Should I put blankets in my dogs crate?

Dog crate cover, is it safe to use?

You decided to crate train your puppy, probably purchased a nice crate and have heard of covering the crate at night or during the day and Now, you are wondering is it safe to cover dog crates?

The short answer is yes dog crate cover is perfectly safe as long as your dog has air going in and out of his crate, and the crate cover isn’t making it too hot in there.

But is it useful to cover the dog crate in the first place? In this article, we will give you detailed information about the dog crate cover it’s benefits, what type to choose and what you should do so you do not hurt your dog.

Should I cover the dog crate?

To understand the importance of the dog crate cover, you should be able to relate to what the crate represents to your dog.

the crate is a safe place for your puppy where he will go anytime he wants to relax.

The crate training is important in many ways one of which is that the crate is considered a den for the puppy where he can relax and feel safe.

However, covering the crate all the time isn’t advised, sometimes the dog needs to feel safe and have a little dark spot.

My dog used to freak out when it was that time of the year when thunderstorms are very common. He would run into his crate and covers himself in a fetus position. The crate cover made a great addition to his den.

Although, crate covers make the crate more like a den but, dogs are very energetic animals that make a great bond with their guardians and family; So he needs to be around them even if chilling in the crate.

You should know that if the crate doesn’t provide enough safety to the dog he will be denning in other dark corners of the house when sensing fear or stress.

When should you cover the dog crate?

Dog crate cover is a great tool to calm your dog when stressed, but when exactly it is best to use it.

I personally use the crate cover since day one of the crate training program.

Covering the crate during the night

At night a dog is more likely to sleep through the night if his crate is covered; As it provides intimacy and lowers external environmental factors that may wake him up.

When used, a crate cover gives the dog the comfort and serenity of a den, which makes the dog more relax.

Crate cover at night reduces external stimulation as dogs are very curious animals.

You want your dog sleeping through the night and only waking up for a potting break.

Covering the crate during the day

The crate cover is rarely used during the day as dogs need to feel around other people or at least have an open view of their surroundings.

The only case where the crate cover is advised during the day is if your dog is stressed or feeling down or experiencing fear( could be around other pets or new people …)

As I mentioned earlier worked really great with my puppy during thunderstorms.

How do you cover a dog crate?

Essentially any soft material that allows you to cover the crate from most sides and keep the air coming is ok.

Very thick fabrics could make the crate hot and your lovely puppy uncomfortable.

Using a cover that doesn’t allow much light in will enhance that safe and warm feeling.

Some dogs may pull the cover down or tear it apart if not placed carefully on the crate; which is why an official dog crate cover is advised.

Avoid putting heavy materiel on the crate to pin down the crate cover, your dog may pull it down and get hurt or scared if it falls into the ground. Plus we don’t want our dog to experience any fear while in his crate.

Should you cover a dog crate with a blanket?

This is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to crate training, people just put a blanket inside the crate for the dog to lay on during the day and just flip it on the crate at night.

First, there should be no blanket inside the crate especially if you’re still potty training your dog as he will pee on it. Second, the blankets often are thick and heavy and may make it intolerably hot inside the crate.

Blankets can pick up dirt easily and hurt your dog if not taken off properly, while a proper crate cover is easily maintained.

All in all blankets as crate cover aren’t the best of ideas. You don’t want to go cheap on your puppy especially that dog crate covers aren’t that expensive. So get one that fits your dog crate and it looks better.

How do you get a dog used to a covered crate?

You simply do it gradually, just like it’s the case with the whole crate training process.

Start at night, as the dog is more likely to prefer a dark denning area away from external factors.

During the day just keep the cover on the top of the crate and rolled on the sides, and maybe one side down once in a while.

When you feel like your dog is freaking out about something or feeling fear or down roll the sides down and let him calm down; Once it’s the case just roll the sides up again.

If your dog likes his crate covered he will be scratching the sides when going in on his own.

How to choose a safe crate cover?

When choosing a crate cover there aren’t really many factors to take into consideration.

Crate cover size

Well, this is a no brainer it should simply fit your dog crate, the size of the crate dictates the size of the cover.

If you haven’t bought a crate yet you may consider getting one with its own perfect cover.

You don’t want the crate cover loose over the crate, your puppy may pull it in.

I am actually surprised by how many dog crate covers are available on amazon and for every crate size you may possess, you can check crate covers in here if you haven’t got one yet.

Crate cover material

You have to be careful when choosing a crate cover for your dog, the material of the cover is very important.

Try to choose something durable but at the same time not to thick, so it protects the dog from the elements and at the same time he can’t just tear it apart.

Choose, something easily washable with just a towel or little soap, that doesn’t attract bugs or dirt.

You may want to go fancy with the crate cover but that’s not a great idea. Just check this cover here it looks ridiculous.

Ridiculous dog crate cover

Crate cover features

You want the crate cover to be easy to install and recover, nothing too complex that you have to move the crate around to install it.

It has to have the possibility to be rolled over to the top when not covering all the sides.

If you have a double-door crate which is ideal for crate training a puppy you want your crate cover to also has two matching openings so the dog can get in or out freely.

Tips to keep your dog happy in his covered crate

If you have done the crate training correctly, by now the crate should already be a happy place. If you still considering crate training your puppy and looking for tips check out my explicit guide on the matter.

The crate cover will keep the puppy safe just like a den, so you may want to introduce him to it as soon as he is comfortable enough in the crate. If you use it on the start can scare away the puppy and make it harder for you to get him used to his new crate.

Use it when it’s cold to protect the puppy from the elements, this will keep him relatively warm. Who of us doesn’t like a blanket in the cold days?

