To help a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, you can try using a crate. Your pet will feel more comfortable and calm there. It also won’t be able to destroy things in the house or hurt itself.
But for anxious dogs, regular crates are not suitable, as the pet can get out and even hurt itself. You need to choose a sturdy crate with good locks. Finding one wasn’t easy, but I ended up writing this review about the 6 best dog crates for separation anxiety. I hope one of them helps you!
Contents
Quick Pick Table with Best dog crates for separation anxiety
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
By what parameters should I choose a crate for dogs with separation anxiety?
When choosing the best crate for dogs with separation anxiety, I focused on such characteristics:
- reliable construction and lock (anxious dogs will try to get out of the crate, and if it is unreliable, the animal could end up getting hurt, especially if we are talking about a large dog);
- sturdy, chew proof material (metal or wood are your best bet, but plastic, fabric, or wire mesh crates are not suitable);
- easy to use (for example, I like when crate can be easily washed and having an extra input is an added plus);
- Size (for dogs with separation anxiety, it’s especially important that the crate has enough space, but at the same time, the crate shouldn’t be too big. Measure your dog and choose the right size).
Also, give preference to more enclosed models. Your pet will feel calm in them. It is also better to buy a crate cover.
Important: When you buy a new dog crate, try to use it in front of you. Make sure your pet won't be able to open the lock.
Below you will find a list of 6 crates for separation anxiety dogs.
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
Price: $376.02
On top of our list is ProSelect Empire Dog Cage, popular as a one-of-a-kind heavy-duty crate for medium and large dogs. It has been made with a heavy-duty 20-gauge steel and reinforced by ½” diameter steel tubes.
It is not only sterilizes the probability of your dog escaping but also guarantees long-lasting durability by being rust-free. A heavy-duty door with dual latches ensures an escape-proof guarantee.
I think the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is worth the money, so I put it on my list. I read reviews of cheaper models, and realized that you can’t skimp. Even a metal crate that looks sturdy can be a dud that your dog will quickly ruin.
Snimoy Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Price: $299.99
I don’t think any dog can get out of this crate (although some Hercules can do anything)! It has strong locks, and is made from strong steel. I like this model as it is more enclosed than the classic metal crates. It’s just what you need for an anxious dog.
But what I liked more is that it is the only heavy duty crate with a nice design in my opinion. Because the others look like some kind of animal confinement cell. It’s not embarrassing to put a crate like this in the house, and you can also use it as a table.
The idea with rounded corners will be appreciated by all who, like me, once kicked the corners of furniture.
AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Price: $189.99
This model is not so pretty and cannot be used as a table, but they have an inexpensive model for small dogs. Also, this cage uses a different lock than the previous model.
If you don’t particularly like its design you can buy a crate cover right away. As I said before, a more enclosed space is better for anxious dogs.
The AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate is made of durable, stainless steel, so it will last for many years, unlike a wooden one. And you can safely put it outside.
IMPACT High Anxiety Crate
If you have already tried many crates and your dog has managed to get out of all of them, it’s time to move on to more radical solutions. The military grade crate from IMPACT is made of aluminum, which no dog will bend. And this four additional butterfly latches definitely inspires confidence. The dog definitely can’t open it.
This model can be used for both housing and transporting dogs. IMPACT offers different sizes for dogs of all breeds. But the price of this wonderful thing is very high, but it is worth the money. In addition, you get a 10-year warranty!
ZINGER HEAVY DUTY 5000 CRATE
Zinger Heavy Duty 5000 Crate – $1,299.99
from: Pet Pro Supply Co.
This crate is suitable for use in the toughest conditions. Every detail of this product has been designed to ensure reliability and durability. I’m talking about the wide square bars, the reinforced door, and the incredibly secure lock. The aluminum construction is strong, yet lightweight.
No dog will be able to break a kennel like this. It can even be safely used for transport in the car because the ZINGER crate will withstand an accident.
Lovupet Wooden Portable Crate
Price: $169.99
The crate is quite sturdy, made of spruce wood and the metal bars. It is lightweight (11kg) and can simply be folded up to move it to another room or take it with you on a trip. I have not found similar models at this price.
The Lovupet crate is available in 3 sizes for small, medium and large breeds. It would look very nice in the house, plus it could be used as a table. On their website they say it can be used both indoors and outdoors, but I think the wood needs to be varnished for outdoor use.
Important: Large, furniture chewing dogs can ruin a wooden cage. In this case, you'd better consider the previous model.
If your dog has separation anxiety, I recommend getting a pet camera to keep an eye on your pet while you are away. I like the cameras from Petcube because they have a 2-way audio feature and a treat dispenser.
Petcube Bites 2 Lite – $124.95 Smart HD pet camera with treat dispenser, 160 lens, and 2-way audio |
FAQ
Is a crate good for a dog with separation anxiety?
A crate can be a place that helps an anxious dog get some privacy and calm. But you should do the crate training gradually and help your dog get used to the crate before you use it.
Conclusions
If your dog is very restless and gets out of all the cages you’ve bought, then try the Snimoy Heavy Duty Dog Crate. If you are dealing with a calmer dog who is unlikely to chew through wood, then I would go with the Lovupet Wooden Portable Crate.
But remember that crate is just one method that helps to calm the dogs with separation anxiety. To solve this problem, you also need to identify the reason and help your dog to change its behavior. Read about this in my article about Best tips that help a dog with separation anxiety at night.
You will need to create a suitable environment for the dog in the crate. This will require a crate bed and toys (read article about best crate toys for dog).
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