Pet parents often wonder what to do while their pet is at work. Pets can become anxious or lonely and cause a lot of trouble. Crate training can be done to keep your dog and puppy safe while you are at work.
Many people find this method cruel and don’t like it. Puppy crate training is a good solution for leaving your dog alone.
A Puppy Left Alone in a Crate
Vets recommend that a puppy be left alone in a crate. Crate training can be helpful in housetraining and preventing destructive behavior.
Healthy dogs will not move from their beds. This can be used to potty-train a puppy if you are at work. You can put your puppy in a crate until he falls asleep, and then you can take him on a walk once he wakes up. If he goes outside, he will go to the bathroom. You can reward him for this behavior.
Proper manners are also important for puppies. It is important that your pet does not destroy your furniture, carpets, or personal belongings. Keeping your pet in a crate can stop destructive behavior when you’re not there.
Safety and time concerns when crate training a puppy
Safety is another reason to leave your puppy alone in a crate. They will feel safe once they are used to the crate. They won’t be able to hurt themselves in the crate. They won’t have any electric cables to chew on or anything they can choke on.
Puppy crate training poses the greatest problem because of the amount of time they spend in their crate. Young puppies should not be left alone for more than eight hours. The length of time a puppy can be kept in a crate varies depending on their age. One rule of thumb is to limit the time to one hour per month. A four-month-old puppy can be kept in a crate for approximately four hours. For a more detailed table, see the next section.
How long should a dog/puppy be in a crate?
Many owners are curious about how long a puppy should be kept in a crate. The table below will help you decide how long your dog can be crated based on their age.
| The age of a dog | Maximum time in a crate |
|---|---|
| 8-10 Weeks | 30–60 minutes |
| 11-14 Weeks | It takes 1-3 hours |
| 15-16 Weeks | 3-4 hours |
| 17+ Weeks | 4-5 hours |
| Healthy adult dogs | 8 hours |
Consider These Factors
This table is only an example and not a guideline.
Young puppies require a lot of attention and can’t hold on to their bladder for very long. You should give them lots of playtime and attention. You should also potty-train them and take them outside more often.
Your puppy won’t be able to stay in the crate if you work 8 hours. You can give your dog a break from the cage during the day. Go for a walk with them to let them stretch their legs and get their business done. You can either hire a dog walker or find someone who can help you do this if you are unable to do it yourself.
Crate time is recommended for pets that are ill or unable to hold their own.
Adult, healthy dogs can be kept in a crate up to 8 hours. It’s still not a good idea to leave your dog alone for so long every day. You can give them love, exercise, and take them out on weekends.
Why Crate Training is Worth Reconsidering
These guidelines do not apply to all dogs. Some dogs require more attention and activity than others, and some dogs are not able to handle crates well. Dogs can become anxious about their crates if they are not properly introduced. If you want to raise a puppy, make sure crates are a happy place for them and not punishment.
Avoid putting your dog in a crate if they become anxious or start to panic. Keep your dog in a puppy-proofed room in your home. It is cruel to leave a dog alone in a crate 12 hours straight, especially if it is a daily routine.
Puppy Crate Training while at Work
Puppy crate training can be a great option if you don’t want your dog to go home.
You must first choose the right crate for your dog
You can choose between a plastic or metal crate. They are stronger and will not be chewed by your dog. Some dogs like their privacy so they prefer plastic crates that have a grate at the top. However, some breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, will be happier with more ventilation in a steel crate.
Puppy crate training requires a perfect size crate. Your dog will struggle to stand, turn around or lay down if it is too small. It should not be too large or the dog might move to the opposite side of the crate. This is not a good way to teach a puppy how to use the potty.
Make the Crate a Happy Place
By padding the floor, you can make the crate more comfortable for your dog. Place treats or your dog’s favorite food in the crate along with his favorite toys. You should provide water. Some recommend using a water dispenser to ensure your dog doesn’t spill water out of a bowl. He won’t be happy in a puddle.
To prevent accidents, take your dog on a walk before you leave them in the crate. It will give your dog some exercise and allow you to take a rest before they go back to their safe place.
Your dog will soon learn that the cage is a safe and happy place. Your dog will be very unhappy if you make it uncomfortable or use it as punishment. The wrong size crate could cause damage to their joints and other health issues.
Alternatives to Puppy Crate Training at Work
There are many options for you to leave your dog alone at work if you don’t like crates.
Working with a dog
You can also bring your dog along to work! You can bring your dog to work if your workplace allows pets and they are well-behaved. A puppy can make your workplace more fun and improve morale.
