Dog crates provide a safe, comfortable and secure environment for your dog. Crates also help with housebreaking, and can be used to protect your dog from household hazards.
Crates should be covered with a heavy blanket or towel when transporting your dog in a car. This will help muffle any noise the crate may make and provide a dark, quiet space for your dog to rest.
But how can you make the crate soundproof? The most popular way to soundproof a dog crate would be to hang sound baffles. These are panels that are suspended or mounted from the ceiling. Whatever, method you choose, make sure that the crate remains well ventilated.
What Is A Soundproof Dog Crate?
According to research, exposure to loud noises can affect animal behavior and negatively impact their health. (Source)
A soundproof dog crate is a special type of crate that helps to reduce the amount of noise your dog makes. It is usually made from materials that help to block out sound, such as heavy-duty plastics or thick fabrics. Soundproofing can also be achieved by adding special panels to the sides of the crate.
These panels help to reflect sound waves away from the crate, which reduces the overall noise level. Some soundproof dog crates even come with built-in fans that create white noise, which can further help to reduce the noise coming from the crate.
Why Soundproof Dog Crate?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider using a soundproof dog crate. If you live in an apartment or condo, for example, your neighbors may not appreciate your dog barking at all hours of the day and night.
A soundproof crate can help to reduce the amount of noise your dog makes, which will make everyone happy. If you have a particularly vocal dog, a soundproof crate can also be helpful in training them to be quieter. This is because it can be difficult to hear your commands over the sounds of your dog barking.
By using a soundproof crate, you can train your dog more effectively and help to keep the peace in your home.Not all soundproof dog crates are created equal,however. Some cheaper models may not be as effective at reducing noise as more expensive ones.
It is important to do your research and read reviews before purchasing a soundproof dog crate to ensure that you are getting a quality product that will work well for you and your dog.
How to Soundproof Dog Crate
1. Adding A Crate Cover
A crate cover is a good idea if you already have a dog crate for your dog. The cover consists of a padding layer made from a thick breathable fabric that blocks noise.
It is made of a padding layer that prevents noise from leaking in and out.
This is important, especially if the dog barks continuously when there is a loud noise- like thunderstorms.
Most crate covers have a fabric layer easily washable; you only need to disassemble it and put it in a washing machine when it gets dirty.
Even though a crate cover offers a comfortable space for your dog, it does not effectively block all the noise from getting in or out. It’s more of a sound relieving cover than a soundproof.
You can also get a dog crate for your outdoor dog house; remember to get the one that’s waterproof or windproof.
2. Apply Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are suitable for people who live near rail tracks or places that experience extreme thunderstorms. They are ideal for dogs that get agitated when there is a loud noise.
These panels are good at blocking too much sound coming from the outside. They also absorb and prevent any reverberations.
If you live close to your neighbors who may not appreciate dog howling or barking, acoustic panels are a great idea. The panels minimize dog noise from getting outside by absorbing the barks.
The panels are also easy to install, so you don’t need to call a professional. You can start by purchasing the right-sized panels for your dog crate.
Here is a detailed guide on how you can install acoustic foam panels for your soundproofing project.
Cut the panels into the right size for the dog crate, then use binder clips to attach the panels on the crate. Start from the bottom as you go up.
Also, ensure the wall panels are overlapping those below to prevent any gaps.
3. Soundproof Blanket for Dog Crate
Unlike ordinary blankets, moving blankets have a padded construction that provides acoustic absorption.
The exterior layers of the blankets consist of soft fabric, while the inner layer is made of a thin layer of padding.
The design of the blanket makes it perfect for absorbing and preventing sound from getting into the crate.
Additionally, you can use these sheets to soundproof a room- here is a detailed guide on soundproofing with blankets.
You can drape the blanket over the crate; alternatively, you can line the inside bottom of the crate. If you decide to hang the blanket, consider the size of the crate, if it’s big, then get a bigger blanket.
You can also cover the top of the dog’s crate; however, you will have to get a waterproof material because of rain.
Also, you need to leave a little bit of a breathable space so that the dog does not suffocate.
Other things to consider are whether your dog likes chewing if it does, then you should not get a chewable blanket material.
4. Use Absorption Sheets
Absorption sheets can also work well for your crates. They are the best alternatives to moving blankets. A good example is the Audimute Acoustic Sheet
Absorption sheets do not block sound; they absorb it. There are those with grommet holes and those without them.
