Should You Crate Your Dog? Understanding the Best Approach for Separation Anxiety

​As a dog guardian, one of the most common questions I get asked is about whether or not to crate a dog when you leave the house. While crating is often called "kenneling" in the U.S. and "crating" in other countries, the underlying concern is the same—what should you do with your dog when you're not at home? Should they have free roam of the house, or should they be crated?

The answer depends on the dog. Every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Many dogs may struggle with the confinement  but some may prefer the comfort and security of being left in a crate. Let’s break it down.

The Benefits of Crating for Some Dogs
For some dogs, a crate is a sanctuary. These dogs enjoy the den-like atmosphere it provides, giving them a safe, enclosed space where they can retreat when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. If your dog seeks out their crate and feels relaxed inside, then by all means, leave them in there when you leave the house.
But this isn't the case for all dogs. In fact, many dogs find being confined in a crate to be stressful, especially when they're already anxious about being left alone. For these dogs, crating may not be the best option.

The Stress of Confinement: Understanding Claustrophobia

Imagine this: you’re a person with a fear of small spaces—claustrophobia. Now, imagine you’re locked in a confined space, and to make matters worse, you’re also afraid of something else (say, cockroaches). That’s essentially what a dog experiences when they have separation anxiety and are placed in a crate. The fear of being left alone is compounded by the stress of confinement. It's a situation where fear is layered on top of fear.

When dogs are left alone in a crate, especially if they are already anxious about being by themselves, it can lead to what I like to call "crate claustrophobia" or “confinement distress”. In some cases, this can lead to behaviors that may seem like they’re just a reaction to the crate, but are actually a manifestation of deep-seated anxiety.

The Harmful Effects of Using Aversion Tools
Some trainers may recommend using aversion techniques, such as putting a bark collar on a dog with separation anxiety. Whether it’s a shock collar or one that emits an unpleasant smell, these devices can make the situation worse.

For example, shock collars cause pain, and although collars that emit citronella or other smells might seem milder, they’re not much better. A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly strong, and being trapped in a crate while constantly exposed to a harsh smell can be a distressful experience for them. Instead of helping the dog feel calm, it adds to their anguish.

What happens when a dog is silenced with one of these collars? They may stop barking, but they’re still fearful—they just can't vocalize their anxiety anymore. This simply suppresses their fear rather than addresses the underlying issues.

The Risk of Injury: Escaping the Crate
Another issue with crating is the potential for injury. Some dogs, in their panic, will try to escape the crate. This can lead to serious injuries, including broken teeth from chewing on the crate bars. Some guardians invest in high-impact crates to prevent escape, which can prevent injury—but it still doesn’t address the dog’s fear.

A high-impact crate may keep the dog from physically escaping, but it doesn’t teach them how to feel safe and comfortable when alone. Ideally, we want dogs to learn that being left alone isn’t something to fear, and that they can be confident and relaxed while we’re away.

A Better Approach: Safe Home Alone Time
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that when you leave the house, your dog is calm, comfortable, and relaxed? Instead of worrying about whether your dog is stressed or attempting to escape, imagine walking out the door knowing they’re content in their own space. That’s the goal.

To achieve this, the best method is to gradually teach dogs how to feel safe when left alone. By using gradual exposure to ‘safe’ absences only and desensitization, we can help dogs build the confidence they need to relax during those absences.  

The Shut Down Effect
Some dogs react to stress by shutting down, which can be just as concerning as panic. In this state, a dog may appear calm, but they’re still in a state of fear. It’s like when I, as someone with claustrophobia, have a panic attack in an elevator and eventually shut down because I feel trapped. For a dog, this might look like lying quietly in their crate, but deep down, they’re still terrified.

The goal is to help dogs feel safe and confident, not trapped in a cycle of fear and shutdown. By teaching them that it’s okay to be left alone, we can avoid reinforcing anxiety with aversive tools or confinement.

What If My Dog Is Destructive?
I know some guardians might be thinking, "If I leave my dog out of the crate, they’ll destroy the house!" This concern is valid, especially if your dog has a history of chewing furniture, tearing up carpets, or having accidents when left alone. However, this behavior typically stems from anxiety or panic. If your dog is properly trained and exposed to safe, gradual absences, they should not get to the point of destruction or accidents.

It's essential to keep your dog under threshold during training. This means not allowing them to become so anxious that they start acting out. Using a live camera feed can help you monitor their progress and ensure they’re not becoming too stressed while you’re away, as well as having an understanding of their body language to see if the anxiety is present.

Training Safe Home Alone Time
The key to success is gradual desensitization. Start with very short absences, and slowly increase the time your dog spends alone. This training should never push the dog past their comfort zone, or you risk reinforcing their anxiety. Go at the dog’s pace and you will actually get their a lot quicker than if you push them too hard.
​
Final Thoughts
If your dog enjoys the comfort of a crate and it provides them with security, it’s fine to use it. However, if your dog struggles with confinement and separation anxiety, crating might not be the best choice. Instead, work on teaching your dog how to feel confident and safe when left alone. By using kind, gradual training methods, you can help your dog learn that it’s okay to be apart, and that you will always return.
So, take the time to understand your dog’s unique needs and create a solution that helps them feel comfortable and secure. Remember, it’s not about simply solving the problem—it’s about helping your dog feel safe, calm, and confident in their own space.