Use it at night to keep the puppy isolated from the rest of the room and sleep peacefully.

Don’t choose some bright shiny color that keeps getting his attention, crate covers should be in dark colors at least from the inside.

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Should You Cover Your Dog’s Crate With A Blanket?

Dog crates can be a helpful training tool. But it’s essential that your dog feels physically comfortable and emotionally secure inside their crate. With that in mind, is covering the crate with a blanket a good idea?

The quick answer is that many dogs (although not all) feel more secure when the crate is partially covered. Regardless of whether you use a blanket, sheet, or purpose-made cover, being enclosed can reduce anxiety and make your dog feel less exposed.

However, you should never fully cover the crate. At least one side should always be open for ventilation and to allow your dog to see their surroundings. It’s also important to check that the crate interior doesn’t get too warm.

What Are The Benefits of Partially Covering Your Dog’s Crate With a Blanket?

There are many reasons why your dog might prefer a covered crate. Here are a few examples:

Adding a cover to your dog’s crate can make it feel like a safe “den.” Dogs often feel most relaxed in a partially enclosed environment, as they instinctively want to find a secure area to sleep.
Reducing sensory inputs can make it more likely that your dog relaxes, as they are less likely to be overstimulated by the surrounding environment. For example, if your dog often barks at things outside, covering up the side facing a window may help.
A cover can reduce the amount of light inside the crate, which makes it easier for the dog to sleep.
Covers can muffle external noises, which may help some dogs to relax. However, this effect is minor, as you shouldn’t use a thick cover.
A cover can provide a warming effect inside the crate, which can be useful during the cold winter months.

Not all dogs enjoy a covered crate though. For example, some dogs feel stressed if they can hear something nearby but can’t see it through the cover. Others may try to chew the cover, which can be a serious choking hazard.

So, watch for signs of stress when you add a cover to the crate. Common examples include lip licking, reluctance to enter the crate, and inability to relax.

If your dog doesn’t enjoy a crate cover, then there’s nothing wrong with removing it. A cover is an optional extra for crate training and isn’t required for all dogs.

Is It Safe To Cover a Dog’s Crate With a Blanket?

Crate covers can provide a range of benefits, but it’s essential to ensure that the cover is safe and comfortable for your dog.

The most important point is that you should never fully cover the crate. Even a thin blanket can prevent airflow, so at least one side should always be uncovered. A fully covered crate is also stressful for the dog, as their vision is completely obscured.

Here are some other safety tips for crate covers:

The best covers are made from breathable fabric. These fabrics allow air to flow into the crate, while creating a den-like environment. Cotton and microfibre blankets are two of the best examples.
The cover shouldn’t be near or touching a heat source, such as radiators. Aside from causing the crate to become warm, this can also risk a fire. You should never place the crate in a position that receives direct sunlight.
Avoid covering the crate with thick fabrics. These prevent any airflow and are too warm for most situations.
Be extra careful in hot weather. The cover can trap heat inside the crate, making it uncomfortable for your pet. Brachycephalic dogs (such as pugs and bulldogs) are most at risk of overheating, but any dog can get too hot.
Don’t use blankets with threads that fall into the crate. Your dog may try to pull or eat them, which can be a choking hazard. This is particularly important during the puppy teething phase or if your dog is a chewer.
Chewers or destructive dogs may be more distracted by the blanket than other canines. It’s often safest not to use a cover with these pets.

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to use a blanket or sheet to cover a crate. There are also commercial crate covers, which often provide a better fit and are designed to allow airflow. Many people also prefer the appearance of fitted covers, as they are available in a range of styles and colours.

How to Introduce a Crate Cover to Your Dog

Even if your dog is comfortable inside their crate, you shouldn’t just add a cover and hope for the best.

The sudden change from an open to a covered crate can cause some dogs to feel anxious. Just like with initial crate training, it’s important to introduce the cover in a gradual and positive manner.

Start by adding the cover when the dog isn’t in the crate. Then allow your pet to explore it in their own time, giving treats and praise when they go near or inside the crate. Once your dog is going in and out of the crate without prompting, then they are probably happy with the cover.

If you want to take things even slower, you can start by covering up a single side of the crate. When your dog is comfortable with this, you can fold the cover to another side.

Important: Never cover up your dog’s crate as a punishment or to stop them from barking. Aside from being very cruel, this type of negative experience can ruin any sense of sanctuary inside the crate.

Summary

There’s nothing wrong with partially covering your dog’s crate, as long as you ensure that the cover is safe and not causing stress.

In fact, many dogs prefer an enclosed environment for resting. A covered crate can feel more like a “den”, which provides a sense of security.

It’s important not to cover the entire crate though. This doesn’t allow any airflow into the crate, and can be stressful for your dog. You should also use a breathable fabric and avoid placing the cover near a heat source.

Do you have any questions about whether you should cover your dog’s crate with a blanket? Please let us know in the comments. If you have an escape artist pup, you may also want to read our guide to stopping dogs from escaping from their crate.

What Are The Benefits of Partially Covering Your Dog’s Crate With a Blanket?
Is It Safe To Cover a Dog’s Crate With a Blanket?
How to Introduce a Crate Cover to Your Dog
Summary

Richard is a journalist who specialises in dog behavior. He’s written hundreds of articles and books related to dogs, including for the Continental Kennel Club, Dog Fest (the UK’s biggest dog festival) and various veterinary surgeries. When he’s not spending time with Jess and Rudy (his beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers), he enjoys reading, hiking and watching sports. You can find him on Facebook or Twitter.