Does the sound of your keys turning in the lock send your dog into a tailspin of panic? Maybe you return home to chewed furniture or frantic barking that echoes through the neighborhood. Separation anxiety is a tough challenge for both dogs and their owners. It’s heartbreaking to see your best friend so distressed when you leave.
Choosing the right crate can feel like another confusing hurdle. Should it be wire, plastic, or something else? Will the crate actually help, or will it just become another scary box? Many crates are designed for simple containment, not for easing deep-seated anxiety. This leaves worried pet parents feeling lost, unsure if they are helping or accidentally making the problem worse.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a crate truly effective for a dog suffering from separation anxiety. You will learn exactly what features to look for—and what to avoid—so you can select a safe, comforting space for your anxious companion. Keep reading to transform your dog’s crate from a source of stress into a true den of calm.
Top Dog Crate For Separation Anxiety Recommendations
- Durable ECOFLEX Build – Constructed from non‑toxic, recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fiber for reliable moisture, odor, and scratch resistance and Stainless Steel Tubing Accents
- Secure & Stylish Featuring stainless steel tubing spindles. Small & Medium sizes feature a single stainless steel latch; Large & Extra Large sizes include dual latches. Medium size for dogs up to 50lbs. 26.77"L x 17.72"W x 20.87"H
- Classic End Table Crate Design This furniture style crate doubles as a functional side table, seamlessly blending into your home décor while providing a cozy space for your dog.
- Quick, Tool Free Assembly – Modular panels come together in minutes—no tools needed.
- 10‑Year Warranty – Built to last with sustainable materials and backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee for peace of mind. U.S. Designed. U.S. Supported. 100% Pet Approved.
- 【Indestructible & Safe】Upgraded 20-gauge steel frame and reinforced 0.5-inch-diameter steel tubes make our metal dog crate much sturdier than others. Double sturdy slide bolt laches can ensure ultimate security. All of these make our dog cage chew-proof and escape-proof. It is perfect for large, strong, and separation anxiety dogs.
- 【Durable & Reliable】Featuring a long-lasting and non-toxic hammer-tone coating that resists rust and corrosion, making the kennel perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. More importantly, because of the non-toxic finish, it is safe for the dog even if the dog bites or licks the cage frame.
- 【Easy To Feed and Clean】Wide Opening Double Doors with low thresholds are not only for easy access but also allow you to interact with and feed the dog conveniently. The removable Dog crate Tray and Leak Proof Plastic Pan will not only make your home clean but also make you clean up simply and quickly.
- 【Easy to Assemble, Store, and Transport】Most of this heavy-duty kennel has been pre-assembled, so you can easily set up the cage by one person within 10 minutes. In addition, 360-degree swivel caster wheels with brakes make it easy and safe to roll around. The folding structure allows the cage can be conveniently folded flat for storage and transport.
- 【MONEY BACK GARNTTEE】We are committed to providing our customers with safe and comfortable products. We are guaranteed one year warranty from the date of purchase and lifetime customer service support for rest assured. If there is any problem with the dog kennel, please contact us directly for a free replacement.
- 【Indestructible Dog Crate】 Indoor dog kennel is made of premium metal material and MDF. The mesh metal frame gives dogs nowhere to bite, and is stronger than dog cages for large dogs or others, providing a long, stable, and safe resting place
- 【Cushion & Movable & Lockable Wheels】Dog kennel furniture provides a water-repellent cushion and 5 S type hook convenient for use. If you have high quality door lock, don't worry about the dog's escape. And 4 wheels allow you to move and lock the large dog crate anywhere you want
- 【Double Open Design】The metal dog crate comes with a door and flippable desktop window for easy cleaning and feeding of some food. Every door is designed with 2 locks, so never worry about the naughty dog disrupting the house again
- 【Multi-functional Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture】This large dog crate can be used as pet crate ,also as a side table, end table or night stand. The wide top provides enough place to put some decorations such as plant, magazines, picture and night lamps and so on
- 【Assemble with Ease】 Inside Dimensions: 35.8"L x 21.7" W x 23.1"H, Overall Dimensions: 38.3"L x 24.6"W x 27" H. Choosing the right metal dog kennel size is vital to ensure your dog's comfortably fits. To ensure a seamless assembly experience, we've provided clear, step-by-step instructions along with numbered parts for this dog crate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us promptly
- Heavy duty frame: made from rust and corrosion-resistant steel,strong and durable, hard to be damaged,nontoxic finished surface keep your dog health and render excellent anti-rust ability,suitable for most medium and large dogs,two locks with the safety buckles to prevent the dogs from opening the door and escaping
- Easy to clean:Removable (slide-out) plastic tray helps you to catch the fallen dog food and excrement,and allows you to wipe and clean easily
- Heavy duty frame: made from industrial corrosion-resistant steel, indestructible and durable, hard to be damaged, nontoxic finished surface keep your dog health, suitable for most medium and large dogs, two locks with the safety buckles to prevent the high anxiety dogs from opening the door and escaping
- Heavy duty frame: made from corrosion-resistant steel,strong and durable, hard to be damaged,nontoxic finished surface keep your dog health,suitable for most medium and large dogs,two locks with the safety buckles to prevent the dogs from opening the door and escaping
- 【Choose The Right Size】: The internal dimensions of the kennel is 30.3"L x 21.2"W x 23.2"H. Measure the length and height of your puppy and add 2–4 inches to the measurement. Please measure your pet and compare it to internal dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
- 【Safety Guaranteed】: Featuring strategically placed 0.5-inch holes, this Indestructible Metal Kennel provides ventilation while preventing the harm caused by bites. The front door features a Spring-Loaded Bolt to avoid escape attempts from anxious dogs, giving you peace of mind.
