If you’re crate training an older dog, plan on using their crate for at least 8 consecutive months after you start training them.
Talk to a vet or behaviorist to help treat a dog with separation anxiety.
As long as your dog doesn’t fuss or whine, then you can relax knowing your dog can’t cause any trouble. You may want to keep smaller dog breeds in a crate at night or when you’re away since they have smaller bladders and are more likely to have accidents. Continuing to crate train has many additional benefits, including preventing accidents, limiting destructive behavior, and keeping your dog safely contained if you’re traveling.
If you want to stop crate training at night, keep the crate in your bedroom and cover the top and sides with a blanket. That way, the crate feels safer and more enclosed.
As your dog gets more comfortable while you’re away, slowly give them access to more rooms. Bring your dog’s crate into whatever room you’re keeping them in. Even if your dog gets a little stressed out, they can go back into their crate and feel at home.
If your dog starts acting overly excited again, take a step back and leave your dog unattended for less time. Once they feel relaxed, then try increasing the amount of time you’re away again. If your dog has an accident, clean it up right away and go back to putting them in the crate again when you leave. Next meal time, feed your dog where they had their accident so your dog learns not to go to the bathroom where they eat. Most dogs will sleep while you’re asleep through the night, so just tell them a command like “Bedtime” when you’re heading to bed. Your dog will get into the routine of going to your room and sleeping in their crate or bed.
Rotate your dog’s toys every few weeks so they don’t get bored.
