Best enclosed crate for older Dachshund

Switching from an open wire crate to something more enclosed for a restless older dog is a really sensible move — wire crates are airy but they offer no visual shelter, and for a senior dog who may be more sensitive to light, movement, or draughts at night, that can genuinely disrupt sleep. Crate size is still the most important factor here: too small causes distress, but too large removes the den-like feeling that makes crates calming in the first place. Material matters too — plastic travel-style crates are naturally more enclosed, while fabric crates are cosy but less structured. To point you to the right thing: how heavy is your Dachshund, and is this purely for overnight home use, or do you also want something you can use in the car or on trips?

That's helpful — 9kg standard Dachshund, crate trained, purely home use at night. Since she already knows and accepts the crate, the adjustment should be straightforward; you're really just changing the feel of the space rather than reintroducing the concept. Given that, I'd lean toward a hard plastic airline-style crate rather than fabric. Fabric is cosy but can sag, doesn't hold its shape as a den, and is harder to clean as dogs age. A rigid plastic shell gives that proper enclosed, cave-like feel while being sturdy and easy to wipe down. Can I ask — does she currently chew or scratch at the crate at all, or is she calm once she's settled in?

That matches what often happens with senior dogs — their sleep becomes lighter and they're more easily disturbed by ambient light and movement. A calm, well-crate-trained dog like yours is an ideal candidate for this switch. My recommendation is the Petmate Sky Kennel in size Small (up to 11kg). It's a solid, well-made hard plastic crate with good ventilation at the back and sides but solid walls that block out light and create a genuinely enclosed feel. The door is at the front only, which reinforces that den structure. It's widely available on Amazon UK, reasonably priced, and the dimensions work well for a standard Dachshund — enough length for her to stretch out, but snug enough to feel secure. Put her usual bedding inside and leave the door open for a day or two before closing it at night, just to let her investigate on her own terms.

Not dramatically differently, but a few small things are worth doing. Move her existing bedding — or even a worn t-shirt of yours — into the new crate so the scent is familiar from the start. Place it in the same spot her wire crate was, so the location is unchanged. Because she's 11, her joints may mean she notices any difference in floor feel, so add a thin orthopaedic mat or a folded fleece if the crate base is hard. Give her two or three nights with the door open to confirm she's happy going in voluntarily, then start closing it. Most settled dogs make this kind of switch within a few days with no real fuss.

Good choice. It should make a noticeable difference for her. One last thing worth knowing at her age: if the restless nights continue even after the switch, it's worth mentioning to your vet — cognitive changes and mild discomfort are common in older Dachshunds and can both affect sleep in ways a crate change alone won't fix. But for light and environmental sensitivity, the enclosed crate is the right first step.