Honestly, crating a fearful dog, to me, is like a band-aid. Of course it "works", but it doesn't really address the real issue. I had a friend with a Doberman who was crated and had extreme SA. She always crated it and the Doberman developed submissive urination and frequently defecated in the crate. They tried medicating the dog, but that caused things to drop rock bottom. I have tried crating Giselle when I'm away, and as soon as I step out of the door, all I hear is clinging and clanging. Unless I videotaped her, I wouldn't really know for sure if the crate really worked or was just a means of containment. Then, again, I know plenty of people who use crates successfully. For me, I'd rather alone train with DAP and RR than use a crate. Alone training also works gradually. The dog is supposed to freak out the first couple of times (sometimes months---that's how long it took us). Eventually, they get that you always comeback and they get a REALLY nummy treat in your absence. Heck, my dog can't wait until I leave ! Just my op.

I'd also like to add that I do agree with crate training, but I only use the crate for sleeping purposes.