Should I put a blanket over my dogs crate?

10 Tips for a Soundproof Dog Crate You Need to Know

If your canine buddy has a phobia of loud and unfamiliar noises or their non-stop barking is driving you and your neighbors crazy, the idea of soundproofing the dog crate may have crossed your mind.

Soundproofing helps reduce sounds and eliminate echoes while reducing the volume of your dog’s persistent barking.

It can also help dampen loud sounds in the crate which is particularly important for pets that are suffering from noise-related phobia and anxiety.

There are several ways to soundproof a dog crate.

For some dog owners, it’s the most viable solution.

A soundproof crate gives dogs a more comfortable place to stay in, while also reducing the noise inside your home.

Can You Soundproof a Dog Crate?

Yes, soundproofing a dog crate is possible and while there’s no way to make a dog crate 100% soundproof, there are ways that noise can be significantly reduced.

The cost of the various soundproofing options differs, with the best options being a little more expensive.

However, some pet owners would willingly shell out extra bucks to address the problem and improve the quality of life for humans and pets alike.

Benefits of a soundproof crate:

• When a dog is relaxed, he is less likely to bark.
• Reduced barking and whining can help create a more peaceful home environment.
• If your dog is prone to noise-related phobia and anxiety, soundproofing protects your pet against noises that scare him.
• You won’t get in hot water with the neighbors for the noise that your dog is making.

But won’t my dog feel claustrophobic when inside a soundproof dog cage?

This is a common question that many pet owners share.

Take note that soundproofing materials are attached outside the crate or designed to cover the crate.

Thus, soundproofing won’t take any space inside the crate.

Unfortunately, a dog crate can’t be 100% soundproof because it is nearly impossible to block out low-frequency sounds.

Soundproofing a crate for total silence would create an environment that’s too hot and uncomfortable for your dog.

How Can I Make My Dog’s Crate Quieter?

It is possible to make your dog’s crate quieter.

There are several options to choose from, each with its pros and cons.

The top dog crate soundproofing solutions are soundproof crate covers, absorption sheets, soundproof walls, blankets, soundproof curtains as well as a noise-canceling dog crate.

Soundproof Crate Covers

Soundproof crate covers are an inexpensive way for soundproofing dog crates.

It’s simply placed over the crate to cover it and to keep noise levels down.

These special crate covers come in various sizes.

When buying a crate cover, make sure that it’s made of breathable material so the inside of the crate won’t get too hot and uncomfortable for your dog.

Once the crate is covered, the level of sound getting in and out of the crate is significantly reduced.

Crate covers can easily be removed and are made of breathable and washable material.

An ideal dog crate cover doesn’t completely block out the light inside the crate.

The material should not reflect any sound. If your dog’s barking reflects off the crate cover, it will sound louder for the dog which can only compound the problem.

Finding a crate cover that’s soundproof can be a challenge but a thick heavy-duty crate cover can be used for the purpose.

Some are designed to be dual-sided – the woven side for heavy-duty use and the non-woven side for shielding items from the environmental extremes.

Absorption Sheets

When it comes to addressing mid-high frequency sounds, absorption sheets are just right for the job.

The sheets can also reduce echoes.

Absorption sheets are inexpensive and they are made to easily fit the crate and be removed without using any tools. The sheets usually stick to the outside of the crate to create a barrier.

It’s a semi-permanent solution to soundproofing a dog’s crate. To ensure effectiveness, the sheets must fit your dog’s crate.

Compared to crate covers, sheets are better at reducing noise levels and are designed to fit specific measurements.

Placing absorption sheets inside the crate is not recommended because a dog can easily tear them apart.

Soundproof Dog Room Walls & Floor

If your dog hates staying inside his crate or he only barks when you’re out, you should consider soundproofing the walls and floor of the room where your pet stays in.

Compared to other soundproofing options, this is more expensive but it’s a more permanent solution.

This option is ideal for larger dogs or those living in extremely noisy areas.

Soundproofing the walls and floor of your home can significantly reduce the sound inside the home thus creating a more comfortable environment for you and your dog.

Another possibility: Your dog hates being inside a crate or you are not up to the idea of putting your pet inside a crate, you should consider soundproofing an entire room.

This will give your pooch more space to roam around and be comfortable.

