Battling Separation Anxiety: How to Choose the Best Dog Crate in 2026

As a lifelong dog lover and certified separation anxiety trainer, I know all too well the stress and heartbreak of watching your furry friend suffer from separation anxiety. It‘s an incredibly common issue, affecting an estimated 14% of dogs.

Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Excessive barking, howling or whining when left alone
• Destructive chewing or scratching at doors and windows
• Having accidents in the house despite being housetrained
• Pacing, drooling, panting or shaking
• Trying to escape from the house or yard

I experienced this firsthand with my border collie mix, Luna. She was a rescue with a troubled past, and every time I left the house, she would work herself into a panic – barking non-stop, tearing up pillows, scratching at the door until her paws were raw and bloody. It was awful for both of us.

After working with a veterinary behaviorist, I learned that using a crate can be a hugely helpful tool for dogs with separation anxiety. The crate becomes a safe, den-like space for the dog to retreat to when stressed. Studies have shown that when combined with a positive crate training program and other calming aids, a crate can significantly reduce signs of separation anxiety in dogs.

The key is choosing a crate that is the right size, style, and strength for your individual dog and following a gradual crate training program to teach them that the crate is a good place to be. Here‘s a complete guide to selecting and using an anxiety-soothing crate for your dog.

How Crates Help Dogs with Separation Anxiety

Dogs are descended from den-dwelling animals, and most still retain the instinct to seek out small, enclosed spaces when they feel stressed or unsafe. In the wild, a den would be a secure spot to hide from predators and extreme weather. For our domesticated dogs, a crate can serve the same purpose.

When introduced and used properly, a crate can:

• Provide a safe, comfortable place for your dog to retreat when anxious
• Prevent destructive chewing and house soiling when you‘re away
• Taps into your dog‘s natural denning instinct, which has a calming effect
• Can be moved from room to room, giving your dog a familiar space wherever they are
• Serves as a portable safe space when traveling or during emergencies

Of course, a crate is not a magic cure-all for separation anxiety. But combined with training and other calming therapies, the majority of dogs show improvement in separation anxiety symptoms within 2-4 weeks of beginning crate training.

Choosing the Right Anxiety Crate

So what should you look for in a separation anxiety crate? The main things to consider are the type of crate, the size, the gauge of steel, the lock mechanism, and any special anxiety-reducing features. Here‘s a breakdown:

Crate Type

Dog crates come in several different styles: metal wire crates, plastic airline crates, soft-sided crates, furniture-style wooden crates, and heavy duty steel crates. For separation anxiety, I recommend a sturdy metal wire crate or a heavy duty steel crate, as these provide the most security and durability.

Metal wire crates have the advantage of providing plenty of visibility and ventilation for your dog. Being able to see their surroundings can have a calming effect. Wire crates are also collapsible for easy storage and portability.

Heavy duty steel crates are the strongest option for determined chewers and escape artists. Look for a crate made with reinforced steel bars, ideally 20 gauge or thicker. These crates are heavier and pricier than wire crates but virtually indestructible.

Plastic airline crates can also work for some dogs. They‘re more enclosed, which certain dogs find comforting, and are easy to clean. Soft-sided crates are really only suitable for smaller dogs or very mild cases of separation anxiety, as they can be easily destroyed by chewing.

Crate Size

Choosing the proper size crate is critical. You want it to be just big enough for your dog to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down, but no bigger. If the crate is too large, your dog may be tempted to soil one end and sleep in the other, defeating the purpose.

To find the right size, measure your dog‘s height from floor to top of head when sitting, length from nose to tail, and width across the shoulders. Then add 2-4 inches to each measurement. Use a crate sizing guide to find the crate that matches your dog‘s dimensions.

If you‘re crate training a puppy, look for a crate with a movable divider panel. This allows you to gradually increase the crate size as they grow without buying multiple crates.

Crate Strength

For dogs with moderate to severe separation anxiety, it‘s important that the crate is strong enough to contain them safely and withstand potential escape attempts. Again, a heavy duty steel crate is the most secure option.

