Skip to main content

4 fantastic dog crate decorating ideas to consider

If your dog has a crate, you probably know about its benefits and usefulness, but did you know how cute a dog’s space can be? With these dog crate decorating ideas, you can transform a crate into a fancy bed, some holiday decor, or even a table. Some of these easy projects need only one item, while others are a bit more involved. Whether you’re eager to DIY these features or purchase these items online, you should be able to find plenty of resources on the internet. From bloggers to vets to animal rescues, inspiration is all around — but we’re here to help get you started! To learn how to decorate a dog cage, read on:

Decorate your crate water dish or dispenser

Although often overlooked, having water available for your dog while he’s crated is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be ho-hum! Whether your dog has a bowl or a special crate-friendly water dispenser, decorating it with stickers or pet-safe paint can make a world of difference.

Try personalizing your pup’s bowl with his name or initials, or, for something less permanent, chalkboard paint will let you change it up every day. You can also dip the bottoms of glass or metal bowls in paint, leaving the top clean and dye-free.

a corgi puppy looks up from a playpen
Jus_Ol / Shutterstock

Get creative with your crate’s covering

While your pup may already love his crate — enclosed, safe spaces are comforting for dogs (think den) — you can help make it even homier by covering the top of his crate with a special cloth or blanket. Thicker is best to keep your pet warm, but you can find blankets and fabric in all kinds of fun colors and patterns.

Some pet parents go above and beyond when setting up their dog’s den. With some quick browsing online, you’ll find countless decoration ideas, from curtains and awnings to seasonal designs — like haunted houses!

With a little thought and handiwork (or a decent-sized online purchase), you and your dog will be closer than ever. An adorable crate that also functions as a table works in any area of the house, even the middle of the living room. You can install a safe solid topper and use fabric to cover three of the crate’s sides for a minimal look, or you can build the crate into an actual table. Whether you just place the crate under an existing table or you construct one around your crate, make sure all materials are fastened securely; the most important thing is keeping your pet safe, after all!

An adorable dog bed

A little fabric can go a long way. Whether your pooch prefers some padding or a bed in the bottom of his crate, you can easily make it as cute as your dog. A simple fabric cover for a pad can be easy to DIY if you’re comfortable sewing, or you can buy a comfy, attractive dog bed for your pup.

When in doubt, lay a cute blanket on the floor of his crate. This will give him some cushion and texture at the very least, and you can get a blanket in nearly any pattern. If your dog gets warm or would rather have a pillow, blankets are light and easy to move. Just make sure Fido won’t destroy it!

a beige dog with a wrinkly face lies down in a crate
Amber Sallot/Shutterstock

Decorative pillows for dogs

If you like decorative pillows on your couch or bed, you can add some to your dog’s crate as well. For pups who can be trusted not to rip up pillows and toys, it can be fun to pick out a few cuddly items to give them. If you’re looking for a specific style, you can shop for the perfect pieces, but odds are your dog will be just as happy with a few of his favorite plushies. You’ll have to wait to see if you can catch him in the act of snuggling — don’t forget to snap a photo! There will surely be naps ahead with this cozy idea.

These are just a few of the endless crate decoration ideas, but they’re the classics. Dogs are naturally drawn to safe, enclosed spaces, so making your fur baby’s crate comfy will be a lifelong benefit. When a pup enjoys his crate, so many aspects of pet parenthood, such as travel, bedtime, and even emergency planning will become endlessly easier. Your pup will have somewhere to escape stress and sleepiness, and you’ll always know where your furry friend is hiding.

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
9 frighteningly amazing large dog Halloween costume ideas to try this October
Spooky, adorable, and easy-to-make large dog Halloween costumes
Border Collie in a skeleton shirt sits in a pile of autumn leaves

The spookiest night of the year is almost upon us, which means it’s time to plan everyone’s festive outfits... including your pup's! With these large dog Halloween costumes, even your dog can be part of the frightening fun. And here’s the best part: You don’t have to spend a ton on these dog Halloween costume ideas, either.
Not only are they all reasonably priced (especially compared with Halloween costumes for people), but some are completely DIY-able, too. It's a crafter's dream! How you ultimately decide to dress up your dog is totally up to you — she's going to be the star of the show this Halloween, no matter what. Just don't make her look too spooky!

Beanie Baby DIY name tags are perfect Halloween accessories for any pet
If your childhood self would have loved the idea of a life-sized Beanie Baby, you can make that dream come true this Halloween. All you need for this adorable project is cardboard and some paint (or colored construction paper if you’d rather) to design your pet’s own Beanie Baby tag. Bonus points if you go the extra mile and write her a custom biography poem!
Once you've designed and glued this adorable tag together, all you need to do is attach it to your pup’s collar — and snap some pictures, of course. An oversized tag might be more eye-catching, so plan your size before you cut any materials!

Read more
8 easy and affordable small dog Halloween costume ideas that are perfect for both tricks and treats
Try one of these small dog Halloween costumes
French bulldog dog dressed up with funny cactus Halloween dog costume

With so much spooky cuteness rolled up into a four-legged package, it’s tough to top dogs in Halloween costumes. Everyone you meet is in for a treat, especially when you have a well-thought-out outfit for your pup. And maybe they'll see a trick, too, if your dog is up for it!
These small dog Halloween costumes pack an extra punch of cuteness with their miniature sizing, but many come (or can be made) in various sizes. From DIYs to store bestsellers, these outfits for petite pups will surely be winners come Halloween night.
These are our eight frighteningly fabulous favorites.

DIY your dog a pair of custom bat or dragon wings
Your pet may not breathe fire, but he can surely act like it! Unleash your doggo's inner dragon with a quick and fun DIY project you can spend as much time on as you like. All you need is cardboard or foam core, paint, a harness or jacket for your pup, and something like Velcro to attach the wings to the harness.
First, use your cardboard or foam core and scissors to cut out a pair of wings, then decorate them however you like. You can use paint, sequins, fabric, or anything else that won’t weigh down the cardboard/foam core. Once the wings are all prepared, use your Velcro (or whatever fastener you'd like) to attach them to the harness or jacket. Keeping the wings attached while your buddy moves around is the trickiest part, so give yourself plenty of time to experiment!

Read more
Is crate training necessary? There are pros and cons on both sides
Here are the things you should think about before deciding whether to crate train
A yellow Labrador retriever puppy lying on a red bed inside a wire crate.

Crate training is one of the most polarizing topics among pet parents, with some claiming that keeping your pup in a crate for any length of time is cruel and may lead to behavioral problems, aggression, and separation anxiety. On the flip side, many pet parents, veterinarians, and dog trainers recommend crate training as a way to keep your pup safe from harm when you're not at home. Is crate training necessary? We'll not only tackle both sides of this complicated issue once and for all, but we'll also share how to potty-train a puppy without a crate. Here's what you should know. 

The case against crate training
According to some pet parents, crate training is "lazy training." Opponents believe some people take the easy way out and crate their pups instead of training them properly. One of the main arguments is that dogs are social animals and require attention and physical affection to form a solid bond with their human family members. And we're inclined to agree with certain aspects of these arguments against crating dogs. When used as a supplementary form of training, crating can be invaluable, but it shouldn't be used in place of training your dog.

Read more