Though an aisle of with adorable antics (with former fosterdog SuperLevi!)
Realizing the benefits of giving our dogs their own space, and these prime photo moments, won out and had me on the search for a way to integrate our metal monstrosity into our home. I had seen all the nice crate covers out there, but I wasn't sure if covering the crate would be it good option, or if it would just draw attention to the huge 'box' in the middle of our living room. I hadn't seen any photos of the crate covers being used in actual homes, so after speaking with the nice people over at Molly Mutt, we decided to review one in our home, and they are also giving two lucky winners a chance to win their own crate covers!
Functionality:
The cover includes straps with snaps so you can chose to roll the sides up for varying levels for coverage and visibility. The only thing we did notice was the straps are on the inside, so if you don't roll up the side the straps will hang down. If you do roll up the side, the strap will be secured, but still on the inside, which could be extra temptation for a pup who might get bored and like to chew. If you're pooch is known to eat beds or be destructive while in the crate, we would recommend rolling it completely up or even removing the cover while they are in the crate alone.
Style:
I had been afraid the bright patterned color would draw attention to the crate, but I have found the dark color, and cave-like inside, makes it blend in to the point of being unnoticeable in our place. I actually struggled to find a way to make it stand out in the photograph.
Likability:
The pooches love that it creates a dark, den-like experience, and we even had trouble getting Mr. B to come out of the crate. During the winter we also tend to drape a blanket over Miss M's crate when it seems extra drafty in our home. I like how the cover can keep the pooches warm, or be rolled up for 'air-conditioning'.
We only write about things that we honestly like, use, and would recommend, and our only regret is that it has taken us this long to discover this. We are very excited that Molly Mutt will be giving away a crate cover of choice to two(!) lucky readers!
There are two ways to enter, and you can chose to enter both ways.
We have recognized how crate training can be an essential part of establishing boundaries, creating space, and having a happy, well-trained pup.
How is your crate important to your pup?
1) Let us know by writing in the comments section below.
2) Post a photo on our Facebook page letting us know how your crate is important to your pup (we always love seeing photos of your pooches!).
Details:
-You can enter twice by commenting on the blog AND posting a photo on the facebook page.
-Winners can only win once.
-We will use a random number generator to randomly choose a winner from:
1) Overall blog comments
2) Facebook photos
-You have until Sunday at Midnight (EST) to post your comment or photo (Winners will be announced on Monday)
-Winners will be able to choose your own style and size and have your coat shipped to you from Molly Mutt
-Winners must live within the contiguous United States
1) Overall blog comments
2) Facebook photos
-You have until Sunday at Midnight (EST) to post your comment or photo (Winners will be announced on Monday)
-Winners will be able to choose your own style and size and have your coat shipped to you from Molly Mutt
-Winners must live within the contiguous United States
Also:
The day our pooches decided to go in the crate together (PS. It was Mr B's idea!)
57 comments:
We crate trained Quizz from a puppy. It gave him structure. As he grew older, it was a safe place when the galloping hoards of nieces and nephews arrived. They understood that when he was in his crate they couldn't bother him. Now he hangs in his crate for napping and when we are out.
When I got Lucy, and crate trained her, the main purposes were to keep her safe while home alone, keep my stuff safe from her while home alone and to aid in crate training. Now, almost three years later, Lucy has matured enough to not need the crate. However, her crate has become a very safe, happy place for her. Leaving her home alone uncrated, she becomes stressed out and a bit anxious, so we're continuing with the crate - and we couldn't be happier!
I have two dogs who are both young and full of energy. They get along well but their crates are their own space where they can retreat to signal that one or the other wants some alone time with the favorite chewies.
Our crate is so important to all of us living happily together! It used to be Daphne's happy place, but as she nears 5 she is happy with just a bed. However, Lenny the 1 year old pittie would eat our house without the crate. Luckily, she LOVES her crate. We find her in it regularly, and we have to convince her it's worth it to leave the crate to go out late at night and first thing in the morning. It's also a great tool when we are training one dog and need some space from the other. I love crate training, too, because you can always bring your pup's home with you wherever you go. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Mugsy's crate is referred to as his "home". We wanted his crate to be a place of comfort, not punishment for him. We have been doing this since we have had him and I think it has worked. At night we at "go to yor home" and he willing goes in and gets settled (the late night treat to lure him in always helps). He seems much more relaxed in his home. Other nights we let him sleep on a dog bed in our room and he will wake up to the sounds of the house and start barking. He rarely has this issue when he is in his home at night. Unlike Happy Gilmore's golf ball, he is not too good for his home.
