Best Dog Beds for Crates
Crates Protect Pets When Traveling!
IntroductionWhy Use A Crate?What To Look ForWhat Should Not Be DoneWhen To Open A CrateHow To Use A CrateTailoring A CrateUsing a Crate for ChewersChoosing The Right CrateSetting The Crate for SafetyRecommended Beds for ChewersTips For SuccessConclusionShop Crates & Pads
Introduction
Best dog beds for crates are specialized, often thinner cushions or mats designed to fit inside a dog kennel, providing a comfortable, secure sleeping area. Dog bed crates are specialized, often thinner cushions or mats designed to fit inside a dog kennel, providing a comfortable, secure sleeping surface.
This should allow space for movement, training, or travel. A travel crate helps protect your pet when traveling in a car. They are specifically sized to turn a wire or plastic cage into a comfortable resting “den” and are generally more durable than regular home beds. When traveling on a plane, be sure to use the authorized travel crate the airline accepts. You may need to contact them for the specific dimensions of the crate that can fit under the seat.
A crate should feel like a safe, comfortable retreat for your dog and not just a place for confinement. Whether you’re crate training a new puppy, helping an anxious rescue dog settle in, or simply creating a cozy sleeping space, the right dog bed can make a huge difference.
Crate beds provide comfort, support, warmth, and security while also protecting your crate from scratches and wear.
A dog crate is an enclosed cage or kennel made of wire, plastic, or fabric. Designed to mimic a safe den, it is used for house-training puppies, safe travel, and providing dogs with a secure, comfortable resting space.
In this article, we’ll cover what to look for in a crate bed, common crate mistakes to avoid, tips for successful crate use, and how to choose the best option for chewers and diggers.
Why Use a Dog Crate?
- House Training: Because gods generally try avoiding soiling their sleeping area, crates can help puppy’s lean bladder control and prevent indoor accidents.
- Safety & Confinement: They prevent mischievous dogs from chewing on dangerous items (like electrical cords) when they are unsupervised and prevent harm.
- Travel: Crates keep dogs contained and safe when traveling in vehicles, preventing driver distraction.
- Private Sanctuary: When properly trained, dogs view the crate as their own “bedroom” where they can retreat to relax or sleep.
What To Look for When Buying a Crate
When buying a dog crate, prioritize proper sizing (enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably), durability based on your dog’s chewing habits, and safety features like secure latches and smooth edges. The crate should fit your dog’s specific needs, whether for house training, travel, or home confinement.
-
Sizing
- The Rule of Thumb: Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, and from the floor to the top of their head. Add 4 inches to these measurements to determine the ideal dimensions.
- For Puppies: To prevent house-training accidents, buy a crate that fits them now or use an adjustable divider panel, so the crate grows with them. If it is too large, a puppy may use one corner as a bathroom
-
Type & Material
- Wire Crates: Highly durable, provide excellent ventilation, and usually fold flat for easy storage or transport. They can be covered with a blanket to create a cozy den-like environment.
- Plastic/Travel Crates: Recommended for airline travel and dogs who prefer a more enclosed, private space.
- Soft-sided Crates: Best for calm, crate-trained dogs and easy portability, but not suitable for chewers or dogs that might scratch to get out.
- Furniture-Style Crates: Blends seamlessly with home décor, doubling as an end table or TV stand. Look for solid wood and strong joinery if opting for this style.
-
Safety & Convenience
- Secure Latches: A double-latch or heavy-duty slide-bolt designs are best to prevent escape attempts.
- Smooth Edges: Ensure there are no protruding wires or sharp seams that could injure your dog.
- Easy to Clean: Look for models with removable, slide-out plastic trays in case of accidents.
- Multiple Doors: Crates with both front and side doors provide more flexibility for room placement and getting in and out easily.
- Washable Materials: Accidents happen especially during puppy training. Machine-washable covers or waterproof liners make cleaning much easier and help keep odors under control.
- Breathability: Dogs can overheat quickly in enclosed spaces. Breathable fabrics and cooling materials are ideal for warmer climates or thick-coated breeds.
What Should Not Be Done With a Crate
- Never Use a Crate as Punishment: Never leave a dog inside for extended periods of time without bathroom breaks or crate a dog without proper acclimation. A crate should be a positive, safe sanctuary, not a prison or a substitute for training and supervision. Doing this teaches them to fear and resent the space.
- Avoid Over-Crating: Dogs are highly social animals. Leaving them in a crate all day can cause severe physical and psychological stress, sometimes referred to as “cage rage” or caged dog syndrome.
- Don’t Skip the Training Phase: Throwing a dog into a closed crate without introducing it slowly can cause trauma and intense anxiety. This is what you want to avoid.
- Never Leave Dangerous Items Inside: Loose blankets, towels, collars, or leashes can pose serious strangulation or choking hazards.
- Don’t Use It To Ignore a Dog: The crate should not be used merely to give yourself peace and quiet when an energetic puppy demands attention.
- Never Ignore Signs of Extreme Stress: If your dog is excessively howling, drooling, or tearing at the crate door, they are not acclimated and could injure themselves.
When to Open the Crate
- Puppies: Should not be crated for more than 2 to 3 hours at a time, as they need frequent opportunities to relieve themselves and socialize.
- Adult Dogs: Generally, they shouldn’t be crated for more than 4 to 5 hours while you are away during the day, barring overnight sleeping.
How Should Dog Owners Use a Crate?
- Secure Sanctuary: Dog owners should use a crate as a positive, secure sanctuary for house training, safety, and peaceful resting. It should mimic a natural den where your dog feels completely safe and relaxed.
- Establish It As a Positive Space: Feed your dog meals, toss high-value treats, or give safe puzzle toys like stuffed KONGs inside the crate to build positive associations.
