Do you have a dog that gets anxious in certain situations?  It’s really common for our furry four-legged friends to struggle with anxiety. From being scared of noises and other dogs, to stress when meeting new people or going away from home, it can all take its toll on your beloved pup. Anxiety in dogs is a very common issue, and unfortunately, many dog owners don't know what to do to solve it. Dogs with anxiety often exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture, scratching at doors, and urinating or defecating in the house. In some cases, they may also become aggressive. One of the most effective ways to help an anxious dog is to crate them. A dog crate can provide a safe space for your dog to relax in and can help reduce or eliminate destructive behaviors.

At Impact Dog Crate, we love hearing success stories from our customers! In fact, we enjoy it so much that we want to share one with you today. The following story is about a dog who was experiencing separation anxiety. Thanks to his new dog crate, he was able to overcome his anxiety and start living a happy life! We are so glad that our products were able to help this dog and his owner. If you are struggling with a dog who has separation anxiety, a dog crate may be the solution you have been searching for.

How a New Crate Made all the Difference for Pongo

"4 years ago we were living in fort bragg and there was a family that was PCSing to another post and decided they were unable to take their dog with them. As soon as I saw he was 3 and unaltered I knew I had to at least foster him so he didn’t wind up in the wrong hands. When I went to meet his previous owners he was outside and disgusting, so I decided to take him home that day. we noticed some anxious tendencies pretty early on.

Pongo ALWAYS wanted to be right under us, and HATED his crate. But even worse would break teeth and nails if we didn’t crate from trying to get out of the front door. After he bloodied up his face really bad for the 3rd or 4th time we decided to look into training.

We paid a local dog trainer and he did wonder on his leash, but even with the training, he was absolutely terrified of being left alone. We tried CBD and the vet prescribed anxiety medication and it was a long and awful process. We were at a loss because nothing seemed to work. I did some research about higher quality kennels and found impact dog crates and decided to take the plunge and order one. I will not lie and say overnight he was a different dog, and LOVED his kennel. But I will say I know while he is home he is SAFE and he won’t be able to hurt himself. He is still medicated and even goes in to his crate willingly now which for the first year and a half of owning him felt like a fairytale. Impact dog crates really saved Pongo’s quality of life and I am grateful everyday for them! I recommend impact crates to anybody who tells me about their anxious dog because I remember how exhausting the vet visits and Pongo constantly hurting himself was. Thank you SO much Impact Team!" - Kayla, owner of Pongo.

3 Tips for Managing Anxiety in Dogs

1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise each day 

As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your furry companion is happy and healthy. One of the best ways to achieve this is by providing them with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise each day. Playtime not only helps to keep your dog physically fit, but it also provides them with mental stimulation and can improve their overall behavior. Whether it's a game of fetch in the backyard or a walk around the neighborhood, there are countless ways to keep your dog active and engaged. So, grab a ball or leash and get ready for some fun with your four-legged friend!

2. Create a safe space for them in the home

As a dog owner, you always want your furry friend to feel comfortable and at ease. That's why it's crucial to have a safe and secure dog crate in your home. This safe space allows your dog to relax and de-stress, especially during times of high activity or stress. While some may view crates as cages, they are actually an essential tool for pet owners. It's a place the dog can call their own, where they can retreat when they wants to be alone. The crate also serves as a training tool, teaching your dog to be well-behaved and to have boundaries. Overall, investing in a dog crate, such as the Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate, will not only benefit your pet's well-being but also yours as well.

3. Practice positive reinforcement methods 

If you're a dog owner, you know how hard it can be to see your furry friend struggling with anxiety. Luckily, positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in managing your dog's anxiety. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog's good behavior with treats, praise, or affection. By doing this, you're reinforcing the behavior you want to see and helping your dog feel more secure and confident. For example, if your dog gets anxious when you leave the house, you can try giving them a special toy or treat to distract them and make them feel more comfortable. By consistently using positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel more relaxed and less anxious overall.

Thanks to Kayla for sharing this inspiring story about how Pongo overcame his anxiety. We hope this helps other dog owners learn more about the best ways to manage their pup’s anxiety.