Dog Crate Training A Great Way to Relieve Separation Anxiety

Coping with a dog with separation anxiety can be very difficult and trying.  It may seem as if nothing helps, which can be very overwhelming.  However, one solution that requires some consistency and hard work on your part is often an effective solution to help treat separation anxiety in dogs.  That solution is crate training.

When your dog first became a member of your family, you probably read all about crate training.  You also probably read that it requires both hard work and consistency on your part.  This is why many dog owners do not pursue crate training initially.  In fact, a large number of owners only pursue crate training as a way of helping their dog cope with their separation anxiety. 

Dogs often enjoy a small, den-like area which is all their own.  This creates a safe environment for them where they can chew toys, relax, and relieve their anxiety.  As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to create this environment.  In order to do this, you will need to find the appropriate crate for your dog.  Your vet can help you find the right size and proper construction based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

Crate training will also help reduce the damage done to your home when your dog relieves himself while you are away.  Dogs are like most other animals, they do not like to be close to their own waste.  Crate training your dog will help train your dog to go to the bathroom only when it is appropriate.  This will save you a lot of aggravation and hassle in the long run.

You will only want to place your dog in the crate when you are home.  You do not want to cause your dog further anxiety by leaving him or her in the crate for hours at a time.  As you are crate training your dog, it is important that you keep the crate close to you.  This will help your dog see the crate as a safe place to be and will aid in their training.  Remember, if your dog senses you are abandoning him, your dog will panic, only exacerbating the problem.

It is also important that you never use the crate as a means to punish your dog.  Again, this will cause your dog more anxiety and stress.  Your dog will become confused and will not recognize the crate as a safe place.  If you use the crate as punishment, your dog’s anxiety will intensify.

There are also time limitations regarding the amount of time you place your dog in the crate.  These vary, depending on the age of your dog.  You will want to discuss crate training with your veterinarian in order to ensure the proper training.

Crate training is an excellent way to reinforce proper behaviors in your dog.  It will also provide your dog with a safe environment that is solely theirs.  Once your dog is crate trained, your dog’s anxiety will diminish significantly and you will begin to enjoy coming home again.
 
By: MiShaun Taylor