Here's What You Need To Keep In Mind While Crating Your Dogs

Here's What You Need To Keep In Mind While Crating Your Dogs

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!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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