Crate covers are one of the most underutilised crate training accessories in the UK. When used correctly, they significantly improve crate training outcomes by leveraging dogs’ natural den instinct. This guide explains the science, distinguishes effective covers from inadequate ones, and reviews the best options available in the UK.
Why Crate Covers Work — The Den Instinct Explained
Dogs are biologically descended from den-dwelling ancestors. In the wild, canids sleep and raise young in enclosed burrows that provide security on multiple sides. Domestic dogs retain this instinct — a fully open wire crate provides confinement but no sense of enclosure or safety. A cover transforms the same crate into a den. The evidence:
- Reduced visual stimuli — a covered crate blocks the constant visual movement of a busy household (people walking past, outside windows, other animals), preventing the over-arousal that keeps dogs from settling
- Darkness signals sleep — as with humans, dogs use light as a circadian signal. A dark crate is understood as “sleep time” more reliably than an uncovered one under bright household lighting
- Muffled sound — covers reduce (though don’t eliminate) ambient sound, helpful for noise-sensitive dogs during fireworks, thunderstorms, and busy household periods
- Security for anxious dogs — dogs with separation anxiety often settle more reliably in a covered crate; the enclosed space reduces the “surveillance” state that maintains anxiety
Fitted vs Universal — Which to Choose?
| Type | Fit | Darkening quality | Ventilation control | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitted (brand-specific) | Precise — designed for exact crate dimensions (e.g., Ellie-Bo, KONG, Pets at Home) | Excellent — no gaps at edges | Fixed mesh panels or roll-up sections on specific sides | Owners with standard wire crates from Ellie-Bo, Pets at Home, or similar mid-range UK brands |
| Universal | Adjustable — pull-cord, stretchy fabric, or hook-and-eye attachments fit a range of standard sizes | Good — minor gaps possible at corners | Multiple zip panels for full flexibility | Owners with non-standard crate sizes, those who change crates frequently, or travel use |
Best Dog Crate Covers UK 2026
| Product | Type | Highlights | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild & Snug Crate Cover | Fitted — tested for Ellie-Bo, Argos, KONG, and Pets at Home crates | Attachable hooks for secure fit; stretchy panel at front for perfect edge seal; washable breathable fabric | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best fitted cover for UK crates. UK-based brand with excellent customer service. Multiple sizes. wildandsnug.com |
| Ellie-Bo Own-Brand Cover | Fitted — designed for Ellie-Bo crates specifically | “Made to measure” match to Ellie-Bo crate dimensions; good darkening; quality fabric reported by multiple UK buyers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect choice if you own an Ellie-Bo crate — the fit is precise and creates a completely dark sleeping environment. Available ellie-bo.com |
| Lords & Labradors Designer Cover | Universal / semi-fitted; luxury aesthetic | Available in tweed, oilcloth, and cotton-lined options; premium appearance for those who want crates to blend with home décor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Premium aesthetics. Functional as a cover but the primary USP is appearance — useful for owners with open-plan living spaces. Available lordsandlabradors.co.uk |
DIY Alternative — When a Blanket Works (and When It Doesn’t)
A simple blanket over a crate can work well as a cover provided:
- The blanket is heavy enough to hang without gaps at the sides
- You leave the front panel fully or partially open for ventilation
- The dog cannot pull the blanket into the crate (risk: chewing and ingestion of fabric)
Use a blanket clipped to the crate bars at the top corners rather than draped loosely. Never cover all four sides and the top simultaneously — dogs need airflow, particularly in warmer months. In summer temperatures above 22°C, leave at least two full sides fully open regardless of cover type.
FAQs
Should I cover the whole crate?
Never cover all sides completely — always leave at least one full side (typically the front/door side) at least partially open for ventilation and to prevent the dog feeling trapped. During the day, leave the front open entirely and cover three sides and the top. At night, you may add a partial drape over the front if your dog settles better, but a gap at the bottom is important for airflow. Remove covers entirely in hot weather or for any brachycephalic breed.