For some dogs, anxiety in the crate can be a big problem. Dogs may whine, bark, drool, and potentially even injure themselves trying to get out. Thankfully, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby is here to help. She explains how to recognize crate anxiety and why dogs tend to get anxious in the crate. Then she provides 10 actionable tips for addressing your dog’s anxiety in the crate.
A crate can be a valuable tool for safety, rest, travel, and household management. Ideally, it becomes a calm, secure space where a dog can relax comfortably.
However, some dogs experience significant stress when crated. Over time, this can leave dog parents feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and exhausted, especially when they are trying their best to do everything “right.”
If this sounds like your situation, you are not alone. Crate anxiety is a common problem, but many dogs can improve with patience, understanding, and crate training.
What is dog crate anxiety?
Crate anxiety is the anxious, scared, overwhelmed, or panicked feelings some dogs experience when placed in a crate. While a bit of mild whining or pacing can be normal during crate training or the initial seconds in a crate, crate anxiety goes beyond that. It continues for the duration of time in the crate and sometimes escalates.
There can be situations where the dog’s anxiety while in a crate is mild, manageable, and easily fixed. But for other dogs, the anxiety can become severe enough to interfere with his or her physical health and safety.
Is crate anxiety the same as separation anxiety?
Although there is a lot of overlap between crate anxiety and separation anxiety, they are not necessarily the same thing.
A dog with separation anxiety is primarily distressed about being away from their person. These dogs may panic whenever left alone, whether they are in a crate, loose in the home, behind a baby gate, or confined to another room.
On the other hand, a dog with crate anxiety becomes anxious when confined in a crate specifically. These dogs remain calm when left alone, loose in the home, or separated from their owner. But they become stressed once the crate door closes, sometimes even if their pet parent stays nearby.
To add a layer of complexity, dogs can also develop separation anxiety and crate anxiety at the same time. Being able to recognize the signs of anxiety and understand which type(s) of anxiety your dog is experiencing can help guide a more effective training approach.
What are the signs of crate anxiety?
Just like humans, dogs show signs of anxiety differently. Some dogs become quiet and reserved, while others become very vocal or destructive. Therefore, symptoms of crate anxiety can vary widely depending on the dog’s temperament and anxiety level.
Potential signs of anxiety in dogs who are confined to a crate include:
- Barking or whining which continues beyond the first few minutes in the crate
- Heavy panting or excessive drooling in dogs while in the crate
- Trembling or shaking
- Refusing to go into the crate
- Hiding when you walk toward the crate or start to get ready to leave
- Avoiding the room where the crate is located
- Pacing or circling in the crate
- Frantically scratching or chewing at crate bars
- Making escape attempts
- Damaging or breaking teeth and nails or scraping their nose while trying to escape the crate
- Finding blood on the crate door or floor from broken teeth or nails
- Urinating or defecating in the crate despite being potty trained
- Refusing food or treats while in the crate
- Being unable to relax or settle in the crate
- Cowering in the crate (head down and tail drooping)
In many cases, crate anxiety presents as panic that escalates over time rather than improving. Also, in severe cases of anxiety, dogs may injure themselves attempting to escape the crate. This is one reason it is important not to ignore ongoing signs of stress.
How does normal adjustment to the crate differ from crate anxiety?
It’s important to recognize whether your dog is having a mild reaction while adjusting to being put in a crate or experiencing true anxiety. Not every protest or whine means a dog has crate anxiety.
This is especially important to remember when crate training a senior dog, puppy, or newly adopted dog. If a crate is unfamiliar, many dogs initially resist going in it. Or they may take a minute to relax once inside it. Just like any training, there will be a warm-up period and a variable learning curve.
Mild signs of normal crate adjustment may include:
- Brief whining that improves within a few minutes
- Restlessness before settling
- Occasional barking during the earlier training sessions
- Initial pacing or refusing to lie down in the crate, but then settling after being in the crate for a few minutes
Typically, these behaviors gradually decrease as the dog develops positive associations with the crate. This is in contrast to true dog crate anxiety, where the distress often remains intense or worsens over time.
