keeping dog in crate

[Anonymous]

We recently adopted an adult dog, and on the advice of the rescue organization, we've been putting her in her crate when we go out. So far, I've been able to work at home so that she hasn't been home alone (and crated) for more than a couple hours, but I'm going to have to begin leaving her for longer periods of time (not all day, but maybe 4 hours at a time). I feel bad making her be in her crate for that long; how do I know when she's ready to have free range of the house when alone?

[Anonymous]

Just make sure she has a big enough crate. 4 hours is fine, especially if she's not crated at night.

[Anonymous]

In my (limited) experience, OP, you have to rip off the Band-aid and give her a chance. I did this with my dog and after a few hiccups, she has free rein in the house, and everyone is happier.

[Anonymous]

Can you do it in stages? We crated our puppy first, then moved to one room, using a child gate to keep him in the kitchen, etc. Watched for signs of any mischief. Gradually, we allowed him in larger spaces, and then the full run of the house. We still don't really leave him more than 5-6 hours, given his particular temperament, but I know some people are able to leave their dogs for 8-10 hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my (limited) experience, OP, you have to rip off the Band-aid and give her a chance. I did this with my dog and after a few hiccups, she has free rein in the house, and everyone is happier.

I’m going to have to disagree with this. The first time we left our dog home alone he ripped a coffee table book that he never had expressed any interest in to shreds. The next time, he tore open a piece of leather furniture. This is a dog who is perfectly happy to be home alone in his crate.

[Anonymous]

Just another bit of crate advice. Make the crate a safe, comfortable place for your dog. It should not be used for punishment. They should only associate it with positive things. Our dog loves her little "den".

As far as being alone in the house: be confident that your dog is fully housebroken, obviously, before you let him/her free range. I would limit him/her to a specific part of the house for alone time, and free range when you're there. Over time, you'll get to know what works and how trusting you can be. It's not difficult. Congratulations on your new family member!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Just make sure she has a big enough crate. 4 hours is fine, especially if she's not crated at night.

No, she's not crated at night. How big is big enough? The one we have is big enough for her to stand in and turn around, but she can't walk around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my (limited) experience, OP, you have to rip off the Band-aid and give her a chance. I did this with my dog and after a few hiccups, she has free rein in the house, and everyone is happier.

I’m going to have to disagree with this. The first time we left our dog home alone he ripped a coffee table book that he never had expressed any interest in to shreds. The next time, he tore open a piece of leather furniture. This is a dog who is perfectly happy to be home alone in his crate.

OmY, but most dogs aren’t like this. Most dogs are sentient beings that want to be part of the family in every way and they understand not to destroy the house.
Does your dog still do this? My dog did a few goofy things her first year (no crate ever) but nothing destructive for years 1.1 - 16.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Just make sure she has a big enough crate. 4 hours is fine, especially if she's not crated at night.

No, she's not crated at night. How big is big enough? The one we have is big enough for her to stand in and turn around, but she can't walk around.

You could also just try starting with putting him in a large bathroom or the kitchen instead of a crate.

[Anonymous]

My dog loves her crate. She sleeps very comfortably when I am gone during the day. Sometimes I have to wake her up if I come back after an hour.

[Anonymous]

Reach out to the rescue and ask for background info. Maybe there is a good reason for the recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my (limited) experience, OP, you have to rip off the Band-aid and give her a chance. I did this with my dog and after a few hiccups, she has free rein in the house, and everyone is happier.

I’m going to have to disagree with this. The first time we left our dog home alone he ripped a coffee table book that he never had expressed any interest in to shreds. The next time, he tore open a piece of leather furniture. This is a dog who is perfectly happy to be home alone in his crate.

OmY, but most dogs aren’t like this. Most dogs are sentient beings that want to be part of the family in every way and they understand not to destroy the house.
Does your dog still do this? My dog did a few goofy things her first year (no crate ever) but nothing destructive for years 1.1 - 16. [/quote

Well, we stopped the home alone experiments after the leather fiasco. And that was when he was contained to only the living room! I should probably mention that he is 10 months old.

[Anonymous]

I have had 3 dogs and only crated until they were house broken.
Leave the dog out for short periods and see how she does, then you can try longer periods of time.

I agree dogs like having a " den" area. This does not mean they want to be stuck in their crate for hours on end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Just make sure she has a big enough crate. 4 hours is fine, especially if she's not crated at night.

No, she's not crated at night. How big is big enough? The one we have is big enough for her to stand in and turn around, but she can't walk around.

That's good. Can she also sleep comfortably? Sometimes dogs spread themselves out when they sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my (limited) experience, OP, you have to rip off the Band-aid and give her a chance. I did this with my dog and after a few hiccups, she has free rein in the house, and everyone is happier.

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