Impawtant Note: While it's common for dogs to sleep in crates at night, we don't recommend that you keep your dog in a crate for more than a couple hours during the day. Before you go back to the office, make sure your dog is fully potty trained so they do not have to stay in a crate at all while you're gone.
You Should Not Crate Your Dog When...
Your dog gets separation anxiety when you are away. Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea. You will be away for more than 4-5 hours if you have a puppy or more than 8 hours if you have an adult dog.
DO: Encourage your dog to use the crate throughout the day. Your dog's crate is not just a nighttime bedroom. It's also a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle, to relax, or to take a nap. It can even help you manage your dog's behavior.
Crates are useful training tools for puppies, safe havens for senior dogs, and lifesavers for emergencies. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Crate training is an essential part of housebreaking puppies, as dogs don't like to soil their sleeping quarters.
However, there is usually little need to leave them in the crate for extended periods. Most dogs can be trusted around the house unsupervised at around two years of age. This may seem like a long time, but this is how long it takes most dogs to mature.
There is no real right or wrong answer.
Just like humans, dogs are different. Some may feel more comfortable in a crate next to your bed, while others prefer to sleep on a blanket in the living room. The best sleeping place for your dog depends on their age, personality, health condition, and your preferences.
When you observe a few important guidelines, covering your dog's crate is very safe. 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.
Crate Time For Adult Dogs
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.
You can either withdraw your attention from the dog by turning your back on him or going into a closed room and leaving the dog alone; or you can bring the dog into an isolated area such as a crate or a bathroom and then leave him there alone. They are both effective depending on the situation.
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.
If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there when needed. Always provide water for your dog anytime he is in the crate.
Crating is a popular “convenience practice” that is often used on adult dogs. It deprives dogs of the opportunity to fulfill some of their most basic needs, such as the freedom to walk around, the opportunity to relieve themselves, and the ability to stretch out and relax.
Ideally, the dog should be offered food, toys, and its usual bedding within the crate, initially with the door left ajar, until it is relaxed enough to rest inside. The number of hours that it is okay to leave the animal unattended varies from case to case.
A dog who's crated all day and night doesn't get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious. You may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter or take your dog to a daycare facility to reduce the amount of time they spend in the crate each day.
The Lincolns believe that prolonged confinement can be damaging – and they say some people lock pet dogs in tiny crates for up to 18–22 hours total per day. Over-crated dogs, they say, can suffer complications from “cage-rage”, to anxiety, fearfulness and depression.
One thing we've learned over the years is that puppies will bark for different reasons while they're in the crate. In general, if our puppy is barking we'll ignore him for at least the first 10-15 minutes. Most will calm down after that time. As soon as our puppy is calm we give him praise.
If they have to spend a few hours a day on a hard plastic surface while you're at work, they will be less likely to want to go into the kennel the next time you tell them to. Putting in a kennel pad will make your dog happier to get into their cage since it won't hurt to sit on for a long time.
Crate training doesn't happen overnight, and introducing your dog to a crate should take place over a long period of time (several weeks or more). Young dogs can only be expected to control their bladder and bowels for a few hours, not an entire work day or overnight.
There Are Many Benefits to Crating Dogs
In addition to helping teach dogs to do their business outside, crating: Provides fearful dogs with the opportunity to retreat to a safe place when they need to be alone. Offers a space for exuberant dogs to calm down and relax.
Crate training can be a useful tool for many dog owners. Some may want their dog in a crate when they're sleeping or when they leave the home, while others may want to give the dog space all their own. Crate training is also helpful for dogs with separation anxiety since the crate can provide calm and protection.
If your dog is used to you being in the house, they may experience crate anxiety when you lock them up and leave for work for a few hours. Traumatic events can cause crate anxiety as well.
If you leave a younger pup unattended in a room and not in a playpen or a crate, she will most probably practice some unwanted behaviors, such as chewing furniture. Imagine leaving your pup in her crate, playpen, or a designated safe space like leaving a young child – the place you chose must be safe for her.