Top 5 Best Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety Reviews

Is your dog showing signs of distress when you’re getting ready to leave? If your canine companion acts anxious or uneasy whenever you’re about to step out, it’s likely dealing with separation anxiety.

Dogs are generally social creatures. When they get acquainted with their owners, they want to spend each moment close to their pet parent. This is not always possible since you need to go to work and run errands, and you can’t always take your dog with you. Some dogs develop separation anxiety when left alone. 

Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs. It is triggered whenever you leave the dog alone. When your dog has separation anxiety, chances are it will lash out when you are away. Many times, pet parents have returned to find the home torn apart. This is how dogs cope with anxiety.   

While most dogs can comfortably be housed in kennels, dogs with anxiety require stronger housing. This is why dog crates were invented. These are sturdy dog houses that guarantee to keep your dog safe whenever it has an anxiety attack while you are away from home. 

Crates for separation anxiety are usually made with resilient material when compared to ordinary dog crates. They also come with special dog locks, among other features, to guarantee the safety of your dog. 

Top 5 best dog crate for anxiety 

If you are a dog owner and you have a dog with separation anxiety, finding the best crate is not always the easiest job. If you are tired of continually having to go back to buy a new anxiety dog crate, here are five crates for separation anxiety that have been tried, tested, and found to be the best in the market.  

1) The ProSelect Empire Dog Cage – inescapable dog crate

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The ProSelect Empire dog cage is the best cage for a dog with separation anxiety. Made with 20-gauge steel and 0.5-inch-thick tubes, the construction of this dog crate makes it inescapable. If you own a dog that tears down fabric with its teeth, this dog crate is created to house any anxious dog safely. 

It comes with grated floors that have a removable tray. This makes this cage easy to clean. You can also move this crate with ease, thanks to the removable casters. The corners of this high anxiety dog crate are rounded. This helps to prevent injury, which is a problem with sharp edges. 

The front door of this anxiety crate for dogs is made with strong latches that cannot be unlocked by a dog. This dog cage is made with the ability to withstand even the harshest abuse from your nervous canine companion. If you are in the market for a secure crate that will not compromise on the comfort of your dog, the ProSelect Empire crate is worth considering. 

Pros

• Best for large dogs 
• Comes in many sizes 
• Very sturdy make
• Comes with a removable steel tray
• Rust resistant  

Cons 

• Not ideal for small dogs
• It can be costly 

2) The Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate – Dog Crate for High Anxiety 

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if you own a feisty canine friend, one of the toughest issues to deal with is the separation anxiety. Feisty dogs become very aggressive when they get anxiety attacks. While is may outgrow the anxiety in time, the MidWest Homes crate for dogs with anxiety can help you manage the anxiety attacks at the moment.

This dog is created suitable for small dogs and large dogs. It can accommodate dogs of up to 90 pounds thanks to its sturdiness and spacious fitting. If you own a much smaller dog, the crate comes with a divider panel that you can use to create a smaller space for your small canine.  

This is a highly portable dog crate thanks to the inbuilt handles that make it possible you carry it around. It also has roller feet on the corners, which make pulling the crate from one place to another possible. This is also a foldable crate. Thus, you can store it away when not in use. The setup procedure is hustle free and does not require any specialized knowledge or tools.

Since a dog crate needs to be secure enough for dogs with anxiety, this MidWest Homes dog crate comes with twin slide-bolt latches. These keep the door firmly closed whenever your dog is in the crate. 

This pet crate comes with a dog tray. It is easy to clean and ensures that the floor of the crate is always clean. The durable design is made to cater to your dog’s inner den instinct while at the same time, ensuring it is safe when you are away from home. 

Pros

• Highly portable
• Collapsible 
• Has a divider panel
• Comes in different sizes

Cons 

• Needs more space to store
• Not ideal for smart dogs 
• Latched easily broken by strong dogs

3) The JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel – 3-door anxiety crate for dog  

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The Soft dog crates by JESPET are some of the most popular dog crates in the market. This is thanks to their convenient features and affordable market rates. This three-door model is the solution to your dog’s anxiety issues. 

