Is It Cruel to Crate a Dog While at Work? Experts Weigh In.

If you’re a dog owner who works long hours, you may be wondering whether it’s cruel to leave your pet crated while you’re away. While crating can be a useful tool for managing your dog’s behavior and keeping them safe, it’s important to consider the potential downsides.

According to PETA, puppies who are born and raised in crate-like structures in pet shops and puppy mills can experience severe anxiety and develop fearful or destructive behavior if they are confined to crates. However, if used appropriately, a crate can provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog to rest while you’re at work.

So, is it cruel to crate a dog while at work? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your dog’s temperament, age, and overall health, as well as the length of time they’ll be crated and the conditions of the crate itself. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to consider before making a decision.

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The Benefits of Crate Training

When it comes to crate training, there are several benefits for both you and your dog. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should consider crate training your dog:

Potty Training

Crate training can be a great tool for potty training your dog. Dogs naturally want to keep their sleeping area clean, so by keeping them in a crate, they will learn to hold their bladder and bowels until they are let out. This can help prevent accidents in the house and make the potty training process much faster and easier.

Safety and Security

Another benefit of crate training is that it provides a safe and secure space for your dog. Dogs are den animals by nature, so having a crate to retreat to can help them feel more secure and comfortable. Additionally, if you need to leave your dog alone for a short period, keeping them in a crate can help prevent them from getting into dangerous situations or causing damage to your home.

Preventing Destructive Behavior

If your dog tends to chew on furniture or other household items, crate training can be a great way to prevent this destructive behavior. By keeping your dog in a crate while you are away, you can ensure that they are not able to get into anything they shouldn’t be. Over time, your dog will learn that the crate is a safe and comfortable place to be, and they will be less likely to engage in destructive behavior even when they are not in the crate.

Overall, crate training can be a great way to provide your dog with a safe and comfortable space while also helping to prevent unwanted behaviors. Just be sure to introduce the crate slowly and make it a positive experience for your dog. With time and patience, your dog will come to love their crate and see it as their den.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club
• Pupford

The Potential Drawbacks of Crate Training

Crate training can be an effective method for house training and keeping your dog safe while you’re away at work. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before deciding to crate your dog for extended periods.

Isolation and Loneliness

Being confined to a crate for hours on end can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness for your pet. Dogs are social animals and crave interaction with their human family members. If they are left alone in a crate for too long, they may become anxious, depressed, and even destructive.

Physical Discomfort

Another potential drawback of crate training is the physical discomfort your dog may experience. If the crate is too small or poorly ventilated, your dog may become overheated or cramped. Additionally, if they are not given enough opportunities to stretch their legs and move around, they may develop joint problems or muscle atrophy.

Possible Negative Associations

If your dog is crated for too long or too frequently, it may begin to associate the crate with negative feelings and experiences. This can lead to resistance to entering the crate, anxiety when inside the crate, and even aggression towards the crate or their human family members.

It’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks of crate training against the benefits before deciding whether it’s the right choice for you and your dog. Consult with your veterinarian and consider alternative options, such as doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker, if you’re concerned about leaving your dog alone for extended periods.

Sources:

• AKC
• Pethelpful
• Pupford

Alternatives to Crate Training

If you’re not comfortable with crate training your dog, there are several alternatives you can consider. Here are a few:

Doggy Daycare

Enrolling your pet in doggy daycare is a great option if you’re away from home for long hours. Your dog will get to socialize with other dogs and receive plenty of attention and exercise from the staff. Make sure to research and choose a reputable daycare facility that meets your dog’s needs.

Hiring a Dog Walker

If you prefer to have your dog stay at home, hiring a dog walker is a good option. A professional dog walker can come to your home and take your dog for a walk, providing them with exercise and a potty break. Make sure to hire a licensed and insured dog walker who has experience with dogs.

Using a Pet Camera

If you want to keep an eye on your dog while you’re away, using a pet camera is a great option. You can monitor your dog’s behavior, and some cameras even allow you to speak to your dog and dispense treats. Make sure to choose a camera with high-quality video and audio and a reliable connection.

Remember, each dog is unique and has different needs. Consider your dog’s personality, age, and health when choosing an alternative to crate training. Always make sure your dog is safe, comfortable, and happy while you’re away.

FAQ

Is crating a dog all day cruel?

Too much time in the crate is very bad for your dog. They cannot get the exercise that they need and the isolation is also very stressful for them. Dogs are pack animals and so too much time alone can make them depressed, and more aggressive, and they may even harm themselves.

If you need to be away for a prolonged period, get a friend to help watch your dog or consider a pet-sitting service.

How long can you crate a dog during the day?

For an adult dog, it’s best not to crate them longer than half a day if at all possible. Some dogs may be crated for up to 8 hours, but this is not something that you would want to do regularly. If you need to crate your dog for a long time, consider a doggy daycare or dropping off your dog with a friend during the day.

This will help to ensure that your dog doesn’t get depressed or have any other ill effects from prolonged isolation.

What can I do with my dog while I’m at work?

If you will be working long hours, consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member, or if this is not possible then check on local pet-sitting services.

If you have to crate your dog during the day, consider coming home at lunch to give them a walk so that they can get some interaction and a little exercise and this will help.

Can I let my dog roam free in the house?

It is not recommended to give your dog free-reign to roam the house unless they are at least 2 years of age. By 2 years, your dog is much more mature and you should be able to let them roam unchecked with very few worries.

If your dog is younger, consider a baby barrier to keep them in the bathroom or another room of the house.  

Can I have a dog if I work 10 hours a day?

You can still have a dog, but you are going to need to get creative to make sure that your dog is getting some exercise and interaction during the day. 10 hours is too long for crating, so this will not be an option.

If you have a house, you might be able to build a dog run and have a friend or neighbor check on your dog during the day. Alternatively, consider pet-sitting services or dropping off the dog with a family member. You can still own a dog, you just need to make sure it’s not isolated too long or deprived of exercise.

Can I own a dog and work full-time?

You can own a dog and work full-time, but you should research in advance so that you may be prepared. Check about local pet sitters and doggy daycare centers in your area or speak with a trusted family member and see if they can help to watch the dog while you are away.

As long as your dog can still get walks and at least some minimal interaction while you are away then it should be just fine.

Can I raise a puppy and work full-time?

You can raise a puppy and work full time but you will need to do a bit of planning. See if one of your friends or family members will let you drop the dog off while you go to work and if this is not a possibility, consider local paid services.

It’s a bit tricky, but you can still raise a puppy and work full-time.

Can I leave my dog alone for 3 days?

Leaving your dog alone for some time this long is not recommended. Your dog could suffer from separation anxiety, become depressed, act out, or even harm themselves. If you are going to be gone for a long period, it is best to get help or a friend or consider a professional boarding service.

What should I do with a new puppy while at work?

See if you can drop off your puppy with a friend while you are at work. Puppies are adorable, so you might find this easier than you think. If this is not an option, local doggy daycares and pet sitters are other possibilities for keeping an eye on your puppy.

How long can you crate a dog?

How long you can crate a dog depends on its age. Some adult dogs may be crated for up to 8 hours, although it’s recommended that you only crate them for 5 to 6 hours at a time before taking them out for exercise and a potty break.

With puppies, it is only recommended that you crate them for an hour at the most during the day, though they can be crated for a few hours at a time during the night, depending on their age.