You’ve Got the Crate. Now What Goes Inside?
You’ve brought home a beautiful crate (maybe even one of ours 😉), and your dog’s checking it out. But now you’re standing there wondering…
“Should I put a blanket in there?”
“What about toys?”
“Water bowl? Heat pad? A mini fridge??”
Let’s simplify things and build the perfect crate interior — one that’s safe, soothing, and irresistibly comfy.
🛏️ The Basics: What Should Go in a Dog Crate
Here’s your starter kit for crate interior bliss:
✅ 1. Soft Bedding
A plush crate mat, memory foam pad, or folded blanket helps your dog relax and associate the crate with comfort.
🐾 Tip: For puppies or chewers, start with chew-proof bedding until you’re sure they won’t destroy it.
✅ 2. Safe Chew Toy
Chew toys = entertainment + comfort + teething relief. Look for something:
Durable (KONGs are a classic)
Non-toxic
Size-appropriate
Bonus: Fill a toy with frozen peanut butter or treats to keep your pup busy during crate time.
✅ 3. Your Scent
Dogs are comforted by your smell. Pop in a worn t-shirt or a soft cloth that smells like you. It helps with anxiety and makes the crate feel more familiar.
✅ 4. Optional: Water Bowl or Crate Bottle
If your dog will be crated for several hours, offer water — but only if they won’t spill it everywhere. Use:
A non-spill bowl attached to the crate
Or a crate-mounted water bottle (like the kind rabbits use)
💡 Skip water overnight or during short training sessions — it can actually help with toilet training.
⚠️ What Not to Put in the Crate
Let’s avoid crate chaos and safety hazards. Skip:
🧵 Loose blankets or items they could shred and ingest
🧸 Stuffed toys with squeakers (they can choke if torn open)
🍖 Bones or rawhide (can splinter or cause tummy troubles)
🔌 Heat mats or electric blankets (nope. just nope.)
🌙 Crate Setup Tips for Day vs Night
Daytime Crating: Add a toy, leave the door open (if training), and place the crate in a light, active area.
Night time Crating: Keep it dim and quiet. Remove high-energy toys. Make sure it feels “bedroom-y.”
💬 Real Talk: Trial and Error is Normal
Every dog has their own preferences. Some love a soft den, others prefer a minimalist vibe. Try different combos until your dog happily strolls into their crate and lets out that adorable “ahhh this is nice” sigh.
🐾 About Paws and Willow
We design crates that deserve to be called furniture — stylish, modular, and hand-built with your dog’s comfort in mind.
🇦🇺 100% Australian made and owned
🪵 Modular wood crate systems that grow with your pet
🌱 Eco-friendly and family-run
🐶 Designed by dog lovers, for dog lovers
Discover the crate your dog (and your living room) will love.
👉 Explore our handcrafted crate collection and create a space your pup actually wants to hang out in.