 You can get this dog crate in three different sizes, small, medium, and large, making it an excellent choice for any dog size. This carrier is available in different colors, which gives it an attractive look. The overall look is eye-catching.

The three doors feature is what sets this dog cage apart. One door is located at the top, the second one on the side, and the third one on the front side of the crate. This allows easy access to the interior of the crate for easy cleaning and providing your companion with the much-needed ventilation while you’re away. The doors are covered with a mesh-like material which enhances airflow in and out of the crate. 

The frames of this pet crate are made from sturdy steel tubes, which make it resistant to wear and tear. The exterior is made from 600D Nylon material that is washable. What’s more, the crate comes with a fleece bed for maximum comfort. 

As though all these features are not enough, this pet crate is collapsible, which makes it portable and easy to store. It also has an adjustable carrying handle and extra pockets. 

Pros 

• Sleek design that is collapsible 
• Three door access 
• Comfy ped bed
• Easy to clean 
• Has a carry handle

Cons 

• Large mesh hex holes 

4) Impact Collapsible Dog Crate – Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety 

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This is a strong, collapsible dog crate made from aluminum material to ensure the safety of your dog when it gets anxiety attacks. It features ventilation holes with a 3/8-inch front steel bars door. This allows your canine friend to have a view of the outside, even when enclosed in the crate. 

Dog owners who have used this crate have termed it as a safe, strong, and durable dog crate. The aluminum-built collapses in minutes if you need to carry it for a trip or store it. The aluminum material is rust-resistant, has crush-proof corners, and comes with marine-grade stainless steel latches. This makes it a military dog crate type.it also comes with a carrying handle. 

The vent holes make it easy to clean since they also act as drain holes when cleaning the crate. The holes also ensure that there is air ventilation from the four sides of the crate. 

This crate is built with a high roof for tall dogs. This construction design also ensures that there is enough headroom for your dog if it needs to stand inside the crate. The marine-grade metal used to construct the slam latches ensures that the crate is safely locked without the need of locking it manually from outside. The locks are strong enough to resist bangs from the dog.

Other amazing features include spring-loaded handles, airline rail storage slots for air travel, and the full-length piano hinges make this one of the best dog crates for anxious dogs. 

Pros

• Made from sturdy metal frames 
• Has ventilation holes for adequate airflow
• Steel bars door design
• Rust resistant 
• Easy to clean 

Cons 

• Does not come with a food bowl

5) Crown Pet Products wood pet crate – a multipurpose, secure dog crate

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This is a pet crate made from wood and doubles as a tabletop. When compared to other crates in its category, this wood pet crate is more stylish, comfortable, and secure. It is made with multiple openings that allow adequate air circulation while at the same time giving your pet a great view of the outdoors. 

Dog breeds with separation anxiety will love the tabletop feature that seals the interiors of the dog crate. This allows them to enjoy a bit of privacy when they need a break from their surroundings.

The floor of this dog cage comes with waterproof melamine covered MDF that is easy to cleans and comfortable for your dog. This melamine floor finish also ensures the crate does not harbor any smells or moisture. It comes in an excellent finish with quality mortise and tenon make. It has a swing-through door that opens from the inside to stay away from paths.

If you are looking for a pet crate that can be used in the house and, at the same time, complement your interior décor, this wood pet crate might be the right choice for your home. When getting it for your pet, ensure you also get chew toys to prevent your canine companion from chewing on the crate. 

Pros 

• Doubles up as furniture
• Sealed bottom
• Waterproof floor
• Made from rubberwood 
• Easy to clean

Cons 

• Not ideal for pets that chew 
• Heavy and non-portable 

Final Verdict 

Every dog should have a safe space they can be when they suffer from anxiety attacks. One of the best solutions is getting a comfortable and secure dog crate. Any of the crates mentioned above is the best dog crate for separation anxiety.  

You can pick any of the crates reviewed here and incorporate it into your dog’s anxiety management plan. Based on dog sizes, comfort levels, portability, and cost, the best one on this list is The JESPET Soft Dog Crates Kennel, a 3-door anxiety crate for dog anxiety issues. Not only is it stylish, it is also created to be comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. The collapsible design makes it ideal for travel and ensures you can store it when not in use. 

