Considering adding a blanket to your dog’s crate, or wondering if covering their crate with a blanket is a good idea? It’s common to wonder about these things, as we’re all aiming to create a comfortable and secure environment for our furry friends. The right setup can make a big difference in how your dog perceives and interacts with their crate.

This article will guide you through whether you should put a blanket in your dog’s crate, covering the safety dos and don’ts and exploring the benefits of covering the crate with a blanket. We’ll also discuss what else to include in your dog’s crate to enhance their comfort and sense of security, and things like how to give a puppy crate blanket your scent. Let’s begin!

Should I Put a Blanket in My Dog’s Crate?

Deciding if you should put a blanket in your dog’s crate involves considering your dog’s comfort, climate, and safety concerns. A blanket can make the crate feel more comfortable and secure, mimicking the warmth and softness of a den-like environment. However, it’s important to watch how your dog interacts with the blanket to ensure it adds to their comfort without posing any risks.

Do Dogs Need a Blanket in Their Crate?

Whether dogs need a blanket in their crate depends on several factors, including the dog’s age, breed, and the temperature of their environment. For many dogs, a blanket can provide extra warmth and a sense of security, making the crate a cozy and inviting space.

For puppies or dogs prone to chewing, however, a blanket might not be suitable until they’ve outgrown the chewing phase or have been trained not to chew on blankets or bedding.

Blankets in Dog Crate: Safety Dos & Don’ts

When considering a blanket for your dog’s crate, keep these safety dos and don’ts in mind:

• Do: Choose a durable, chew-resistant blanket if your dog likes to nibble, suck, or chew.
• Do: Ensure the blanket is the right size to prevent it from being tangled, which could pose a risk of suffocation or entrapment.
• Don’t: Use heavy blankets that could overheat your dog, especially in warm climates or during summer months.
• Don’t: Leave a blanket with a dog that has a history of ingesting non-food items without supervision.

What Else Should I Put in My Dog’s Crate?

Besides a blanket, consider including these items in your dog’s crate for their comfort and engagement:

1. A comfortable bed: Provide a soft, washable dog bed that fits nicely inside the crate without taking up too much space.
2. Chew toys: Durable chew toys can keep your dog entertained and help relieve the stress of being in the crate.
3. Water: If your dog will be crated for more than a few hours, consider attaching a water bottle or bowl to the crate to keep them hydrated.
4. Cover: A crate cover can help create a darker, more den-like environment, but ensure it allows for proper ventilation.

Adding a blanket to your dog’s crate can enhance their comfort and sense of security, provided it’s done with attention to safety. Assessing your dog’s behavior with blankets and other bedding will help you create the safest, most comfortable crate environment possible.

Additionally, including the right mix of comfort and enrichment items can make the crate a positive and secure space for your dog. While this can make your dog’s crate a comforting place for them to retreat, it’s important to remember that if they’re doing so due to any underlying behavioral issues (anxiety, fear, etc.), these will still need to be addressed.

And until that’s done, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog’s anxiety issues and all other behavioral problems using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog’s behavior ever again!

Cover Dog Crate With Blanket: Should You?

Covering a dog crate with a blanket can be great for many dogs, as it helps to create a more den-like, secure environment. This practice can reduce anxiety, block out stimulating light, and help your dog settle down faster, especially in busy households or during stressful situations.

However, it’s important to consider your dog’s individual needs, the temperature, and the potential for overheating. Ensuring the crate remains a comfortable, safe space is key to using a blanket effectively.

Does Putting a Blanket Over a Dog Crate Help?

Putting a blanket over a dog crate can help by mimicking the enclosed, secure feeling of a den, which is naturally calming for dogs. This setup can be particularly useful for dogs that suffer from anxiety or are easily distracted by their environment.

It’s important, however, to watch your dog to ensure they respond well to the crate being covered and that it doesn’t lead to overheating or distress. Always be sure they’re let out to potty beforehand, as it will help avoid messy incidents of your dog pooping in their crate.

Learn what other items you should include in your dog’s crate in the first section.

Puppy Crate Blanket: How to Give It Your Scent

Giving a puppy crate blanket your scent can provide comfort and a sense of security to your puppy, especially when adjusting to a new home. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use the blanket: Sleep with the blanket for a few nights or carry it around with you at home to imbue it with your scent.
2. Place it in the crate: Once the blanket has your scent, place it inside the puppy’s crate as bedding or gently drape it over the top.
3. Refresh the scent: Regularly use the blanket or swap it with another scented blanket to maintain the comforting smell.

Should I Cover My Puppy’s Crate During the Day?

Covering your puppy’s crate during the day can be helpful for nap times or when you need to help your puppy calm down or stop barking in their crate. However, it’s important to:

• Leave part of the crate uncovered to ensure proper ventilation.
• Keep a close eye on your puppy to ensure they are comfortable and not showing signs of distress, overheating, or needing to potty.
• Use the covering strategically during times of rest or when minimizing distractions is helpful for your puppy’s training or comfort.

In summary, covering a dog crate with a blanket can provide many benefits, including reducing anxiety and creating a cozy, den-like space for your dog. When introducing a scented blanket to your puppy’s crate, it’s a gentle way to provide comfort and security.

Covering the crate during the day should be done thoughtfully, considering your puppy’s comfort and the need for proper ventilation.

I’m sure you’re ready to get going now that you have all of your questions about putting a blanket in the bottom of your dog’s crate answered, so I’ll let you begin. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Should I Put a Blanket in My Dog’s Crate? (+Cover Crate?)”.