As a certified professional who works with dogs experiencing separation anxiety, there’s immense satisfaction in assuring a dog guardian that their canine companion does not, in fact, suffer from separation anxiety. This is a particularly common scenario when a dog, or puppy, exhibits concerning behaviors specifically when confined to a crate. Let’s delve into the nuances of this issue.
While this discussion might raise concerns about an anti-crate stance, it’s important to clarify that crate training itself is a valuable tool. Crates can be excellent for management and teaching dogs to feel secure during short periods of confinement, which can be crucial in emergencies. However, forcing a dog into a crate, investing in stronger crates when they escape, employing punishment-based crate training methods, or using a crate as a form of punishment are all practices I strongly advise against. For dogs exhibiting any issues related to being alone, eliminating the crate from the equation is recommended in approximately 99.7% of cases.
Understanding Confinement Anxiety
Confinement Anxiety arises when a dog experiences panic due to being confined to a small space, such as a crate or, at times, an exercise pen. The distress can mirror that of separation anxiety, leading to behaviors like attempts to escape the crate, digging and biting at the bars, house-soiling despite being house-trained, excessive drooling, and panting. These are essentially the same indicators seen in separation anxiety. The crucial distinction is that a dog with confinement anxiety is generally comfortable when not confined to a small space.
It’s important to note that many dogs with separation anxiety also experience confinement anxiety, but the reverse is not always true.
Incomplete Crate Training Explained
Incomplete Crate Training is precisely what it sounds like. Have sufficient time and effort been dedicated to establishing positive associations with the crate? Perhaps as a puppy, a dog was simply placed in the crate when sleepy, slept through the night, and the owner felt they had an easy solution. Now, at six months old, the dog may no longer be content with this arrangement. Similarly, an adopted dog might have been described as “crate-trained” by the rescue, only for the new owner to discover after a week that the dog is unhappy in the crate. If not managed effectively, these situations can lead to confinement anxiety if the dog is repeatedly crated and experiences growing unease.
Determining the Root Cause
So, how can we discern the underlying issue? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your dog comfortable in the crate or confinement when you are present?
- If yes, and the problem only surfaces when you are alone, there might be elements of separation anxiety and confinement anxiety at play.
- Is your dog comfortable at home alone, whether in or out of the crate?
- If your dog shows hesitancy to enter the crate specifically in the context of you leaving, separation anxiety and confinement anxiety could be factors. However, if the dog is hesitant to enter the crate at any time, regardless of your attire, confinement anxiety or incomplete crate training may be the issue.
- Does your dog voluntarily enter their crate without a prompt or lure (like food)?
- While not a definitive answer, observing if your dog ever chooses to enter their crate on their own can offer insights into their feelings about that space. Some dogs who enjoy their crates will retreat there for naps, snacks, or to chew on toys in a perceived safe haven.
- Will your dog remain in their crate with the door open?
- When actively working on crate training, which doesn’t always come naturally, will your dog bolt the moment the reinforcement stops? If so, you may need to proceed more slowly or address confinement anxiety directly. Alternatively, revisit the fundamentals of crate training with a more gradual, positive approach.
- How long after the crate door is closed does your dog begin to display signs of distress?
- Dogs with pronounced confinement anxiety will almost invariably show signs of unease immediately after being confined. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will erupt in barking, but they might start panting, drooling, yawning, circling, or pacing. These initial stress signals, if ignored, can escalate into more significant displays if confinement is prolonged.
- Will your dog eat offered snacks, bones, or enrichment toys while in the closed crate when you are present? What about when you are away?
- Some dogs will eat regardless of their stress level; I personally have one such dog. However, a key indicator of stress in dogs is anorexia. Therefore, if you offer tempting treats and your dog ignores them while in the crate but eagerly consumes them the moment they are released, this is valuable information. If your dog happily eats in the crate while you are present but stops when you leave the room or house, separation issues may be a more significant concern.
- Have you observed your dog using a camera while they are alone, both in and out of confinement?
- The most effective method for diagnosing the issue is to conduct your own assessment, as the concerning behaviors may not manifest when you are present. To perform a functional assessment, follow your “normal” leaving routine, ensuring you have a camera monitoring your dog, ideally with live viewing and recording capabilities. Depart the room or house and observe your dog’s reactions. Return as soon as you perceive your dog becoming overly anxious. This point may not be at the first bark, but rather as stress-related behaviors increase. The goal is to identify a starting point. It’s not beneficial to habitually leave and allow your dog to experience prolonged stress; returning will not reinforce behaviors like barking, whining, or chewing, as the dog’s emotions are heightened, and learning is likely not occurring. This serves as a crucial reference point for differentiating between in-crate and out-of-crate behaviors and for generally aiding your dog.
Once you have identified the root cause, formulating a plan to move forward becomes significantly easier. Addressing this early on can greatly assist in developing an effective training plan for any of the aforementioned issues.
If it becomes apparent that your dog struggles with being alone regardless of their environment, consider seeking professional assistance.
To gain further insights into separation anxiety, you are invited to join my FREE webinar here.
