You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are around two years of age. Before then, they are usually more likely to get into trouble. It isn't until they mature fully that they are able to behave properly when not supervised. This is especially true for larger dogs, who tend to mature later.
Most puppies will outgrow their crate. At the very least, they will often outgrow the amount of room they are given within their crate. Traditionally, a puppy needs enough room to stand up, turn around, and lay down without any extra room for them to urinate or defecate in a separate area from where they sleep.
Many crated dogs become severely depressed and withdrawn and can suffer from separation anxiety or even Stockholm syndrome. Hyperactivity and behavioral issues are other common consequences of crating.
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.
The period from about 4 to 16 weeks is one of the most important in your dog's life—it's known as the “socialization window”—the time your pup is sponging up life lessons and forming opinions on everything around them.
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 can provide a cue for dogs with separation anxiety to self-soothe. If they have a secure space to settle down, that's a good alternative to tearing apart your couch cushions. Because dogs don't like to soil their sleeping quarters, crating is also helpful with house-training a puppy or a new dog.
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.
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. Monitor the conditions inside the crate in humid summer weather to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
Start in increments of 10 minutes and work up to longer periods. Every single time you take your puppy out of the crate, take him for a walk so he can potty. He'll begin to realize that potty time comes after crate time. Remember to praise him after he potties in the correct place.
According to experts quoted in the book, dogs who appear to “love” their crate because they keep running back to it even when given their freedom are often really exhibiting a lack of self-confidence or even fearfulness toward the outside world brought on by the extreme confinement and isolation of a crate.
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.
Velcro Dog syndrome is a phrase people use to describe the behaviour displayed by clingy breeds. It is not, however, full-blown separation anxiety and as a responsible pet owner, it's a good idea to make sure you know the difference. So-called Velcro dogs will often: Follow you from room to room around the house.
As den animals, dogs tend to enjoy enclosed spaces like crates. That means your best friend may naturally prefer the protective atmosphere the crate provides. That sense of security can also be good for dogs who get anxious, especially during a stressful event like a thunderstorm or the Fourth of July.
Don't crate your dog
“Dogs with separation anxiety shouldn't be crated,” explained Dr. Bright. “This is important. It's dangerous – they're already panicking, so they may try to escape and hurt themselves.”
Unless your dog is rarely inside their cage, they would be much happier if they had a bed inside so they don't have to lie on hard plastic. Most dogs like to sleep in their crates, and this will keep them from wanting to get out the second you put them in. It's especially crucial for older dogs with achy joints.
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. You should take them to the bathroom halfway through the night to prevent any potty accidents.
This common practice of all-day confinement in a cage or crate means dogs suffer in many ways, including separation anxiety; excessive self-grooming, chewing and licking to the point of self-mutilation; worn and broken teeth and zinc poisoning from chewing metal cages; extreme boredom, leading to depression and ...
Undesirable behaviours such as barking, chewing, counter surfing, house-soiling and jumping up commonly begin to occur at around 3-6 months of age.
From 6 -12 Months
While your puppy may now look like a full-grown adult dog, he's still a puppy. At this age you might see a burst of puppy energy and continued boundary testing. That's why it's important to make sure your puppy still gets plenty of structured play and exercise.
So when will it get easier? The first two months are the most difficult and the following months also bring their challenges. So the answer is, it will get easier and easier, depending on how much effort you put into educating your dog. You should therefore remain hopeful in the process during the first year.
Summary. At the end of the day, your dog's crate needs to include a few major items, including a comfortable bed, a water bowl or bottle that always provides your dog with a drink of fresh water, and possibly a few toys or puzzles to keep them entertained.