How to Soundproof a Dog Crate: A Guide to Keep Your Dog Calm and Your Neighbors Happy

• Muhammad Kaleem Ullah Nawab
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How to Soundproof a Dog Crate: A Guide to Keep Your Dog Calm and Your Neighbors Happy

As a dog owner, you probably feel irritated when your dog barks at every little sound. Whether it’s a loud sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, or random street sounds. Barking is normal dog behavior. But if you live in an apartment or tight-knit community, it could result in complaints from neighbors.

Do you want your dog not to hear the slightest noise or the neighbors to complain? If yes, the only possible solution is soundproofing your dog’s crate. 

A soundproofed dog’s kennel will reduce the surrounding noise and create a calm environment for your dog.  

In this article, we will explore how soundproofing a dog house can be a game-changer for you and your pet. It will also provide a step-by-step guide on ‘how to soundproof a dog’s crate?

Why Soundproofing a Dog Crate Is Important

Dogs are sensitive creatures with a unique hearing range of 50 Hz to 45000 Hz. Humans can hear sounds with frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

This means they have much sharper hearing than humans. Sounds that seem normal to us can be terrifyingly loud to them. So fireworks, thunder, or neighbors talking loudly can make dogs nervous and cause them to bark.

A soundproof dog crate will not allow these sounds to reach your dog and dampen them. It works in two ways. First, it reduces all those external noises that irritate your dog and cause barking. Second, if your dog is barking in the crate, the volume of barking will be reduced to make it less loud.

So, soundproofing a dog house reduces the noise that disturbs the people around you. 

How to Soundproof a Dog Crate: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Right Crate

The first step to soundproofing a dog crate is choosing the right one. Choose a crate that is sturdy enough. Plastic or metal crates are stiffer and more effective at blocking the noise. It needs more work if you have a wire crate and want to soundproof it. 

Crates with thicker walls will naturally absorb more sound. Wire crates are easily breakable and less effective in blocking noise. However, there are many ways to insulate them.

2. Line the Crate with Soundproofing Materials

Acoustical materials prove highly effective in controlling noise. They easily block the noise that enters or leaves the room. Here are some options:

• Soundproof Blankets: Sound-absorbing blankets act like soundproof curtains. They are not ordinary blankets. These are heavy, dense blankets specially designed to block and absorb sound. You can roll them on the crate to reduce external noise. When insulating the crate, remember to leave some ventilation for your dog’s comfort and airflow. 
• Acoustic Panels:  Another way to soundproof the crate is using acoustical panels. They are made of materials ( fiberglass, foam, and mineral wool )that dampen sound energy and prevent it from bouncing off hard surfaces. The core of these panels is covered with soft fabric. You can install it in or around the crate to minimize the barking noise. Get it installed by a professional so that your dog can not chew it.
• Moving Blankets or Towels:  A budget-friendly option for soundproofing is covering the crate with moving blankets and towels. They are better than regular ones in absorbing sounds. Although they are not as effective as acoustic materials, they can create a peaceful environment for your dog.

3.  Insulate Crate’s Walls

Besides covering the crate with blankets or towels, you can also soundproof the crate walls.  For better noise reduction,  add an extra layer of insulation to the kennel wall. This layer of insulating material will not only absorb the sounds but also insulate the dog’s room. It will keep your dog’s room cool in summer and hot in winter. 

The best material for insulating the crate walls is foam or rubber padding. You can cut the foam to fit the size or length of the walls. Use non-toxic adhesive or Velcro strips to adhere them. This acoustic material is effective at blocking outside and your dog’s barking noise. 

4. Use a Crate Cover

The crate cover acts like an acoustic blanket if it is made of heavy material. The lightweight cover doesn’t reduce noise, it just covers the crate. But a heavy curtain-like material cover helps block out the noise. Many pet stores sell crate covers that are made of special sound-absorbing materials. They are easy to use, you can roll them up or down.

5. Add Soft Bedding

If you have a dog that snores or makes small noises at night, adding a soft bed can be a great solution. You can block out those little sounds by adding soft bedding. In this way, you will not only provide your dog with a comfortable place to sit or lie down but also block out snoring sounds. 

Choose thick and fluffy material for bedding. The thicker it is, the more sound it will absorb.  Look for a high-quality, durable, and thick mattress that is easy to clean. 

6. Place the Crate in a Quiet Spot

Crates location can also irritate your dog and cause it to bark. If the crate is near the window or door or at a place where there is a lot of noise, there are more chances of dogs barking. 

Let’s say you put the crate on the lawn, with every passing car loud horns will disturb your dog.  So place the crate in the quietest room of your home. Do not place it near the windows or external noise sources. Try to keep it in an area where the walls are thicker. Thick walls will provide natural sound insulation.

7. Play Calming Music or White Noise

If you do not want to cover your dog’s crate with heavy blankets, you can use sound masking techniques to reduce your dog’s anxiety. Putting a white noise machine near the dog house or playing calm music can reduce external noise. 

If fireworks or thunderstorms are outside, soft music or this device near the crate can help drown out all the sounds. This provides your dog with a more peaceful auditory environment.

Playlists are available specifically for dogs, with slow, soothing tunes to reduce stress and anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Soundproofing a dog crate is an effective way to reduce your dog’s stress sounds and alleviate neighbors’ complaints. After creating a quiet, insulated environment for your dog, you can help reduce their anxiety during fireworks, thunderstorms, or noise from your home.

These acoustical materials can transform your dog’s crate into a peaceful sanctuary. This would become a safe and secure place for them, and they would not need to find another place to hide during sudden or unpredictable sounds. 

Whether you want a soundproof crate due to neighbors’ complaints or want to create a calming space for your pet, it is a perfect solution for you and your furry friend.