Certain dog crates, when properly used, can help a dog with separation anxiety. Do you worry every time you leave your dog that you’ll come home to a newly decorated home or worse an injured pup? Have you tried different separation methods? Do you have a crate that looks like it’s been through a battle? Perhaps it’s time to start from scratch with a dog crate for separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety Symptoms
Did you even know that there are dog crates that are better for pups that suffer from this affliction? There are and we’ll examine them in just a bit. First, let’s look at exactly what a dog with separation anxiety looks like. Some of the most common and visible symptoms are:
- Urinating and Defecating
- Barking and Howling
- Chewing, Digging, and Destruction
- Escaping
- Pacing
- Panting
How A Crate Works for Dogs with Separation Anxiety
While crates can provide a dog with a safe place away from whatever scares him, they need to be durable. They also need to be introduced in a gentle way. It’s much like many of us finding a place of sanctitude in the quiet of a good book or in pulling the covers over our heads to escape a scary movie. But these aren’t techniques we knew without learning them. Someone showed us or we witnessed that this was a safe thing to do to bring us a sense of calm.
As dog parents, we have to show our dogs their crate is a safe place they may retreat when they are scared. However, keep in mind, just like humans, anything new can take a bit of adjusting. With this in mind, you may at first encounter crying or barking that is heard when you’re training your dog to be in his crate. This is generally, because you, his security blanket is out of his vision. The key is to get your pup adjusted in small increments so he doesn’t panic.
The Basic Idea of Crate Training
The idea with dog crates for separation anxiety is that the dog gets used to the crate during calm periods. He’s allowed to come and go as he wants. You, the dog parent, can even encourage your pup to spend time in the crate with food or special toys. Even mental stimulation toys in the crate are a great way to encourage your pooch to stay and use the crate longer.
When you start to leave your pup in his crate, do it gradually with only a few minutes and then build up from there. You want to arrive back at your dog before he starts to panic. The theory and hope are over time the crate will become a place your dog seeks when he’s scared or has anxiety.
In this article, I examine the best treat jar for your pup so his yummy cookies are always fresh.
Be Kind Tip:
Do not immediately put your dog with separation anxiety in a crate and leave. This will only cause more issues. Remember your dog will need to adjust to his new crate over time. Think how you would feel if you were shoved in a small container and expected to stay there not knowing anything about it or what was to be expected. I know I would certainly freak out. I suspect most people would.
If crate training is done correctly, your dog will automatically and calmly go to his crate. It’ll be his safe zone.
Learn how to massage your dog in this article. It has been known to help anxious dogs.
What should you look for in a dog crate for separation anxiety?
- Heavy Steel Crates – chewers can’t gnaw through these steel crates very easily
- Durable Crates – portable is nice, but if your dog is an escape artist, it may not be a good option
- Dark, Cave-Like Kennel Crates – these only have small windows and are mostly dark inside and allow for a sense of calm. While they come in different materials, dogs with high separation anxiety should use metal.
NOTE: Please be advised that I continue to monitor the changes in the dog crate industry and as new and more viable options become available, I will update this post. So, stay tuned for what’s next.
Our Picks
Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Single Door Dog Crate
This is a great crate for anxiety or escape artist type dogs. 
Pros:
Heavy durable frame
Locking wheels make it easy to move when empty
Hammer tone finish
Two sizes available – 37″ and 42″
Dog parents love this crate and give it 5 stars
Cons:
Only one door
Made of aluminum, although super strong and reinforced
No tray for easy clean-up
Pricey – this crate tends to be the most costly on our list, which is probably because it’s a professional grade
SMONTER Heavy Duty Strong Metal Dog Crate House
This appears to be a very nice dog crate for separation anxiety. However, it only comes in one size, which is probably best suited for a larger dog.
Pros:
Durable
Three doors for easy access and cleaning
Easy assembly
Anti-escape locks
Two Removable trays for easy cleanup
Uses locking caster wheels for easy moving
Has a “house” design for easy movement
Suitable for large breeds up to 130 lbs
Cons:
It is only available in 48″, which may not be appropriate for small dogs
The house design, while allowing more space to move, may not provide the cave-like care some dogs with separation anxiety need.
ProSelect Empire Single Door Steel Dog Crate
This seems to be a very good a dog crate for separation anxiety. However, a few dog parents are disappointed in the long-term quality of the crate, but not the ability of it to hold their dog.
Pros:
Heavy-duty reinforced 1/2″ diameter steel tubing with 20 gauge steel at stress points
Side latches
Easy to assemble
Cleaning is easy
Removable under cage trays for more easy cleaning
Locking caster wheels make it easy to move
Available in two sizes – 37″ and 42″
Cons:
Could tend to rust
Some extremely large breeds with separation anxiety may still have issues with this crate
Other things to consider when looking for a dog crate for anxiety
All dogs are different and how your dog reacts to his crate will be different. Your job will be to make it a safe place. Do it gently. Also, I always recommend crate pads to make the stay as comfortable as possible. You may also want to consider a special cover for your dog’s crate to make it as much of a cave as possible. And finally, always think about comfort and temperature. Don’t place your dog in the sun or a cold place in his crate. Again, be kind to your pup. You are his parent and he depends on you.
Budget Tip:
Yes, dog crates can be pricey. But the goal is to provide a safe place for your dog. A dog crate should be viewed as a long-term purchase. It’s not something you will need to purchase again every month. Look for refund policies and or guarantees. But know that a dog crate is something that will cost more. When I make big purchases, I look for other ways to make it fit within my budget. You can often do this with rewards on credit cards and looking for sales. With just a little bit of creative thinking you can fit higher-priced items into a tighter budget.
Summary of how to find the best dog crate for separation anxiety
In this article we examined what dog separation anxiety is and how using the best dog crate for your pup can help. It is important to gradually introduce your dog to anything new, especially a crate when you want him to stay in for any amount of time. Your dog’s crate should be his safe place. We also explored what to look for in a great dog crate for a dog with separation anxiety. One of the main attributes is durability. Some dogs are more afflicted with anxiety than others and will require an extra durable crate.