Crate crying can be tough. Discover why Schnauzers do it and how to help them feel safe and calm.
Your adorable Schnauzer sounds like they’re auditioning for a doggy opera every time you put them in their crate. The howling, the whining, the pitiful whimpering that makes your neighbors think you’re running some kind of canine torture chamber. You’re not a monster, but your pup’s performance would suggest otherwise.
Here’s the truth: crate crying is one of the most common (and most heartbreaking) challenges new Schnauzer owners face. These intelligent, people-oriented dogs have opinions about being confined, and boy, do they know how to share them. But before you give up on crate training entirely or resign yourself to a lifetime of earplugs, let’s dig into what’s actually happening in that fuzzy little head.
The Schnauzer Personality Problem
Schnauzers aren’t like other dogs. Sure, every dog owner says that about their breed, but with Schnauzers, it’s actually true. These dogs were originally bred in Germany to be ratters and guard dogs, which means they’re naturally alert, territorial, and incredibly vocal. When you combine that genetic programming with their intense attachment to their humans, you get a dog that views crate time as a personal betrayal.
Think about it from their perspective. Your Schnauzer’s entire job, as they see it, is to be with you, protect you, and alert you to every single thing happening within a three-mile radius. A crate takes away their ability to do all three, which triggers their anxiety on multiple levels. They can’t see what’s happening. They can’t get to you if you need them (which you obviously do, because how else will you know about that suspicious leaf blowing past the window?). And worst of all, they can’t curl up on your lap where they clearly belong.
The Real Reasons Behind the Tears
Separation Anxiety: The Big One
This is the headliner, the main event, the reason that most likely explains your Schnauzer’s dramatic crate performances. Schnauzers form incredibly strong bonds with their people. We’re talking velcro dog territory here. When you put them in a crate and walk away, their little brains interpret this as abandonment, even if you’re literally just in the next room watching TV.
Separation anxiety isn’t about being spoiled or stubborn. It’s genuine panic that their person might never return, triggered every single time they’re left alone.
The crying isn’t manipulation (well, not entirely). It’s distress. Your Schnauzer’s nervous system is firing on all cylinders, pumping out stress hormones, and generally making them feel like the world is ending. That’s why the crying often escalates over time rather than stopping. They’re working themselves into an anxious frenzy.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Yes, dogs get FOMO too, and Schnauzers might be the worst offenders in the canine kingdom. These dogs want to be involved in everything. Cooking dinner? They need to supervise. Folding laundry? That’s clearly a team activity. Going to the bathroom? Well, privacy is overrated anyway.
Put a Schnauzer in a crate while life continues without them, and they lose their minds. It’s not that they necessarily want to be with you every second (okay, they do), but they definitely don’t want to miss whatever exciting thing might happen while they’re locked up. What if you drop food? What if someone comes to the door? What if a bird has the audacity to land in the yard? These are catastrophes that require their immediate attention.
Physical Discomfort
Sometimes the answer is simpler than we think. Your Schnauzer might be crying because something genuinely bothers them about the crate itself. Maybe it’s too small and they can’t stretch out comfortably. Maybe it’s too big and doesn’t feel secure. Perhaps the bedding is weird, the temperature is wrong, or they desperately need to pee.
Schnauzers are also surprisingly sensitive to sounds and smells. If their crate is near a noisy appliance or smells like cleaning products, that could be triggering stress. These dogs have preferences, and they’re not shy about expressing them.
What Actually Works (According to Science and Frustrated Owners)
The Gradual Approach: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Forget everything you’ve heard about just putting your dog in the crate and letting them “cry it out.” That method might work for some breeds, but with Schnauzers? You’re just teaching them that the crate is exactly as terrible as they suspected.
Instead, you need to treat crate training like you’re trying to convince a skeptical food critic that vegetables are delicious. Start small. Really small. We’re talking about tossing treats into the crate while the door is wide open and letting your Schnauzer investigate at their own pace. No pressure, no forcing, just positive associations.
| Training Stage | Duration | What to Do | Success Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 3-7 days | Leave crate open, toss treats inside, feed meals near crate | Dog enters voluntarily for treats |
| Door Closing | 5-10 days | Close door for seconds while dog eats, immediately open | No stress signals when door closes |
| Short Stays | 1-2 weeks | Close door for 1-5 minutes while you’re present | Dog remains calm, may lie down |
| Room Departure | 2-3 weeks | Leave room briefly while dog is crated | No crying when you leave sight |
| Extended Periods | Ongoing | Gradually increase time, up to 3-4 hours maximum | Dog settles quickly, may sleep |
The key is moving at your dog’s pace, not the pace suggested by some random timeline on the internet (including this one). Some Schnauzers will breeze through these stages. Others will need weeks at each level. Your dog will tell you what they need if you’re paying attention.
Make the Crate Irresistible
Your Schnauzer’s crate should be the doggy equivalent of a five-star hotel suite. We’re talking serious luxury here. The bedding should be comfortable, the location should be perfect (neither isolated nor in the middle of chaos), and the amenities should be top-notch.
