What should you put in a dog crate? You should include bedding, water, safe toys for enrichment, and chew items that are safe for your dog to use unsupervised. Making your dog’s crate a cozy and safe den is the key to successful crate training. A great setup helps your dog feel secure and happy when resting in their space.
Creating a Welcoming Den: The Purpose of a Dog Crate
A dog crate is much more than a simple box. When set up right, it becomes your dog’s safe room. It is a den, a private space where they can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the house. This feeling of safety is vital, especially when crate training a new puppy or helping an anxious adult dog settle down.
The right items turn the crate from a simple enclosure into a desirable retreat. We want dogs to want to go into their crate, not feel forced into it. This positive association starts with what we put inside.
Dog Crate Essentials: Basics for Comfort and Security
Every dog crate setup needs a few core items. These basics focus on comfort, safety, and basic needs. Think about what makes you feel cozy at home—your dog needs similar things.
Bedding and Mats
Choosing the right crate training bedding is very important. It needs to be comfortable but also safe for your dog.
Safety First with Bedding
If your dog tends to chew or eat fabric, you must skip soft, fluffy beds at first. A dog that eats stuffing can get a serious blockage in their gut.
- For Chewers: Use hard-wearing, simple items like a durable crate mat for dogs. Look for rubber-backed mats or heavy canvas beds that don’t have removable covers or stuffing.
- For Non-Chewers: Once you know your dog leaves bedding alone, you can introduce soft comfort. Thick, supportive pads work well. Make sure the bedding fits the crate pan well so it doesn’t bunch up.
Table 1: Bedding Choices Based on Dog Behavior
| Dog Behavior | Recommended Bedding Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Chewer / New Puppy | Thin, tough crate pad or rubber liner | Hard to destroy; minimal ingestion risk. |
| Light Chewer / Adult Dog | Thick, washable orthopedic mat | Provides excellent support and comfort. |
| Hot Climates | Cooling mat insert or simple towel | Helps regulate body temperature. |
A comfortable dog crate setup always includes good floor padding. Cold, hard plastic or wire can feel unpleasant, especially on joints.
Water Access
Should you put water in the crate? This depends on how long your dog will be crated and their age.
- Short Stays (Under 3-4 Hours): You often do not need a water bowl. If you do use one, pick a spill-proof, heavy bowl that won’t tip easily.
- Overnight or Long Stays: Water is necessary. Use a heavy ceramic bowl that is hard to knock over, or a hanging water bottle designed for dogs. Check the bowl often to make sure it hasn’t flipped during playtime.
Important Note: Puppies under 16 weeks might need less water access overnight to prevent accidents, as their bladders are small. Always offer water right before placing them in the crate.
Safe Dog Crate Supplies: Keeping It Secure
Safety overrides luxury inside a dog crate. Anything left with your dog unsupervised must be non-toxic and durable.
Chew-Proof Toys and Enrichment
Dog crate enrichment is vital for mental health. A bored dog often becomes a destructive or anxious dog. Dog crate toys should be appropriate for solo play.
- The “Crate Only” Rule: Reserve certain special toys only for crate time. This makes crate time exciting. These should be high-value, long-lasting chews.
- Kongs and Stuffables: These are excellent dog crate accessories. Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet dog food and freeze it. This keeps your dog busy for a long time.
- Durable Rubber Toys: Hard rubber chew toys are great for keeping jaws busy. Always check these toys regularly for cracks or broken pieces. If they start to break, take them away.
What NOT to Put In a Crate
Never leave anything in the crate that could cause harm if your dog chews it apart. This includes:
- Soft squeaky toys that can be easily torn apart.
- Rawhide (these can splinter or cause choking).
- Toys with plastic eyes or small parts that can come off.
- Blankets or towels if the dog is a known fabric eater.
Crate Setup for Puppies: The Crate for Puppies
Setting up a crate for puppies requires extra thought. Puppies grow fast and have tiny bladders.
The crate size is the first consideration. It should be just big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too big, the puppy might use one corner as a bathroom. Many crates come with dividers for this reason.
Initial Puppy Crate Needs
- Small Bedding Area: Start small. Use a small, washable towel or a thin, tough mat. Remove all soft bedding until they are reliably house-trained.
- A Safe Chew: A single, safe chew toy, like an un-stuffed, durable rubber toy, is enough to start.
- No Food or Water (Usually): Unless you are doing a short training session where you are present, avoid leaving food or a full water bowl in the crate until the puppy can hold its bladder for the duration of the confinement.
As the puppy grows, you can add larger, more comfortable items as they prove they are trustworthy when left alone.
