Just came back from a trial earlier today (we got a leg in Rally Excellent -- woo-hoo!). But I'm writing to ask about a problem that is becoming more and more of a concern with one of my dogs.

When I set up the crate at a trial or even a match, it is usually a very crowded situation. This dog has developed a habit of barking and snarling at any dogs that pass within what she considers too close to her crate (maybe three feet).

I'm using a soft-sided folding crate, and I've pulled down the curtains on both sides and the back, but the front of it is a mesh door with no curtain option. Today, I left her in the crate to go walk my course, and came back to hear that she had been really putting up a fuss and being very loud and threatening toward any dog that walked by. I ended up covering the front of the crate with my jacket, which stopped her from barking at other dogs, but she was still whining with anxiety.

She has never been dog-aggressive in any other situation, and in fact if I get her out of the crate and just stand around in the crowd with her on a leash in a sit or a down, she's extremely well-behaved. This anxious whining and territorial (?) barking is only when she's in the crate.

The barking is only when I'm not right there with her. The whining, however, does go on even with me there. I'm starting to think my only option is either make sure my husband comes with me to the trials, so he can stay with her when I have to leave, or just keep her in the car instead of setting up a crate in the building (obviously not an option in hot weather).

Suggestions, ideas, advice?

I have seen some people put a small xpen around the crate. This keeps other dogs far enough away from the crate for the dog to feel comfortable. I don't know if this is how you would like to handle the issue. But, it might help for now.

Thanks for the idea, Mary. Unfortunately, at most of the locations where I attend matches and trials, space is at a premium, and the dog crating area has 'em packed in like sardines. There would be no way to set up a perimeter using an ex-pen. I appreciate your response, though.

Cheri, can you ever snag wall space? If you can turn the front of the crate towards the wall while you are walking a course or something, and have the shades down on the sides and back, it might help with the barking.

Is the whining from being anxious? I have been giving Toni Rescue Remedy on tournament days just to take the edge off of her anxiety until she gets used to being in that kind of environment. She's been doing great, but right now, if I can't be with her, I put her in the car- I don't quite trust her not to bust out of a soft sided crate yet.

Turning the crate to face the wall may be possible at some locations. I suppose I could also just try covering the front with a blanket or sheet. At last Friday's trial, I hung my jacket over the front and that seemed to stop the barking, but only time will tell if that would work on a regular basis.

I do indeed believe the whining is caused by anxiety. Maybe the barking, too. My first thought was she was being territorial, but since that is the only situation in which she barks at other dogs, maybe it is related to stress and anxiety.

I've heard of Rescue Remedy and I know other people who have used it, but I haven't yet tried it myself. It seemed kind of pricey when I looked, but if it works, then it's worth it. I've even had a couple of handlers tell me they've used it themselves for ring nerves!

Thanks for the ideas. You've given me a couple things I can try, and if all else fails, I'll just have to leave her in the car for short periods of time while I walk a course, go to the rest room, etc.