's large aluminum crates, but I'm wondering if he can get away with the smaller one for long car rides. In the 400, he has to duck to get in, but it is big enough that he can turn around and lie down but not stretch out. Some of the posts I've read on the forum seem to indicate that maybe this is actually better for drives so that he doesn't stand up? Is something like this ok for him to go 3 or 4 hours in?

Thanks,
Tina

Sorry, just realized I meant the 300 (intermediate) sized crate is the one that will fit in my car's backseat. My pup is a smaller sized GSD. But the description of him in the crate is still the same as i described above. He has to duck in but can turn around and lie down but not stretch out.

I think as long as your dog can enjoy the ride, not nervous, and calm, you can crate your dog 3 to 4 hours there

But im usually stop by a gas station every 2 hours to let my dog have a fresh air, stretching out, and pee.

My "compact" GSD is 63 lbs and she fits into a 400 size for travel. It is not incredibly spacious, but she has enough room. I think a 300 would be too small for her; however, it really is up to you and how comfortable he seems.

Thanks for your advice. I will see if there is any way I can squeeze in a 400 size into my back seat.

You might be able to drop one of both of the back seats to the down forward position & put the crate in the back facing the back or sideways if the seats will lay flat. You will need to secure the crate so that it cannot move, in case of an accident or sudden stop.

When I used to have an Xterra that I used around town, I used to put one 400 crate facing the back & one 400 facing sideways in the back with the back seats down. When I use my big truck (Titan crew cab) I have perminent (500)crates mounted on an elevated installed floor in the back where the seats have been removed. My dogs think that the truck is their 2nd home. They spend the day in there when going to training,traveling etc. They just lay down & sleep, but can still sit up & look out the windows. I want them calm & resting in the truck. They can spend the better part of a day in there & more when traveling.

Should not be a problem as long as they get time to get out & stretch out & potty every few hours if traveling. I would give him a kong or something to keep him busy while traveling if the dog is young.