I got my mixed Lab back during COVID, when everything was shut down and I was living and working from my parents’ house. We went through all the usual puppy stuff — hated the crate at first, eventually tolerated it, and for the past three years he’s been totally fine out of it.
Fast-forward to now: I just moved out on my own and brought him with me. Since then, he’s been showing a ton of anxious behavior. On a dog trainer’s advice, I got a crate for the new house, but he absolutely hates it. He cries the entire time he’s in there and it takes about 30 minutes just to get him back inside after I let him out. Even when he’s out of the crate, he just seems unsettled.
Unfortunately, I work a typical 8–4:30 job, so I don’t have much choice but to crate him while I’m gone. I do come home at lunch to let him out for about 20 minutes.
Today we tried prescription anxiety meds (from the vet) and played some quiet soundscapes, but he still cried most of the day. I’m hoping not to rely on the medication long-term — he’s a big guy and needs three pills per dose, which adds up fast.
Is there light at the end of the tunnel for us? Should I stop using the crate if it’s causing this much distress? I’d really appreciate any advice or reassurance from people who’ve gone through something similar.
submitted by /u/DwellingDilemma0719
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