How long to leave puppy in crate?

Question

I have to leave my house @ 6:30 a.m to get to work and I don't return from work until 4:30 p.m(10 hrs)...We are getting a new pug puppy soon. Sometimes my hubby works different shifts like 11:00 - 8:00, so most days the puppy would just be alone from 10:30 - 4:30 (6hrs)..is this okay for a baby pug to be in crate so long? We really have no other options, there are no pet-sitting/pet-walking services here, and we don't really know anyone that could come over and walk the dog. We live far away from family. The second we get off work we come home though. We don't go out and do much, so the puppy would get lots of love in the afternoons and night and early morning...I am just so nervous that the puppy will feel neglected... :(

Answer 1

i have been raising labs for 20 yrs, trust me crate training is the greatest training aid ever. first of all the crate becomes there safe place, so never discipline them in crate, second dogs will do anything to keep from going potty where they sleep. make the crate his home, put his chew toys blankets and treats there. while in there he is comfortable and not destroying your home. at about 1 yr old you will be comfortable leaving him out. my twelve yr old lab still uses her kennel for naps and time to herself.

Answer 2

Leaving Puppy In Crate

Answer 3

Honestly it may not be the right time to get a puppy. If u plan on getting an older dog than 6 hours is fine but a puppy is a lot of work and they need to really be left alone for the most 2-3 hours when they r 3/4 months old and as they get older they can be left longer but no more than 8 hours. They need attention and training. A bored puppy can get out of control and training will be harder. Consider waiting and seeing if ur work schedule changes and than u can fit a puppy into ur life. It won't be fair to u or ur puppy right now in ur life. Good luck

Answer 4

As long as the puppy is not deficating in the crate, he's fine. 8-9 hours max should be the limit. But for a very small puppy, you shouldn't get him too young if you have to work right away. They need someone to watch them all of the time, or else they will cry and develop anxiety. I suggest waiting to get a puppy until you can spend a few weeks (1 or 2) alone with it - or have someone watch it. New puppies are just like babies, if you leave them alone too long at first, they will not bond or may resent you.

Answer 5

It depends. I have had a puppy that we had to crate all day when she was nine weeks old because she would not stay in the kitchen where we usually confine our pups. She would sneak out by jumping over the gate or knocking it down. She was fine-never one accident. I have another that I could not leave for more than four or five hours at a time. Smaller dogs tend to be able to stay less time than larger breeds for some reason. Try it a little at a time. The general rule is one hour per month of age plus one. So, if your dog is four months old, you could leave it for five hours, but like I said, this varies from dog to dog.

Answer 6

This is a hard one. Puppies are at their most accepting stage between the ages of 6 - 12 weeks, that is when they pick up and learn the most. If you want a great adult dog, then is the time to generally shape the pup to how you want it to be.

Not saying they don't keep learning later, but at this age they are really eager to learn and accept.

I would honestly think twice before purchasing a puppy, till you can either get some time off work or one of you has a changed schedule, to allow the pup it's first few weeks at home to be a pleasant and learning experience.

Answer 7

I would put comfy blankets in the crate, fresh water and some dog food (the amount determines how much space u have in the crate. Also if u can put a toy in with the puppy. I woul also give him a lot of love and play with the puppy a lot.

Answer 8

I have a pug and he hates it when we leave him alone. He will usually spray on as many walls as possible. Have you talked to the vet sometimes they will board your dogs on days that you know you will be unable to be home for a lengthy period of time. Our vet only charges 7 dollars a day, and this will help to socialize your puppy.

Answer 9

the puppy will be fine just make sure it has water and toys to chew and play with I would also leave a radio or tv on for company
and it goes out as soon as you get home

it is part of the learning process and you will be surprised at how they learn your schedules

Answer 10

No, it isn't healthy for the puppy AT ALL. I have pugs and raise them. I suggest you get a fold-up pen and put it in your kitchen when you leave. This way he can play, but still be confined. You can get them at many pet stores. Also, you can put puppy pads down so he can go to the bathroom on those if he needs to. It's NOT good for their muscular or psychological development to crate them for more than 2 hours at a time.