With mild reactions to being crated, many dogs are relaxed enough to still take treats or food from inside the crate. They also don’t appear overwhelmed and scared. Dogs may still wag their tails when spoken to, raise their heads to look around, and show interest in their surroundings. This is generally not the case with crate anxiety.
What are the common causes of dogs being anxious in the crate?
Improving your dog’s crate anxiety is often easier if you know the underlying cause of his or her anxiety. There may be one main explanation, or it might be due to a combination of emotional and environmental factors.
Moving too quickly during crate training
Not taking your time with crate training is one of the most common causes of crate anxiety. When you use a crate without proper introduction and training, it may prevent your dog from forming positive associations with the crate. And if a dog is in a crate for long periods without being adjusted to it, it can lead to fear and frustration.
Previous negative experiences with the crate
Dogs who have negative experiences with crates are more likely to develop crate anxiety. Some causes of negative associations with crates include:
- Being put in the crate as punishment
- Spending a long period of time confined to the crate
- The crate is too small for the dog
- Lack of food and water in the crate
- Being in a urine and feces covered crate
- Crate is in a poor environment (hot, cold, sudden loud noises, etc.)
This can be common in dogs rescued from puppy mills or dog-hoarding situations. Dogs adopted from shelters or rescues also sometimes have crate anxiety due to being confined at a shelter or because of a previous, unknown history.
Separation anxiety or other types of anxiety
Remember, crate anxiety does not equal separation anxiety. But sometimes dogs with separation anxiety naturally have crate anxiety specifically because they are separated from family members.
Dogs with separation anxiety may be calm while crated if someone stays nearby but panic once left alone. Others may become frantic the second they are inside the crate.
Additionally, dogs with generalized anxiety or other forms of anxiety are more prone to developing crate anxiety. This makes crate training and providing a long adjustment period especially important for dogs who already suffer from anxiety in other situations.
Lack of exercise and/or insufficient mental stimulation
While insufficient exercise alone does not cause true anxiety disorders, it can worsen stress-related behaviors in dogs with crate anxiety. Dogs who have excess physical energy or are bored may struggle to relax calmly inside a crate. Their body and brain want to keep moving, not be forced to stay in one spot with nothing to do.
Changes in routine or environment
Just like humans, major life changes can cause stress and discomfort for our dogs. Moving homes, introducing new pets, schedule changes, illness, travel, or other stressful life events can all contribute to increased anxiety in general. This includes crate-related anxiety, especially if the change suddenly necessitated more time in the crate.
10 ways to help a dog with crate anxiety
The goal for managing crate anxiety is not simply to keep the dog quiet in the crate. Instead, it is to help the dog feel emotionally secure and safe in the crate.
It is important to keep in mind that helping an anxious dog feel safe in a crate often requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. Progress is usually gradual rather than immediate, but all your hard work can pay off.
The 10 tips below may help you decrease your dog’s anxiety while in the crate.
1. Avoid forcing your dog into the crate
Dragging, pushing, or forcing a frightened dog into a crate is a quick way to develop negative associations and fear of the crate. Instead, encourage your dog to voluntarily enter the crate whenever possible. Coaxing your dog inside by using a treat or toy works well for some dogs.
Teaching your dog it is safe to go in the crate
If a special treat or toy doesn’t convince your dog to enter the crate, try this:
- For anxious dogs who can’t even be near the crate without shaking or trembling, reward your dog for just sitting next to the crate. The goal is for your dog to realize the crate isn’t scary and being near it is okay. Do this step a few times every day before moving on to the next step.
- Once your dog can be near the crate, use a treat or toy to entice your dog to place a foot inside. Even if only one foot goes in at first, reward your dog. Do this step a few times every day for a few days until your dog feels comfortable.
