As a certified separation anxiety trainer, one of the most rewarding moments is informing a dog guardian that their beloved pet does not have separation anxiety. This often arises when a dog exhibits concerning behaviors while confined to a crate. Let’s explore this distinction further.
Crate training, when done correctly, is a valuable management tool. Crates can help dogs feel secure and comfortable during short periods, which is essential in emergencies. However, forcing a dog into a crate, resorting to stronger crates when a dog escapes, using punishment for crate training, or ever using a crate as punishment are all practices to be avoided. For dogs experiencing any form of separation anxiety, a crate is almost always recommended to be removed from the equation.
Confinement Anxiety
Confinement anxiety occurs when a dog experiences panic while restricted to a small space, such as a crate or an exercise pen. The symptoms can mirror those of separation anxiety, including attempts to escape, digging and biting at the crate bars, urinating or defecating (even if house-trained), excessive drooling, and panting. The key difference lies in the dog’s behavior when not confined; they are typically much more comfortable. It’s important to note that many dogs with separation anxiety may also exhibit confinement anxiety, but the reverse is not always true.
Incomplete Crate Training
Incomplete crate training is precisely as it sounds. This happens when insufficient time and effort are invested in creating positive associations with the crate. Perhaps as a puppy, a dog was simply placed in the crate when they naturally fell asleep, leading the owner to believe they were “easy” to crate train. Now, as a 6-month-old, they are no longer thrilled about being confined. Similarly, an adopted dog might have been described as “crate-trained” by a rescue, only for issues to surface after a week or so in their new home. If not addressed effectively, these scenarios can develop into confinement anxiety if the dog is repeatedly crated and experiences anxiety.
Diagnosing the Issue
To determine the root cause of your dog’s distress, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your dog comfortable in the crate/confinement when you are present? If they are comfortable when you’re around but show distress only when you leave, there might be elements of separation anxiety alongside confinement anxiety.
- Is your dog comfortable home alone, whether in or out of the crate? If your dog hesitates to enter the crate specifically in the context of you leaving, separation and confinement anxiety could be factors. However, if your dog is hesitant to enter the crate at any time, regardless of your attire, confinement anxiety or incomplete crate training might be the primary 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 use their crate on their own can offer insights into their feelings about that space. Some dogs enjoy their crates and use them for naps, snacks, or to secure their toys.
- Will your dog stay in their crate with the door open? When working on crate training, which doesn’t always come naturally, does your dog bolt out the moment the reinforcement stops? If so, you may need to proceed more slowly or address confinement anxiety. It might also be necessary to revisit the basics of crate training with more gradual, positive steps.
- How long after the crate is closed does your dog begin to show signs of worry? Dogs with strict confinement anxiety will almost invariably show signs of distress immediately after being confined. This might manifest as panting, drooling, yawning, circling, or pacing. These initial stress signals, if ignored, can escalate into more significant displays if confinement continues for extended periods.
- Will your dog eat offered snacks, bones, or enrichment toys when in the closed crate while you are present? What about when you are away? Some dogs will eat regardless of their stress level. However, a key indicator of stress in dogs is anorexia. If your dog ignores tempting treats in the crate but readily eats them once released, this provides valuable information. If your dog eats happily in the crate when you are present but stops when you leave the room or house, separation issues may be a greater concern.
- Have you observed your dog while they are alone, both in and out of confinement, using a camera? The most effective way to diagnose what might be happening is to conduct your own assessment, as the concerning behaviors may not occur when you are present. To run a functional assessment, go through your usual leaving routine but ensure you have a camera set up to observe your dog live or record their behavior. Leave the room or house and monitor their actions. Return as soon as you notice your dog becoming excessively worried. This might not be at the very first bark but rather as stress-related behaviors increase. The goal is to identify a starting point. It’s important to avoid making a habit of leaving your dog to become overly stressed; returning when they are exhibiting behaviors like barking, whining, or chewing will not reinforce those actions, as their emotions have taken over, and learning is unlikely to occur. This provides a valuable reference point for understanding the difference between being in and out of the crate and for helping your dog in general.
Once you’ve identified the underlying issue, developing a plan to move forward becomes much easier. Addressing these concerns early can significantly aid in establishing an effective training plan for any of the above issues. If it becomes apparent that your dog struggles with being alone regardless of their location, consider seeking professional help.
To delve deeper into the nuances of separation anxiety, you can access our FREE webinar here.
