How Long Should You Crate Your Dog During The Day?
A full eight-hour workday, not counting travel time, is a long time for a dog to be in a crate without access to water or a way to eliminate. Though many adult dogs can handle this schedule, others cannot.
Keep in mind that while your dog may be able to successfully go without water or going potty for eight hours or more, over time this schedule can lead to health issues like kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Ideally, you have other family members who have a work or school schedule that differs from yours so your dog is never alone for a full day. It’s also ideal to have a few emergency contacts with spare keys who can visit your dog in the event that you are not able to get home in time.
Typically, dog owners do not leave water bowls in crates because they can make a mess. Limiting access to water can help prevent accidents, but if you’ll be gone for more than just a few hours at a time, it’s a good idea to make sure your dog has water. You can get a drip-free water bottle for your dog’s crate that works similarly to a hamster bottle.
The Theory Behind Crate Training
Proponents of dog crating believe that crating works because it mimics a wild dog’s natural instinct to seek out a den as a place to raise a family, to hide if necessary, and to sleep. It is believed that dogs enjoy spending time in their crates because it brings up natural feelings of safety and comfort that wild dogs would experience in a den. It is further believed that wild dogs can sleep for as much as 16 hours each day, so domesticated dogs can similarly be crated for the entire night and as much as half of the day so they can sleep in comfort and security – while also not destroying your house or getting into potentially dangerous situations while you’re away at work.
Start with a Morning Workout
Exercise is great for you and your dog! Start the day off with a walk, jog or rigorous play. Reap the health benefits, and burn some of your dog’s excess energy so they won’t bounce off the walls while you’re at work.
Crate Training a Puppy While at Work
While leaving dog in crate while at work is not recommended, if this must be tried, it shouldn’t be more than 8 hours. If crating a puppy while at work is not an option, dog-proof the room you’re keeping them in to ensure they can’t injure themselves while you’re away.