I recently had someone call into my shop with a dilemma. Her new puppy had severe separation anxiety and was scratching the door relentlessly. To the point of causing itself injury. We recommended some calming herbs and essential oils and even a plug-in the vet carries that gives off a scent to calm dogs.

Then we suggested getting a crate and making it their little ‘doggy den’ with toys and a bed. Even covering it with a blanket so it didn’t look like a crate. Just a little place they could call their own, a bedroom of sorts. We even suggested keeping the door open for them to go in and out of while they’re home so the dog knows it’s not a bad place. We told them what dogs do in nature. They don’t leave themselves exposed to the elements in case a predator was on the rise. Leaving a dog in an open room no matter how small we think it is, to them it might as well be a football stadium. Putting a dog in a room where the ceiling is 10 feet above their heads is like putting a person in a room with a ceiling 3 stories high. And for a den animal that is just plain scary.

The reply to this last suggestion was a firm ‘No! It’s cruel to cage and animal.’ Under no circumstances do what we suggest be, in any way, cruel or inhumane.  We know dogs. We know it’s their natural instinct to protect themselves and no matter how much we try, we can not breed that out of them. To try to do so has only been met with aggravation and disappointment for the outcome always turns out the same. Instinct is instinct and it cannot be changed.

Now, that being said some dogs are extremely afraid of the crate because it is not being introduced to them properly. In my experience this is one of the best ways to crate train your dog.

Step 1. Purchase a crate that is big enough for your pet to stand in but not be able to get away from any messes they make in there. Most dogs don’t want to lay in their own droppings but the occasional accident might happen.

Step 2. Place a bed or blanket with an article of your clothing in the crate along with a chew toy or two. Kong toys lined with peanut butter are great for keeping your puppy busy. Try not to put too much in as it can be fattening or cause overnight accidents in the crate.

Step 3. Place a blanket over the crate so it doesn’t look scary or too open. Remember we’re trying for a ‘den-like’ feel. Some people keep the crate in the living room and use it as an end table. That way the dog isn’t banished to the utility to be alone and scared. So when it’s bed time, the telly goes off, Fido gets in his bed, and the door is shut. Good night.

Step 4. Encourage puppy to go in and out of the crate while you’re home. Even shut the door while you’re home to get them used to it. Giving a small treat or rawhide after you shut the door will distract them from wanting to get out and makes it a more positive experience.

For the first night or two they will resist and cry but do not back down. That will only prolong the training process and we need to get Fido feeling calm and at home as quickly as possible. If they start barking and carrying on, clap your hands and say  ‘No!’ firmly. They need to know you’re the alpha and in control. Dogs act out mostly when they don’t understand their place in the pack. And, by the way, you’re ALWAYS the alpha.

Don’t let them train you. If they’re doing something that’s against the rules, reinforce them. Place them in the crate for a time out. Be consistent, they’ll get the picture. Training a dog is sometimes a constant effort. Some catch on quickly while others are a true test of our patience. If you’re not sure how to train your dog ask a professional. Ask several professionals. Get all the information on dogs, breeds, training, and their instincts before you bring home your pet. Trust me, it will be worth the effort to ensure a smooth training process.