crate & cover question

[a.k.a. Rodney]

DerbyDoodle  sleeps in her crate at night..never had any issues. Early on i covered it..now its just under the kitchen desk not covered up since October.  my one concern is we are in Fla. now and although the A/C is always on...i don't want to close off ventilation to her. i was thinking of having a decorative one made.  I have been told these Doodles "run hot" though

i would like to make her as secure feeling as possible and i know a covered crate can do that...

interested in anyones opinions...She never gets disturbed at all when we come in the kitchen late at nite ..and even stays quiet till i come in to take her out..she pays no attention to DH in the a.m. ...if it makes it a little more comfortable for her i'd like to do it..i guess if it's a proven concept.

thanks....BTW, she will be celebrating her 1st Birthday this week...very excited for her...she of course is clueless!! she is going to have a little party of friends that she plays with..B/c of her tummy issues..there will be not treats..just maybe a teaspoon of Pumpkin or a provable capsule..which she absolutely loves and i have cut back on ...i will of course take pixs..i know you can't wait. :)

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think a decorative one made in a light weight fabric would be fine. The AC will still be effective. Good luck with the birthday.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Happy Birthday DerbyDoodle!!! Getting to be such a mature lady!  My though is - - - if she is comfortable, and doesn't fuss or seem to be content and happy  - - why cover her up?  My guys love their crate at night, but also want to see anything that may be happening. It sounds like she already feels quite secure in her current location. I would be concerned with "closing her off" more and decreasing her air flow.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree. For a well adjusted dog with no fear issues who is comfortable in her crate, I see no need for a cover of any kind. If it's under the desk, that's already "cave-like". I'd leave well enough alone.

[Deb & Pete]

I agree, we covered Pete when he was a pup, but after he was about 10 months old we stopped. He was still content, but could see what was going on around him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Try without the cover and see how it goes. My doodles are in crates only when I'm not home but the crates are not covered. No problem. By now DD knows her crate is a safe place.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I guess my thoughts are:...if it ain't broke don't fix it....let sleeping dogs lie...etc.
Party on DerbyDoodle! Happy Birthday!

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Ok, the verdict seems to be"if it ain't broke, don't fix it"saved me lots of $$ for sure. She really is a gem about the crate...I must have gone into Kitchen no less than 10 times last night*( early-morning) ((steroid pak has me not sleeping much)) to measure the crate and the opening and she never said "boo" so I agree with everyone I'm leaving well enough alone. Just a harsh look all that wire it just seems kind of prison like ....the look anyway
Thanks for your thoughts!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm in a cold climate here and my two sleep with us on the bed (not much room left for us !) but during the day they are both in the crate, Boris because he has too and Riley because he wants too. I have some nice throws that I cover them with but as I said it is rather cold here. (Mind you the heating is on all day) LOL 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I think the kitchen desk over the crate will make her feel like she is in her "den" and should be enough--and will give her more air .

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Thanks everyone