Crate training is an essential part of your dog training journey, as crates offer a special place where your dog can relax when they need to have some privacy. Crates can also be used when you’re transferring your dog from one place to another. But, sometimes it can be hard to find the best large dog crate cover. But, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Large Dog Crate Cover:
- Precision Pet Products Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover – Our Top Pick
- Molly Mutt Dog Crate Cover
- MidWest Quiet Time Crate Cover
Using a large dog crate cover offers more privacy if your dog wants to relax and can help them become less anxious, especially when they’re traveling to an unfamiliar destination.
With lots of crate covers on the market, finding the right one for your pooch might not be an easy task. In this article, we reviewed some of the best large dog crate covers to help you choose the right one for your pet. Keep on reading to find out more about our top picks.
Check out our top picks for 5 Best Crates for Large Dogs
Reviews of the Best Large Dog Crate Covers
Whether you decide to keep the crate fully or partially covered, a cover will allow your puppy or adult dog to enjoy their privacy when they want to relax or sleep. You can also help soothe an anxious dog by using the cover to help them feel safer in a dark enclosed area where they can feel that they’re away from any threat. Check out our top picks.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Our Top Pick Precision Pet Products Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → | |
Molly Mutt Dog Crate Cover
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → | |
MidWest Quiet Time Crate Cover
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
1. Precision Pet Products Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover
This cover offers a tailored fit, specifically designed for large and extra-large crates. It allows for easy on/off, so you can immediately provide your dog with a private den-like environment to help soothe their anxiety.
Thanks to the durable yet breathable canvas, your pooch will feel comfortable when they spend time under this cover. It features rolling windows and doors to provide easy access to your dog.
Moreover, you can modify the setup by rolling up one side if you feel that your dog isn’t yet ready to spend a long time inside a totally covered crate. The back zipper allows you to easily remove a panel as you introduce a new puppy or an adult dog to a covered crate. You can also remove the side if you feel that your dog is too hot, or keep it down to provide your dog with more warmth in cold weather.
You can use this cover indoors and outdoors because it’s resistant to water and dust, so it will keep the interior of the crate clean and comfortable for your pooch. It universally fits most wire crates, and you can check the different sizes to pick the most suitable one. Since it comes in a tan color, dogs that like to stay in the dark might not be very fond of this cover.
- Available for extra-large crates.
- Easy installation.
- Can be modified by rolling up the side.
- Has windows to provide easy access to your dog.
- Durable and breathable canvas.
- Water-resistant material.
- Comes in a single color that might be too light for some dogs.
2. Molly Mutt Dog Crate Cover
Installing this crate cover to your dog’s wire crate will immediately transform it into an eye-catching accessory. It will also provide your pooch with the needed privacy when they want to spend time in their safe sanctuary.
The cover comes in several sizes to suit different crates and can be easily installed to cover the crate, whether you keep it at home or take it outside. You can either roll down all the sides to provide your pooch with more privacy or roll up the front and side panels to allow for more light and air to pass through. This might be helpful if you feel that your dog is too anxious when they’re spending time inside a totally covered crate.
This cover is made of pre-shrunk cotton, so it’s made of 100% natural materials. It’s machine washable but not water-resistant.
Cotton is very durable, unlike polyester, and will not be prone to snagging even if you have an enthusiastic dog that likes to scratch the cover. However, cotton takes more time to dry, and drying on the line and in the fresh air is recommended to protect the material from shrinking. This cover is available in several sizes and one color.
- Cotton cover is more durable.
- Comes in an eye-catching color.
- Easy to install.
- Sides can be rolled up or down.
- Not water-resistant.
- Can shrink if you don’t follow proper washing and drying instructions.
3. MidWest Quiet Time Crate Cover
Available in several colors and sizes, this crate cover helps support the dog’s natural denning instincts. It’s compatible with several 1, 2, and 3-door crates, offering various setups depending on your crate’s design. The cover is designed to provide your pooch with a private and safe sanctuary when they’re too stressed or anxious.
