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dog crate anxiety

Dog Crate Anxiety

Written by: Dr. Athena Gaffud

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Time to read 8 min

Many dog owners have experienced this common issue known as dog crate anxiety.

We will explore the reasons behind crate anxiety, the signs to look out for, and most importantly, how to help your pup overcome this stress.

If you want to ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable in their crate, keep reading for valuable tips and advice.

What is Dog Crate Anxiety?

Dog crate anxiety refers to the stress or discomfort experienced by dogs when confined in a crate, leading to negative behaviors and reactions. It is a condition where dogs exhibit signs of anxiety and distress when placed in a crate or confined space, often associated with separation anxiety from their owners or the fear of being left alone.


Early life experiences and exercise are associated with anxiety prevalence in dogs, including fearfulness, noise sensitivity, and separation anxiety,” ( Tiira, K., & Lohi, H., 2015 ).


Dogs with crate anxiety display a range of behaviors such as excessive barking, whining, pacing, or attempting to escape from the crate. Some may even exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing or digging in an attempt to get out. These reactions are often triggered by the feeling of being isolated or confined, heightening their anxiety levels.


Crate anxiety can be closely linked to separation anxiety, where dogs experience stress when separated from their owners. The confinement in a crate exacerbates this anxiety, as the dog feels abandoned and lonely within the restricted space, intensifying their distress.

Why Do Dogs Get Anxious in Crates?

Dogs experience anxiety in crates due to various reasons such as confinement anxiety, fear of separation, and stress triggered by the restricted space.


The feeling of being enclosed leads to distress and discomfort, particularly when associated with the absence of their owners or the anticipation of being left alone.


Confinement anxiety stems from the natural instinct of dogs to have freedom of movement and space, which is limited in a crate. This restriction makes them feel trapped and vulnerable, leading to heightened anxiety levels.


Stress factors in a dog's environment, such as loud noises, sudden movements, or even lack of proper crate training, add to their unease. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial in addressing and managing crate anxiety effectively.

Is Crate Anxiety Common in Dogs?

Crate anxiety is a common issue among dogs, affecting a significant number of pets and causing stress for both the dogs and their owners. 


Many dogs exhibit signs of distress and anxiety when placed in a crate, highlighting the prevalence of this behavioral problem in domesticated dogs.

What Are the Signs of Dog Crate Anxiety?

sign of dog crate anxiety

Signs of dog crate anxiety include the following:

  • Whining

  • Barking

  • Pacing

  • Panting

  • Attempts to escape the crate

  • Chewing on the crate bars

  • Scratching at the door

  • Soiling the crate

  • Circling or licking excessively

  • Refuse to enter the crate 

How Does Crate Anxiety Affect Dogs?

Crate anxiety has a detrimental effect on dogs, leading to increased stress levels, behavioral issues, and overall discomfort. Dogs experiencing crate anxiety exhibit destructive behaviors, aggression, or withdrawal, affecting their mental well-being and quality of life.

If left unaddressed, the cumulative effects of crate anxiety erode the trust between the dog and its owner, weakening their bond and potentially leading to long-lasting emotional scars.

How to Help a Dog with Crate Anxiety?

Helping a dog with crate anxiety involves a gradual introduction to the crate, creating a positive association, using calming techniques, providing exercise, and seeking professional assistance. These steps aim to alleviate the dog's stress, improve their comfort in the crate, and address the underlying causes of anxiety.

  • Introduce the Crate Gradually: When introducing the crate to a dog with separation anxiety, it is crucial to proceed gradually, allowing the dog to explore the crate at their own pace and associating it with positive experiences. A slow and patient introduction helps reduce the dog's anxiety and create a sense of comfort within the confined space.

  • Make the Crate a Positive Space: Transforming the crate into a positive space involves adding comfortable bedding , favorite toys, and treats to create a pleasant environment for the dog. By associating the crate with positive experiences and comfort, dogs are more likely to view it as a safe and inviting space rather than a source of anxiety. Engaging toys play a significant role in keeping your dog mentally stimulated while in the crate. Incorporating rewarding treats into the crate set up further reinforces positive associations. Treats are used to reward good behavior or as a comforting snack, making the crate a place your dog associates with delicious rewards and happiness.

  • Use Calming Techniques: Implementing calming techniques such as soothing music, pheromone diffusers, comforting scents, or calming CBD products such as CBD Full-Spectrum Happy-Furever Chews helps reduce a dog's stress and anxiety levels when in the crate. These techniques create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and eases the dog's emotional distress.

