Should you cover your dog’s crate? Owners are constantly trying to find new ways to make the crate more appealing, cozy, and welcoming for their dogs. After all, the crate can be such a useful tool when our dog actually enjoys being in there.
This article contains everything you need to know, and includes 9 useful tips on making the crate your dog’s favorite place.
The short answer is that it depends on your dog. Although covering your dog’s crate with a blanket has it’s positives, not all dogs like it. Covering the crate might help a nervous dog feel more calm and safe, while for others it could cause them to fear the crate even more.
Dangers When Covering A Crate With A Blanket
Before covering the crate with a blanket, you should check what the blanket is made of for any signs of insulating materials like fleece.
Materials similar to fleece don’t allow air circulation to flow through properly. The material of the blanket used needs to be breathable in order for it to function properly.
Synthetic or winter blankets won’t work nearly as well because they trap heat within their fibers.
A blanket is the best way to insulate a dog crate indoors, but always leave at least one side of the crate uncovered.
This ensures adequate ventilation and prevents your dog from feeling suffocated in their crate.
6 Reasons Covering A Dog Crate Is A Good Idea
Covering your dog’s crate with a blanket will help deafen the noise from the surrounding area.
This will help make your pups safe space even more of a sanctuary as they won’t have as many interruptions when napping.
This obviously won’t make their crate completely soundproof. But, it will definitely help reduce some noises like appliances, the television, thunderstorms, etc.
1) Put an old unwashed t-shirt in his crate
One thing you can do is take an old, unwashed t-shirt of yours, and place it in his cate. Your puppy will be able to smell you at all times and this will be extremely reassuring for him. It will help him think that you are nearby at all times.
Only use an old t-shirt for when you’re going to bed or leaving the house. This way, it will still act as a comforter, but he won’t become completely reliant upon it. It’s good for your puppy to learn that sometimes it will be there, and sometimes it won’t. This will prove more effective when you need to leave him for longer durations.
After 4 months of age, the chances of him ripping it increases, so you may consider stopping it after 16 weeks.
One less t-shirt you’ll have to wash
FAQ
Does putting a blanket over a dog crate help keep them warm?
Should I cover my puppy with a blanket at night?