- Keep the Door Open Initially: Let your dog explore the crate completely on their own terms during the first few days of training.
- Use It for Potty Training: Dogs naturally avoid fouling their sleeping area, making the crate an excellent tool for teaching bladder control.
- Size It Perfectly: Choose a crate where your dog can comfortably stand up, turn around in a full circle, and lie down completely stretched out.
- Provide Safe, Appropriate Bedding: Line the crate with a durable, flat pad or a specialized hypoallergenic dog bed if your pet has sensitive skin, ensuring they do not chew or swallow the material.
- Feed Meals in the Crate: Feeding your dog inside the crate builds positive associations.
- Practice Short Sessions: Begin with short periods inside the crate while you’re home before increasing duration.
- Utilize It for Safe Travel: Secure the crate inside your vehicle during road trips to protect your dog from sudden stops and prevent driver distraction.
- Incorporate It into Your Routine: Use the crate for overnight sleeping or during short periods when you cannot actively supervise your dog to prevent destructive chewing.
- Create a Bedtime Routine: Many dogs sleep comfortably in crates overnight once properly trained.
Tailoring Crate Use to Your Dog’s Needs
- Anxious Dogs: Place the crate in a quiet corner and consider adding a breathable cover to block out visual triggers that cause distress.
- Young Puppies: Position the crate near your bed at night so you can easily hear them when they need to go outside for a midnight bathroom break.
- Differentiate Boredom from Anxiety: If the behavior stems from severe separation anxiety, crating can actually escalate panic and cause self-inflicted injuries like broken teeth or torn nails.
- Increase Physical and Mental Exercise: A tired dog is far less likely to dig or chew. Provide a long walk, a game of fetch, or a puzzle toy immediately before crating them.
- Limit the Crating Duration: Do not leave a known chewer or digger crated for long periods, as frustration will build and trigger the destructive behavior.
Can Crates Be Used for Chewers or Diggers?
Yes, you can absolutely use a crate for chewers or diggers, but they must use a highly durable heavy-duty crate and ensure the dog’s physical and mental needs are met beforehand. Crating a dog who digs or chews out of boredom, separation anxiety, or frustration requires specific safety precautions to prevent injury.
You may need to consult your vet if you see your dog exhibiting the separation anxiety behavior before using the crate.
How To Choose the Right Crate
- Avoid Plastic and Standard Wire: Heavy chewers can easily destroy plastic vents, and determined diggers can bend thin wire crates, creating sharp metal edges.
- Invest In Heavy-Duty Steel: Look for escape-proof crates made of thick steel tubing or aluminum, which cannot be bent or chewed through.
- Select a Secure Latching System: Smart dogs can learn to manipulate simple sliding latches, so opt for dual, slam-latch, or tamper-proof locking mechanisms.
Setting Up the Crate for Safety
- Remove All Fabric Bedding: Eliminate soft blankets, towels, or plush beds. A dog that digs or chews will easily tear these apart, creating a severe foreign-body obstruction hazard if swallowed.
- Remove the Collar: Never leave a collar, harness, or leash on a crated dog. It can easily catch on the crate bars or hardware and cause strangulation.
- Provide Indestructible Chew Toys: Give them ultra-durable rubber toys (like a black KONG Extreme) stuffed with frozen peanut butter to safely redirect their chewing energy.
Recommended Beds for Chewers or Diggers
-
For Aggressive Chewers & Diggers
- K9 Ballistics Chew Proof Armored Bed: This bed features an all-aluminum frame that covers every edge and corner, preventing access to the fabric. The double-coated vinyl or rip-stop ballistic sling cannot be torn or punctured by persistent digging.
- Kuranda Aluminum Bed: The gold standard for indestructible beds. The solid aluminum frame is designed so the fabric edges are hidden inside the frame, giving your dog zero material to chew on.
-
For Mild to Moderate Chewers
- K9 Ballistics Tough Ripstop Orthopedic Bed: If your dog doesn’t chew metal frames but loves to tear into traditional beds, this padded mat is a great alternative. The exterior is built with heavy-duty ripstop fabric that is scratch-resistant and highly chew-resistant.
- Orvis ToughChew Lounger: A traditional-looking stuffed bed with an exceptionally tough, hidden liner that is specifically designed to resist scratching and chewing.
Note: For dogs with high separation anxiety, heavy-duty options are available from specialized manufacturers like Impact Dog Crates or Rock Creek Crates.
Crate Tips for Success
Using a crate properly can help your dog feel secure and relaxed. Below are some tips:
-
Make It Comfortable
Add a quality crate bed, favorite toys, and a soft blanket to create a welcoming environment.
-
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog with treats and praise when they enter the crate voluntarily.
-
Keep a Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Use the crate at regular times for naps, bedtime, or quiet time.
-
Cover the Crate if Needed
Some dogs relax more when the crate is partially covered, creating a den-like atmosphere.
-
Place the Crate in a Social Area
Dogs are social animals and usually prefer being near family activity rather than isolated in another room.
Conclusion
A crate should always be a place of comfort, security, and relaxation for your dog. The right crate bed can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and make crate time a positive experience.
By choosing durable, supportive, and properly sized bedding while also using the crate responsibly you can create a safe space your dog genuinely enjoys.
Whether you have a gentle sleeper, a growing puppy, or a determined chewer, there’s a crate bed that can meet your dog’s needs and help them feel right at home.
When traveling by car or plane be sure to use a recommended crate that supports your pet and meets airline specifications.
Shop Crates and Pads
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your purchase price is the same as if you shop directly on Amazon.
The price at time of publish is included below to give you an idea of what the price is; however, it is subject to change.
Note: Just click on the link below the image of interest.
Dog Crates