  • Exercise and Playtime: Regular exercise and engaging playtime sessions help reduce a dog's anxiety levels and promote physical and mental well-being. Providing ample opportunities for exercise and play distracts the dog from their anxious thoughts and creates positive associations with crate time.

  • Seek Professional Help: Consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist is advisable for severe cases of dog crate anxiety, where specialized guidance and interventions are required. Professional assistance provides owners with tailored strategies and supports to address their dog's anxiety effectively.

What Not to Do When Dealing with Dog Crate Anxiety?

When managing dog crate anxiety, it is essential to avoid punishing the dog, using the crate as a form of punishment, and giving in to the dog's demands. These actions exacerbate the dog's anxiety, reinforce negative behaviors, and create a negative association with the crate.

  • Do Not Punish the Dog: Punishing a dog with crate anxiety can worsen their stress and fear, leading to heightened anxiety-related behaviors and potential trust issues with the owner. It is crucial to avoid punitive measures and focus on positive reinforcement and gentle guidance to help the dog overcome their anxiety.

  • Do Not Use the Crate as Punishment: Using the crate as a form of punishment can create a negative association with confinement, leading to increased anxiety and resistance towards the crate. It is essential to maintain the crate as a positive space for the dog, associating it with comfort and security rather than discipline.

  • Do Not Give in to the Dog's Demands: Yielding to a dog's demands when exhibiting crate anxiety behaviors reinforces negative patterns and escalates the dog's distress. It is crucial to set boundaries, remain consistent with training, and avoid reinforcing anxious behaviors through excessive attention or acquiescence.

How to Prevent Dog Crate Anxiety?

dog crate training

Preventing dog crate anxiety involves starting crate training early, creating a positive association with the crate, being consistent with crate use, providing mental and physical stimulation outside of the crate, and considering the use of CBD oil as a calming aid.

  • Start Crate Training Early: Initiating crate training at an early age can help dogs acclimate to the crate and reduce the likelihood of developing separation anxiety or crate-related stress. Early exposure and positive experiences with the crate establish a foundation for comfort and security in confined spaces.

  • Make the Crate a Positive Space from the Beginning: From the outset, it is essential to establish the crate as a positive and inviting space for dogs, incorporating comfort items, treats, and positive reinforcement. Creating a welcoming environment within the crate from the beginning fosters a sense of security and comfort for the dog.

  • Be Consistent with Crate Use: Consistency in crate use is crucial for reinforcing positive behaviors and routines, promoting a sense of predictability and security for dogs. By maintaining a consistent schedule and approach to crate training, dogs feel more comfortable and confident in the crate environment.

  • Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation Outside of the Crate: Engaging dogs in mental and physical activities outside the crate helps reduce anxiety and prevent boredom, contributing to overall well-being and relaxation.

  • Give CBD Oil: The use of CBD oil as a natural calming aid helps alleviate a dog's anxiety and promote relaxation in stressful situations, including crate confinement. CBD oil provides comfort and support for dogs experiencing crate anxiety, offering a non-invasive and gentle solution for owners. Read “ CBD Oil For Dogs: Will It Help Their Anxiety?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dog crate anxiety?

Dog crate anxiety refers to the fear or stress that a dog experiences when being confined in a crate. It manifests in various ways, such as excessive barking, pacing, or destructive behavior.

Why do some dogs experience crate anxiety?

There are various reasons why a dog experiences crate anxiety. It could be due to past negative experiences, lack of proper crate training, or being left alone for extended periods in the crate.

How can I help my dog with crate anxiety?

First, it is essential to determine the root cause of a dog's anxiety. Owners then work on desensitizing them to the crate by gradually introducing it and creating positive associations. Seeking professional help from a trainer or behaviorist is also beneficial.

Is it okay to use medication to treat my dog's crate anxiety?

In severe cases, medication is prescribed by a veterinarian to help reduce the dog's anxiety. However, this should not be the first line of treatment and should always be used under the guidance of a professional.

How long does it take to overcome dog crate anxiety?

The time it takes for a dog to overcome crate anxiety varies depending on the severity of the anxiety and the training techniques used. It is crucial to be patient and consistent with training, as progress take weeks or even months.

Can crate anxiety be prevented?

Yes, crate anxiety can be prevented by proper crate training from a young age, ensuring a positive and comfortable crate environment, and gradually increasing the time the dog spends in the crate. It is also essential to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation for the dog to prevent boredom and anxiety.

Dr. Athena Gaffud, DVM

Author: Dr. Athena Gaffud

Dr. Athena is a seasoned, board-certified veterinarian with comprehensive expertise in general practice, veterinary medicine, laboratory operations, and veterinary writing. She is passionate about animals and holistic health. 

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