- Hopefully, as your dog builds confidence, he or she will start stepping farther into the crate naturally. If not, continue using treats and rewards to encourage your dog to step in deeper.
- Repeat these steps for a few days (or however long it takes) until your dog goes all the way inside the crate. It is important to leave the door open the first several times the dog is inside the crate. This helps your canine companion feel comfortable rather than trapped.
- After your dog walks fully into the crate for a few days, you can begin shutting the door. But only leave your dog in the crate for short periods of time.
If your dog is afraid of the crate, going into it and allowing you to shut the door is a huge accomplishment! And sitting calmly in the crate for even a few seconds counts as a success!
Leaving the crate door open
You can also leave the crate door open throughout the day to show your dog that it is safe for him or her to come and go. This allows your dog to explore the crate without the pressure of being put in it.
2. Start with short sessions
As your dog adjusts, try gradually increasing crate time. Leave your dog in the crate for 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, and then an hour. Continue using positive reinforcement, like treats or toys, each time your dog stays in the crate. Monitor him or her for signs of stress, like yawning, lip licking, showing the whites of the eyes, stiff posture, or refusal to take treats, at each training session.
Some dogs will quickly tolerate longer amounts of time in the crate. But others may need a slower pace. Remember that slow and steady progress often creates stronger long-term results than rushing the process.
3. Don’t use the crate as punishment
It is important to never use the crate as punishment. The goal of crate training is to create positive associations and memories of the crate. If the crate is being used as punishment, your dog will see it as a bad place to go. As a result, your dog will be more likely to cower and hide in the crate or try to escape it.
4. Create positive associations with the crate
Another way to reduce crate anxiety is by making the crate an exciting or positive place for your dog to visit.
If your dog is at the stage where he or she will go into the crate but gets nervous when left in it, giving your dog his or her food and water in the crate every day can be a great way to encourage positive associations. However, you should not try this if your dog is so afraid of the crate that he or she won’t even be in the same room as it or go into the crate. You don’t want your dog to avoid eating and drinking due to fear of the crate.
It can also be helpful to make the crate the “treat location.” Toss treats into the crate throughout the day so your dog learns good things happen there. You can use special treats such as:
- Toys that your dog loves
- Food toys like Kongs that you can fill with peanut butter or other treats
- Frozen snacks (Putting fruits dogs can eat or vegetables dogs can eat in an ice cube tray makes a fun frozen treat, as long as your dog isn’t a strong chewer who might damage his or her teeth on the fruit/veggie cube.)
- Long-lasting, safe chew toys for dogs
If your dog isn’t a fabric or bed chewer, you can also put some special bedding in the crate for him or her. Blankets or clothes with your scent on them can also be comforting, as long as your dog won’t try to chew or swallow them.
5. Practice calm departures and returns
Large emotional greetings and dramatic goodbyes can unintentionally increase anxiety around separation and being in the crate for your dog. Therefore, keeping departures calm and predictable may help reduce stress over time.
When you are getting ready to put your dog in the crate before leaving, don’t make a grand production out of it. Simply take your dog outside to go to the bathroom and burn off energy before putting him or her in the crate. Give your dog a drink of water, then ask your dog to go into the crate. Reward your dog for going in.
Don’t make a lot of noise when leaving or yell “goodbye” a ton of times to your dog. You want your departure to be as subtle as possible.
The same for when you return. Don’t come home yelling “hello” to your dog and get him or her all worked up while in the crate. (I know this can be hard to resist because it is exciting to be back home and makes you feel loved to see your dog so happy to see you.)
Instead, come inside quietly and walk over to your dog. You can say “hi” to your dog, but don’t say it in an overwhelming, loud, or excited voice.
Also, when taking your dog out of the kennel, try to open the door when your dog is calm rather than when your dog is jumping or pawing at the cage. If you let your dog out while he or she is digging at the cage or whining, it reinforces that behavior and can lead your dog to associate pawing with getting out.