Key features include: 

• The three-door access for easy cleaning
• Availability in different colors to suit any preference. 
• It is easy to clean
• Easy to move around thanks to its collapsible feature.

Crates for separation anxiety can play an essential role in dog training. Ensure you get the best one to get the best results. Your dog is likely to learn how to use a dog crate if it is comfortable. With any of the above crates, you are guaranteed safety, comfort, and durability. 

Best Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety – The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best High Anxiety Dog Crate 

If you own a dog that exhibits symptoms of separation anxiety, a crate for dogs with separation anxiety may be part of the solution. Used together with adequate training and therapeutic approach, crates for dogs with anxiety can go a long way in helping your dog to overcome their anxiety. 

 When shopping for a crate for separation anxiety, there are factors you need to consider to ensure you get the right one for your canine companion. Dog crates come in different designs, materials, and sizes. Each is designed to offer a haven for your pet when you are away from home. 

Regardless of your dog breed, there are some standard features you must look for in a dog crate. Read on to learn more. 

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It should be 100% secure 

Most dog owners use dog crates when they need to leave their dogs at home alone for a while. If you need to dash out of the house for a few hours, the dog crate you use should be 100% secure. It should be able to keep your dog safe and also prevent it from escaping and causing a mess around the house when experiencing a separation anxiety attack. 

Check that the hinges are tightly in place and that all the locks work perfectly before leaving your dog in the crate. You can find an inescapable dog crate in the market. 

Bigger doesn’t always mean better 

While it is not ideal to have your dog cramped up in a small space, getting a dog crate that is too big is also not recommended. It is important to get the size right when choosing a dog crate for separation anxiety. Remember that the reason you are getting the crate is that your dog suffers from anxiety. Getting a crate that is too big will leave your dog feeling exposed, which only worsens the symptoms.

It is important to measure the height and weight of your dog before buying a crate. The right size should have enough room for your dog to stand, lie, and turn without hitting the walls. This is the right size crate for your dog. 

Choose cave-like crates over cage-like crates 

While ventilation is an important factor, and cages offer that, it is better to go for a crate that has a cave-like structure. Crates shaped like caves are great dog crate alternatives. This will give your dog a safe space to hide whenever they get an attack. Today, there are cave-like crates that are made with proper ventilation features to give your pet the best of both worlds. Cages can make your dog feel trapped, which only worsens their anxiety. 

Ensure there are no chewable sections 

It is not uncommon to find someone buying a new crate because the dog chewed through crate parts. If your dog is a chewer, you need to find a crate that has no chewable parts. This is the best way to ensure that the crate lasts long and offers the level of security and protection you hope for. Fortunately, numerous dog crates are chew resistant.

Go for an easy to maintain crate

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing dog accessories, it the ease of cleaning. The best dog crate should be easy to clean, and even better if it comes with a floor tray. Ease of cleaning is determined by the material used and accessibility to the interior of the crate. 

Portability 

If you travel a lot with your dog pet, you should choose a dog crate that you can easily carry around. It is possible to find a durable, heavy duty dog crate that is collapsible and portable. This way, you can take it whenever you travel and assemble it when you need to. It is also important to go for a dog crate that comes with a carrying handle or two. This will make lifting and moving the crate easy. 

When considering portability, you also need to consider assembly. If you go for a collapsible crate, you need to ensure that it is easy to assemble. 

Types of dog crates for anxious dogs

Wired crates for dogs with separation anxiety

A wired dog crate is one of the best crates for dogs with anxiety. The wires make it an easy to clean dog crate. It comes with a plastic floor tray that can be pulled out and washed before it is returned inside the crate. If your dog keeps escaping crate confinement, you can try introducing a wired crate. The reason most dogs escape from the crate is that they are locked away from the outside. A wired crate enables the dog to see what is happening outside the crate.

Plastic crate for dog with separation anxiety

A dog crate made from plastic material gives your dog a safe and quiet space in your house. Plastic dog crates are easy to clean and are highly portable. This makes them the best anxiety crate for air travel. Some dogs get attached more to plastic crates than any other type.   