Having more freedom to move around can help reduce a dog’s feelings of fear and anxiety when left home alone.

Soundproofing the walls and floor of the room where your dog stays might seem complicated.

The bigger the space that has to be soundproofed, the more materials it will need, and the more expensive it will be.

You may also need some professional assistance to make sure that the work is done correctly.

However, the expenses and the effort can certainly make a world of difference.

For some dog owners, they combine soundproofing of the dog room walls and floor with soundproofing of the dog crate.

Having a more quiet home and a happy dog is way better for everyone and is worth the investment.

Can Blankets Block Barking Sounds?

There are two types of blanket choices to block barking sounds:

The material that moving blankets are made of varies from that of regular blankets.

Also, moving blankets are designed to absorb noise and provide insulation.

You can simply put a moving blanket over your dog’s crate to block out noise.

When using a moving blanket, make sure your pet’s crate has adequate ventilation.

A crate that’s completely covered with a moving blanket may result in less breathing room for the dog.

Moving blankets are also inexpensive options for dog crate soundproofing.

Acoustic blankets are used to cover a dog crate and muffle a dog’s barks.

They have sound absorption and dampening properties. Their design and material reduce echo rather than block noise.

These blankets are also called soundproofing blankets, sound absorption blankets, or sound dampening blankets.

Soundproof Curtains

Also called noise blocking curtains or sound deadening curtains, soundproof curtains are inexpensive and easy to install.

These special curtains are good for reducing echo inside the room however they are not effective in reducing the level of noise entering the room.

Without any echo, the sounds die out much more quickly, making the room quieter and more pleasing.

Soundproof curtains are made of porous material that can absorb sound waves.

They are heavy and thick since they’re designed to block out light and sound and provide thermal insulation.

Tips to remember when buying soundproof curtains:

• Density works best. If each window needs two panels, buy twice that number to create more density between the room and the window. Also, the curtains should be several inches longer and wider than the window.

• Go for soundproof curtains that will go from ceiling to floor. The longer and the bigger the curtains, the more effective they will be at dampening sounds.

• Use ceiling mount curtain brackets. The closer the curtain is to the ceiling, the more sound it blocks.

• While I wouldn’t advise buying soundproof curtains made of polyester, other options include velvet or suede. The extra fibers of these textiles can help with soundproofing. There are also thermal insulated curtains and thermalayer curtains which are also efficient in absorbing sound and covering all air gaps.

Noise-Cancelling Dog Crate

The more expensive soundproof dog crates are made of sound-absorbing materials to absorb a dog’s barking.

The materials also lower echoes to decrease the degree of the barking.

These crates also have sound dampening and vibration dampening properties.

The more expensive soundproof crates are usually designed with an automatic fan to maintain good ventilation and create white noise.

They even come with a battery backup in case of power outages.

Many of these zen crates are still stuck in the funding and development phase though.

What To Look Out For When Soundproofing A Dog Crate

While you are working toward addressing your pet’s needs in soundproofing his crate, there are important factors that you should keep in mind. These include:

The heat inside the crate

To make sure that the temperature inside the crate remains comfortable for your dog, use a cover with a breathable material.

During the warmer months of the year, put the crate near a fan or inside an air-conditioned room.

Without proper ventilation and the right cover blanket, the temperature inside the crate could soar very quickly and this can cause discomfort and heat stress to your dog.

Crate position and ventilation

Place the dog crate in a part of the house away from heat-producing appliances and equipment such as the radiator.

Choose a place your dog is familiar with. For example, you could just place it where he’s usually staying when you’re away.

Also, the crate should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Proper ventilation is very important to keep the inside of the crate cool and comfortable.

Lighting inside the crate

Most dogs feel relaxed and secure inside a dark crate, more so when the dark crate is placed in a quiet area.

But completely blacking out the crate may cause confusion and stress for your dog.

Whether you go with soundproof crate covers or full-blown preparing the whole room, heat, position, ventilation, and lightning are key.

Your pet’s safety comes first and if you really want to get to the root of your dog’s barking (assuming it’s not the outside world you want to block out but vice versa), there’s only one solution.

Set the barking behavior on a speak and quiet command and make sure your dog is tired out before going into the crate.

Most dogs bark or destroy stuff cause they’re not exercised. Don’t be that dog owner. Trust me, your dog, neighbors, and wallet will thank you!

Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet.

About Danielle

I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. Sharing a passion for dogs and helping owners to solve problems through understanding canine behavior and modification is my number one goal.

How to Stop a Puppy from Crying in a Crate?

Crate training a dog is difficult, as anybody who has attempted it will attest. When a puppy screams in his cage, it can be one of the most difficult and distressing aspects of crate training. The correct actions must be taken to reduce anxiety and frustration for you and your dog. This means that you can ease the puppy into his kennel and make him feel at peace. Keep reading to know why your puppy is crying in the crate and learn how to stop this behavior.

Why Is My Puppy Crying in a Crate?

Puppies may whimper or bark in their kennel for a variety of reasons. The best way to assist your puppy cope with being confined for brief periods is to start by considering why they might be doing it. That will help you identify any trends. Some of the major causes that trigger puppies to cry in their crates are as follows

No Previous Experience

Some dogs have never experienced being confined in a container. While some puppies respond to being confined in a crate the right away, most will think it’s bad. So, they might take a while to understand that it’s a wonderful place to be. Therefore, it’s recommended to go slowly and gently with your furry companion.

Bad Experience

Perhaps they have had unpleasant crate encounters in the past. Your puppy may struggle if they have unfavorable associations with being in a kennel. Any previous traumatic experience, such as being crated for an excessive amount of time can cause anxiety. Similarly, being crated with an excessive number of puppies in a commercial or puppy farm setup can also cause problems.

Having trouble crate training your puppy? Check out these10 Puppy Crate Training Tips.

Loneliness

Dogs want to be around humans since they are social animals. Your puppy is sobbing because they are left alone, it makes sense. This is particularly true if they have just parted ways with their littermates. They will scream out for you since they are lonely and solitary and want to know where you are.

Call of Nature

Puppies need to eliminate may whimper or bark in their kennel because they need a potty break. Puppies don’t want to use the bathroom where they sleep. Therefore when they need the bathroom, they will naturally call for you and want to go.

Boredom

A dog finds the box to be dull. Puppies require a lot of stimuli, and a socializing puppy may find it boring to be confined to a kennel. Since all the exciting activities are outside the crate, it makes a lot of sense that your puppy wants to come out.

How Long Should I Leave my Puppy Crying in Crate?

When they initially enter your house and are terrified, puppies should only be allowed to cry for a short while in the crate . A puppy will feel worried and abandoned if they cry for an extended period and you ignore them. However, if your puppy has been crying nonstop since you brought them home, there could be some underlying issues. They must be managed with urgency because persistent crying can result in depression.

Should I Let My Puppy Cry It Out in The Crate?

Revert to the fundamentals if a child is a persistent soother who isn’t getting better with toilet breaks and still cries after 10-15 minutes in the cage. Are you exercising your dog enough? Have you been away from him too long? You can have a difficult road ahead of you if you work with dogs who hate being in crates. Try switching to a new crate or pay a trainer to fix your crate training if you’re truly stuck.

Should I Leave My Puppy to Cry in His Crate at Night?

After a nap or having been sleeping for a few hours, it is OK to respond to your puppy’s cries. This is because a puppy shouldn’t be left in the crate for too long. Likewise, your puppy’s bladder is relatively tiny at eight weeks old and cannot go the entire night without peeing.

Therefore, even while you want your puppy to calm down initially and not be let out right away when it cries, it’s still crucial that you react if it wakes up a few hours later. Take your puppy outside for a pee break and put him back in the crate right after coming back.

Does Putting a Blanket Over a Dog Crate Help?

Puppies are den creatures who enjoy the security of a remote location. When they’re terrified or need to relax, our canine buddies naturally look for an enclosed, dark room. Many dogs can benefit from using a cage cover, such as a blanket or cover designed for crates.

Crate covers make dogs feel calmer and less anxious by reducing visual stimuli, which reduces excitement and barking. When a dog is in a covered crate, they are less likely to respond to movement outside windows or in other parts of the building. When the cover is closed at night, it may be time for bed, and when it is open, it may be alright to play.

The ideal dog cage cover should be made of breathable, cleanable material. An insulated blanket could be useful if you live in a cold region or if your puppy spends most of the time outside, but it might be excessively warm otherwise.

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Posted on Published: October 28, 2022 — Last updated: January 28, 2023