Separation anxiety in dogs is heartbreaking. It’s something no dog parent wants to face—and yet, it’s one of the most preventable issues we see. At TOLO, we believe that a great dog starts with a great puppyhood. That means teaching life skills. They Only Live Once, so they have to be comfortable when left alone! .
Let me tell you about Max.
Meet Max: A Prince with a Problem
Max was a two-year-old German Shepherd with a big heart—and an even bigger bark. His family adored him. He had a yard, daily walks, snuggles on the couch, and a mom who worked from home. He was treated like royalty.
But every time he was left alone, Max panicked. He would scream—so loudly that the town threatened to fine his parents for noise complaints. His mom was heartbroken. Max wasn’t just barking; he was suffering.
From the outside, Max was a well-adjusted, happy pup. But inside, he had never learned how to be alone.
What Separation Anxiety Really Is
Most of what looks like separation anxiety isn’t a deep emotional disorder. It’s a lack of practice. From puppyhood, Max had been lovingly comforted through every experience—every fear, every new thing, every moment of excitement. His mom did everything right, except one tiny but critical thing: giving Max time to learn how to manage emotions without her.
When mom wasn’t around, Max didn’t know how to handle his feelings. And it showed—loudly.
The Plan: Crate Training and Emotional Regulation
I asked Max’s family to give me 30 days—and to change three key things:
1. Start Crate Training Daily
Every day, Max was asked to enter his crate for a treat and chill until invited out. At first, the door stayed open. Slowly, we added time, closed the door, walked away, and built up the association that the crate is a safe space—not a punishment.
2. Scheduled Alone Time
Max went into his crate twice a day—one hour before noon, and one hour before bedtime. At first, this was hard. Max cried. His mom had to resist the urge to comfort him. But when he came out, he got all the love in the world. The key was that while inside the crate, Max had to manage his own emotions.
3. Practice Off-Leash Emotional Independence
We also worked on off-leash time at the park. Every time Max saw something unfamiliar, instead of running to mom, we encouraged him to pause, assess, and choose calm. Over time, Max stopped using his mom as a crutch and started choosing his own calm responses.
The Transformation
The first week was brutal. Max’s mom finally understood why the neighbors were so upset—he was loud. When she returned, Max would jump, cry, and act like he’d survived a trauma. But she stayed the course.
By week two, the tantrums got shorter. By week three, Max was seen napping in his crate for the first time. And by week four, something clicked.
At the park, he spotted a groundhog and started to sprint toward mom like usual—but halfway there, he stopped. He turned back, sat down, and simply watched. That was the moment he learned: he could regulate himself.
Why Crate Training Matters in Puppyhood
Separation anxiety is real—but true, clinical anxiety is rare. The majority of dogs labeled as “anxious” simply never learned how to be okay without constant attention. Crate training changes that.
Here’s why crate training is a life skill every puppy should learn:
- Builds Independence: It teaches puppies that being alone is safe and temporary.
- Creates a Safe Place: The crate becomes their den, their nap spot, their home base.
- Helps with Vet Visits, Grooming & Boarding: Dogs used to crates handle these life experiences with less stress.
- Prevents Future Anxiety: Puppies who learn to chill on their own become confident adults.
At TOLO, crate training isn’t about confinement—it’s about freedom. Freedom to enjoy life calmly. Freedom for the parent to go to the gym, lunch, or the office without fear of returning to chaos.
A Final Thought
Unless your dog has experienced trauma, early separation, or extreme stress in their developmental stages, it’s unlikely they suffer from true separation anxiety. What they likely need is practice, structure, and support.
Max’s story isn’t unique. I saw it every day as a Dog Trainer.. And I see puppies transform, just like he did, when they’re given the right tools at the right time.
So, should you crate train your puppy?
Absolutely. Not just for convenience—but for their confidence, independence, and emotional well-being. Because They Only Live Once—and they deserve the best start we can give.
Need help creating that start for your pup? Let’s talk.
TOLO’s Puppyhood Training is here to build life skills that last a lifetime.