Remember, a calm entrance and exit can help promote calmness while in the crate.
6. Try different types of crates
Some dogs do better in certain types of crates than others.
For example, one of my friends adopted a black Labrador Retriever with severe crate anxiety. This poor pup absolutely hated the enclosed plastic crates and would destroy them in her attempts to escape. But one day, my friend tried a wire crate, and her dog was significantly calmer. She only had mild anxiety in the wire crate, which quickly improved with some positive association training.
Thus, if your dog is panicking in one type of crate, it could be worth trying a different type to see if it helps. However, it isn’t a good idea to switch crate types repeatedly. This can cause additional stress and confusion. Plus, it often increases the time required for crate training.
With all that in mind, you might be asking, “What crate is the best for dogs with crate anxiety? Are heavy-duty or high-impact ones better?” And the answer is, it depends on the dog.
Let’s take a look at the options:
Wire or metal crates
Pros: Wire crates are great for dogs who have confinement anxiety and like to be able to see their surroundings. They also come in varying metal strengths, making them a good choice for dogs who are escape artists or destroy crates. There are some wire crates that are very durable, high-impact, and heavy-duty.
Cons: Chewing at the bars or digging at a wire crate in an attempt to get out tends to cause more damage to the dog’s teeth and nails than in other kinds of crates. Thus, even though wire crates can keep a dog from escaping, it’s important to still train your dog to settle in the crate.
Enclosed crates
Pros: Enclosed crates are good picks for dogs who seem to do better when they can’t see their surroundings, and for dogs who like to hide in dark places. Sometimes, enclosed crates make dogs feel like they are in their own hidden house. This can greatly reduce anxiety for some dogs.
Cons: Feeling closed in might increase anxiety for some dogs. Plus, enclosed plastic crates are not usually a good choice for dogs who are extreme chewers or escape artists.
Flat door crates
Pros: There are some crates (usually metal ones like Impact® high anxiety dog crates) that are designed with a flat, smooth door or a door with very small holes. These crates can be good choices for dogs who chew on the bars of crates because it’s harder for dogs to get their teeth locked on the door.
Cons: Some versions can get fairly pricey and not all dogs like the more enclosed feel.
Soft or fabric crates (not usually a good choice)
Cons: I almost never recommend soft or fabric crates. I’ve seen too many dogs chew on them, eat them, or get hurt escaping, especially dogs with crate anxiety. Dogs with crate anxiety are more likely to ingest part of the soft crate or get a nail or tooth stuck in the fabric.
Pros: Soft crates can be beneficial for small dogs on planes or in specific circumstances (but I still generally do not suggest using one).
Regardless of what kind of crate you use, it’s important to ensure that it is assembled correctly and fully to ensure your dog’s safety. Always be sure to completely close and secure the door to prevent a dog’s paw or nose from becoming stuck. Also, always take off your dog’s harness or collar before putting him or her in the crate.
7. Cover the crate with a blanket
The idea of covering a crate with a blanket goes hand in hand with crate selection. Some dogs really like it, and others don’t. (And others might like it but would eat the blanket, so it is a strong “No.”)
If your dog is a chewer (even a mild one), or you think your dog might chew, I never recommend covering the crate with a blanket, towel, or crate cover. Dogs who are chewers can pull the fabric cover into the crate and shred or eat it, which could lead to digestive problems or an intestinal obstruction.
For dogs who will not chew it, a crate cover may help create a calmer environment. Some dogs feel more secure in a darker, enclosed space that blocks visual stimulation and feels den-like. However, for other dogs, a covered crate may actually increase anxiety or make them feel trapped.
If you are going to try covering the crate, I recommend doing a few trial runs when you are still home to keep an eye on your dog. Try to watch your dog without him or her noticing, as knowing you are looking at him or her may increase anxiety. Pay attention to whether the cover makes your dog more or less restless and watch for any attempts to bite or chew on the cover.