- 【Sturdy and Durable】: Crafted from durable, corrosion-resistant steel and premium particle board, this Indestructible dog crate offers robust support for you and your furry friend.
- 【Furniture-Style】: This dog crate can be used as an End Table that seamlessly blends with your home decor. It serves as elegant furniture while providing your pet with a secure retreat.
- 【Easy to Clean & Pup-View Window】: Simply wipe down the crate with a cloth to maintain a tidy space for your pet. The design of the front door provides visibility, allowing you to keep an eye on your pet with ease.
- 【Enclosed Design with Ventilation Holes】: Unlike traditional crates with metal bars, this innovative design features sturdy panels with strategically placed small holes (diameter 0.5 inch). These ventilation holes ensure ample airflow while creating a den-like ans enclosed space that makes your dog feel secure, helping alleviate anxiety.
- 【Removable Floor for Easy Cleaning】: The floor is removable for quick cleaning, keeping your pet's space hygiene without hard-to-reach corners. Unlike wire floors, this metal bottom panel provides stable, comfortable support for your dog’s paws and is more resistant to damage, extending the crate’s life.
- 【Double Doors and Escape Proof Locks】: The double doors feature allows for easier entry and exit, while the upgraded lock design offers enhanced security, ensuring your escape artist stay safe.
- 【Sturdy Materials and Long-Lasting Durability】: This heavy duty dog crate is made of high-quality steel and reinforced particleboard, preventing the large kennel from being damaged or rusting.
- 【One Year Warranty】: We take responsibility for any quality problem and commit to providing top-notch customer service. If there are any quality problems within one year from the date of purchase, please contact us for a replacement or refund.
- HIGH-QUALITY ANXIETY SUPPLEMENT SPRAY FOR DOGS: Bring your pets the calm they need during separation, storms, grooming or travel with this NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray Dog Supplement that helps promote normal nervous system function.
- ENHANCED PET SUPPLEMENT SPRAY FOR ANXIETY: Ensure that your canine companion receives the nutrients they need during storms, grooming or separation when stocking up on this NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray for dogs.
- PET SUPPLEMENTS FOR NERVOUSNESS: This NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray for dogs is enhanced with calming scents that help stimulate canine pheromones to provide dogs with a sense of safety and well-being.
- DOG SUPPLEMENT SPRAY FOR PET ANXIETY: Enhance your pet’s environment, crate or the car with a calming scent that helps to minimize dog anxiety associated with traveling, grooming and storm anxiety.
- PET PRODUCTS YOU CAN TRUST: Since 1994, NaturVet has been serving the four-legged community with wholesome, vitamin-infused dog supplements so that your pup or senior dog maintains a healthy lifestyle. Made in the USA, each pet product from NaturVet is cGMP compliant and wheat-free.
- 「𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬!」Constructed with 0.8-inch thickened, rust-resistant square steel tubes, this dog crate is a fortress for aggressive chewers and escape artists. The non-toxic, multi-layer coating ensures safety even if your pet bites the bars. Engineered to resist deformation and impact, it’s the ultimate solution for high-anxiety large breeds, providing a secure sanctuary for years to come.
- 「𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠」Say goodbye to messy floors! The slide-out leak-proof plastic tray works with the bottom grate to catch waste, food spills, and hair. No need to open the cage—just pull, rinse, and slide back in. The precision-spaced floor grid ensures your dog’s paws stay comfortable while keeping their living space hygienic, dry, and odor-free.
- 「𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬」Our human-centric Dual-Door Design features a spacious front door for easy entry and a top "skylight" for effortless feeding and interaction. Equipped with upgraded heavy-duty safety latches, this escape-proof kennel prevents even the smartest "Houdini dogs" from unlocking the door from the inside. Complete protection for your furry friend.
- 「𝟏𝟎-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩」Forget the headache of complex assembly! Key parts are pre-assembled—simply follow the 4-step guide to finish in minutes (screwdriver included). Features 360° industrial-grade swivel casters for effortless movement on carpets or hard floors. Two wheels lock securely to provide rock-solid stability once in place.
- 「𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐭」Available in sizes from Large to XXXL. To ensure the best comfort, please measure your dog’s length (nose to rump) and height (floor to top of head/ears) before ordering. Our spacious design allows your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally, creating a stress-free "den" environment that significantly reduces separation anxiety.
Choosing the Right Crate to Calm Your Anxious Pup
When your dog panics when you leave, a good crate can become a safe haven. It’s not about punishment; it’s about creating a secure den. This guide helps you pick the best crate to ease your dog’s separation anxiety.
Key Features to Look For
A great crate for anxiety needs specific features. Think about security and comfort.
- **Solid Construction:** The crate must be strong. If your dog chews or pushes hard when scared, flimsy materials will fail. Look for thick metal.
- **Secure Latches:** Latches must be robust. A scared dog is surprisingly strong. Double locks or slide bolts offer extra peace of mind.
- **Den-Like Feel:** Dogs naturally seek small, dark spaces when stressed. A crate that feels too open can increase anxiety. Look for options where you can cover part of the crate.
- **Proper Sizing:** This is crucial. A crate that is too big lets the dog pace and worry. It should be just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Important Materials Matter
The material affects safety, durability, and how well your dog settles inside.
Metal Crates (Wire)
Most experts recommend heavy-duty metal crates. They last long and are easy to clean. Look for powder-coated steel. This coating resists rust and is safer than cheap paint. Wire crates allow airflow and let your dog see out a bit, which can reduce feelings of being trapped.
Plastic Crrates (Travel Style)
These are sturdy and offer more visual blockage than wire crates. They create a more enclosed, den-like space, which some anxious dogs prefer. Ensure the plastic is thick and non-toxic. Check that ventilation holes are small enough that paws or noses cannot get stuck.
Wood or Furniture Crates
These look nice in your home. However, if your dog chews when anxious, wood is a bad choice. They often destroy the wood quickly, and ingesting splinters poses a serious health risk.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Crate Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about design choices that help anxious dogs.
Features that Help Anxiety:
- **Sound Dampening:** Some high-end crates use materials that slightly muffle outside noises. This helps if your dog reacts to every sound outside the house.
- **Cover Compatibility:** The crate design should easily accept a thick, opaque cover. Covering three sides mimics a secure den wall.
- **Removable Trays:** Easy-to-clean trays are essential for accidents, which often happen during high stress.
Features that Reduce Quality (or Increase Anxiety):
- **Sharp Edges:** Always check for rough welds or sharp points. A poorly made crate can injure your dog during a panic attack.
- **Flappy Doors:** If the door rattles or swings loosely, it can annoy or frighten your dog, making them less likely to use the crate willingly.
- **Thin Bars:** Very thin wire bars bend easily. A dog pushing against them can quickly create an escape route, which teaches them the crate is not safe.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you introduce and use the crate determines its success. The crate must always be a positive space.
For separation anxiety, the crate is a management tool. You use it only after your dog is comfortable inside when you are home. A common mistake is locking an anxious dog inside right before leaving. This immediately links the crate to abandonment and fear.
Use cases involve short periods of structured rest. Feed meals inside the crate. Give high-value chews only when they are in the crate. If your dog barks or scratches immediately upon your exit, the crate is too small, or the anxiety level is too high for that duration. You must go back to building positive associations slowly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Crates
Q: How do I know if the crate size is right for my anxious dog?
A: The crate should let your dog stand tall without hitting its head, turn around easily, and lie down fully stretched out. It should not be large enough for them to set up a separate potty area.
Q: Should I cover the crate to help with anxiety?
A: Yes, covering most of the crate with a heavy blanket or specialized cover often helps. It mimics a dark, safe den and limits visual triggers that might cause barking or pacing.
Q: What if my dog chews through the metal bars?
A: If your dog chews through standard wire, you need an “escape-proof” crate. These usually have thicker gauge metal, fewer open spaces, and often use solid panels instead of wire sides.
Q: Is a plastic crate better than a wire crate for fear?
A: It depends on the dog. Plastic feels more enclosed, which some fearful dogs like. Wire allows better airflow and visibility, which other dogs prefer. Test which environment calms your specific pet.
Q: Can I use a soft-sided crate for separation anxiety?
A: Generally, no. Soft crates are easy for anxious dogs to chew through or tear when stressed. They are not safe for dogs with destructive anxiety behaviors.
Q: How do I introduce the crate so my dog doesn’t panic?
A: Never use the crate as punishment. Start by feeding meals inside with the door open. Next, feed meals with the door closed for short seconds while you are nearby. Always end on a positive note.
Q: Should the crate stay open or closed when I am home?
A: For anxiety training, keep the crate open most of the time when you are home so your dog can choose to go in. This keeps it a voluntary safe spot.
Q: What type of bedding should I use?
A: Use safe, durable bedding. Avoid soft pillows or blankets they might chew and swallow. A thick, durable mat or thick towel that cannot be shredded is best, especially until you confirm they won’t destroy it.
Q: How long should I leave my dog crated when I leave the house?
A: You should only crate a dog for a duration they can handle without severe panic. If they panic after five minutes, you should only practice five minutes of crating while you are present before you leave.
Q: What if my dog barks constantly in the crate when I leave?
A: Constant barking means the anxiety is too high. You must stop leaving them alone in the crate for now. Work on counter-conditioning exercises first, ensuring they are totally relaxed in the crate before you try leaving again, even for a second.