Monty still sleeps in his crate, although the door is never closed. I'm not sure how he would react to having a crate cover...
Sam
We crate two of our three pups and Monty is closed off in our bedroom when we are away. It is important to my peace of mind that they are safe when left alone. Also, our little pittie prefers to sleep in her brother's crate at night as it has a pillow and her's only has a blanket (the pillow only survived one day in her crate!). I keep hoping they will cuddle up together in there sometime, but it has yet to happen.
I've crated Wednesday since I rescued her, the rescue actually started crate training her before I got her. Its been my saving grace, it keeps her out of trouble and she loves it. It's her own little sanctuary in there!
-Jaimealison@gmail.com
These crate covers are great! Very attractive!
Our pit is 15 months old and the crate provides peace of mind for both me and the dog. Leaving her home alone "uncrated" causes stress & anxiety for both of us. There are even times when we are home that she will hang out in the crate and take a nap...It has become a safe, happy place for her!
The crate keeps our 95lb baby safe from throwing herself at windows when cars drive by and gives her security enough to relax. A cover wouls make a snuggly cave for our girl!
Crates are magical to us! We seriously couldn't live without them. We've had a slew of fosters come through our home that have separation anxiety when we leave- leaving them in the crate is peace of mind for us that they are safe and contained and so is the house! We also love them because it makes traveling with our dog very do-able since I know if we are staying with friends, they are more comfortable leaving our dog in their home, in a crate. It's also good with crate and rotate for brand new fosters. we love crates!
Our crate serves three purposes: 1) to serve as Zoe's "safe" space when we are not home; 2) to allow the cats some time to have free run of the apartment without Zoe chasing them (also while we are not home); 3) to be Zoe's window perch so she can look outside!
Without a crate I would have had no pillows left when I lived in my apartment. Laci is a sneaky dog...she acts like a perfect angel when you are home, but 10 minutes before you get home (if the 2 pups are left out of the crate) she just can't help herself from destroying my stuff, not Sean's stuff...just mine. I learned my final lesson last Christmas, 20 min. trip to the post office means no pillows for me. :-(
Fitz, our elder pup, was initially crate trained by my in-laws for his safety. He has earned his freedom in my home and now uses the crate as his "home base" when our 4 month old Pit, Polly, gets too annoying. She is still learning the Fitz's rules, but has adjusted nicely to ours and to her crate. We encourage her to relax in the crate when we're home, which has made crating her when we're not home for her safety, so much easier.
When we first got Dottie we had a crate set up in the kitchen during the day for her and moved it to our bedroom at night so she could be near us.
Everything was great, but every time we came home or got up in the morning to let her out she would jump around and bounce off the sides like she was in a pinball machine. So I'm thinking a cover just might help with that and give her a little extra cushion when she bounces.
Being an owner to 5 rescued Pit bulls, crates are important for making sure everyone is safe when I'm not at home and for allowing everyone to have there own space when it's feeding time.
Growing up we never crated our dogs and I always though that crates were a punishment and mean. When I started fostering one of the requirements was crating the foster dog and I wasn't sure how it would go. I can tell you my opinion of crates changed 100%. I love them and more importantly so have all of the dogs that I have trained to use one. It is a wonderful place that they can feel safe and secure. Miss Ella actually self crates herself in the morning when I leave for work.
It is so helpful for traveling, participating in agility and different dog sports where the dogs need to be crated, and especially when fostering other dogs so all of them have their own place to go.
The crate is incredibly important to Rufus as it gives him a place of comfort or retreat when he is feeling overwhelmed. It's also great when we are fostering, because we can seperate the dogs efficiently during feedings and special treat times.
Molly Mutt has the cutest patterns btw!
