Crating dogs together

Question
We have two dogs, and most things I've read say do not crate two dogs together. Dogs in one household are usually compared to packs. Considering this, don't dogs from the same pack sleep together? If so, what's the logic behind not crating them together?

Answer
Hi Jane,

You are correct that many dogs 'like' to sleep together but remember that sleeping together doesn't necessarily mean they have to be right next to each other. Any dog has the option of moving away if she wants to. By crating your dogs in the same crate, you are not allowing them to enjoy their own space. Some dogs do have more of a personal space requirement than others, just like we do. Depending on what breed you own, crating together could be a disaster waiting to happen. For example, we own two Jack Russel Terrier bitches and we would never crate them together because we know our youngest is just looking for an opportunity to kill the older one should she become ill. It's what they do, they are dogs. We accept them for what they are and manage their needs appropriately. On the other hand, we could crate any of our 3 Labs together and they'd all be fine but again we respect that they all like their own space so they have individual crates in the same room. They are in essence all sleeping together but have their own space to get away.