Most adult dogs can stay in a crate for about half a day as long as the dog gets ample exercise and walks when he or she is out of the crate. Many adult dogs can manage eight or so hours in a crate while their owners are at work, but longer than this can often cause behavioral problems.
How long is it okay to leave a dog in a crate? Adult dogs shouldn't be left in crates for more than 6-8 hours. Puppies of 17 weeks and older can handle up to 4 or 5 hours in a crate at a time. Leaving a dog home alone in a crate longer than this can hurt their mental and physical health.
Crating isn't just for nighttime, and it's not just for puppies. Crating your dog during the day is safe and appropriate, as long as they get plenty of freedom and attention when you are home.
Especially older dogs and laid-back breeds can easily sleep for 10+ hours at night without needing to get up. It is totally fine to crate your dog for that long during the night, especially if he has plenty of activities during the day. Young puppies however won't be able to sleep for that long right away.
Nina Torres says it's fine for most adult dogs to be in a crate “nine hours maximum” during the day (with a walk in the middle), and then eight hours at night – unless they are seniors or large dogs needing to stretch their joints.
Puppies under 6 months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can't control their bladders or bowels for that long. The same goes for adult dogs being housetrained. Crate your dog until they are able to be alone in the house without accidents or destructive habits.
Most puppies are OK out of the crate at around 7-8 months of age in our experience, while some due to their chewing needs require confinement for longer.
Studies have shown that long-term confinement is detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. Animals caged for extended periods can develop many different disorders, including the following: Aggression. Withdrawal.
It is never acceptable to shut your dog in the crate all day while you go to work. Adult dogs that have been successfully trained to have a positive association with their crate and view it as there safe haven are normally quite happy to be left for about three hours.
Caged dog syndrome occurs when dogs are confined to small, cramped spaces without interaction for prolonged periods of time without any relief. This can lead to severe physical and mental trauma, including a lack of socialization, mental stimulation, and proper training.
Try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he'll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate.
Dogs who are crate trained feel comfortable and relaxed having a secure den-like space of their own. Some people feel that a dog would be sad in a crate, or think it's like prison. But the truth is that most dogs who are left out of the crate are far more anxious and stressed out.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Your dog will only become afraid of his crate if bad things happen while he is in there—so never scold him while he is inside. Time-outs don't need to be long; 30 seconds to 3 minutes is plenty.
Many dogs love their crates.It resembles a den they would seek out/build if they didn't have cozy houses to live in. It's probably the only place in the house that is truly theirs, where they can be undisturbed and feel safe.
As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours a day. However, the amount of time a dog can spend safely alone will vary from dog to dog, as even the most laid-back dogs may become distressed when you leave them on their own for long periods of time.
Always provide water for your dog anytime he is in the crate. Spill proof bowls or bowls that attach to the kennel gate work best.
In general, your puppy should never spend more than two hours in a crate without an opportunity to drink, visit the back yard, go for a walk, and play with her people.
You should never completely cover your dog's crate as it can block airflow. Keep blankets away from heat sources, ensure the fabric is breathable, and avoid using knit blankets that may snag or unravel.
Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. If you know that your dog truly enjoys spending time in their crate, perhaps you can leave their crate open to them during the day, but give them access to other parts of your home or backyard so they can come and go as they please.
Some puppies do well with their entire crate covered, while others need at least the door of their crate uncovered so they don't feel isolated or too confined. Be aware of the airflow in your puppy's crate if using a blanket — you don't want them waking up because they're too hot.
Leave the door to the dog crate open - so that they have the option to return if they start to feel uncomfortable. If they seem to do well the first few times, gradually increase the duration of time left outside their crate - but if your dog seems upset, dial things back a couple of steps and try to assess why.
Rotating the toys gives your dog a different toy every day to keep interest high. Ideal toys during crate rest for dogs include: Food-dispensing toys, such as durable chew toys filled with kibble or with treat pockets. Maze or puzzle-type toys that double as feeders.
Activity toys are great for when your dog is left home alone and also useful for when your dog needs some time out or a chance to calm down if they're over-excited. The process of playing and thinking about activity toys will help tire your dog out.