How Long Should a Dog Be Left in a Crate?
Crate training your dog will assure he is safe while you are away, as well as prevent him from damaging your furniture and your home. Dogs who are properly crate trained feel safe when they are crated. Crate training can take a few days or a few weeks depending on your dog. It should always be associated with something that the dog enjoys and never used as a punishment.
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Gradually Lengthen the Time
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As you train your dog, start with short periods of time in the crate, then gradually lengthen them.
Crating at Night
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If you plan to crate your dog at night, you should initially keep the crate near your room. If you have a puppy, you will need to hear her when she needs to go out during the night. You also do not want her to think the crate means she is isolated from the family.
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How Much is Too Much
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If you are crating your dog during the day while you are at work, you should probably not crate him through the night. This may make him feel cramped and frustrated.
Puppies
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Puppies younger than 6 months old should not be crated for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. At that age, they are not able to hold their bowels and bladders long.
The Best for Your Dog
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There is no set amount of time that a dog should be crated. It is going to depend on the temperament and energy level of your dog. You can find the right balance by watching his behavior. If he seems depressed, you are probably crating him too much. Exercise and physical activity are important for his overall health. You should be sure that he gets proper exercise.
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Comments
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Easy to crate your dog when you are not there to hear it whine and get anxious. I actually saw a neighbor crate a mother and her pup 5 straight days whether the owner was home or not. When the kids were homerunning around playing the dogs made all kids of attempts to get them to let them out. They owners had tones of adults over, and rumor had it they were pot heads. I had to call the pound and report, and the crate came down. Soooo sad. I was concerned they would crate them inside where I could not check on them.
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lucyroxy
Dec 07, 2010
Crates are terrible and will be used by many to confine their pets as a punishment, for too long periods and will be used rather than proper exercise and companionship. Plain abuse in other words. Why have a dog if you are going to keep it in a crate. Dogs and puppies are like children and should be trained and disciplined so they fit in with the family. I hate crates!! They are just another making idea from the pet industry.
