Why Crates Aren’t the Answer for Dogs With Separation Anxiety
When a dog struggles with separation anxiety, one of the most common pieces of advice given to owners is to “just use a crate”. The idea is simple: if your dog is crated, they can’t chew the sofa, scratch the door, or have an accident on the floor.
But when it comes to treating separation anxiety in dogs, crates don’t solve the problem, and in many cases, they can actually make it worse.
Why Crates Make Separation Anxiety Worse
For many dogs with separation anxiety, confinement increases their stress rather than easing it.
In these moments, the crate doesn’t stop anxiety, it only stops visible damage. Your dog is still experiencing fear, even if your home is “protected”.
Restricting a Dog’s Emotional Outlets
When dogs are free in a safe area, you can spot early signs of stress:
Pacing
Lip licking
Checking the door
Whining or subtle restlessness
These signals are essential in separation anxiety training, because they tell us exactly when a dog is approaching their fear threshold.
Crates restrict both movement and emotional expression. This makes it harder for you to notice these subtle signs, and by the time stress is obvious, your dog may already be in full panic mode.
Why Crates Are Often Used
Many people use crates to prevent:
Chewed furniture
Scratched doors
Indoor accidents
But here’s the key point: in a well-structured separation anxiety training plan, your dog should never reach the level of fear that leads to destruction or toileting indoors. If they are, the training steps are too big and need adjusting.
The Goal: Teaching Calm, Not Containment
The solution to separation anxiety is not about managing damage, it’s about helping your dog feel safe when you leave.
By using gradual, carefully planned steps, dogs can learn that alone time isn’t scary. This training builds true confidence, instead of relying on confinement to mask the problem.
How 1:1 Training Support Can Help
Every dog is different, and overcoming separation anxiety requires a personalised plan. With my 1:1 support, you’ll learn how to:
Keep your dog under their fear threshold
Build their confidence step by step
Teach them to feel calm, safe, and relaxed alone
Make progress without relying on crates or confinement
✨ Ready to support your anxious dog and regain your freedom? Book your free pre-training consultation call today to find out how my 1:1 separation anxiety training can help you both.
