In Their DNA: Why Dogs Love Wood Dog Crates

Picture this: it's a rainy day, and despite your best efforts to keep your dog indoors, they make a beeline for the wet grass. You know the drill. A good roll around, a quick shake-off (right next to you, of course), and you’re left wondering, why do they love this so much?

It’s simple, really. Our domesticated pups, despite their cozy lives filled with plush beds, gourmet treats, and their own Instagram accounts, are still wild at heart.

Rolling in the grass, digging a hole in the dog park, and burrowing into blankets all link back to their deep-rooted instincts. Just like their ancestors, they are naturally drawn to the feel of the earth, the scent of nature, and the comfort of creating their own little “den”.

The Denning Instinct: Why Your Dog Needs a Space to Call Their Own

Dogs are denning animals. In the wild, they would seek out small, enclosed spaces to give birth, raise puppies, and rest safely away from predators. While your cockapoo might not need to hide from wolves in your living room, that instinct to find a secure, quiet place still lingers in their DNA.

That’s why crates are so popular for training and providing dogs with their own safe space where they can hangout, relax, and be the masters of their own domain.

But, what kind of crate is right for your dog?

The Nature Connection: Why Dogs Love Natural Materials

Wood isn't just aesthetically pleasing for your home (though that’s a major bonus, too). It also taps into your dog’s natural inclination to be around nature. Dogs have an innate love for natural materials, which may explain why they're so obsessed with the outdoors—even when it's raining, and you’d really prefer they not track in muddy paw prints.

Their natural affinity for materials like wood mirrors their love for rolling in the grass, digging in the dirt, and sticking their noses into anything that smells earthy. It's why dogs gravitate toward soft blankets over cold floors or why they prefer to burrow into your laundry pile instead of lying on a plastic mat.

blonde cockapoo inside wooden dog crate with door open

According to animal behavior experts, dogs are more comfortable and relaxed in environments that mimic nature. In the wild, they’d be surrounded by trees, dirt, and natural shelters. Wood crates provide that same sense of grounding and security. It’s like giving them a little slice of the outdoors, right in the middle of your home. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about a soggy, muddy dog this time.

Science-Backed Comfort: Why Wood Dog Crates Beat Metal or Plastic

Let’s face it: metal and plastic dog crates might be functional, but they’re not exactly inviting. Metal, in particular, can be cold to the touch, harsh on the senses, and, let’s be honest, pretty noisy when your dog shifts around or paws at the door. And plastic? Well, while it’s lightweight and easy to clean, it often lacks that comforting vibe your dog craves and reminds them more of a trip to the vet than anything resembling a home.

Wood, on the other hand, offers a sensory experience that dogs seem to love. Here’s why:

  • Temperature Regulation: Wood naturally regulates temperature better than metal, meaning it’s less likely to get uncomfortably cold or hot. For dogs, that means a more consistent, cozy environment.
  • Noise Dampening: Unlike metal, which can amplify noise, wood absorbs sound. That means fewer loud clanks and bangs when your dog shifts, providing a quieter and more peaceful space.
  • Natural Comfort: Dogs are sensitive to their surroundings. Research on animal behavior (and yes, this includes dogs) shows that animals tend to be less stressed and more comfortable in environments that resemble nature. That’s one of the reasons dogs love wood—it's closer to the natural materials they’d interact with in the wild.

Funny Truths About Dogs and Nature: Why They're Obsessed

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably noticed some quirky habits when it comes to your dog’s love for nature:

  • The Love-Hate Rain Paradox: Dogs love the feel of grass, even when it’s sopping wet. It’s as if they take personal offense to the rain while also finding it the best time to dig holes and sprint through the yard. It’s their instinct, though—we can’t blame them for staying true to their roots!
  • Hole Digging Enthusiasts: Ever wonder why dogs can’t resist digging holes at the dog park (and sometimes in your carefully manicured garden)? It goes back to that denning instinct. They're trying to create a safe, comfortable space, even if it's in the middle of your flowerbed.
  • Grass Rolling Experts: Rainy day or not, many dogs can't resist a good roll in the grass. Experts suggest this behavior links back to their wild ancestors who might have rolled in the grass to mask their scent from predators or even to mark territory.

These behaviors might be a bit inconvenient for us (cue the muddy paw prints), but they all stem from instincts that are as old as time. Your dog's affinity for natural materials, like the wood of a crate, fits perfectly within this context. It's in their DNA to seek out nature—even if they do so in the most inconvenient ways!

Creating a Cozy, Natural Den

When it comes to choosing a crate for your dog, opting for natural wood isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about giving your dog a space that feels as close to nature as possible. A wood crate can provide warmth, comfort, and a quiet retreat that metal and plastic simply can't match.

By choosing a wood dog crate, you're tapping into something deeply ingrained in your dog’s nature. It’s like offering them a little piece of the outdoors, a safe place to unwind after a long day of chasing squirrels or rolling in the grass (no matter how much we wish they’d skip that part). Plus, it just looks better in your home—no one wants a clunky metal crate messing up their interior design vibe.

So, the next time you see your dog rolling gleefully in the grass or tunneling into your laundry pile, just remember: they’re not being mischievous. They’re simply following their instincts, and a wood dog crate gives them the natural, comforting space they deserve.

Because at the end of the day, dogs are still wild at heart—even if they have their own Instagram page.