Dog crates are a good thing. But, as with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad. The question is: how much is too much?
In a recent poll, the majority of readers indicated they seldom if ever crate their dogs. Twenty one percent reported they crate for special circumstances only, fourteen percent said they crated their dog at first but not anymore, nineteen percent said they confine their dog to one safe room, thirty percent said they never crate their dog, while sixteen percent reported they leave their dog crated all day while they're away at work.
Is dog crating cruel?
Dog crates can be a good thing. But, as with anything, too much of a good thing can be bad. The question is: how much is too much? There seems to be a wide range of opinions and the question truly may not have one definitive answer. For instance, an aging hound may be more satisfied sleeping in a crate for a longer period than would a 2 year old Border Collie.
However, it's natural for dogs to seek the security of a den. I'm sure you've noticed how they like to nap under beds or tables. Crates can provide that security, as well as protection, for them. A crated dog cannot chew electrical wires, taste household cleaners or ruin the carpet.
One popular analogy is the baby in a playpen, but just as babies should not spend a continuous nine or ten hours confined alone, dogs shouldn't either. And while babies use diapers, dogs often have to just 'hold it' for nine or ten hours. Very old dogs and very young dogs may be quite uncomfortable waiting. A good general rule for puppies under 6 months is to provide a potty break every hour for every month of age.
Imagine yourself having to wait from 7:45 am to 5:15 pm every day to go to the bathroom or even stretch your legs for just three steps. Day in and day out, this, along with confusing corrections, separation anxiety and other things can become a source of extreme stress.
For those who absolutely must crate their dogs for extended periods, the experience can be made more pleasant by:
