The 5 Best Dog Crate For Separation Anxiety in 2020

Separation anxiety is a big problem that many dog owners face. Dogs are social creatures that cannot stand being separated from their pack. While their social nature makes them great pets, it can also bring out some annoying anxiety related antics. An anxious pet often turns into a source of anxiety for the owner as well. Fortunately, there are some ways to deal with dog separation anxiety. We’re going to be focusing on using dog crates ​for separation anxiety. We’ll take a look at the best dog crate for separation anxiety and also try to understand what makes dogs anxious in the first place. Remember, the key to solving any problem is by understanding it.

Dog crates are storage units designed to provide dogs with an enclosed space to stay in. People mostly use them for two purposes. When they want to take their dog with them somewhere or when they want to restrain an overly energetic dog. They’re a great accessory to have for owners whose dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Dog crates give you the option to take your dog with you wherever you go, making sure that your dog doesn’t get anxious due to being left alone. If you can’t take your dog with you, then a dog crate provides great indoor confinement for an anxious dog. The dog crate acts as a familiar place in which they can stay put. This reduces their anxiety level and also makes sure that your dog’s destructive behavior doesn’t ruin your home while you’re away. We’ve talked about dog crates and their types in great detail in a previous article.

Before we get into anti-anxiety dog crate options, let’s talk a bit about separation anxiety in dogs.

Pretty much every dog is energetic by default and will always look for something to do. Even the most disciplined dogs become restless when left alone. However, dogs with separation anxiety exhibit a much greater level of restlessness. These dogs don’t enjoy solitude at all. When left alone, their anxiety starts building up and makes them incredibly restless. This restlessness leads to bad and often destructive behavior that can make a dog unruly.

Not every dog is prone to separation anxiety. Just because your dog acts up now and then doesn’t necessarily mean that it suffers from separation anxiety. If you feel that your dog may have an anxiety problem, then you should look for the following symptoms:

The symptoms of separation anxiety aren’t pretty. And they certainly aren’t good for your house or your belongings. In extreme cases of separation anxiety, dogs can become so restless that they become a danger to themselves.

Knowing why your dog feels anxious when they’re alone is helpful. Sometimes, knowing the reason behind their anxiety can help you cure it. For instance, sometimes a dog can become anxious simply because of something unfamiliar in your house, such as a new piece of furniture. Other times it can be more deeply rooted. Certain dog breeds that bond strongly with humans are more prone to being anxious when alone. These breeds include Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other dogs that form stronger bonds. Another cause of ​anxiety can be a frightening experience that your dog may have had in the past.

If your dog is anxious due to its genetics or a traumatic experience in the past, then you can’t cure their anxiety. You will have to learn to live with it and find ways to control it.

When a dog becomes anxious, it becomes restless, aggressive, and often frightful. Whenever an animal feels any of the feelings mentioned above, their instincts have them retreat to a haven. Wild canines are known for scurrying off to caves and enclosed spaces when they feel threatened. A dog crate serves as a familiar and safe haven for a domesticated dog. It allows them to control their anxiety by feeding their instinctive desires.

Keep in mind that for a crate to fulfill this purpose, it must make a dog feel safe. A dog must be familiarized with its crate before you begin using it to cull its anxiety. This is where dog crate training comes into play. ​Training is essentially a way of introducing your dog to the concept of scooting into a dog crate. Along with training, you can populate your dog crate with your pooch’s favorite toys and treats to make the place feel more like home.

Not every dog crate is suitable for ​anxiety control. Certain features make high anxiety dog crates different from the rest and makes them effective.

These dog crates must be able to provide a cave-like atmosphere. Meaning that their interior should be dark and feel secluded. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t compromise on ventilation, especially if you live in a warmer region.

Also, a dog crate mustn’t be too spacious. While you want to provide your pooch with space for moving around, you want to ensure that they don’t feel exposed. A crate that is too large will make a pooch feel vulnerable. The perfect size for an anti-anxiety dog crate should offer enough space for your dog to stand and turn around.

A dog crate for an anxious dog should also be safe for them. You should go for one that doesn’t have chewable parts. An anxious dog’s chewing habits can easily damage their teeth or make them swallow something that they might choke on. Pick a dog crate that doesn’t offer a jaw hold for your dog.

An ideal ​crate will not only make your dog feel safe from an instinctive point of view but will also keep your dog safe from itself. This is especially important for incredibly restless larger breeds. You need to make sure that your ​crate can keep its occupant contained no matter how wild they get.

Now that we’ve talked about separation anxiety and dog crates let’s begin taking a look at ​the best ​crates that you can get.

These were some of the top dog crates out there that can be used for dealing with an ​stressed dog. Whether you are looking to bring an anxious companion with you or you want to keep them put, you’ll find a satisfying crate for sure.