The idea of leaving a puppy in a small crate while I'm at work bothers me; would a playpen be a better option during the day?
2006-10-07 14:53:35 · 20 answers · asked by Nosynellie 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I know the feeling but the crate gives the puppy a sense of security. Think of it like a den, your puppy's den. Just please don't use it as punishment ever, when that does happen it no longer is a place of security.
My dog loved his (he was a big dog too) and got to the point I didn't have to close the door to the crate.
Also puppies like to chew......... he/she could chew on the netting and could lead to a variety of scenarios (non of them good ones)
2006-10-07 15:01:23 · answer #1 · answered by HKWSTL 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Puppy Playpen Training
2016-11-11 05:36:10 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The puppy will be much more comfortable in a crate...plus, he won't have anything to chew at or destroy while he's in there. Also, a crate is much easier to clean up if puppy has an accident while you're gone. Don't feel guilty over crating your dog! Chances are, he will just sleep while you are away anyways. Make sure you don't give puppy food or water while he's in his crate all day, or the chances of him having accidents increase. All in all, I don't think the playpen idea is a very good one. He also may hurt himself trying to get out the top.
2006-10-07 15:18:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is good to leave her in a crate for that long. What we do (we have a 12 week old boston terrier that we got when she was 8 weeks old) is put her crate in the bathroom, but leave it open and use a baby gate to block her out of the bedroom. The part of the bathroom she is in is about 3ft by 7ft... so her crate and her food and water fit in there and she has a little bit of room to run around. This has worked really well for us. She is potty trained already, and will only go in the bathroom while we are gone because she can't hold it. But once she is older she will be able to. So that is what I recommend doing while you are gone during the day. You can also hire a dog walker just for the first few months...
2016-03-18 06:22:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The playpen is a great idea. So long as there is a nice cosy place for the pup to sleep. He will be able to move around and play and not stress. Reach his food and water and be able to toilet away from his food will make him a better adjusted and healthy pup. He can also have his chewies and toys
By the way I wonder how old the pup is. Young pups need at least three meals a day until about 4 months and then you can get away with twice a day.
To crate him, to me, is cruel. Specially if it is all day. No stimulus, no nothing.
Added:
There are specifically made "play pens" for dogs, they are available from your pet shop or supplier. Some are covered in and others are just the sides. They open up so that the pup walks in itself and thus learns the routine.
2006-10-07 15:04:24 · answer #5 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The puppy will definitely chew through it. There are metal fences that fold up so you could create a pen while you are gone. I have one that cost about $69 and it folds open to a maximum size of about 5x5. That would be better for the puppy over a crate and you could put it in the closet when you are not using it. I know how you feel because I like to give my pets the best life that I could provide. Even my fish have a great life with an all natural tank full of live plants and all the amenities. Take care of your dog and your dog will take care of you.
2006-10-07 15:07:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A crate is better when he is sleeping and at night as puppies learn not to pee where they sleep and in a play pen there is too much room that he can do both in.
If it's during the day and you need to keep him confined you should buy some indoor puppy fences and keep the crate open so he can go in it to sleep
2006-10-07 15:04:26 · answer #7 · answered by mmshall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only do they like the security of a crate, but if you use a playpen it will be big enough for him to eliminate in. You will have a tough time potty training a puppy that learns to eliminate in its den. The crate should be big enough for him to move around in but not so big that he can potty in it and still have a dry place to lay. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep/lay and if you use a playpen it will learn to potty in a corner and then move to a dry spot.
2006-10-07 15:09:33 · answer #8 · answered by sweetiepie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is. They have more room in a playpen than a crate. I've used a playpen for my chihuahua.
2006-10-07 14:59:44 · answer #9 · answered by smiley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used puppy playpens for 24 years.
Its far better than a crate. They need room to move.
Be sure to leave, toys, food & water.
30 yrs exp. canines
2006-10-08 06:24:28 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