Is it true a puppy can be crated an hour per month old they are? Just wanted to be sure. I'm deathly afraid of potty accidents.
Crates are a valuable tool for setting boundaries and keeping your puppy safe during the early stages.
Yes I think your hour per month of age is about right. Don't worry. Pups don't want to soil where they lie.
@Jillian, simmer down.
I recently sat for a 10 month old puppy pit mix, who is crated between walks. one day she was crated about 8 hours; the crate has a divider in it, because she poops in it (my heart sank when I saw the divider, placed not even half way so the dog is in front smaller part. Any suggestions or advice?
Crates can be a great tool as long as they are used as a "safe and enjoyable" spot where dogs know they can enjoy a peaceful nap or some quiet chill out time . I know of several dogs who just will go climb in their crate and chew on their favorite toy or take a nap (the door isn't even closed). It's like your favorite chair... it's their favorite chill out spot.
Make sure your puppy isn't urinating out of fear from the crate. Being a puppy is one thing, urinating out of fear because you're leaving is completely another thing. You want him to associate good things with the crate not negative things like you leaving him, etc. Separation anxiety symptoms later on can happen later on down the road if you're not careful. Try leaving him alone for small amount of time like 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 1 min, 3 min. Don't let him figure out how long you'll be gone.
Crates can be great training tools. I'm personally not a fan, but they work well for many dogs as long as they're crate trained correctly. They shouldn't be left there too long and the crate should NEVER be used as a punishment. An hour/month for a puppy sounds about right- Anything more than 4 or 5 hours (unless its at night time) is probably too long though.
Age is one factor, but so is size. My lab and my dachshund can make it all day without accidents, but my chihuahua potties in his crate almost daily. I just have old junky towels from garage sales and I put a clean one in his crate every day.
Shame on you! Crates are cruel. Love your puppy and they won't need it.
Not true! I had a pom who would tear up the carpet if left alone. If I needed to go get groceries I would come back to something tore up. A crate was the only thing that helped! She was perfectly fine in there for a hour. She did not die, the crate didn't swallow her whole. So Calm down & don't tell people how to take care of their pets.
I agree with Krystal. Crates are not evil or cruel, it all depends on the owner and how they use the crate. Crates are very useful training tools and protection for your house. I used one with my dog, and he would even go in there on his own while I was home just to nap.
I'm sitting a labradoodle right now who paces and is anxious. The owner says he doesn't crate him. I threw one of his favorite toys in the crate, he went in after it and now he goes in and lays down. It's the only thing that calms him down.
Jillian WHAT are you talking about?????? how are crates cruel? I LOVED all my dogs....more than you know and guess what? they loved their crates....it teaches them boundaries and when we were home we left the crate open and they found it a safe place to nap and not be underfoot....maybe you saw someone leave their pets too long or as punishment.....shame on me???? really???
We sat with a dog that when he was to be left alone in the home, he was given a Kong filled with p-nut butter in his cage. He loved the treat and the cage. The cage is the ONLY time he gets the Kong and the P-nut butter