Crate training is an important step in pet ownership and covering your dog's crate at night is recommended for many dogs, but not for every dog. Some dogs may love the security provided by a darkened, enclosed space, while others can feel anxious in a confined area.
Some puppies do well with their entire crate covered, while others need at least the door of their crate uncovered so they don't feel isolated or too confined. Be aware of the airflow in your puppy's crate if using a blanket — you don't want them waking up because they're too hot.
Naturally, one of the main things you'll want to include in your dog's crate is good bedding. If you want your dog to view their crate as a secure, comfortable place where they can relax at the end of the day and where they can retreat if they are overstimulated, they need to be comfy when they lie down.
1. Use a Crate Cover Up Set. Using a dog crate cover set is the best way to keep a dog warm in a crate at night. These sets usually come with an outer cover, a crate pad and a three sided bumper for the inside of the crate, making your dog's crate snuggly and warm.
Generally, you shouldn't place a cover over the crate that's not specifically made for the crate. Towels, sheets, and blankets can be pulled into the crate too easily and ingested by your pup. So, before you use them, make sure that your dog leaves them alone–outside the crate.
Yes, you should cover your dog's crate with a blanket if your dog is feeling cold, suffers from anxiety, is noise sensitive or is having trouble falling asleep due to lights in the house.
Don't leave your dog in the crate too long. A dog who's crated all day and night doesn't get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious.
Covering the dog's crate at night
Some dogs prefer their crate to be covered. It helps them settle faster, provides them a feeling of safety, and it limits the number of distractions they can see so they have an easier time falling asleep.
Play soothing music or a sound machine for the dog while he is crated. Put dim lighting on to encourage quiet time. Some dogs do better with a blanket draped over their crate.
There Are Many Benefits to Crating Dogs
In addition to helping teach dogs to do their business outside, crating: Provides fearful dogs with the opportunity to retreat to a safe place when they need to be alone. Offers a space for exuberant dogs to calm down and relax.
However, dogs can very easily become bored in their kennel. This is especially problematic for dogs that naturally have a high energy level and for dogs that spend very large amounts of time in their kennel. In the best-case scenario, a dog won't spend too much time in their kennel.
Adult dogs shouldn't be left in crates for more than 6-8 hours. Puppies of 17 weeks and older can handle up to 4 or 5 hours in a crate at a time. Leaving a dog home alone in a crate longer than this can hurt their mental and physical health.
Ignore the whining behavior.
One of the biggest mistakes that new pet parents make is giving their puppies attention or taking their puppies out of the crate once the whining begins. “Ignoring the whining is your best option,” says Dr. Coates.
Keep a nice bed in the crate and always give a special treat when he gets in it. Food puzzle toys or hollow toys stuffed with food will keep him busy for a while. Put the crate in a quiet place – not completely isolated but not in front of a window or busy doorway.
As challenging as it might be, let your dog settle himself down. After a few nights, he should understand that whining and crying in the crate won't get him anywhere. Get some earplugs (or use a white noise app on your phone) and know it's a short-term sacrifice for long-term happiness for you and your pup.
Bedding- Add plenty of soft and comfy bedding for them to lie down and sit on. Toys- These not only help keep your dog entertained but they can also provide them with comfort and something to chew on. They should be pet-safe toys that are not likely to make them choke.
Despite the fact dogs wear fur coats 24/7, some still get cold. Puppies, older dogs, and small dogs tend to need a little extra warmth. Skinny dogs and dogs with short or thin coats also like blankets to snuggle.
If they cry at night, it likely means their needs aren't being met, whether they need to go potty or need reassurance. Figure out what they need, and take it from there. And remember—the first few nights are the hardest; after that, it gets easier. Puppies aren't born loving crates: you have to teach them to love them.
Provide them with blankets
As mentioned, old blankets and duvets are great for keeping your dog warm and cosy overnight. If they're sleeping in a crate, draping old bedding over the top can also help keep heat inside the crate, keeping your dog comfortable in colder weather.
Nina Torres says it's fine for most adult dogs to be in a crate “nine hours maximum” during the day (with a walk in the middle), and then eight hours at night – unless they are seniors or large dogs needing to stretch their joints. I work from home, so I observe my dogs' behavior during the day.
Try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he'll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate.
Most adult dogs can stay in a crate for about half a day as long as the dog gets ample exercise and walks when he or she is out of the crate. Many adult dogs can manage eight or so hours in a crate while their owners are at work, but longer than this can often cause behavioral problems.
You can't force your pup to want to sleep in a dog bed or on your bed with you. They might prefer the confinement of their crate. At the end of the day, as long as both you and your pup are sleeping well – wherever they sleep is fine.
Healthy, adult dogs don't need water in their crate overnight. Hydration isn't an issue so long as your dog has plenty of water available throughout the day. Also, your dog should associate the ritual of going into her crate at night solely with sleep, comfort, and security, and not with drinking water.