Crate training is for my boy is going well (he's 9 years old).

We're having one issue, though: he's fine when he's left home alone now (finally!), except for when the doorbell rings/when somebody knocks. He has severe separation anxiety.

I think that makes him realize he's home alone when nobody answers, and he proceeds to freak out and try to break out of the crate (I've discovered this using a remote camera).

I was wondering if using a DAP diffuser will help with this?

The thundershirt doesn't work, I've tried it. Neither does the tv or radio. He has always ignored sounds that come out of speakers.

I thinking of putting a note on the door that says something like: "guard dog on duty, do not ring bell or knock", but people may just ignore it. Your thoughts?

I do NOT want to desensitize him to the door/discourage him from barking...because of security reasons.


Any ideas?

Unplug the doorbell while you're away? Just need to find the electrical supply for the doorbell - then maybe even put a switch on it and you can just turn it off while you're out, flip it on when you're home.

I thought of that, but he responds to knocking as well. His crate is within eyesight of the front door (we had no other choice, the crate is so big its the only area in the house that it will fit in!), too.

Try keeping something of yours in his cage that has your scent to kind of keep him at ease.