Is 8 hours a day too long to crate?

[Alisha Mobley]

Re: Okay That's IT!

Originally posted by jicksies
Put yourself in a crate for eight hours and see how you like it.

Eat what your dog eats, clean yourself with your tongue, sniff your friends butt, lick a friends wound. I'm sure you see my point by now. Canines and humans can not be compared. What is natural and safe for a dog is not necessarily natural and safe for the dogs owner (if you do decide to try out a crate for yourself, let us know how it goes ). If your wanting to put yourself in your dogs place to see how he/she feels then don't forget to make your spay/neuter appointment before it's too late.

I think the use of crates is just like training methods, everyone has their own opinion. You use what works safely for you and your dog.

 

[sharron]

crating your boxer

OK, this subject is still going strong I see.
Here is what it says on the paper that came from the breeder, Jacquet Boxers, that came with Duquessa, titled "Crate-training the pup."

"One of the most useful devices for raising a puppy, and perhaps one of the most misunderstood, is a fold-up wire dog crate." "People who raise, train, and show dogs have been aware of the benefits of crates for years. Unfortunately, the new pet owner is not as well-informed."

This paper is two pages long, and it tells how to crate train. Then it says, "A young pup should not be placed in it's crate for prolonged periods of time. During the day, the limit should be two to three hours at a time. This is because of the frequent periods of activity that occur throughout early development, as well as frequent elimination responses. Clients who are gone for extended periods must provide the pup with a larger, damage-proof area." "An area for elimination must be provided within the enclosed area, as well as food and water, according to length of absence. A pup should not be isolated for extended periods of time, even within a damage-proof area, unless absolutely necessary. Isolation can have negative effects on a pup's psychological development."
One more thing that it says is:
"Many clients ask how long their dogs should be kept in the crate. The answer depends upon the dog. Some animals are never able to have the run of the house, even when mature. In any event, if the dog has been crate-trained, the owners will never find it necessary to dispose of the animal because of destructive behavior occurring during their absence."
It sounds like good advice to me. Eight hours sounds a little too long to me for a puppy. When I worked and had boxers, I always had more than one and they kept each other company until I could get home and then they slept with us all night.
So the advice from the expert seems the most sound. Hope this helps.

 

[JTPappy]

YES!!!!!

Jim

 

[jicksies]

Right on Sharron!!!!!!

 

[jicksies]

Alisha...you scare me...

 

[JulieM]

jicksies, I'm confused. First you go on a rampage that crating a dog is "sick" then you applaud Sharron's post extolling the virtues of crating.

Which is it?

 

[Alisha Mobley]

Originally posted by jicksies
Alisha...you scare me...

Sorry :D

 

[jicksies]

To Julie M

Hi Julie...I have said all along that crating for 8 hours a day is wrong...Crate-training is an excellent idea when the dogs are pups...but NEVER FOR EIGHT or more hours a day.I believe that pups need that sense of "den" and security, but I can't see keeping them in there all day...I think crate training is being abused, misunderstood, misinterpreted and dog-owners are not doing the research regarding the correct method of crate-training. As we both know Julie, even dog trainers have differences of opinion regarding how long a dog should remain in a crate so it is really up to the individual to decide. For me, I hold the opinion that eight hours is TOO long... plain and simple. Am I clear now JulieM? Take care, Jicksies

 

[Alisha Mobley]

Re: To Julie M

Originally posted by jicksies
...regarding how long a dog should remain in a crate so it is really up to the individual to decide.

Exactly.

Jamos, keep in mind what works for one may not work for another. Hopefully all these opinions can help but you need to decide what will work out best for you and your puppy/dog if you are still wanting to get one.

 

[danjr]

Crate 'em Dano!

My babies LOVE their crates and they stay in their for more than eight hours a day, it is their own space with their own smell. Heck, we humans crate ourselves sometimes one whole weekend and never leave the house! Believe me, if my boys want out of their crates, there is NOTHING that will hold them in.

dj