Crated for too many hours?

[browbury]

I work three days a week for 8 hours. They stay in the crates and I come home at lunch to let them out. If it is warm out, our oldest can stay out until my husband comes home at about 4pm, so for a few hours. I am lucky to have my mother in law across the street, and my mom who keeps my kids here on and off all day. Also a close neighbor that is usually out on warm days that helps to keep an eye out for Chico. They all come and play and let the dogs out. If we are home, they are out. If we nap, they nap with us. Not in our bed, but on the couch. They like their crates for bed time. They go there on their own around 10 or 11pm. They are not allowed to be outside together without very close supervision because they play too rough. I feel fortunate to have family and friends that want to help. We too had to make changes to make it work for our furbabies. I have given up lunch with co-workers in order to come home to let them out to play. It is like having children, if I want to go to lunch with friends, I have to ask a family member to come and let them out. I have to make arrangements for 4 people now, 2 skin kids and 2 fur kids.

So other than night time, the most they are in crates is for 6-7 hours 3 days a week with 1 hour potty breaks. Half the time my MIL is here cleaning the house or yard and they tag along with her.

BTW, we have 1/2 acre fenced in kid and dog friendly back yard.

[FletchersMom]

I agree 16 hours - even broken up is a long time. At the same time I don't recommend tying him to the bed with a leash - what if he were to hang or choke himself? Hopefully as the dog gets older he can be out of the crate and on his own bed at night. I know your doing the best you can - good luck

[DantesDad]

I cant imagine leaving Dante in his crate that long. I get up for work at 8, so he is out with me until 8:45, in his crate from then until 12:30 when I come home for lunch. He goes back in his crate at 1:30 and then I am home at 5. From 5 until 10:30 he is playing with me. I go to bed around 10:30-11:00 and he sleeps in the bed with me. When I adopted Dante I had to change my schedule, I use to take lunch to work or eat out...now I go home so I can spend an hour with him. I cant imagine leaving him in his crate that long....

[ScamperButt]

DT,

Its obvious you have established a routine for your dog. You post this thread as if you are unsure if the 16 hours is too long to be crated. Then, as soon as BW tells you what you don't want to hear (that 16 consecutive hours is way too long), you go on the defensive and whine that you can't help it- you & your husband have crazy work schedules.

Your dog spends a good chunk of his time in his kennel. Thats the way it is. Don't expect the people here to tell you that its okay, just so you'll feel better. Even the revised schedule that you submitted seems awfully dull from a pup's perspective.

Why not think about daycare? There are many wonderful options out there.

[dt42645]

Scamperbutt,

I originally posted thinking that the majority of dog owners are in my same situation hoping to get some encouraging words. I think most of the people that responded didn't read all of the post. He is not in his crate for 16 hours consecutively! He is never in his crate from more than 4 hours at a time. I know my dog is happy and healthy and that is all that matters to me =).

[gmacleod]

I don't think the majority of owners crate for 16 hours a day at all. And those that do, shouldn't. That is not what crates were ever designed for They are a housetraining tool - never intended as a way of life.

Sorry, but if you ask a question like that on BW, you're not going to just get "encouraging words". You're going to be told you're right to feel guilt. If people think you're engaging in a practice likely to do your dog harm - they'll tell you (and have done exactly that).

[ScamperButt]

Thanks gmac! That's what I was trying to say, and you pulled it off much more eloquently.

[lisanmike]

As an owner of a (not so young anymore) puppy, I have to join in with the 'daycare' recommendation. We began taking Oscar 2 days/week as soon as he'd had his rabies (which should be soon for the Ceasar) and I can't praise the whole experience enough. It has been fabulous for his socialization, and we've found he is a super friendly guy with both humans and other dogs. He can hardly contain the bouncing and wriggling when I take him there, so I know he enjoys going. I have peace of mind because I know it breaks up the other 3 days of the week where I have to do the "crate him and go home at lunch" routine. And, after he gets home and has his supper, he collapses on his bed from exhaustion ... a fine example of "a tired boxer is a happy boxer". It's reasonable at $12/day, and I'm sure if you look around your area, you'll find a reputable spot that can give your little guy some fun (and you some relief from your guilt) without breaking the bank!

[daddysgirl]

Originally Posted by skorp

you can always tie a leash to your bed post at the headboard, and make it short , but long enough for the pup to turn and lay down, but not walk to far , start extending your potty breaks until your pup is able to go the entire night or entire time you are asleep, without going, at the same time lengthen the leash a little more . you'll do fine, without a crate in the room.
g

This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, definately NOT advise that anyone should ever be listening too. Leashes, and collars for that matter, should NEVER be on a dog unless under supervision. The chances of an accidental strangulation are far to great.

Unlike the individual that I have quoted, I do feel that the dog can feel part of the family by sleeping in the crate that is in the same room. My girl, Lillie, is crated at night - in my bedroom. My male, Chester, sleeps in my bed. Lillie has NEVER given a stink about it. It is the way that it is, and that works for us - which is the main thing.

Lillie has slept in her crate since the day we brought her home, at 8 weeks. She is far too mischievious to be out of the crate during the night when I sleep, or during the day when I am at work. She chew's EVERYthing she can get her cute little chompers on. I relax with the thought of her being SAFE in her crate, not chewing and choking on something - or even worse - hanging herself because I've left her unattended on a leash!

Relax, listen to your instincts, and listen to your vet. 16 hours a day, broken up, is not too much and there isn't a vet out there that would say it is too much. Things that ARE important: ensuring that your baby is getting enough exercise when he is out and ensuring the crate is of appropriate size for the puppy. My Lillie is not only crated for 16 hours a day, but I sometimes find her sneaking off to her crate when Chester is ticking her off and she needs a place to chill for a bit. Tell me THAT is a place that she doesn't want to be!

Crates become a dog's "safe place" in no time. That is their "bed".

Good luck with the baby, sounds to me like he is living "the life"!

[Louise501]

16 hours a day, broken up, is not too much

The majority of the people on this thread think that it is, including myself, I feel very sorry for any dog that has to spend 2/3rds of his/her day in a crate