Even if you’re unable to take your dog to work every day, remember that your dog still needs regular exercise and access to water (and treats) while you are away.
Get A Dog Walker Or A Sitter
You can leave your dog in a crate, or let them roam around the property. Make sure to walk them before you leave and when you return. Consider getting help if you are away for more than 8 hours each day. You can have a friend, family member, or dog walker come by to help your dog while you’re away.
Have Fun with Everything
You can give your dog a Kong toy or a self-fetching Kong toy to keep him busy while you’re gone. To keep your dog busy for hours, you can stuff a Kong toy with treats and freeze them.
Your dog can find treats hidden around your home. You can also leave the radio on and watch TV with some dogs. It might be a smart idea to get another pet if your dog is lonely.
Fence Gates and Playpens
Playpens and fence gates are alternatives to dog crates. You can see the many ways dogs have overcome these obstacles by going to YouTube. They will jump over or squeeze through them at best. They can also get trapped or hurt. They will be freed by some daredevils!
It’s clear that taking your dog to doggie daycare or hiring a dog sitter are great alternatives.
Do I need to crate my dog?
Crating your dog during the day is a good idea if they are happy, healthy and well-adjusted. Some dogs love their crates and the privacy and coziness they provide. Some dogs are better at handling crates than others. It all depends on your dog’s personality, energy level, and behavior.
Dogs Are Not Den Animals?
Many people believe that dogs shouldn’t ever be kept in crate for too long. Moms and their dogs, as well as injured and sick dogs, seek out safe, secure places to rest. The argument that dogs don’t live in dens is not entirely true.
It is not a good idea to crate your dog when…
These are some reasons why you shouldn’t crate your dog.
- You don’t have the correct size crate
- When you’re away, your dog can experience separation anxiety
- Your dog has diarrhea or vomiting
- If you have a puppy, you won’t be gone for longer than 4-5 hours and if your adult dog is older than 8, you will be gone for 8 hours.
- When your dog tries to escape, he damages the crate
- While in a crate, your dog may howl and bark for long periods
- The crate is where your dog goes to get rid of his waste
- Before you give birth to your pet, you haven’t taken them for walks.
- The temperature is wrong (too warm or too cold).
Pet Treat Camera to Monitor Your Dog at Work
Pet owners often wonder what their fur friends do when they’re not at work. You can now see what your pet is doing with their cameras.
You can also spy on your pet if you work night shifts thanks to the night vision feature. This can be confusing at first for your pet. It can be a little confusing for your pet at first, but if you introduce it properly, it can work wonders for both you and your companion.
Last Thoughts
Puppy crate training can be a good option if done correctly. If you are unable to leave your dog alone for extended periods of time, it is worth considering taking your dog to work, employing a dog walker or taking your pet to doggie daycare.
FAQs
Can you crate-train a dog?
Crate training is considered cruel by some, including dog trainers and PETA. Your dog could be more at risk if they’re left alone. This is especially true for puppies that might eat something they shouldn’t or fall downstairs.
Puppy crate training can be a safer option. Your dog may even love the crate!
How long should a dog be left in a crate for?
It is not acceptable to leave a puppy at home while you work for more than 8 hours. A puppy can be left in a crate up to 5 hours per day, depending on how old they are. Dogs older than 8 years old can be kept in a crate for up to 8 hours, but this shouldn’t be a daily routine.
How long can a dog be left in a crate for?
Crates should not be kept in the crates of adult dogs for longer than 6-8 hours. Puppy’s 17-week-old and older can live in a crate for up to four or five hours at a stretch. Dogs that are left alone in their crate for longer than this time can be dangerous to their mental and physical health.
What kind of dog can be left alone for the day?
Some breeds can be more independent and will do fine left alone. These are:
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
- Peekapoo
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Beagle
- Basset Hound
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Shiba Inu
- Akita Inu
- Shar Pei
- Chow Chow
How long should a dog stay alone in the day?
Dogs can be left alone for as long as 10 hours a day without making a fuss. You shouldn’t do this too often. When you do have to, make sure to set up a pee station, plenty of water, and some treats.
How long should a puppy be left alone in the day?
The age of the puppy will determine how long they can be left alone in their room. The longer the time between visits is, the younger the puppy. You should not leave your puppy alone for longer than two hours each day.
Is it possible to leave your dog alone at night?
You shouldn’t leave your puppy alone overnight if you own one. Dogs with separation anxiety should be treated in the same way. While some dogs may be able to cope with this, it is not recommended.