Should I Cover My Dog’s Crate at Night? (Solved!)

Covering your dog’s crate at night gives your pup a safe and secluded area which can help reduce anxiety and prevent overstimulation. You should consider covering your dog’s crate to help block out certain sights and sounds that can agitate their senses.

You can also help your dog establish a routine that works with your schedule! Try covering your dog’s crate at nighttime or when you go to bed. This will help your dog recognize that it’s time to settle in or sleep.

Is it okay to cover my dog’s crate at night?

So long as you never do it as a punishment, covering their crate with a blanket is beneficial to creating a safe refuge for your pup. Make sure the material is breathable, and always keep at least one side of the cover open for a steady airflow. It’s important that the cover doesn’t cause your dog to overheat.

What are the benefits of crate training?

Crates can become your pup’s go-to space for comfort, and quiet area to hide in when the environment gets too overwhelming. They’re also a fantastic way of setting a routine for sleep and food.

Crate training is also a great way of preventing your dog from chewing on items or furniture.

Will covering my dog’s crate at night help it sleep?

Covering your dog’s crate specifically at nighttime can help your pet identify when it’s time to go to bed. It’s also an effective training technique that helps establish a routine and signals your dog when it’s time to begin calming down, and when it’s time to be active.

Can I cover my dog’s crate during the day?

In general, it’s not harmful to cover your dog’s crate during the day, however you need to be mindful of your training. If you cover your dog’s crate as an indicator that it’s time to go to sleep, you could mess up his schedule.

To avoid confusing your dog, consider covering the crate only in situations where your dog is stressed or afraid. This will help enforce that the crate is his safe space.

How can I get my dog used to having his crate covered?

Like most behavior training, this is something you’ll have to introduce gradually. You want to avoid making your dog feel like the crate is a prison. Let your dog enter the crate on his own, and over time increase how much of the crate is covered. Start with only covering one side first and letting your pup adjust to the feeling.

My puppy is teething. Is it dangerous to cover his crate with a blanket?

It’s mostly dangerous to the blanket, which will likely come out of that encounter with a few tears. It’s crucial that you prevent your puppy from ingesting it, so stay away from knit blankets or any other fabric that can unravel easily. During this phase, some owners opt for airline approved dog crates instead.

What kind of crate should I get?

Consider your dog’s size and habits when purchasing a crate. A crate should be large enough for your dog to be able to stand up and turn.

There are several types of crates:

• Metal pens
• Plastic pens – or airline approved crates
• Folding fabric crates

What do I do if my dog is whining or crying when I cover the crate?

You might be introducing new elements of crate training too quickly, making your dog overwhelmed. Let your dog out and slow down your training steps.

Do not let your dog out when she’s whining, otherwise she will treat that as a way get out of the crate and will do it continuously. It’s important you pay attention to your dog’s behavior in case he is experiencing separation anxiety.

How can I tell if my dog has separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog is too attached to its owner and gets overwhelmed when left alone. WebMD lists the following as symptoms of separation anxiety:

• Excessive whining, howling, or barking.
• Damaging furniture, chewing, and scratching at doors.
• Obsessively pacing or other erratic movements.
• Wetting himself indoors, even if he’s trained.
• Trying to escape his crate or the home.

If you think your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety, get in touch with a professional ASAP.

Can I cover my dog’s crate if he has separation anxiety?

With consistent training and conditioning, even a dog with separation anxiety can learn to love their crate. However, it’s recommended you avoid covering his crate suddenly and outside of the usual hours. Losing sight of his surroundings, and you, can put your dog under unnecessary stress. Crate training isn’t always a viable option for every dog.

What is the best time to introduce blankets to my dog’s crate conditioning?

It’s a good idea to begin the crate conditioning process when your dog is still a pup, but the time and success of training also depends on your dog’s temperament and past experiences. Consider covering the crate with a blanket when your dog is already having positive associations with the crate and does not mind using it independently.

Is it okay to cover my rescue dog’s crate?

According to the American Kennel Club, crate training can help your rescue adjust to their new surroundings much easier by providing them with their own space. Many rescues don’t have the necessary socialization skills which can make them afraid of their environment.

Covering your rescue’s crate doesn’t only provide them with a stress-free refuge, but it lets them know their territory is safe and they won’t be bothered.

I don’t know what steps to take to make crate training easier on my dog.

If you’ve already introduced the crate to your dog, but you’re unsure of how to help him adjust, consider creating positive association with that environment. Throw toys into the crate and leave small treats inside or nearby.

Feed your dog meals inside the crate. Start by having the dish just outside, then gradually place it in. The Humane Society suggests that once your dog is comfortable, you can close the crate door while he’s eating.