Pay attention to the gauge (thickness) of the steel bars – the lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger the bars. For example, 7 gauge steel is thicker than 10 gauge steel. Look for 20 gauge or lower for the sturdiest crates.

You‘ll also want to examine the crate‘s lock mechanism. A determined dog may be able to flip open a standard slide bolt latch. For the truly Houdini hounds, look for a crate with a double latch system or a slam latch that automatically locks when the door closes.

Anxiety-Reducing Features

Some dog crates come with special features designed to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. These include:

• Partial crate covers to create a more den-like atmosphere
• Anti-anxiety pheromone diffusers that emit soothing scents
• Sound-muffling crate pads
• Built-in, motion-activated fans for cooling
• Shatter-proof crate windows instead of open wire for dogs that try to squeeze through bars

You can also make any crate more comfortable and appealing by adding a soft bed or mat, placing it in a quiet area of your home, and offering special anti-anxiety toys and long-lasting edible chews only when your dog is crated.

Crate Training for Separation Anxiety

Once you‘ve selected the right separation anxiety crate, you‘ll need to take time to properly introduce your dog to it. Never force your dog into the crate or use it as punishment – that will only increase their anxiety about being crated.

Here‘s a step-by-step crate training process:

1. Set up the crate in a quiet area of your house where your dog likes to relax, with a comfortable bed inside. Let them explore it on their own.

2. Begin feeding your dog their meals in the crate with the door open. If they are reluctant to enter, place the food dish just inside the crate, then gradually move it farther back.

3. Practice 5-10 minute crate sessions with your dog while you‘re home. Toss a treat in the crate and let them go in to get it. Don‘t close the door yet, just let them enter and exit freely. Praise them when they choose to go in the crate.

4. Start closing the crate door for a few seconds while your dog is inside eating a stuffed food toy. Then open the door and let them exit. Gradually increase the time the door stays shut if your dog is staying relaxed.

5. Next, practice brief absences. Ask your dog to enter the crate, give them a treat, close the door, and step out of sight for a few seconds. Then return and let them out. Over days of practice, gradually extend the time you‘re gone if your dog remains calm. Start with just a few seconds of absence and build up to 15-30 minutes.

6. Once your dog is happy spending 30 minutes in the crate while you‘re in another room, you can test a short absence from the house. Give them a stuffed Kong toy in the crate and leave for just 5 minutes. Gradually extend your absences if your dog does not show signs of anxiety.

The most important thing is to go at your dog‘s pace. If they start to show any distress, back up to the previous step where they were still comfortable. Don‘t rush the process.

Additional Separation Anxiety Help

For dogs with severe separation anxiety, crate training alone may not be enough. Some dogs need a combination of calming therapies in addition to the crate to feel fully relaxed when left alone. These can include:

• Anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a vet
• Pheromone diffusers, collars, or sprays
• Pressure wraps like the ThunderShirt
• Calming music or white noise
• Engaging puzzle toys and long-lasting chews
• A regular exercise routine to alleviate stress
• Hiring a pet sitter to break up long absences
• Working with a certified separation anxiety trainer for a customized treatment plan

With patience and a multi-pronged approach, the majority of dogs can learn to feel safe and secure when left alone. It‘s important to remember that separation anxiety is a serious condition that causes real distress for dogs. Be patient with your anxious pup and celebrate every improvement, no matter how small.

As a devoted dog mom who struggled for months to help my girl Luna, I know how challenging and heartbreaking separation anxiety can be. But I also know the incredible joy and relief of seeing your dog finally feeling calm and content in their crate. With the right tools and training, you and your dog can get there too.

Top 5 Dog Crates for Separation Anxiety in 2024

After extensive research and testing with my own separation anxiety clients, here are my top 5 picks for the best heavy duty dog crates for anxiety in 2024:

Whether you choose one of these heavy duty crates or a different option that fits your dog‘s size and temperament, the most important thing is that you commit to a positive, gradual crate training process and stick with it. With time and consistency, your anxious dog can come to see their crate as a true haven, allowing you both to relax and enjoy your time together to the fullest.