Soft-sided crates for dogs with separation anxiety

These are also highly portable dog crates that fold easily. These are the best for car travel because of their ease of storage. They are made with solid frames and fabric walls. They also have multiple doors for easy access. If a lack of privacy triggers your dog’s anxiety, soft-sided crates would be the best solution. This is because they provide more privacy than other crates, thanks to the design. 

Wooden husky proof crate for dogs with separation anxiety

A wooden dog crate can also be used to improve the aesthetics in your home.  Made from wood, these crates have attractive finishing that makes them the most stylish types of dog crates. You can place these crates anywhere in the house and use them as décor items that are also dog crates. If your dog destroys crate when left alone, consider getting one made from hardwood for longevity.   

Steel or aluminum military grade dog crate

If you have dog chewing crate issues or your dog keeps escaping crate confinement, an aluminum or steel dog crate can be the solution. These types of crates are chew resistant and are hard to break out of. Compared to wire crates, steel or aluminum crates are better since dogs still try to chew on wire. 

Why dog crates are used to reduce anxiety?

A dog crate is a private environment that allows your dog to be on its own. When properly trained, a dog recognizes the crate as a safe space whenever you are not around. This reduces the chances that it will suffer from a symptom of separation anxiety, which makes it uncomfortable and agitated. It is important to prevent other dogs from using the crate. Your dog already knows the scent, and any changes will make it reject the crate. A familiar environment away from the commotion in the surroundings will help your dog to remain calm, which reduces the chances of getting an anxiety attack.

What you can add in a dog crate

• If the dog crate does not come with a bed, you can add a dog bed, mat or blanket. This way, our pet will have a comfortable space to lie on as opposed to sleeping on the crate’s floor.
• A toy – your dog will sometimes want to play around while in the crate. A toy can come in handy, especially for days when you leave the dog alone for hours.
• Treats – leave a treat inside the crate for your dog. This can be especially helpful when training it to use the crate. Getting a reward for using the crate can motivate the dog to learn to love being in it. 
• An oil diffuser – some oils like lavender are known to calm dogs. Therefore, you can consider adding a diffuser near the crate. This will keep it calm for longer. 

Understanding separation anxiety in dogs 

ASPCA terms separation anxiety in dogs as a condition triggered when your dog is upset about being separated from the dog parent or people they are familiar with. This is most common in dogs that are too attached to their handler and depend on him for comfort, confidence, and assurance. Without the hander, the dog feels lost and uneasy. This causes the dog to attempt to escape, which leads to destructions and possible bodily harm. 

Causes of separation anxiety in dogs 

Separation anxiety can develop in dogs for many reasons. Dogs that are adopted from shelters are more likely to develop separation anxiety than dogs that have been in a family unit since birth. 

Known causes of separation anxiety include: 

Change in family or guardian

Dogs that have been abandoned or adopted, surrendered to shelters, left on the road, or given to a new family can develop separation anxiety. This will occur as they try to fit into their new lifestyle and family. 

Changes in their routine 

Dogs are creatures of routine. They prefer it when things happen in a routine. When the routine changes, it causes unfamiliarity, which can lead to anxiety. 

Change in place of residence 

Anxiety in dogs can be triggered when you move to a new home. This is due to the unfamiliarity of the new location. It will take some time before the dog can identify it as a safe space.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include: 

• Howling and barking
• Urinating or defecating out of the norm
• Destruction, digging and chewing
• pacing  
• escaping 
• coprophagia

Breeds most prone to developing separation anxiety 

while any dog can develop separation anxiety, some dog breeds are more prone to developing the condition than others. They include:

• border Collie
• Labrador retriever 
• Jack Russell terrier 
• Vizsla
• Bichon Frise
• Cavalier King Charles spaniels
• Australian shepherd 
• Toy poodle 
• German shepherd 
• German shorthaired pointer

Easing Dog Separation Anxiety – How to Keep Dog from Escaping Crate

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, there are certain things you can do to reduce the symptoms. 

Counterconditioning for mild separation anxiety 

 Counterconditioning involves giving something desirable to your dog whenever you plan on doing an activity that triggers anxiety. For instance, some dogs want to be outside with you when you mow the lawn but hate the sound the machine produces. This will cause the dog to avoid the outdoors whenever you’re mowing the lawn. Being in the house alone can Being trigger separation anxiety.

