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My well-behaved rescue dog is anxious alone. Crate or free roam?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 25 lbs

Hello, our 1.5 year old, newly rescued, poodle mix is house trained, crate trained and all the good stuff. He is very well behaved and has absolutely no potty or chewing accidents. We are unsure if we should crate him or let him roam free considering the above. He cries/ stays anxious for the first hour of being left alone either way. We hate to crate him since he behaves but is this the best thing since when he isn't crated he runs crazy while whining the first hour from anxiety?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 21st, 2017

I would recommend keeping Finn crated for now while he is still getting used to his new environment. It is great that he isn't having accidents in the house and you want that to continue and crate training will help that. Keeping him in a crate while you are away will also keep him safe from harming himself on anything while he is being crazy in that first hour you are gone. If you are consistent with crating him he will learn to love his crate and feel like it is a safe space for him. And if it helps, I crate all 3 of my dogs whenever we leave the house. My oldest dog is 9 years old and very well behaved all the time but he is still crated. It helps me to know he is safe while I'm gone. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2017

    Yes until Finn becomes more settled in I would crate him. Many dogs enjoy the crate and it is a safe area so they are more relaxed. Please give him a treat and toy when he goes in the crate. It is not punishment so you should not feel bad about it. Leave the crate door open when you are home and he may go in and out on his own. When you are going to be gone only a short time then I think the mud room with the dog door is a good option also if you have a safe fenced yard. Over time as he becomes more relaxed try different things until you find what he likes best as long as he isn't causing issues in the house. Glad you got a rescue dog, they are the best. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Finn.

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