Making your dog crate more comfy will help greatly with crate training. To make a dog crate more comfortable, there are a number of accessories you should consider.
Crate accessories include a crate liner such as a dog bed or blanket, depending on how well your dog is trained. Also consider dog toys to make the crate more fun and ultimately a more comfortable environment for your dog.
You know your dog best, so think about how to set up your dog crate to suit your dog!
What to Put in the Crate to Make it More Comfortable
1. Crate Liners / Dog Beds
To make a dog crate more comfortable, consider a good bed. I like to put it in a sturdy bed that fits well in the bottom of the crate. Preferably one that can be easily washed in case of accidents.
Some dog beds have waterproof liners, which are highly recommended for puppies.
Many types of dog crate liners are available, such as pillows, carpet and memory foam.
Thick carpet liners such as VetBed are great for puppies. With something absorbent, like puppy pads, under it, the VetBed won’t allow wetness to come back through.
Take a look at our article on the Best Crate Liners for Dogs
2. Blankets
The next best way to make your dog crate comfortable is to add a dog blanket. You don’t always need a blanket in your dog’s crate, especially in hot weather as in the summer.
I would only recommend a blanket for the colder months, and I would actively discourage placing one with a puppy as they tend to pee on it. If a blanket is needed, I recommend using a smaller blanket so it doesn’t take up too much space in the kennel.
It is also advisable to find one that is easy to machine wash. This is especially important to keep fleas at bay. If the dog likes to nest in blankets, I leave a lightweight blanket in the crate year-round.
Recommended blankets include:
One of your shirts – Dogs are highly scent-oriented animals. Giving your dog a shirt that you have worn can give him a sense of comfort when you are away from home.
PetAmi dog blanket – Comes in more than ten different colors and three different sizes and is waterproof and has Sherpa fleece on one side.
AK KYC Blanket 6 Pack – Small, multi-pack lightweight blankets. When it comes to puppies, having multiples is usually a good idea.
Furrybaby fleece dog blanket – 3 colors, five sizes and made from super soft fleece material.
3. Dog Toys
Toys are essential to make your dog crate extremely comfortable and enjoyable! Just a few toys can keep your dog happy and entertained. While toys aren’t a must for a dog crate, they come with many benefits.
Benefits of Placing Dog Toys in Your dog Crate
- Toys keep your dog’s mind busy. It provides an exciting and enriching environment.
- Chew toys are an alternative to chewing bedding.
- Toys are a form of reward. It teaches your dog that crating is a positive thing because they can enjoy some of their favorite things.
- It promotes good habits of playing with the toys in the crate instead of household items lying around like your favorite pair of slippers!
Here are some of the best dog crate toys.
Wrapping Up…
Creating the most comfortable environment for your dog while in the crate will give you peace of mind knowing that you have created a secure and fun environment for him.
Remember, not all dogs need to be crated for life, but crates are a great tool for keeping your dog safe until he is mature enough to venture out on his own in your absence.