Best fabric crate for anxious Shih Tzu

Switching from a wire crate to something more enclosed is often exactly the right move for an anxious dog — the open sides of wire crates can actually work against the den-like feeling that makes crates calming in the first place. For a covered fabric crate to do its job properly, the size still has to be right: snug enough to feel secure, but with enough room to stand, turn, and lie stretched out. Before I point you toward a specific option, can you tell me roughly how much your Shih Tzu weighs, whether the crate will mostly stay at home or travel with you, and what his anxiety tends to look like — is it general restlessness, or does he react to specific triggers like noise or being left alone?

That scratching at the wire is a really telling sign — she can see out in every direction and that's keeping her alert and unsettled rather than calm. A covered soft-sided crate removes that visual stimulation almost entirely, which for separation anxiety specifically tends to make a significant difference. At 6kg she's a small dog, so you're looking at a size roughly 61cm long. One thing I want to check before recommending: does she ever chew when she's anxious, or is the behaviour mainly vocalising and pawing?

That's important — fabric crates aren't suitable for chewers, but for a dog whose anxiety is sensory rather than destructive, they work really well. My recommendation is the MidWest Canine Camper Tent Crate in size Small (24 inch). It has a solid fabric top and sides that block sightlines completely, a cosy enclosed feel, and a front and top door so you can open it in a way that feels least confrontational when you leave. The floor is padded, which matters for a small dog lying on hard surfaces for stretches of time. It folds flat for storage, which is handy at home. You'll want to pair the switch with a short re-introduction period — leave it open with her usual bedding inside for a few days before closing the door — but the design is genuinely well suited to what you're describing.

Make a clean switch — having both around can confuse the association you're trying to build. The Canine Camper has its own padded floor insert, so you don't need the wire tray. What I would transfer is anything that already smells like her: her current blanket or a worn t-shirt of yours placed inside the new crate from day one. Scent continuity helps enormously with anxious dogs making a transition like this. Remove the wire crate from the room entirely if you can, at least for the first couple of weeks.

Good luck with the transition. Most owners with anxious dogs notice a difference within the first week once the new crate stops feeling unfamiliar. The MidWest Canine Camper Small is the one to search for on Amazon UK — it's well reviewed specifically by small breed owners dealing with separation anxiety, which is a pretty reliable signal you're on the right track.