Sometimes, you will have to crate your dog, maybe to keep them safe while you’re gone, maybe to bring them out on the road or to the vet, or maybe as a comfortable hideout for them.
Crate time, within a healthy amount of time, can be a great training device, and it can help you and your dog.
Dogs should not be kept in a crate for too long, as that means they will not be able to use the bathroom for that amount of time. As a rule, dogs should not be left in a crate longer than:
- 30 to 60 minutes for puppies aged 8 to 10 weeks
- 1 to 3 hours for puppies aged 11 to 14 weeks
- 3 to 4 hours for puppies aged 15 to 16 weeks
- 4 to 5 hours for puppies aged 17 weeks and above
- 8 hours for healthy adult dogs
Here’s when you should not use a crate:
- Your dog has separation anxiety
- Your dog howls and barks
- The crate is the wrong size
- It’s too hot
- Your dog breaks or damages the crate
- Your dog shows signs of distress
As an alternative to crates, you can also use a dog playpen. However, playpens are much easier to escape, so keep that in mind when deciding!
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