To help your dog overcome FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) behaviors, they must first learn how to relax in a crate or ex-pen without distraction from other activities. The foundation of this training is teaching your dog to remain calm without your presence, which is vital before working on FOMO behaviors. Without this skill, it will be challenging for your dog to relax when other exciting activities are happening around them.

If you need additional support teaching your FOMO dog to relax in the crate, check out my online February class at Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, Freedom From FOMO: Overcoming Canine Frustration.

Why Focus on Separation First?

Dogs that struggle with being separated from their owners often find it difficult to relax in a crate. If your dog cannot remain calm when you leave the room, expecting them to relax in a confined space is unrealistic. This is why addressing separation anxiety is a critical first step in the process.

Step 1: Assess Your Dog’s Comfort with Separation

Before introducing the crate, determine if your dog is comfortable being separated from you.

Test Separation:

• Close a door or put up a baby gate to prevent your dog from following you.
• Observe their reaction: Are they calm, or do they show signs of anxiety, such as barking, whining, or scratching?

Gradual Desensitization:

• If your dog is anxious, start with short absences and use tools like lick mats or chew toys to keep them engaged while you step away.

Monitor Emotions:

• Avoid pushing your dog too far too quickly. Negative emotions can lead to lasting negative associations with barriers or crates if the process isn’t handled gently.

Step 2: Use an Alternative to the Crate

If your dog struggles with crates, start with less restrictive confinement methods like an exercise pen (ex-pen). Ex-pens allow for more movement, making it easier for your dog to adjust to the idea of confinement without associating it with negative emotions.

Step 3: Gradual Exposure in Different Contexts

To build confidence with separation, change the environment and your proximity to your dog.

Same Room, Visible:

• Place your dog in an ex-pen while you do something low-key in the same room, such as watching TV. This helps them adjust to being apart from you without feeling abandoned.

Same Room, Less Interaction:

• Set up the ex-pen nearby but focus on a different activity, like working on your computer. Gradually increase the time your dog spends confined.

Out of Sight, In the House:

• Leave your dog in the ex-pen and move to another room. Start with short absences and gradually extend the time.

Step 4: Choosing a Training Approach for Vocalization

Your dog’s temperament will affect your choice of training method for vocalization.

Cry-It-Out Method:

• Ignore vocalizations and return only when your dog is calm. This teaches that fussing doesn’t get your attention. This method is not recommended for puppies; instead, consider the calming presence approach.

Calming Presence Method:

• Return to your dog without letting them out of the pen or crate. Your presence alone can help them calm down. Gradually reduce the frequency of your returns over time.

Both methods can be effective, depending on your dog’s confidence level.

Step 5: Transition to the Crate

Once your dog is comfortable with confinement in an ex-pen, it’s time to introduce the crate.

Positive Associations:

• Feed meals in the crate or place favorite toys and blankets inside. Keep the door open initially so your dog can enter and exit freely.

Short Sessions:

• Start with brief periods in the crate while you’re nearby, gradually increasing the duration over time.

Combine Training Steps:

• Use the same progression as you did with the ex-pen:
  • Same room, visible
  • Same room, less interaction
  • Out of sight

A Success Story For Teaching Your FOMO Dog to Relax in the Crate

For my puppy, Rise, I followed these steps precisely. Initially, I placed him in the ex-pen while I watched TV or worked in another room. When he vocalized, I calmly returned but didn’t let him out. As Rise grew more confident, I began ignoring minor fussing, which helped him develop self-soothing skills.

When it was time to use the crate at a dog show, Rise remained calm and relaxed, thanks to the foundation we built at home.

Patience Pays Off for Teaching Your FOMO Dog to Relax in the Crate

Teaching your dog to relax in a crate takes time, but by addressing separation anxiety first and introducing the crate gradually in a low-stress manner, you’ll set your dog up for success. These steps will help your dog associate calm and positive feelings with being crated, ensuring they’re comfortable and happy when you’re not around.

Once your dog is comfortable with crate confinement, you can begin addressing their FOMO behaviors with more confidence.