Lilah was crate trained when I rescued her from CBBR, but she would cry herself to sleep the first few nights I had her but has since grown to love it! Lilah has learned the command "time for bed!" when it's time to go to sleep, and she runs right into her crate and doesnt make a peep anymore! She also loves sneaking her toys into her crate and playing after her morning walks. Lilah is a stylish girl and would love to have a cute crate cover to match.
We crate trained Nola as a puppy so that she couldn't get into anything while we were at work. It was also her place to sleep, since at the time we were totally against dogs in our bed. Now, she is two and doesn't use the crate since she has proven to do nothing but sleep when we are gone (and we caved on the no dogs in bed rule). However, since we've begun fostering the crate has proven to be an invaluable tool to 1) give Nola some time away from the foster pup and 2) keep the foster pup from getting into anything while we are away. A crate is by far the most important tool for any dog owner!
Lady's and Belle's crates are like their personal bedrooms. They know if they go there, they will be left in peace to rest, hang out, or work on a kong toy. This will become even more important as their baby brother (our little boy who is almost 6 months old) becomes more mobile and more interested in the pups! And when Lady and Belle were big into 'partying' (like Miss M) in their younger days, our crates saved many a shoe, rug, napkin, and random office supplies on our desks. :)
A crate cover would be great for our house! Both our dogs are still crated during the day when we are gone cause they like to party and chase our cat (who likes the play the victim, but is really the one who starts the chase game most of the time). Thanks!
Because Athena is so new to our family, our crate has been essential in making sure that she doesn't destroy the house while we are away (we haven't yet left her out of the crate to see if this would happen!). As we have continued to crate train, the crate has become Athena's favorite spot in the house, sleeping quarters, and safe place. I think it helps that we provide her with the best of foods/toys while she is in the crate (Kongs, cow knee caps, deer antlers)--Athena's knows that the crate is a yummy place to be!
These are really great looking! I have a rescue girl Petal (Pittie Boston) who gets crate anxiety sometimes if she can still see us in the house (she was caged for the first part of her life, apparently nearly all the time). This would help her be calmer, I think! And they are very pretty! I've been thinking about getting a top of some kind made for my smaller dog (Posey (Boston)) and then use it also as a table. :)
The crate is important to us because it is a safe place to keep Turk while we are away (no worrying about him getting into things while we are away) and because he loves having a little den to retreat to when he needs to have time to chill by himself! Now off to find a photo of him in the crate to post on FB! :)
In my experience running a dog rescue and fostering dogs in my own home, crates play an important role in introducing a new dog to our home and "the rules." All three of my personal dogs started out being crated while I was gone; now two of them are free-roaming and only one is crated when I leave. Even so, my girl Lola Lulu loves her crate and often naps there when she wants some space from the other dogs or if she feels nervous. It's a safe, calm place for her. She also eats in her crate because she has severe food allergies and I can't risk her eating the other dogs' food. Jack Lemons is the only dog who is now crated and that is because he has terminal cancer & it prevents the other dogs from bothering him during the day, allowing him to rest peacefully while I'm at work.
Crate training wasn't really something we thought was important, until we had to go out of town unexpectedly and our usual dog sitter was unavailable. We decided to board him with his obedience teacher as she runs a kennel. When we came back we got a less than fabulous report as he barked the whole night as he wasn’t use to being in a kennel. That was when we decided it was essential that he learn that the crate isn’t a horrible thing. Now it’s his personal space and his secret place to take those extra special treats he doesn’t want the cat to get.
Nice idea
Benny & Lily
My moms pup LOVES her crate. At around 9 pm, she jumps off my moms lap and turns around to stare at her. My mom asks her if she wants to go to bed. As soon as she's asked, she runs right into her crate and goes to sleep.
My mom lives in a tiny house, and Sweetie's crate is covered with towels. A cover would be wonderful!!!
Maize came to me crate trained. It was the first time I've ever crated a dog while I wasnt home. At first I wasnt sure how I felt about it since Pug was roaming free throughout the day. I felt bad that she would be locked up while he flaunted his freedom. But I've learned how important the crate is to her. It's her safety net for when she's alone, it alows her a different freedom which is her own space that no one can inavde while she's in it. Pug can be VERY overwhelming and she sometimes needs a break from him. It's kind of her own condo in our condo.
