Q: Crating my puppy need opinion?
I have an 8-week old Schnauzer I got her about a week ago and I would like to get your opinion on this. Okay, I just got a job and start tomorrow so I got a crate to keep her in while I am working, which will be 7 to 3 but I work about 2 mins away so I will come home and take her out on my breaks. So do you think the whole crating idea is a good one, and should I let her get used to it 1st before I start coming home on my breaks? I have her in it just to get her used to it but she is having a fit.
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Answers and Views:
Answer by Stan
What have you bought a dog for if you intend the leave it for 8 hours a day? And do you imagine a puppy of that age can hold its urine and feces for that long? Irrespective of how far you live and I really cannot believe unless you work from home that you can be 2 minutes away. And just how many breaks do you get?
Imagine the trauma this pup is going to go through, first of all, abandoned =when they are strong pack animals and secondly because the mother has taught them never to defecate in their own bed you are now going to lock it in a cage for hours at a time.
Get a cat or a goldfish and rehome the dogs to someone that can give it the time and patience a young puppy needs.
Answer by Mireya
Way too young to be left alone that long. Hire a dog walker to come by every two hours. If you can't do this, find your puppy another home.
Answer by Chrissy Gordon
Hi, it is best to crate the puppy only because a puppy can get into so many things while you are gone and they know no better.
It is also a safe place for the puppy and you, of course, will know where your puppy is at all times.
The reason for the crate is to confine the dog so no destruction can happen when you are not there.
Dogs can get into so many things that it can hurt them if not properly cared for such as chewing cords to electric, ruining clothes, shoes and rugs including furniture, chewing all sorts of things.
They can even get into the trash and eat something that could make them sick and or kill them.
When puppies are little they love to chew on things for their teeth and some dogs go through separation anxiety. and they will even do more damage to things. so it is best to crate the puppy to keep him safe and secure.
Answer by Jessilyn
Crating is a great idea for a dog. You need to let her know that it's a safe place for her and a wonderful spot to relax. Start by crating her at night when you go to bed. Maybe put a soft cushion/dog bed so she's not lying on the hard plastic bottom. If she is barking or whining ignore her. I know it sounds cruel but if you go over to her and tell her, "It's okay, you're okay", she'll get the idea that she gets attention when she barks or whines. If you say (or yell) "No!", she's going to associate the crate with negativity and not going to want to go in it. When you put her in it and leave for the day, put a toy or a bone or something to keep her occupied for a little while. I did this with my dog and he is in love with his crate.
Answer by CLH
Crate training is great - especially for a small dog. The idea behind crate training is that dogs are "den" animals. Like foxes in the wild. If you need to work during the day this is a good option. There are several rules of thumb you should follow to make sure your puppy is comfortable.
First, make sure the crate is just large enough for your puppy to stand up in (on all fours, of course, head up, and big enough that she is able to lie on her side with her legs outstretched, any larger than this will provide too much room for her and she may "potty" in her crate. You don't want that as crate training also helps with potty training. If your crate is the correct size she will not potty in it as she'll feel like she won't be able to get far enough away from her "business."
Second, as she is still a puppy she will only be able to hold her bladder for 3-4 hours tops before she becomes uncomfortable. Make sure you are coming home on your lunch to let her outside.
Third, make sure she has water in her crate - there are attachable dishes, so she won't spill it, and give her a couple of safe toys to play with/chew on while crated. Make sure they are of indestructible material that is large enough so she does not choke. If she really likes a specific toy give that one to her only when she's crated, so it feels like a reward. Never, ever punish her by putting her in her crate. The crate should be her safe haven. You don't want to associate it with anything negative.
Lastly, if she's getting a bit out of sorts inside her crate - whining and such - place a light sheet over the top of it to darken it up in there. This should settle her down.
The best way to start her out in her crate would be over a weekend. Put her in her crate in a quiet room and close the door. Leave her for 10 min - let her out. An hour later, put her in for 30 min, let her out. an hour later, put he in for an hour, and so on, so she'll eventually get used to it and realize that even though she's in there, you will be back to let her out again. Also, having something of yours like an old shirt or pillowcase with your smell in her bedding will make her feel more secure.
Make sure she gets plenty of exercises when she's out of her crate. This will keep her much more content while she is crated.
Good luck!
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