To take away your dog’s attention from the issue that triggers the anxiety, you can give it its favorite toy or treat. This way, your dog will relate the triggering condition to getting treats, and this will help it to cope better in the situation. 

Complete counterconditioning for moderate to severe separation anxiety in dogs 

To counter severe or moderate separation anxiety in your dog, you will need to start training it to remain alone. You can start by leaving it alone for a short time and gradually increase the time frame. Remember to lock it inside an inescapable dog crate. This way, it won’t destroy the house when it goes through an episode. A crate also gives it a sense of security, which helps to keep it calm. 

Every time you return, the dog will learn to expect you to come back no matter how long you are away. This will help to counter the anxiety episodes. 

Medicating for separation anxiety 

If no self-help method seems to work, and the anxiety is only getting worse, you may need to consider using anti-anxiety medication for dogs. A veterinarian is best placed to prescribe the medication, based on the symptoms and the diagnosis. Used together with therapy, it may help to counter the symptoms.  

FAQs about the best dog crates for separation anxiety 

How should I help calm a basset hound with separation anxiety? 

One of the hardest parts of having a basset is learning how best to help it cope with separation anxiety. So, how should I help calm a basset hound with separation anxiety? If you are looking for the answer to this question, there are several steps you can take to help calm your Basset’s anxiety. 

• Make sure your dog is getting daily exercise, preferably before you leave the house
• When you return, do not acknowledge the dog until it calms down. Also, ignore it for a few minutes before you go. 
• Introduce it to controlled leaving routine. Each day, practice your leaving routine while holding it. Place it down when you get to the door and instead go about your business without leaving. 
• Leave the tv or radio on for your basset 
• Train your dog to stay in a dog crate while you are away. 

By creating a routine, you allow your dog to get used to your absence. This is the best way to control separation anxiety in dogs. Never leave your basset unattended or lose when you are not in the house. Anxiety attacks cause them to be destructive which is also dangerous for them. 

How long can I cage a puppy? Why? 

 If you just got a new puppy, you have probably considered leaving it in a crate when you go out. How long can I cage a puppy? Why? This is a common question to ask. The amount of time you can leave your puppy inside a small dogs crate depends on numerous factors, with age being the most important. How old the dog is in months should tell you how long you can leave it in the crate. For instance, a puppy that is three months old can be left for two to three hours alone, while a puppy that is five months can be alone for five to six hours. This is the length of time your dog can go without needing a potty break. Also, keeping it in the crate for too long can cause separation anxiety, which will make it lush out inside the crate. Leaving it inside the crate for too long can also cause it to develop a UTI for trying to hold pee in, and it also causes stress to the dog. If you are potty training your puppy, leaving it in the crate for too long will be counterproductive to the training. 

How stressful is it for a dog to be left home alone?

How stressful is it for a dog to be left home alone? This is a question most dog owners battle with. At some point, you will need to leave your dog alone to go out and run errands or work. The first few minutes after you leave it alone are the loneliest for your dog. Within the first 30 minutes, they will experience separation anxiety which will be characterized by barking, whining and howling. 

Other dogs will feel the effect of your absence for hours before they can calm down. Some dogs will urinate or defecate out of stress. If you have a dog with severe separation anxiety, you can help to cope by ensuring you do not leave it alone for too long. 

How can I stop a puppy from crying during rate training?

When growing up, a lot of training is needed for your puppy to grow into a well-behaved adult dog. One of the things you need to train your puppy on is staying in its crate. When you first start training your puppy, the initiation stages are not easy. Sometimes, puppies can cry every time they are in the crate. The crying and whining are caused by the stress and frustration of being confined in a small space. You need to train your puppy to be comfortable and at ease in their crate. 

Here is how to stop a puppy from crying during crate training. 

