Why are some dogs easier to crate train than others?

One of the first things many people notice with dogs who have separation anxiety is that crate training is hard.

Really hard. Nothing they've done in the past is working, and the protesting is different from anything they've experienced before. Some dogs may try to bite their way out, while others may pee or poop in there when left alone.

All the advice you find on 'Dog Trainer Google' isn't working. The 'let them cry it out' advice, isn't cutting it.

This dog is just different, and you know it. You just don't know how to stop the endless screaming that goes on for hours. In fact, the only thing that may have happened is it's gotten worse.

Why is this? First, it's not because you're doing something wrong. It's because dog's who struggle with separation anxiety often have confinement anxiety, and the first place we notice it is when they are left alone in the crate.

In fact, the majority of people who have dogs with separation anxiety give up trying to crate train their dogs. It's just to stressful for everyone.

If this sounds like you, and you've tried everything but none of it's worked, it's not because you're doing something wrong.

It's because separation anxiety is HARD.

Here are the things I usually do when training any dog to learn how to love the crate.

1. Feed all their meals in the crate.

This trick will definitely work for dogs with and without separation anxiety. The dogs without separation anxiety will be happy to go in the crate whenever food isn't involved. Dogs with separation anxiety will only go in when it is.

2. Use crate games to get them excited about the crate.

This will work for all dogs...and they WILL love their crates, except for one caveat. Dogs with separation anxiety will still struggle when left alone and they are in the crate. Won't matter if you are in another room or out of the house.

3. Try covering the crate with blanket or sheet.

Some dogs are just to visually stimulated to be in a crate when everyone is out and about. Thinking of it as the dog version of FOMO. Taking away the ability to watch everyone can help some dogs.

4. Give them something yummy to chew on while in the crate.

One of my favorite things to do is to stuff a Kong with peanut butter (make it's xylitol free) anything else they like can work too. I then freeze it so it's last a while for those overly enthusiastic eaters.

5. Use the crate for nap time after they've just gotten lots of exercise.

This is where the stuffed toy REALLY works it's magic. Exercise, a full belly makes for easy relaxation and quiet time.

If you try the above tips, and can walk around the house out of sight without any struggles, you might be okay. You'll know for sure once you actually leave the house.

If none of this works, then odds are you're dealing with a dog who has separation anxiety. Schedule your free, twenty minute Chat With Jenna today to learn how I can help.