Contrary to popular belief, crate training is not at all cruel or inhumane, unless you have a different purpose other than to allow his instincts to flow free in his system.
Crate training is actually a vital part of who your pup really is, and that is something you don’t want to take from him.
The security, safety, independence, and privacy this den-like fortress can give your canine pal is priceless. If you’re already thinking of starting, we’re sure you’ve already looked at the best crates to use. But did you know that you can also use covers for your crate?
Let’s find out when and why dog crate covers are now a thing.
Table could not be displayed.Table of Contents:
Common Questions & Queries, Answered
- Is it better to cover your pup’s crate?
- What do you cover a dog crate with?
- How do I choose a dog crate?
- When Covering the Crate Helps
- Crates & Anxieties in Dogs: Are They A Match?
Top 5 Best Dog Crate Covers
Is it better to cover your pup’s crate?
That depends. If you think that a crate cover will not be beneficial or is highly unnecessary, then there’s no use in forcing yourself to get one.
Find out whether or not it would be preferable for your pup by trying out a piece of dark cloth before proceeding to cart and making a purchase. His behavior will tell you all you need to know.
What do you cover a dog crate with?
Ideally, dog crate covers should be made with breathable material that is also light-proof and waterproof (if you want to use it outdoors as well.) Using a loose cover that is not made especially for the function of covering can end up bad for your pup as he might try to rip it off and succeed almost immediately, defeating its purpose.
Finding a professional grade crate cover solves this dilemma for the majority of fur parents.
How do I choose a dog crate?
Unfortunately, since dogs have various sizes and needs, there is no one-size-fits-all option when getting a crate. Imagine yourself hanging out in a house smaller than your entire body- would you be comfortable?
Start by measuring your pup’s length and height, and then think of his sleeping habits. Get a crate that can give him wiggling room and even for toys and a bowl.
Next, look for durable materials. Plastic, metal, soft-sided crates have their own sets of benefits. It all depends on what you think your pup will love, based of course on his personality.
When Covering the Crate Helps
As good an idea it sounds, covering your pup’s crate isn’t always a good idea. If you’re thinking of doing this as a punishment, for example, is definitely not a good idea and can easily backfire.
Covering the crate should also be avoided if your pup tends to chew a lot because you’re more likely to see that cover in shreds than see your pup benefiting from it.
On the other hand, covering helps in more situations. For instance, if you’re away during the day and want to still give your canine pal a den-like environment- the very reason you got him a crate in the first place. Another good reason to get a dog crate cover is when you want to keep him from distractions (this is most helpful during crate training.)
Covering the crate also helps if you want to keep him from being over stimulated, especially when travelling, when the surroundings are new. Situations like this can make your furry friend feel anxious, uneasy, and nervous, and the cover can help calm him down.
Crates & Anxieties in Dogs: Are They A Match?
Crates are often associated with anxiety relief, and rightfully so, as crates can establish security and make your pup feel safe. Crates can become your canine pal’s refuge, which means more to them than we may think. Contrary to popular belief, crates aren’t all that bad.
Your pup’s innate desire is to have an enclosed, dark space that can become his den. It’s not something you can wish away, unfortunately, but on the contrary, allowing your pup to have this personal space will result in a more well-mannered, happy pupper who will love you more than you think he ever will.
The security and comfort that will come from his ‘den’ can substantially reduce depression and ease anxiety, provided of course it’s used properly. Crate training is time-consuming (it can take up to six months) and will require a lot of patience, positive reinforcement and creativity (picture gathering toys and whatnot to make staying in his crate worthwhile.)
Sadly, crate training exists because the wrong approach to using crates can traumatize your canine pal and give him frustration instead of the relaxation it guarantees. If your pup has separation anxiety, you should also remember to never leave him alone in his crate and then lock it from outside.
Top 5 Dog Crate Covers
Table could not be displayed.MidWest Dog Crate Cover
No products found.
Pros:
- Fits nicely and is very easy to put on
- Calms your pup and gives him the privacy he needs
- Velcro is a great feature
Cons:
- Material is not breathable
- Needs something to tie down the cover as it can easily be pulled into the crate
- Light gets in through the white parts of the print
The MidWest Dog Crate Cover turns his crate into a lovely, private den with no distractions while keeping it pristine day and night. It repels stains & oils because of its Teflon fabric protector so worrying about accidentally getting him wet while inside will no longer be an issue.
This cover also provides easy access with hook & loop tabs to keep the front cover safely and securely in place during crate training, or if there isn’t a need to completely cover the crate. As your pup enjoys his quiet sanctuary he can call his own, it also makes his stay in the crate worthwhile. It’s super easy to put on and off, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for pups suffering from anxiety and can easily be adjusted depending on your pup’s needs.
Overall, with the affordable price tag, versatility (four awesome color options and 22 – 48 inch size options), and durability, this dog crate cover outshines the rest, and rightfully so. Creating a den-like atmosphere for your pup to succumb to his natural instincts just got a whole new chic look.
This dog crate cover fits most 1 & 2 door folding metal dog crates and is made from extra-durable polyester & cotton blended fabric to ensure durability.
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
No products found.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Super easy to set up
- Portable and cozy
Cons:
- Vinyl-like smell can be strong for some
- Zipper quality is low
- Pulling back up can be time-consuming
With its three doors, it’s easy to make your pup’s den a spacious and cozy one where he can relax and be himself- anywhere you are! That’s right, it’s portable, so you get to have a crate literally anywhere, allowing him to relax during travels – as if he never left home! Making this possible are the three mesh doors (on the top, front, and side) and well-ventilated hex mesh fabric.
