ArcaMax

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 increase the time you're gone so he learns you'll always return. These small changes can help break the association between specific cues and your leaving the house.

Next, build positive associations with the crate. When you are home, encourage him to spend time in the crate with the door open, using special treats, toys, or a cozy blanket he loves. Hide high value treats in the blankets so he will go in and look for them to help reinforce the crate as a safe, positive space rather than just a place he's confined to when you leave.

Another approach includes using calming aids, such as a pheromone spray, diffuser, or collar, to create a calming environment. Some pet owners find that natural, over-the-counter calming chews containing ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or valerian root help reduce anxiety in the short term. You could also cover part of the crate (the top and sides) with a blanket to give it a more den-like feel while still ensuring plenty of airflow.

By addressing the separation anxiety and making the crate a fun place to go, you should be able to help him feel more secure in his den.

Dear Cathy,

I enjoyed your column about winter feral cat shelters. I have three feral cats that show up regularly for food. I built simple Styrofoam cooler-type shelters stuffed with straw from YouTube help from the Michigan Pet Alliance. But I only put one hole in mine, and you recommend two.

From what I understood, cats stay right at the opening to see and hear anything approaching. A second hole allows too much airflow. I understand the idea of an escape route, but is it worth the loss of warmth? The only source of heat is their body heat.

— Paul, Palos Hills, Illinois

Dear Paul,

The Styrofoam cooler filled with straw is a great, tried-and-true option for keeping community cats warm. Always use straw, not hay, as hay can get damp and moldy. I usually recommend two entrances because I live in the country, where predators like coyotes and foxes, and other less threatening wildlife sometimes approach these shelters with a cat inside. A second entrance gives the cat an escape route if needed. This may be less of an issue in an urban environment.

So, if your setup is working, stick with it. As temperatures drop, I’m sure they’re grateful for any warm spot to escape the cold. And thank you for keeping these community cats warm through the winter. They’re lucky to have you looking out for them.

Dear Cathy,

Regarding the plastic or Styrofoam containers for feral cats, I expect a windy day might cause these shelters to blow away.

— Susan, Bloomington, Illinois

Dear Susan,

You’re right; wind can easily blow away plastic or Styrofoam shelters. To keep them in place, try adding rocks, bricks, cement pavers – anything sturdy you have on hand to keep those insulated houses in place for your community cats.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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