Dear Cathy, I have a 10-month-old chihuahua/mini pin that I have been crate training since we rescued him at four months. I gave up on keeping him in the crate overnight. He was crying after a few hours.
When I put him in the crate to leave, he seems to cry the whole time I'm gone and moves the crate across the room. (I have a camera to check on him). He will go in his crate occasionally when I'm home, so I don't think he's afraid of it.
He does run under the bed if he thinks I'm leaving. Any suggestions? I'm at a loss on what to do. — Betty, Smithtown, New York Dear Betty, It sounds like you're doing your best to make crate training a positive experience, but sometimes, the confinement of being in a crate for many hours during the day and then again at night can be difficult for a dog.
However, since he's comfortable going into the crate occasionally on his own, his crying and shaking the crate across the floor may likely be more about separation anxiety than fear of the crate itself. If he hides under the bed when you're getting ready to leave, this could be a sign that he's picking up on your routine and anticipating your departure. So, consider mixing up your departure routine.
For example, you could grab your keys or put on your coat but then stay home or leave 30 minutes later. Or you could practice short "leave and return" sessions — step out for a few minutes (without your keys and purse, eventually adding back in your keys and purse), then come back in. Gradually.
