How big should my shih-tzu crate be if I want to "crate train" her?

no bigger then the animal needs to turn around and lay out flat any bigger and they will soil it

Hi WESLEY:

You need a crate wide enough so that she can turn around in it. And tall enough so that when she sits her head does not touch the top. And long enough so she can lay down and sleep comfortable. You don't want one big enough so that she can play in it, because the crate is not her play area.

Hi,

Buy one with several inches to spare so your dog has plenty of room to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You also need one big enough to hold a few chew toys and big enough for your puppy to grow into. Here are more tips in buying the right crate for your dog:

http://lnk.nu/dogtime.com/waz.html

You could always get a larger crate that comes with dividers. This way you can size it to fit your dog now, and then move the dividers as she gets bigger/older and is completely crate trained.

For training, she needs to be able to turn around and lay down in it or she will potty in it. Once she's trained you can always get her a little bit bigger one, but still don't go too big or it may end up not making her feel safe.

turn around or she can bounce around. Be sure to secure the crate in a vehicle