This cover is made of 100% polyester, so it’s sturdy enough to withstand the claws of an enthusiastic dog. It also allows for proper ventilation, so your dog won’t be too hot even if they choose to spend more time inside the covered crate.
You shouldn’t worry about the cover moving because it comes with hook and loop Velcro tabs that keep it in place. You can easily slip it on your crate, and it won’t move whether you keep the crate at home or take your dog for a ride. Cleaning the cover is straightforward because it’s machine-washable and can be safely dried in the dryer. The fabric is also-water-resistant.
If you’re looking for a crate cover to provide warmth, you might need to look for another model as the material tends to be quite thin. Some dogs won’t react well to the dark color, so you might need to use one of the lighter shades, especially if you’re using a cover for the first time.
- Made of durable and lightweight polyester.
- Provides proper ventilation.
- Easy to install and secures well in place.
- Machine-washable and water-resistant material.
- The material is quite too thin, so it won’t keep your dog warm.
- Some dogs don’t react well to the dark material.
How to Choose the Best Large Dog Crate Cover
As a pet owner, it’s your duty to provide your dog with a comfortable and space spot, whether they’re at home or spending a day outside. A crate cover can help you do this, so you need to be careful while you’re picking one for your pooch. Here are some features to think about.
Size
Before you pick a crate cover, you need to make sure that it fits the crate you have. Otherwise, you won’t be able to install it properly. Most crate covers come in several sizes, so you can find the perfect fit.
You should measure the crate’s dimensions and allow for an extra inch on each side, then choose an appropriate cover. If the cover is too loose, it will bunch up around the edges, and you might accidentally step on it, or your dog might be able to chew on the extra material. If it’s too tight, it might leave the sides exposed, and this will deprive your dog of their privacy.
Material
Covers can either be made of cotton canvas or polyester. Polyester is a synthetic material and is quite affordable. Most polyester crate covers are budget-friendly.
You can find thick and thin polyester, and both are quite breathable. This means that you should be careful if you want to use your cover to provide your dog with some warmth, or simply want to create a private spot.
Polyester is water-resistant and machine washable. It doesn’t shrink even if you put it in the dryer, and doesn’t get affected by stains.
Cotton is more expensive because it’s not synthetic. Cotton is more durable than polyester and might be the only option if your dog is allergic to polyester. Maintaining cotton crate covers can be a little bit more challenging, as cotton can easily shrink if you don’t follow the proper cleaning instructions.
If you want to keep your dog warm, you might want to stick to a cotton cover. It’s breathable but generally heavier than polyester.
Easy Installation
A crate cover should be easy to install, so you can immediately create a private and safe den for your pooch. Most covers slip right over the crate, and you can roll down the sides for full coverage. There should be Velcro tabs or zippers that help secure the cover in place to ensure that the sides of the crate will be secured if you decide to take the dog out of the house.
If you feel that your dog is not yet ready for the cover, you should look for a model that allows for some modifications. Some models have windows that can be rolled up or down, so you can have fast access to the dog when needed. This will allow you to check on your pooch if you’re going on a long ride without letting them out of the crate.
You should also consider covers that have adjustable sides, so you can roll down the doors or sides depending on how comfortable your dog is. Doors and windows can also help you control how warm the cover will be, as you might need to roll them up if the weather is too hot for your dog.
Color
The main purpose of the cover is to provide your dog with some privacy. This is why choosing the right color will be crucial.
Light-colored materials might allow more light into the crate. This can be a good option if you have an anxious puppy that is afraid of the dark or doesn’t like to be left alone. At the same time, if your dog loves their privacy, a lighter shade won’t make them feel comfortable enough to sleep.
Luckily, most covers come in various colors and shades, so you can choose your dog’s favorite. Darker shades tend to be warmer if you keep the crate in the sun, as they absorb more light.
