Yes, many dogs like blankets in their crates for comfort, warmth, and a den-like feel, creating security, but some dogs might chew or soil them, so it depends on the individual dog's temperament, age (puppies often destroy them), and whether they prefer the bare crate floor for cooling. You need to observe your dog's reaction; if they destroy it or seem distressed, remove it, but if they use it to nest or relax, it's beneficial, just ensure it's safe and lightweight.
Not every dog appreciates a blanket over their crate—for some, a cover may cause more fear than relief. Some dogs may accept a partly covered crate, while others prefer no cover at all. If your dog shows obvious signs of discontent or becomes aggressive, a covered crate may not be suitable.
Yes, you can cover your dog's crate at night to create a cozy, den-like environment that promotes security and reduces overstimulation, helping them feel calmer and sleep better, but watch for signs of distress and ensure good ventilation, as some dogs prefer an uncovered crate or may get too hot. It's a great tool for anxious or excitable dogs, but always tailor it to your dog's personality by observing their reaction, using a proper crate cover (not just a blanket they can pull in), and leaving an opening if needed.
What not to put inside a dog crate?
Some dogs love their crates as their beds because it feels like a den, and it makes them feel safe and secure. Especially if you teach them that they will NOT be bothered by anything or anyone while they're in the crate. It's their safe place if they're feeling unwell or wanna be left alone.
This one isn't necessarily going to give you any definitive answers but paying attention to if your dog ever chooses to go into their crate on their own can give you some information about how they feel about that space. Some dogs who enjoy their crates will choose to take naps, snacks or toys inside for safety.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs most commonly refers to either potty training for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision, or a cycle of 10 min outside/10 min inside) or the 80/10/10 raw feeding diet (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) for a natural diet; it can also refer to a nutrition guideline where treats are 10% of calories, or a rest rule (10 mins rest per hour of play). The specific meaning depends on the context, but all promote consistency, balance, and understanding canine needs.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
A Blanket or Crate Cover
They're also useful for blocking out light and helping puppies nap throughout the day. If your dog is easily overwhelmed or finds it hard to settle in their crate, covering it with a blanket helps to block out the outside world for them.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in the owner's bedroom, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time. Having the crate in your bedroom will also allow you to hear your dog if she gets restless during the night and needs to be taken to her potty area.
Leaving toys/bones in the crate is ok, but they must be safe items. Anything that your dog can destroy and/or swallow is dangerous. Kongs, Nyla Bones, and deer antlers are some safe options. The Kongs are especially nice because you can stuff the toy with treats, peanut butter, or any other favorite treat.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Should I leave food and water inside my dog's crate? Your dog should always have a supply of fresh water, however when it come to puppies and larger dogs, leaving a bowl in their crate could lead to accidents whilst they get used to their space.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
The "3-bark rule" is a positive dog training technique that teaches a dog to alert you to something (like a visitor) with a few barks, then stop when cued, preventing excessive noise. It involves letting the dog bark 2-3 times, using a calm "Quiet" or "Thank You" command, and rewarding the subsequent silence, acknowledging their alert while taking over the situation and teaching them to yield to your command.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
Every pup should know the 7 Basic Common commands: SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME, OFF, HEEL, and NO.
Dogs have a simple stomach anatomy, just like humans.
After 8 to 10 hours, an empty stomach begins to send signals to the brain that stimulate a hunger response. For this reason, at least two meals per day are best for your dog.