How Long is Too Long in the Crate?

Crates themselves can be a controversial topic, and the length of time it is ok to leave a dog in the crate is even more so, which is why I am dedicating a whole post to the topic.

Some professionals will say it is never okay to use a crate, others will say its only ok to use crates for short periods of times such as meals or managing transition periods. Others would increase that short period of time to a few hours while the handler is away. Then we have the general pet owner who works an eight+ hour day, and trainers who recommend leaving dogs in their crate anytime their handler is not directly working with them. 

So who’s right? All of them and none of them, really. These recommendations are just a time, arbitrary to your personal dog. Instead, you can rely on behavioral measures to find the sweet spot for you and your individual dog. Your dog is fine in their crate, even for long period of time, IF they receive adequate enrichment and exercise outside the crate still (preferably enrichment in the crate when possible too) AND your dog is not exhibiting any behavior changes akin to acting out, such as excessive overarousal, excessive chewing, repetitive behaviors, etc. 

Ask questions, join the conversation, and post pictures of your crate set up in the Facebook group!

𓃡 𓃩 𓃡 Human End of the Leash 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡

Ask questions, join the conversation, and post pictures of your crate set up in the Facebook group! 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡 Human End of the Leash 𓃡 𓃩 𓃡

Instead of assigning a blanket amount of time for all families regardless of their personal situation, use behavioral markers to get an idea of your dog's behavior related to their crate. Behavioral markers are a better way to take into account your dogs breed, age, personal tendencies, and your specific situation. 

Now that you know how to get a behavioral estimate of how long your dog is ok with staying in their crate, provided they are allowed adequate time for exercise and enrichment, you can start to crate your dog guilt free, or find ways to incorporate more enrichment and exercise to help your dog reach a point where they do not have any negative behavioral markers around the crate!