How long in his crate??

[alliwhite]

I know they say that some boxers have separation anxiety, however, I think I suffer from it more than my boy Blue. I hate leaving him in his crate! I feel really bad for him. Today is the longest he has EVER been in his crate (5 hours!). Is that too long?!?! Usually I will do ANYTHING to keep from having to leave him that long, but today I just couldn't:( Do you think 5 hours is too long to keep a 5 month old dog in his crate????

 

[yodla]

The rule of thumb is you take his age and add 1 (5 months + 1 = 6 hours in crate).

 

[Silverstar]

I am like you. I hate to have my baby girl in her kennel. But, I don't trust her right now. I leave her out at night sometimes, but during the day (workdays) she is in the kennel. Unfortunately, I am at work between 9-10 hours average. She adjusts and goes crazy happy when I actually just work 8 hours or less.

We are taking baby steps. She stays out at night, I leave for 10-15 min or so and come back eventually I will go to the store for an hour or so and see how she does. Sometimes you just can't help but leave them in longer. It doesn't make you a bad fur-parent or anything (IMHO) .

 

[dgreen76108]

Luckily, I am able to come home during lunch to let mines out for an hour, then in she goes. I use to feel really bad, but then I realize it is for their own safety. I don't leave them in their no longer than she has to. 5 hours is not bad, they sleep most of the time.