The crate isn’t a punishment zone or a timeout corner. It’s your dog’s personal bedroom, and it should feel safe, cozy, and filled with good things.
Consider these upgrades: a crate cover to create a den-like atmosphere, a worn t-shirt that smells like you, a safe chew toy specifically reserved for crate time, and maybe even a white noise machine to mask household sounds. Some Schnauzer owners swear by leaving the radio on at low volume, particularly talk radio, because the human voices are comforting.
Temperature matters more than people realize. Schnauzers have that double coat, which means they can overheat easily. Make sure the crate area isn’t too warm, especially if you’re using a cover. A small fan nearby (not blowing directly on the crate) can help circulate air.
The Exercise Equation
Here’s a universal truth about Schnauzers: a tired Schnauzer is a quiet Schnauzer. These are energetic, intelligent dogs that need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. If you’re trying to crate a dog that’s been lounging around all day, you’re basically trying to contain a furry tornado.
Before crate time, make sure your Schnauzer has had adequate exercise. For most adult Schnauzers, that means at least 30 minutes of solid activity. Not just a leisurely stroll around the block (though that’s nice too), but actual exercise. Playing fetch, running, engaging in training sessions, or doing puzzle games all count. Mental stimulation tires dogs out just as much as physical activity, sometimes more.
Think of it this way: would you want to sit still in a small space right after drinking three espressos? That’s basically what you’re asking of an under-exercised Schnauzer.
Timing Is Everything
Pay attention to when your Schnauzer cries most intensely. Is it immediately when you close the door? After five minutes? Only when you leave the house? The timing tells you something important about what’s driving the behavior.
Immediate crying usually means the dog hasn’t accepted the crate as safe yet. You’re moving too fast. Back up in your training. Delayed crying (starting after several minutes) often indicates building anxiety or boredom. These dogs might benefit from a special long-lasting chew or frozen Kong to keep them occupied through the difficult period. Crying only when you leave the house is classic separation anxiety and might require more intensive intervention.
The Mistakes That Make Everything Worse
Letting Them Out When They Cry
This is the big one, the mistake that basically trains your Schnauzer that crying works. Every single time you open that crate door in response to crying, you’re teaching your dog that making noise gets results. It’s operant conditioning at its finest, and your smart little Schnauzer will absolutely figure out this pattern.
The tricky part? You also can’t leave them crying indefinitely, especially if they’re genuinely distressed or need to potty. The solution is to wait for even a brief moment of quiet before opening the door. Even two seconds of silence is enough. You’re teaching them that quiet opens doors, not noise.
Inconsistent Rules
Schnauzers are smart enough to notice patterns, which means they’re also smart enough to notice when the rules keep changing. If the crate is fine sometimes but other times you skip it, or if one family member enforces crate time while another always gives in, your dog will be confused and anxious. Confusion breeds stress, and stress breeds crying.
Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page about crate training expectations and protocols. Yes, this includes that one person who thinks the dog is “too sad” to be crated. United front, people.
Using the Crate as Punishment
This should be obvious, but people still do it: never, ever use the crate as punishment. Don’t send your Schnauzer to their crate when they’re in trouble. Don’t use an angry tone when directing them to the crate. Don’t slam the door in frustration when they’re being difficult.
The crate should only have positive associations. Every single interaction with that space should be neutral at worst, ideally positive. Otherwise, you’re fighting against yourself.
When to Call in the Professionals
Sometimes, despite your best efforts and all the treats in the world, the crying continues. If your Schnauzer is still having meltdowns after several weeks of consistent, positive crate training, it might be time to consult a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
True separation anxiety, as opposed to normal adjustment difficulties, often requires medication alongside behavior modification. There’s no shame in seeking help. Some dogs have anxiety that’s beyond what training alone can address, and that’s okay. You’re not failing; you’re recognizing when your dog needs additional support.
Red flags that suggest professional help is needed include: destructive behavior in the crate (broken teeth, bloody paws from trying to escape), loss of bowel or bladder control from stress, symptoms that worsen rather than improve over time, or refusal to eat or drink when crated even for short periods.
The Long Game
Crate training a Schnauzer isn’t a weekend project. It’s a commitment that might take weeks or even months to fully establish. But here’s the payoff: a properly crate trained dog is safer, more confident, and easier to manage throughout their life. You’ll be able to travel with them, take them to the vet without drama, and have a secure place to keep them during emergencies.
Your Schnauzer’s crying isn’t personal. They’re not trying to punish you or ruin your life (even though it might feel that way at 3 AM). They’re just a smart, sensitive dog trying to understand why their favorite person keeps putting them in a box. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, that box will eventually become their happy place.
Maybe not their favorite place (that’s still your lap), but definitely somewhere they’ll go willingly, settle quickly, and maybe even choose on their own when they need a break from the chaos of daily life. And honestly? That’s a win worth celebrating.