As keeping the crate clean is important, its removable and washable cover and bed are extra convenient. Whether your sole purpose is for traveling or a crate you can use at home as well as outdoors, this 3-door crate with cover is the most convenient choice for you. It doesn’t weigh a lot so you can easily carry it around, and the privacy flaps that can be rolled down to cover the screen doors are awesome for your pup.
Overall, this soft dog crate is an excellent alternative to hard metal crates, but only if you prefer an alternative. It’s cozy, relaxing and offers more convenience than you thought, and your pup is guaranteed to fall in love with it as soon as you step into your home with this bed as a present.
This crate comes in thirteen solid color options and five different sizes:
- 20″L x 14″W x 14″H
- 24″L x 18″W x 21″H
- 30″L x 21″W x 24″H
- 36″L x 24″W x 28″H
- 42″L x 28″W x 32″H.
Petmate Precision Pet Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover
No products found.
Pros:
- Makes any crate nice and cozy
- Calms dogs
- Excellent at keeping the rain at bay
Cons:
-
- Sizing is off
- The zippers and velcro are not well made
- Not for chewers
The unbelievable durability of this dog crate cover will give you the peace of mind you need as you let your pup stay in his den even when you’re outdoors. This kennel cover for large crates will feel like it’s been tailored fit for your crate as soon as you put it on.
It fits the MidWest Life Stages Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate, 42Lx 28W x 31H crate, the 600 Series Petco Premium 2 door training crate, 30L x 19W x 21H (3000 Series). and most crates with similar dimensions very snugly, and is excellent at keeping your pup dry despite rain. It works like a charm!
Crate cover sizes:
- 1000 Series 19Lx 12Wx 14H inches
- 2000 Series 24Lx 18Wx 20H
- 3000 Series 30.5Lx 19Wx 21H
- 4000 Series 36Lx 23Wx 25H
- 5000 Series 42.5Lx 28Wx 30H
- 6000 Series 48.5Lx 30.5Wx 33H
Overall, this dog crate cover does not disappoint. Aside from getting different size options that pretty much guarantees you’ll find one that will fit your crate snugly, this cover that can make your pup’s fortress also comes with three color options that can let you personalize based on your home decor, your pup’s personality, or if you just want something that stands out.
Molly Mutt Dog Crate Cover
No products found.
Pros:
- Encourages sleep
- Looks great
- Panels roll up on the front and right side
Cons:
- Not washer-friendly (hand wash works better)
- When the panels roll up and snap together it looks awkward
- Fabric is thinner than expected
Molly Mutt changes the way you see dog crate covers not only because of how chic and classy its exterior is, but because of the cozy comfort it can give your pup, resulting in a relaxing and anxiety-free slumber. It’s also very convenient because it fits most standard kennels in small, medium, big, and even has sizes aptly named gigantic and huge.
The delicate 100% cotton material used ensures that it’s safe for your furry friend, exposing him to no type of toxins that may harm him. That’s peace of mind you can enjoy as you doze off at night, or as he spends his alone time in his den (which is perfect for him.)
It’s super relaxing because its material allows for a great circulation while blocking out light at the same time to lessen his distractions by a great percentage. This is especially helpful during crate training, but we’re sure you’ll appreciate this as well knowing that it lets him get longer, deeper sleep every night.
Overall, with the savvy design that can pretty much match any interior you have in your home (22 different color options,) and the durability and comfort it brings, this dog crate cover follows the lead. Sizes are listed below should you need it:
- Small – 24″ X 18″ X 21″
- Medium – 30″ x 21″ x 24″
- Big – 36″ X 24″ X 27″
- Huge – 42″ X 28″ X 31″
Petsfit Durable Double Door Polyester Dog Crate Cover with Mesh Window
No products found.
Pros:
- Top openings provide better ventilation
- Easy to carry
- Provides a comfortable, dark environment for your pup
Cons:
- Seams and stitching are poorly crafted
- Strong plastic smell for the first few days
- The opening for the side door is cut a bit weird
Another elegant selection, this cover redefines using crates in many ways. With an elegant black interior that is wipeable and washable, you can consistently keep it clean and comfy for your pup. The better ventilation from the top makes it an even more calming bed that will keep the temperature cool.
Aside from the top ventilation, this crate cover also features two entrances and mesh side windows all made from Oxford cloth which can pretty much tell you how durable it’s going to be. If your pup tends to dislike light when going to bed, closing this crate cover and allowing no light to come through makes sleep a lot better for your furry friend.
It’s also wind and waterproof to ensure your pup’s safety and security, even when you’re not looking. It’s good for both indoor and outdoor use, a flexibility that’s not easy to find in crate covers. The great quality comes at a reasonable price, not hurting your budget or your pup in the process.
A Final Word
Since crate training has proven to be more beneficial than it may seem, we’ve all considered it at some point. Whether or not you’ve succumbed to the idea that your pup’s instincts will always remain and can only be allowed to exist, or you’re looking at crates and covers because you’re curious whether or not it’s safe for your beloved four-legged best friend.
We’re here to tell you it is. With proper care, patience during training, and supervision, your pup will be loving that new fortress you have for him in an instant. And he’ll have you to thank for that. Awwww, that’s pure love.
Featured Dog Accessories