If you have an indoor dog, then crate training a dog with separation anxiety should be a top consideration for you. Dogs with separation anxiety can become very destructive, frequently chewing on furniture and shoes, barking incessantly or even getting into mischief when they’re not around their owners. Dogs with separation anxiety can be extremely difficult to train because of their tendencies to want to be alone and to become unsettled when they’re in a situation where there is a lot of activity going on. However, crate training a dog with separation anxiety can make both of your lives better.
Dogs who have separation anxiety tend to be hyperactive, restless and anxious most of the time, which makes it hard to get used to living alone. Crate training a dog with separation anxiety can help to prevent or minimize these behaviors. Whether you own a nervous or fearful dog, crate training will help to alleviate both your dog’s fear of being alone and to alleviate any other behavioral issues that might arise. Crate training a dog with separation anxiety starts by taking your dog into his crate to figure out where he wants to be when he’s alone, then taking him to that spot when he’s been correctly transported into his crate.
It is best to not try to force crate training a dog with anxiety because this could lead to fear. A dog will likely resist your attempts to take him to his special spot and may become fearful. You can minimize his fear by being patient, gentle and kind throughout the process, and by establishing a positive relationship between you and your dog. When your dog respects and trusts you, he’ll be less likely to be afraid or act inappropriately. Here are some crate training a dog with anxiety tips from experts:
Once you know where your dog wants to be when he’s alone, make sure he has a nice place to relax during the day. Dogs need a place of their own to do “tidbits,” so before you begin crate training a dog with separation anxiety, find a quiet, secluded spot for him to do his “dont-do” things like sleep or rest. If your dog finds this area scary, make sure there are no sudden noises or excessive smells. It might even be a good idea to put in a fan or light to help him stay calm. It can also be helpful to put in a book or a magazine to keep him stimulated while you crate train a dog with separation anxiety.
After you crate train a dog with separation anxiety, it is best to avoid having him stay in his crate all day long. Doing this will likely result in him becoming bored and frustrated. Instead, take him out for walks or playtime during the day. This will give him the break he needs without feeling like you are taking over his life. When you do have him in the crate for playtime or walks, though, you’ll want to take him out shortly after he’s done playing to avoid him feeling like he’s been left alone all day.
Crate training a dog with separation anxiety isn’t complete without obedience training. Although it’s not critical to his survival instincts, teaching him basic commands such as sit, stay and come is important to help him master the skills needed to become a well-mannered dog. Basic commands such as stay and come also show your dog that you are the leader of the pack, so he learns to trust you and obey you. Training basic commands early on will make it easier the later on.
A dog with separation anxiety will need to have his crate trained in the same way that he needs to have his basic commands taught. To crate train a dog with separation anxiety, first make sure you’ve got him in the crate, with the door closed but the crate door open as much as possible. Then spend a few minutes giving the dog his food and water, and attaching a leash so you can take him outside to go potty. Gradually increase the time you spend in the crate with the leash.
After crate training a dog with separation anxiety, he’ll feel more secure and won’t need to worry about where he’s going to sleep or if he’ll eat or drink during the day. If you take him out often during the day, you’ll soon find that he’ll be happy to be a part of the family, and you can use the dog’s crate when you need to keep an eye on him at the dog park or while you’re working. Remember to give your dog his treats when he completes his task, and never punish him by leaving him in his crate without a treat. He will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with a treat.