The ones with grommet holes are easy to install; you just need to mount them on the walls. However, if you purchase those without the hole, you will have to drill them at home.
Don’t forget to get a bigger absorption sheet to cover the whole of the crates.
5. Get a Sound Baffle
Sound baffles are sound absorption products that are hung on ceilings in areas that are prone to too much noise. Baffles are fundamental tools for controlling sound, mainly when you have limited space.
Besides being lightweight, these products have an aesthetical feature. They also come in different colors, such as blue ridge.
6. Get Soft Crate
A simple solution to your dog’s anxiety to noise is getting a soft crate. The crate is collapsible, which makes it easy to pack, especially for trips.
They also contain padding that prevents loud noises from getting in and also avoid barks of dog from getting out. Due to their soft nature, soft crates are comfortable for your dog.
Soft crates are also made with mesh material, which means they easily regulate airflow. Some of them even come with washable beddings.
7. Dog Crate
Another option for noise suppression is a dog crate. They are also suitable for making the crate comfortable and providing a soft resting space for your dog.
The bed comes in different length, height, and also thickness. A thick bed that covers the bottom of the crate is suitable for reducing sound.
The dog crate bed is made from different materials that include cotton or synthetic fiber. However, for effective sound reduction, use the dog crate bed with a crate cover.
Top 3 Soundproof Dog Crate Cover
As earlier mentioned, a crate cover is designed to cover your dog’s cage for privacy and also to absorb sounds. Below are some of our recommended dog crate covers you should try today.
Yotache Crate Cover
The Yotache Crate Cover is perfect for shielding your dog against sights and sounds. The cover is made from breathable material that darkens the crate creating a quiet and comfortable environment for your puppy to sleep faster.
In addition, the crate cover is also waterproof and windproof. It’ll protect the safety of your dog in its cage.
It’s available in different sizes, and hence there’s something for you regardless of the size of your dog crate.
AmazonBasics Kennel Cover
Not only is the crate cover great in shielding your dog against outside noises, but it’s also good in creating a sense of security, privacy, and comfort for your puppy.
It helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
It’s important to note that this crate cover only fits a matching size AmazonBasics dog crate- that’s sold separately.
It’s made from long-lasting polyester that’s easy to clean and maintain.
Midwest’s Quiet Time Crate Cover
Just like its name suggests, the Midwest QuietTime crate cover is excellent for creating a quiet sanctuary for your dog.
The crate designed to allow proper ventilation inside. It can be used with most 1,2 or 3 door crates allowing for easy access from different sides.
It’s made from breathable material that fends off spills, water, and splashes. Additionally, it’s machine washable and it’s equipped with hook and loop to ensure it stays in place.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Soundproof Dog Crate
Heavy-duty plastics and thick fabrics are typically the most effective at reducing noise. You should also look for a crate that has been designed specifically for noise reduction. Some manufacturers create special panels for their crates that help to reflect sound waves away from the crate, which can further reduce the noise level.
Finally, you may want to consider a crate that comes with built-in fans or other white noise-makers. These can help to mask the sounds of your dog barking and make it more difficult for people outside of the crate to hear them.
When choosing a soundproof dog crate, it is important to consider your needs and budget. There are a number of different options available on the market, so you should be able to find one that fits both of these criteria. With a little bit of research, you can find a soundproof dog crate that will help to keep the peace in your home and make everyone happy.
Challenges when Soundproofing a Dog Crate
There are potential problems you’re likely to face. They include:
Poor Ventilation
Because soundproofing requires ideally sealing all the gaps that could leak in or out noise, an entirely soundproofed crate will challenge ventilation.
Additionally, you’d also create a darker environment for your dog.
Temperature
The challenge with temperatures rising above normal is evident in dog crates. To keep the temperatures in check, you should ensure that you use breathable materials. There should be enough ventilation to keep air circulated.
Conclusion
You don’t have to let sounds affect your dog, or the barks from your dog affect the neighbors; a soundproof dog cage can help. There are several options to help you out; you only need to choose the one suitable for the dog.
These options are acoustic sound panels, sound baffles, absorption sheets, and moving blankets. You can also get a soft crate for your pet.
Using blankets may seem like a good idea, but it won’t work in the long run. You need to gauge your dog’s response to loud noise so that you can effectively choose the right soundproofing option.
Before deciding, you need to consider a few things like your location, the size of the crate, and the cost of getting the materials.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.