• Ignore their crying – the greatest mistake you can do is give your puppy attention when it starts whining while in the crate as this only reinforces the crying behavior. Do not take the puppy out of the crate until it stops crying. This is part of training it to be accustomed to being in the crate.
• Get the right crate size – ensure that the crate is of the correct size. It should be large enough for your puppy to stand, lie down and turn with ease. One of the reasons your puppy cries when in the crate is probably because of the discomfort they go through because the crate is not the right size for them. 
• Train the puppy to be comfortable in the crate – take your time to train your dog to be comfortable in the crate. When you buy the crate, you first need to train your puppy to be around it without locking it inside. Place treats inside the crate and leave the door open. This will teach the puppy that the crate is s safe spot for them. Eventually, you can introduce locking it in the crate for short periods and extend the time you leave it in there gradually. 
• Do not use the crate to punish your puppy. This will make the dog hate the crate, which will be an issue when you need to leave it home alone. 

How can I prevent my dog from getting separation anxiety? 

Dogs get very attached to their owners. This is why they are likely to develop separation anxiety whenever they are left alone.

Here is how to prevent your dog from getting separation anxiety:

• Ignore your dog – when your dog follows you around the house, do not pay attention to it. Attention seeking is one of the causes of separation anxiety. By ignoring your dog, you are training it to be independent, which will ensure it does not develop anxiety. 
• Train your dog on your departure cues – your dog needs to learn to know when you are about to leave and get used to it. You need to create a departure routine for them to understand whenever you are about to leave the house. When you return in the evening, it will eventually learn that even if you go, you will return. 
• Train him to use the crate – one of the best ways to protect your dog from developing separation anxiety is by training it to use the crate. Make the crate a fun place for your dog. This way, they will not have an emotional meltdown each time you need to leave the house. 

How can I solve a 3-month old puppy’s separation anxiety? 

It is always best for your puppy to learn to be comfortable on their own around the house. Here is how to solve your 3-month old puppy’s separation anxiety:

• Puppies grow best in a routine. Develop a habit for them to make their life at home as comfortable as possible.
• Practice preventative training 
• Allow your dog to relieve itself before you place it in the crate 
• Crate training your puppy is one of the best ways to help it cope with separation anxiety. It keeps it calm and out of trouble whenever you are away from home. Leave it in the crate for short periods even when you are around. This way, they will recognize it as a safe space. 
• Limit the attention you give it before leaving the house and when you return. 

What are the best dog crates? 

There are numerous dog crate types in the market. You can choose based on the preferred size, style and brand. The best dog crates are comfortable, spacious and safe. Reviews such as b happi wire crate review or impact dog crate review give you an in-depth understanding of the types of crates in the market, including their pros and cons. This way, you are better placed to make an informed decision when choosing the best crate for your canine. 

When choosing a high anxiety crate, you need to find one that will prevent the dog from escaping and one that the dog cannot destroy with chewing and banging. If your dog has a habit of destroying the crate when left alone, you should consider getting high impact crates that can withstand wear and tear. 

What are some of the ways to deal with a dog’s separation anxiety?

If you get home and find your home a mess thanks to your dog, it may be because it suffers from separation anxiety. When dogs go through an anxiety episode, they destroy, cry and bark. If your dog has separation anxiety, you need to consider getting them a crate. This way, you can leave them in a safe environment whenever you are away from the house. 

Here are some of the ways to deal with your dog’s separation anxiety 

Take the dog for a walk before leaving the house – this ensures that you can leave your dog in a quiet, resting mode when leaving the house. Ensure you feed it and give it water after the walk. This will put it in a calm place which will make it less emotional when you leave.  

Do not touch it, talk to it or give it eye contact – do not make the dog agitated by making it a big deal whenever you leave the house. This way, your dog will understand that the time you spend a part of not a big deal.   

Play some music for your dog – leaving an audiobook or music playing has a calming effect on dogs, and this helps with their separation anxiety. The sound of humans helps them to feel less lonely. 

Conclusion

If you have a dog that exhibits symptoms of separation anxiety, it is always important to find a way to manage these symptoms. Like any other psychological disorder, separation anxiety can be treated with behavioral therapy and sometimes medication.

By understanding what separation anxiety is, you are best placed to make the right decision for your dog. With this article, you are better equipped to deal with your dog’s separation anxiety. You will be able to choose the best dog crate for separation anxiety, be it a wire crate or plastic kennel and also know how to help your dog overcome the condition.

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