If you have a dog who struggles with anxiety or noisy environments, learning how to soundproof a dog crate can make a world of difference for both you and your furry friend. 

Noise from traffic, other animals, or household sounds can be stressful for your dog, especially when they are confined in a crate.

And quite often the opposite is also true… when you are traveling with a dog crate, you and other passengers may not want to hear your dog barking! 

This article will explore how you can soundproof a dog crate to help reduce noise.

Read on and learn how to create a more comfortable space for your pet, minimizing the noise which travels in, and out, of the crate.

Skip to:

• Why soundproof a dog crate?
• Soundproofing a dog crate: Benefits
• 6 ways to soundproof a dog crate
• FAQs 

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Why soundproof a dog crate?

Dogs are highly sensitive to sound, and loud or sudden noises can cause stress, anxiety, and fear. In fact, dogs with noise phobias often experience symptoms such as drooling, panting, trembling, and even destructive behavior. 

These reactions are often intensified when your dog is in a confined space, such as a crate, which is why soundproofing can be an essential step in managing their well-being.

Additionally, soundproofing is not only about reducing external noise but also providing your dog with a sense of security and comfort in their crate. 

When your dog feels safe and relaxed, they are more likely to view the crate as a positive space, which is important for training, travel, or providing them with a quiet spot to retreat to.

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Soundproofing a dog crate: Benefits

Why invest the time, effort (and possibly money) in the first place? Here are the benefits you can expect:

🐶 Reduce anxiety – soundproofing helps create a quieter environment, which can ease the anxiety associated with loud sounds like thunderstorms, fireworks, or traffic.

🐶 Promote better sleep – dogs, just like humans, need uninterrupted sleep to stay healthy and happy. A quieter crate leads to better rest for your dog.

🐶 Encourage positive association – if your dog associates the crate with comfort and calm, they will be more likely to use it willingly and feel secure when inside.

🐶 Prevent destructive behavior – noise-induced anxiety can lead to destructive behavior, such as excessive barking, chewing, or trying to escape the crate. Soundproofing can help prevent these problems by alleviating the source of stress.

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6 ways to soundproof a dog crate

When it comes to soundproofing a dog crate, there are a few choices, all with their own plus points and drawbacks.

Below are some of the most effective ways to make the crate quieter:

1. Blankets and towels

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to reduce noise in your dog’s crate is by covering it with heavy blankets or towels. Have you got any spares?

These materials help absorb sound and provide a buffer from external noise (as well as noise from inside the crate).

• How to use: Drape a thick blanket or towel over the sides and top of the crate, making sure not to obstruct ventilation. You can also line the inside of the crate with towels or blankets to reduce the sound of your dog’s movements inside.

• Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, and readily available.

• Cons: You’ll need to make sure you secure the towels and blankets so that they don’t shift or fall off. Also, they may not offer the same level of soundproofing as more specialized sound absorbing materials.
  

2. Soundproof foam panels

Soundproof foam panels, typically used for acoustic treatment in studios or home theaters, can also be used to line your dog’s crate. 

These panels are designed to absorb sound waves and prevent noise from traveling through the walls of the crate.

• How to use: Cut the foam panels to fit the sides and bottom of the crate. Attach them securely using adhesive strips or Velcro, ensuring that they don’t obstruct ventilation.

• Pros: Highly effective at absorbing sound, easy to install, and doesn’t add too much weight to the crate.

• Cons: Foam panels can be a bit more expensive, and you’ll need to make sure the crate’s ventilation is not blocked.

Learn more about ‘The Best Acoustic Foam for Soundproofing’ in this article

3. Cork or rubber sheets

Want to take your sound absorption to the next level? 

Materials such as cork and rubber are denser materials that will do an even better job of sucking up sound than standard acoustic foam. 

These materials can be used to line the sides or floor of your dog’s crate to muffle external sounds.

• How to use: Cut the cork or rubber sheets to fit the sides or floor of the crate. Secure them in place with adhesive or double-sided tape. For additional noise dampening, consider layering the material.

• Pros: Cork and rubber are durable, non-toxic, and effective at soundproofing.

• Cons: These materials can be more challenging to find in the right size, and they may be pricier than other options.

Here’s our guide to ‘Cork Soundproofing’ which includes information on the material’s sound transmission class (STC) rating and recommended cork sheets

4. Insulation foam

If you’re willing to invest a little more time and effort, insulation foam (such as the kind used in home construction) is a great option for soundproofing. 

This type of insulation foam is generally made from materials such as polyester fiber or mineral wool

Insulation foam is highly effective at blocking sound, but it requires a bit more work to install.

• How to use: Cut the foam into pieces to fit the walls, floor, and ceiling of the crate. Attach it using a strong adhesive or Velcro. Be sure to leave enough space for ventilation.

• Pros: Very effective at blocking sound, especially when used in thicker layers.

• Cons: Can be more difficult to work with than standard acoustic foam and may require cutting and fitting.

Here’s our guide to the ‘Best Insulation for Sound’ including budget and high performance options

5. Acoustic curtains or canopies

If you want to soundproof a dog crate without enclosing it completely, you can use acoustic curtains or a canopy around the crate. 

Acoustic curtains are made from materials that absorb sound, while canopies can be draped over the crate to create a quieter environment.

• How to use: Hang the acoustic curtains or canopy around the outside of the crate, leaving some space for air circulation. You can also line the interior of the crate with a thinner fabric curtain to help reduce noise.

• Pros: Acoustic curtains are effective and easy to install, and a canopy adds a cozy feel to the crate.

• Cons: You may need to reinforce the curtain to prevent it from falling, and the effect may not be as strong as foam or insulation options

Here is our rundown of the ‘8 Best Soundproof Curtains’

6. White noise machine

Another method to reduce the impact of external noise on your dog is by using a white noise machine near the crate. 

White noise can mask environmental sounds like traffic, thunderstorms, and other disturbances.

• How to use: Place the white noise machine near the crate and adjust the sound level to a comfortable volume for your dog. Be sure the machine doesn’t get too loud, as it could startle your dog.

• Pros: White noise is an inexpensive and non-invasive option that can provide consistent sound coverage.

• Cons: White noise doesn’t block sound directly, so it’s most effective when combined with other soundproofing methods.

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FAQs