Advanced Crate Setup: Enhancing the Experience
Once the basics are covered, you can look at ways to make the crate even more appealing and functional for longer stays. This focuses on positive associations and security.
Dog Crate Enrichment Activities
Enrichment keeps the mind sharp and reduces stress. A crate should not be just a place to sleep; it should be a place for rewarding activities.
Long-Lasting Chews
These are different from standard toys. They are meant to take a long time to finish.
- Bully Sticks or Yak Chews: These can be fantastic for calming a dog down during crate rest. Supervision is key until you know how your dog handles them. Break off or remove any small end pieces that could be swallowed whole.
- Durable Rubber Toys Stuffed: As mentioned, a frozen, stuffed Kong makes time fly. These are excellent dog crate accessories that promote licking, which is a self-soothing behavior for dogs.
Puzzle Feeders
If you are feeding a meal in the crate, make it a puzzle! What to feed in a crate should be something that takes time.
Instead of putting food in a bowl, use a slow-feeder ball or a treat-dispensing toy. This turns mealtime into a rewarding game that keeps them occupied after you leave. This redirects any anxiety into a positive task.
Comfort and Security Items
Sometimes, dogs need more than just a soft mat to feel secure.
Covering the Crate
Many dogs feel safer when the crate is partially covered. It mimics a natural den structure.
- Use a breathable crate cover. This blocks external visual stimuli, which can be calming if your dog gets over-aroused by things moving outside the crate.
- Ensure the cover allows for ample ventilation. Never block all sides completely, especially if the crate is warm or the dog is panting.
Familiar Scents
A blanket or towel that smells like you can be very comforting for a new dog or puppy. Place an old, washed t-shirt you have slept in near their sleeping area. The familiar scent is reassuring. Make sure the fabric is safe, though—if they chew it, you must remove it immediately.
Creating the Perfect Sleeping Surface
The floor of the crate matters immensely for long-term comfort and joint health. This is where a high-quality crate mat for dogs becomes crucial.
Orthopedic Support
For older dogs, giant breeds, or dogs recovering from surgery, the hard floor of a plastic or metal crate is not enough.
- Memory Foam Mats: These mold to the dog’s body, relieving pressure points. They are great for arthritic dogs.
- Waterproof Liners: If using a thick mat, always place a waterproof liner underneath or use a mat with a waterproof shell. Accidents happen, and you need to protect the crate pan from moisture, which can cause odors and bacteria.
Temperature Control
In the summer, a crate placed near a draft or in a cool room is best. You can use specialized cooling mats placed beneath the main bedding. In winter, ensure the crate is away from direct cold drafts. A thick blanket under the mat adds insulation from a cold floor.
Maintenance and Hygiene: Keeping the Den Clean
A well-loved crate must stay clean. Hygiene is part of keeping the space safe and inviting. Dirty bedding attracts pests and holds onto odors, which can discourage a dog from wanting to rest there.
Cleaning Schedules
Establish a routine for cleaning the crate components.
- Daily: Check for any leftover food or moisture. Wipe down any water spills.
- Weekly: Remove and wash the crate training bedding and washable mats. Use pet-safe detergent.
- Monthly Deep Clean: Spray down the entire crate (plastic or metal) with a veterinary disinfectant or a diluted vinegar solution. Rinse well and let it dry completely before putting bedding back in.
Managing Accidents
If your dog has an accident, it is crucial not to simply cover the spot with a new blanket. The odor will linger, signaling to the dog that it is an acceptable potty spot.
- Clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner designed to eliminate pet odors entirely.
- If the accident happened on a mat, wash that mat immediately.
- If the dog is newly crate trained, temporarily remove soft bedding until they have reliably gone several weeks without an accident.
Placement: Where to Put the Crate
What you put in the crate matters, but where you put the crate matters just as much for the dog’s feeling of security.
Integrating the Crate into Family Life
Dogs are pack animals. They generally prefer to be where the family is, not isolated in a laundry room or basement.
- Living Room Placement: Placing the crate in the living area during the day allows the dog to rest while still being near the family activity. This reduces separation anxiety.
- Nighttime Placement: Many people move the crate into the bedroom at night. This proximity helps anxious dogs settle, as they can hear and smell you nearby.
A Note on Door Placement: If you use a wire crate, face the door toward the room activity, not toward a blank wall. Dogs like to watch the action. If you use a cover, make sure the opening side is facing the main part of the room.
Avoiding Pitfalls in Placement
- Do not place the crate where there are loud noises (like near the washing machine) or high traffic, as this can overstimulate a dog trying to sleep.
- Avoid direct sunlight or cold drafts. Extreme temperatures make the crate uncomfortable very quickly.
