Ways to Stop Dog Anxiety While in the Crate

Dogs have a natural instinct to live, hide and sleep in small, den-like areas. Crating your dog makes use of this instinct. It not only helps your dog feel safe, it also provides him with his own space and protects your home from potty-training accidents and damage. For some dogs, crating induces anxiety, but by being patient you can help your dog become comfortable in his crate.

  1. Take Care of Necessities First

    • Before crating your dog, make sure he's had sufficient quantities of food and water. Be sure that he doesn't need to relieve himself. Your dog's natural instinct is to avoid soiling his space--in this case, his crate--so if he has to go but is closed in his crate, he'll become anxious to escape. This can cause your dog to associate a negative experience with crating, which can lead to him becoming anxious when confined. Dogs who need attention are more likely to become anxious when confined to their crates, so be sure to give your dog some devoted time with you before crating him.

      Your dog may become anxious when crated because he needs something less tangible than food and water but just as important--play time and affection. A dog with excess energy will react negatively to being confined. Before putting your dog in his crate, give him lots of love and exercise. (See references 2, page 54.)

    Change the Crate's Location

    • If your pooch is well-fed and watered, has had lots of attention and exercise and is still anxious in his crate, the problem may be location. Dogs may be den animals, but they are also pack animals--they want to be near their pack as much as possible. For a domesticated dog, her pack is her owner. To reduce your dog's crate anxiety, try moving the crate to a location with frequent traffic. Place it in a room where your family congregates rather than in an isolated space.

      For times when your dog will be alone, turn on a radio or television. This may calm her.

    Make the Crate Comfortable

    • Make the crate as comfortable as possible for your dog. In addition to moving the crate to a location where he'll be near his family, put a soft cushion or blanket inside, along with a few of his favorite toys. Leave the crate open as much as possible and reward him when he goes in on his own so he associates positive experiences with being inside his crate.

    Consult an Expert

    • For severe cases of crate anxiety, you may need to discuss your dog's situation with a pet behaviorist or veterinarian. This expert can determine if your dog has a condition such as separation anxiety that is contributing to her problems in the crate.