Bedding for an outside dog kennel
Both puppies and adult dogs appreciate having comfortable bedding material in their kennels. However, it’s never a good idea to use old blankets, sheets, or towels in an outside kennel. Dogs (especially young puppies) may chew on these materials, ingest them, and develop a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage that may require surgery.
Instead,look for a specially designed dog bed. There are some options available thatare specifically engineered to also serve as crate mats. Some of these can helpdrain urine in case of accidents. The dog bed you select for the exteriorkennel should be both durable and comfortable, as well as appropriately sizedfor the dog. Although the bedding you choose should be warm and insulating,note that you should never leave a dog outside during inclement weather.
Choosing toys for an outside dog kennel
Puppiesand adult dogs can both benefit from the mental stimulation of playing withtoys. It’s best to avoid leaving plush, soft toys in the outside dog kennel.The dog may chew these up and ingest pieces of them, potentially causing abowel blockage. Instead, look for durable toys marketed as indestructible.
What about covering your dog’s crate?
This isn’t a black or white answer to this question, as it completely depends on your dog. Many dogs like a covered crate, while some don’t.
Plastic or wooden crates are already fairly enclosed, but wire crates are very open and may not give your pup the den-like atmosphere she wants.
A covered crate can provide a sense of coziness, comfort, and safety for a lot of dogs. It is also a useful way of reducing stimulation for anxious dogs who get distracted by what’s going on around them or for territorial dogs who feel the need to guard.
Some dogs, however, take comfort in seeing their surroundings and may get anxious upon the crate being covered.
The only way to know if your dog likes it is to try it. The best way to do this is by introducing the cover slowly. First, just cover the roof of the crate for a couple of days, then include one side for a couple more days, and then include both sides, and so on.
You should be there at all times while they are getting used to it. Don’t leave them home or overnight with the crate covered before you know they are okay with it.
It is important not to cover all sides of the crate, as they still need ventilation for temperature control and fresh air.
Like anything new and unfamiliar, your dog may object at first.
However, if after a couple of days of trying out the cover your dog shows true anxiety, whether by whining, scratching at the crate cover or clawing or chewing at the crate, it’s her way of saying she doesn’t like it.
You should remove the cover and stop the process, as continuing will just cause her stress.
If your dog seems relaxed and at ease, enters without showing signs of anxiety, and sleeps with the crate covered, it’s highly likely that she likes it and you can leave it in place.
I highly recommend that you try it out. For the dogs who like it, you won’t know unless you go through the process!
HOW TO TAKE DOWN A DOG CRATE IN 1 MINUTE!
Before you can start crate training your puppy or older dog, you have to know what to put in a dog crate to make it a comfortable, enticing and welcoming place where your dog will love to spend time, while making sure not to leave them with things that could be detrimental to what we’re trying to achieve or even dangerous if left with your dog.
This article will explain what you should and should not place in the crate, for safety, for comfort and to be sure you’re doing the best you can for your dog when crating them.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION: Our favorite dog crate is the Midwest Life Stages Crate. We still use the same crate we bought for our first puppy, Linus over 17 years ago!
But before deciding what to put in your dog’s crate, you first need to know where to put it.