Deciphering Toy Safety: A Deep Dive into Dog Crate Toys
The selection of dog crate toys needs careful review, especially for unsupervised time. This area is crucial for preventing ingestion injuries.
Hardness and Durability Testing
Before any toy goes into the crate unsupervised, test its durability.
- The Thumb Test: If you cannot easily make a dent in the toy with your thumb, it is likely hard enough to withstand moderate chewing. If you can easily press into it, it might break into sharp pieces.
- The Sharp Edge Check: Look for toys that, if broken, would not result in sharp shards. Hard plastics or bones that splinter are dangerous.
Table 2: Toy Durability Assessment
| Toy Type | Durability Rating (1=Low, 5=High) | Unsupervised Use Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rubber Chew Toy (e.g., Kong Extreme) | 5 | Excellent for unsupervised sessions. |
| Soft Plush Toy (no stuffing) | 2 | Only safe if supervised; easily torn. |
| Edible Chew (e.g., raw bone) | 3 (Variable) | Only use if you monitor the final small piece. |
| Hard Plastic Ball | 4 | Good, but check for cracks regularly. |
The Role of Edibles in the Crate
What to feed in a crate as a treat versus a full meal requires strategy. Edible chews can create a strong positive association.
When giving an edible item in the crate, ensure it is large enough that the dog cannot swallow it whole once it gets small. For example, if you give a large dental chew, take it away when it shrinks to the size of a quarter or smaller.
Rotation of Toys
To keep the crate engaging, implement a toy rotation system. Have a larger collection of toys than you need. Only keep three or four in the crate at any time. Swap them out every few days. This keeps the “crate only” toys exciting and new.
Integrating Crating with Daily Routines
A crate setup is only as good as the routine supporting it. The items inside must support a calm, predictable schedule.
Feeding in the Crate
Feeding your dog their meal inside the crate is a powerful tool for crate training. This makes the crate the source of the best resource: high-value food.
- Timing: Give the meal in the crate. Let the dog eat undisturbed.
- Post-Meal: Wait 10–15 minutes after they finish eating before letting them out. This reduces the chance of an immediate potty break need right after release.
Nap Time vs. Alone Time
A dog’s needs change depending on whether they are napping briefly or facing a long day alone.
- Naps: A simple mat and maybe a short-lasting chew are enough for a quick 30-minute nap.
- Alone Time: This requires the best setup: comfortable crate training bedding, a secure water source (if needed), and a long-lasting enrichment toy, like a frozen Kong. This setup helps the dog relax for hours.
Recognizing Signs of Discomfort
If you notice your dog refusing to enter the crate, whining constantly despite having the best dog crate accessories, or trying to destroy the bedding, re-evaluate the setup.
- Is the mat too hot or cold?
- Are the toys boring?
- Is the crate too large or too small?
Sometimes, less is more. If anxiety is high, removing all bedding except a thin towel can reduce the risk of chewing, forcing the focus back onto waiting patiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crate Contents
Q: Should I use a crate pillow or a thick bed if my dog digs at their bedding?
A: If your dog digs or tries to eat bedding, do not use a pillow or a thick, fluffy bed. Digging is often a nesting behavior, but if it turns destructive, it risks ingestion. Use a thin, tough rubber mat or a heavy canvas mat instead. You can add a thin towel over the mat, but remove it if digging persists.
Q: How long can I safely leave a dog in a crate with food?
A: Only leave food in the crate during structured feeding times when you are present or immediately after crating them for a meal. Never leave uneaten food inside the crate for long periods, as it can spoil or become moldy. For enrichment, frozen Kongs are safe for longer periods because they are designed to last and are less likely to cause choking until they are mostly finished.
Q: Is it okay to put a blanket over a puppy’s crate?
A: Yes, covering a crate for puppies can help them feel secure, especially if they are restless. Use a light, breathable blanket that allows air to flow freely. Ensure the blanket does not drape into the crate where the puppy can grab it. Remember, if the puppy chews the blanket, remove it immediately and opt for a cover that only covers the sides and back, leaving the front open for observation initially.
Q: What is the best type of water dish for a crate?
A: The safest choice is often a heavy ceramic or stainless steel bowl that locks into the side of the wire crate. If locking bowls aren’t an option, use the heaviest bowl possible that resists tipping. For puppies or very active dogs, consider a no-spill water dispenser or bottle, though these require regular cleaning.
Q: Do I need specialized dog crate enrichment for short trips (2-3 hours)?
A: For short trips, basic comfort is key. A safe chew toy or a puzzle toy that takes about 30 minutes to finish is usually sufficient. You do not need complex enrichment setups unless the dog shows signs of significant boredom or anxiety even during shorter periods. A good crate mat for dogs provides enough comfort for short stays.