Much like Miss M, Orly is starting to associate his crate with a frozen Kong filled with tasty treats. I'm hoping that the cover will be comforting to him, since he struggles with separation anxiety.
Portia's crate is super important to her and us! It's her own personal den in my room. It's where she stays during the rare occasions that no one is home. This is also where she likes to go and chill out during the day when I'm gone to class, and she needs to get away from it all :)
Oh man, what would we do without our crates?! Our pittie girl, Mishka, was rescued from Craigslist doom and has thankfully always loved her crate. When we say crate she goes right to her crate so fast that when we get to it she's already curled up in it and waiting for us to close the door. We foster upwards of 3 other dogs at the same time too and because Mishka is so comfortable in her crate I truly believe they all just get it whereas without Mishka they may freak. Winning a cover would be great to help make a create more enclosed for those fosters who need extreme quiet and dark and we would love it. Oh, and we have 4 Molly Mutt duvets already!!
When I first adopted Zoey she had a lot of separation anxiety and one day at work in my new parenthood role I felt guilty and let her be out. I came home to a destroyed door and door frame she had eaten to deal with the stress. The crate helped her to calm down and know her boundaries and feel safe when I was gone. Now it's her personal space where she can go to get away from my boyfriends dog and relax. It truly helps to calm her knowing its her home.
Our Molly love loves her crate, from day one it has been her safety zone. For Brodie a crate is a necessity to keep his squatty little self out of trouble!
I only use a crate now on vacations sometimes but I am planning to get a puppy for my next dog so I will definitely be having "crate decor".
When we leave, each of our dogs run to their crate (and open the door if it's closed). They love 'em. Today we had a contractor stop by and our dogs enjoy "helping" a little too much. It was nice to have them rest comfortably in their crates while we dealt with the contractor.
My Vizsla loves his palace ( aka his crate). It's very roomie, has a mister roboto Molly Mutt bed, and tons of blankets to snuggle in. It is a little slightly with a fitted sheet as a make shift cover but a snuggle place that Piper loves. :)
I'm currently fostering a dog from our local shelter who just LOVES his crate. So much so he rarely ever wants to come out! He's a senior pup who is grossly underweight, severely matted, with really bad teeth and cataracts. His ears are completely matted, along with his face. He needs some serious TLC after having been roaming the streets for a long time. I'd love to make his crate as cozy as possible!
We crate trained Widget when we brought her home from the shelter so she could have her safe space during the day when we're at work. It makes it easy for traveling to, since she's already used to spending time in her crate. We'd love a cover for our crate, as it's currently the focal point of our family room!
Great giveaway! Molly Mutt stuff is so great looking. Our rescue group is currently trying to get a crate for us to use for foster dog Charlie Machete. He currently gets confined to a laundry room during the day. The goal in getting him a crate is that he can practice being in one and not be so nervous about being crated at adoption events.
Our pups love their crate! It is their total safety zone!
While Parker and Skye have also graduated from crates, I still have 1 of each size for our dog guests. Tater Tot, the current foster puppy, loves snuggling up in his crate at night or anytime he is overwhelmed by the world at large.
Omg. Those crate covers are seriously cute! I used to only use the crate with one of my pugs, because it helped keep her potty training on track. Now, I baby gate both pugs in the kitchen (vinyl floor - much more pug-friendly than the carpet I used to have) - but I still keep the crate in the room. The best part is that now BOTH pugs snuggle in the crate - together! Adorbs. :)
Bruce cannot be trusted to not un-stuff pillows since un-stuffing all of his toys is his favorite hobby. My mom uses the crate to keep him out of trouble when she has to go into the office or run errands without the little guy!
What a great idea for a giveaway! I've been using an old duvet cover but all the extra fabric tucked around the back of the crate is too tempting for my pibble to chew on when she's bored. A real crate cover would be so ideal.
No crates = hardest fostering task ever. Seriously, I think crate training keeps me sane. Nuff said.
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