Hey all! So we’ve got two puppies, both around 11 weeks old, and one of them, Kapri, is really struggling with separation anxiety when crated. We’ve tried everything we’ve read about, like positive associations, rewards, even giving her special toys, but she still barks all day and night when left in the crate. The other pup is doing fine, but Kapri just needs someone with her all the time. Anyone else been through this? How long did it take for your pups to adjust to their crates?
Oh man, I’ve been there! I had a pup with similar issues. What worked for me was gradually increasing the time they were in the crate while I was still in the room. Started with just a few seconds and then worked up from there. It can take a while, though, like a few weeks to see big improvements.
Ugh, my pup went through this too. Something that really helped was giving her something like a Kong with frozen treats in it. She started associating the crate with something fun instead of just being stuck there.
It really depends on the pup, but I’d say give it at least a week or two to see some progress. I’ve had success with slowly moving the crate further from where I am, but always starting by keeping it close. Also, white noise or music really helped my dog calm down.
I’d recommend keeping the crate small enough so she can’t move around too much. That can help with the anxiety because it feels more like a safe space. Also, try not to make a big deal when you leave or come back—just leave and come back casually so she doesn’t get worked up about it.
I’ve read that consistency is key here. Try to stick to a routine and be patient. It might take a few weeks, but just keep at it and your pup will start to get used to it. If it’s still really bad, you could always talk to a vet or trainer who specializes in anxiety issues.