Why Should You Buy a Large Dog Crate Cover?
As you introduce your puppy or adult dog to crate draining, you need to make sure that you’re using the right tools to help them settle. Covering the crate can speed up the process and help your pooch feel more comfortable. Here are some reasons why you should buy a dog crate cover.
Privacy
Dogs love their privacy and often look for a dark, enclosed area when they want to rest or when they’re too stressed. The crate will give them the privacy they appreciate so much, and putting a cover on top might help them sleep better and faster.
Comfort
Dogs naturally have denning instincts, and the crate cover offers the same experience. It helps them feel more relaxed and at ease when they spend time in a place that they can claim as their safe, private den.
Better Sleep
A crate cover is usually used to signal bedtime if you’re dealing with a restless puppy. This will help you manage your dog’s bedtime habits, so you won’t have to stay up late. Puppies tend to be overly active, and the cover will be crucial to help them understand that playtime is over so they can rest.
Less Anxiety
Covers reduce visual stimulation, which can cause anxiety. When dogs are too anxious, they’re likely to bark a lot, trying to interact with people in the house.
If your dog has recently given birth, a cover will help reduce her anxiety while nursing her puppies. Dogs might not be comfortable, especially when there are other pets in the house, so you can use the cover to provide her with a special protected spot.
Good for Traveling
When you’re going on a car trip with your dog, a cover will help reduce stress. Dogs can become too stressed during long car rides, and the cover will help soothe and comfort them.
Check out our top picks for 5 Best Dog Travel Crates for Large Breeds
Warmth
A cover can be used in the cold weather when you feel that your pooch needs a little more warmth. A blanket might be too heavy, and a good cover would be more appropriate.
Their Own Space
If you live in a multi-pet household, a crate cover can help ease the aggression and competition between multiple dogs. As you try to provide each dog with their private den, a cover will also reduce visual interaction that might be provocative to one or both of your dogs.
How Should You Introduce Your Dog to a Covered Crate?
Everything you use while training your dog will have a massive impact on your lives together. Understanding that dogs are very sensitive creatures will help you introduce several new tools to make them feel comfortable and help you become a good pet owner.
Putting your puppy or adult dog in a covered crate for the very first time might not be a successful experience, as some dogs get too anxious when they’re in a confined space. This is why you should introduce the cover gradually to make sure that they won’t reject it.
Consistency is the key to successfully introducing the crate cover. You should always use positive training, encouragement, and treats to help your dog feel more comfortable. Some dogs will take more time than others, so you need to be patient.
- Make sure that your dog is well accustomed to the crate before introducing the cover.
- Put the cover on top of the crate while keeping the sides up.
- Increase the time that your dog spends inside the semi-covered crate.
- Drape one side of the crate and allow the dog to enter the semi-covered crate on their own and according to their comfort level.
- Once you feel that your dog is comfortable enough, you can lower both sides of the cover, making the crate totally covered.
- Watch your dog for any signs of anxiety. Some dogs don’t accept the cover, and spending time in a covered crate will make them too anxious and upset.
This is why you need to be patient and observe your dog, as using the cover might cause more harm than good. In that case, you might want to keep the crate semi-covered, so they don’t feel too stressed.
Wrap Up
Dogs are sensitive creatures, and proper dog training can make your life with your pooch more fun and comfortable. Having a crate cover allows you to create a safe and private den for your puppy or adult dog, so they can feel more comfortable and at ease.
We chose the Precision Pet Products Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover as our top pick because it’s made of high-quality canvas to withstand enthusiastic dogs. The material is quite breathable and easy to maintain, so the cover will always be clean and ready for use. Moreover, you can roll the sides up or down, depending on your dog’s comfort.
If you don’t like this cover, you can check out the other models on our list. Remember that dogs react differently, and some of them will take more time to get used to the cover. Keep an eye on your dog and modify the cover if you feel that they’re too anxious.
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.