Crating Anxious Dogs
Anxiety can affect your dog’s overall well-being and quality of life. Crate training can form part of a strategy to alleviate anxiety and create a sense of calm. It is heart-breaking to see your much loved dog struggle with anxiety, whether it's triggered by noise sensitivity, separation, or other stressors in the home. Crating can serve as a valuable tool in managing anxiety and providing a safe haven for your worried dog. With the right approach, we can help our anxious dogs find the peace and serenity they deserve.
Creating a Safe and Secure Environment:
Dogs often seek out small, enclosed spaces when faced with stressful situations. The crate offers a similar secure space where your anxious dogs can find comfort and reassurance.
Reducing Over-Stimulation and Noise Sensitivity:
Anxious dogs are often highly sensitive to external stimuli, such as loud noises or sudden movements. A covered crate provides a buffer against these triggers, as it is a confined space that can shield your dog from excessive visual and auditory stimulation.
Establishing a Personal Retreat:
The crate serves as a safe haven for anxious dogs, a place they can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or stressed. As long as the crate is coupled with access to treats, chews or toys, dogs learn to view the crate as their personal sanctuary. An inviting, positive space where they can self-soothe.
Assisting with Separation Anxiety:
Separation anxiety is a common form of anxiety among dogs. The crate provides a structured and secure space that helps alleviate separation anxiety symptoms. The crate becomes a familiar space where your dog feels protected when left alone. This can help to reduce destructive behaviour around the home as well as excessive barking.
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Choosing a Crate:
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The crate needs to be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Visit our crate size page to help with choosing an appropriate size for your dog. (add link)
What Should be Placed in the Crate:
Place your dog’s bed or mattress into the crate. If your dog enjoys snuggling, add a comfy blanket. Partially covering the crate with a duvet cover or sheet, can help to create a more den like atmosphere.
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Where Should the Crate be Situated:
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You can place the crate next to your bed or in a quiet corner near where the family usually congregates (like the lounge or kitchen). You may choose to get more than one crate to allow you to have a night time and daytime location or you can move the crate from place to place as needed. The area should be free from drafts or direct sunlight as your dog will not be able to move away if they should become too hot or too cold, once the door is closed.
How to introduce the Crate and Keep your Dog Occupied:
Make the crate enticing by sprinkling treats inside. Leave the door open and allow your dog to explore the crate. Once your dog realises that the crate is coupled with access to chews or toys, you will have created a positive association. Stock up on tasty chews to keep your dog busy, like dried bones, hooves or sinews. You can stuff a Kong with treats and canned food or you can purchase pre-stuffed bones or hooves. Some dogs may enjoy having a favourite toy with them in the crate.
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How it Works:
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Your dog is going to be sleeping in the crate at night and remaining in the crate for periods when they feel anxious or when needing to be left alone. As your dog becomes accustomed to the crate, you will close the door for increasing lengths of time. Eventually your dog will seek out the crate when they are tired or feel the need for some quiet time.