If your dog seems calmer with the crate covered, it may be a helpful tool. But if the cover appears to increase anxiety or your dog tries to chew it, it’s best to remove it and continue without one.
8. Change the crate location
While not always helpful, moving the crate to a new location can sometimes reduce anxiety.
Some dogs are less anxious in a crate if they are in a quiet room, such as the bathroom, office, or laundry room. Other dogs are more relaxed if the crate is placed in a normal, high-traffic area, such as the living room or kitchen.
Experimenting with location can sometimes make a meaningful difference. But it is also important not to change the location more than once or twice. This can be unsettling to your dog and increase anxiety.
9. Increase exercise and enrichment
Physical activity and mental enrichment can help many dogs feel generally calmer and less anxious. Dogs with pent-up energy, boredom, or insufficient stimulation often struggle more to settle quietly when confined.
Before crate time, try incorporating activities that encourage both physical movement and mental engagement, such as:
- Walks or play sessions
- Sniff walks that allow your dog to explore at his or her own pace. Sniffing is extremely important for a dog’s brain and mental regulation!
- Training games or short obedience sessions
- Food puzzles or mental stimulation toys for dogs
- Scent work, “find it” games, or hide-and-seek
- Frozen treats or long-lasting chews
It is important to avoid leaving a dog overly exhausted or overstimulated before crate time. Some dogs become more wound up after intense activity, especially high-arousal play. Calm, structured enrichment is often more effective for anxious dogs than trying to simply “wear them out.”
In my experience, taking a dog on a short walk or sniffing excursion is one of the best ways to provide enrichment and can be more calming and regulating than intense physical exercise alone or other settling techniques.
That said, exercise is not a cure for true anxiety disorders. While adequate activity can help reduce restlessness and improve stress, dogs with severe crate anxiety still need additional support through training and positive associations.
10. Talk to your veterinarian
If your dog’s crate anxiety is severe, worsening, or causing self-injury, it is important to seek professional guidance from your veterinarian.
He or she can help rule out underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your dog’s stress or discomfort. If no medical reason for the anxiety is found, the vet may recommend working with a veterinary behaviorist or qualified trainer to develop a more detailed training and behavior modification plan.
Additionally, in some cases, the vet may recommend anxiety medication as part of your dog’s crate anxiety treatment plan. Dogs with severe crate anxiety or additional anxiety-related behaviors sometimes need extra support to help them feel calm enough to learn and respond to training.
Some of the medications your veterinarian might recommend include:
- Trazadone for dogs
- Gabapentin for dogs
- Benzodiazepines: alprazolam (Xanax®) or diazepam (Valium®)
- Fluoxetine for dogs (Prozac® or Reconcile®)
- Clomipramine (Clomicalm®)
- Dexmedetomidine gel (Sileo®)
Medication may be temporary during the initial stages of crate training, or it may be a tool your dog needs long term. Either way, it can help some dogs make meaningful progress and improve their experience in a crate.
Progress takes time (and that’s ok)
Preventing crate anxiety is much easier than treating it. If you are in the early stages of crate training a dog, please remember to go slowly, be patient, and keep it a positive experience.
However, if your dog has already developed crate anxiety, don’t feel guilty or lose hope. Many dogs struggle with crate anxiety, but with time, consistency, patience, and training, improvement is possible. There may be moments when the process feels frustrating or emotionally exhausting for both you and your dog, but those small steps forward still matter.
It can help to keep the long-term goal in mind. Rather than focusing only on stopping barking or escape attempts, try to think about helping your dog feel safe. Building trust and emotional security is often the foundation for long-term success.
Finally, remember that progress does not have to look perfect to be meaningful. Every calm moment, every positive crate experience, and every bit of growing confidence is a step in the right direction for both you and your dog.
What helped reduce your dog’s anxiety in the crate?
Please share your tips or encouragement below.
