Want to buy or build your own soundproof dog crate?
Well, if that’s the case, then stick on to the last page as I will be showing different methods you can use to soundproof a dog crate as well as some of the most recommended soundproofed dog crates on the market.
We shall debunk some myths- (methods advocated by other bloggers that actually don’t work).
Just like soundproofing a generator, there’s always a challenge when it comes to designing a soundproof dog crate.
Ventilation is a major issue that needs to be addressed so as to deal with airborne noise.
But is there a crate that’s totally soundproof?
Let’s get started.
Understanding How Sound Travels Before Soundproofing a Dog Crate
There are two main ways through which sound travels.
Airborne noise travels through space/ air.
For instance, the ventilation in the dog crate will facilitate the transfer of airborne noise.
For example, when soundproofing doors, we saw that the gap beneath the door frame and the floor is also a major culprit for noise transmission, and that’s how interior door sweep saves the day.
Impact/structure-borne noise is transferred through vibrations.
When airborne sound waves hit a solid structure such as a wall, the sound waves are transformed into vibrations.
The vibrations travel across the walls and radiate to the other side of the wall.
When doing soundproofing, one needs to deal with both airborne and impact sounds.
Soundproofing Dog Crate Methods that Work
There are two methods that are highly effective in calming your sound-sensitive dog.
I have seen bloggers advocate the use of sound-absorbing materials such as hanging acoustic foam panels around the dog crate or creating an air-tight enclosure.
Unfortunately, the acoustic foam panel doesn’t soundproof but rather is sound-absorbing material.
Here is my detailed guide on how acoustic foam works.
This means that foam panels will not block outside noise but absorb sounds like echoes and reverbs.
Even when you’re able to soundproof a dog crate, you’ll still face a challenge with ventilation or create a quite uncomfortable environment for your dog.
Soundproof the Room
Because soundproofing a dog crate isn’t quite possible in the real world (only in theory), the best bet to creating a quiet environment for your little pet would be soundproofing the dog room.
Now, this will be a whole new DIY project that’s both time-consuming and cash-consuming as well.
Soundproofing a room requires you to approach all aspects of the room.
It would be best to consider soundproofing the ceiling, walls, floor, doors, and windows.
I have previously written a detailed guide on soundproofing ceilings without construction using simple and yet affordable materials.
When it comes to soundproofing the existing walls, there are several strategies that you can apply in this case.
You can simply hang mass-loaded vinyl soundproofing on the walls.
You can use glue to stick the MLV sound barriers on the walls or alternatively use staples if you have drywall.
Prior to adding MLV barriers, you will need to seal all the gaps and cracks on the walls using the acoustic sealant.
One of my most recommended in this case is green glue acoustic sealant which permanently remains flexible to block noise through cracks and spaces on electrical outlets on walls.
If you can’t find green glue sealant, then I would advise you to check out some of these recommended alternatives to green glue.
Spray foam insulation, mineral wool, and fiberglass effectively deal with impact noises transmitted through walls and ceiling.
Materials such as soundproofing paint or acoustical wallpapers won’t block outside noise.
These are only designed to absorb noise- and they will only absorb noise generated inside a room that’s reflected through the walls.
You can combine them together with MLV sound barriers for maximum effectiveness.
Doors and Windows
You’ll also need to deal with doors and windows, which are the major culprits in leaking noise inside and outside a room.
If the room has a hollow door, the best thing you can do is replace it with a solid core door with more mass to block sound waves.
Because solid cores aren’t cheap, and probably you’re on a budget, then I can advise you to use affordable materials to deaden the hollow door.
Check my complete guide on how to soundproof a hollow door.
If there are gaps to the sides of the door, or if you’ve converted your old garage to a safe refuge for your dog, then here’s a guide on how you can seal the garage door from the inside.
You’ll also need to soundproof the windows.
Replacing the existing window with a double pane window can make a huge difference.
Double pane windows are also great thermal insulators and will help keep the temperatures inside the room fully regulated.
A cheaper method for soundproofing the windows involves hanging sound-deadening carpets.
These are made with heavy and dense materials that help reduce outside noise from leaking inside the room.
The curtains are great in blocking ultraviolet rays from the sun from entering the room.
Sound Masking
If you’re unable to soundproof the room, here’s another shot to keeping your dog relaxed in its cage.
You could try a technique known as sound masking.
If your dog is afraid of low-frequency fireworks and thunder, you can try using a white noise machine to help mask other sounds.
If you play white noise through your phone connected to Bluetooth speakers in your pet’s room, you can at least mask out some of the outdoor sounds.
My little bulldog reacts to some noises like engine noise, joggers going by, or people shouting.
Playing some soothing white noise can help mask a lot of the noise to manageable levels.
This method is more effective than trying to build a sound barrier against such noises.
Below is a YouTube video showing how to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pWy6MTmzI
On Soundproof Dog Crate