I have a Jack Russell Terrier puppy that's about 7 months old. He sleeps in his crate at night and is very good about it. I usually put him outside in my backyard when I go to work. Lately it has been too cold to do that. I've put up a gate to keep him in my kitchen while I work. (about 8 hrs a day). He's pushed his way out a couple of times and tore up carpet and other stuff. He usually doesn't break out, but he always pees and poops on the kitchen floor. He never goes in the house other than that. I tried puppy pads but he tears them up. I don't think that it is okay to leave him in the crate for that long, especially after sleeping in it all night long. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
2007-12-26 07:55:52 · 9 answers · asked by Answer this! 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He loves it when he's able to stay outside all day. I have a very nice and secure backyard. And he's a DOG. So after sleeping in the crate for about 7 hrs it's okay to let him out for a while in the morning and then back to the crate for 8hrs.?
2007-12-26 08:13:51 · update #1
You aren't doing anything wrong. Maybe you could have someone check on the dog during the day and let him out for a little while. It wouldn't hurt to crate him for the day but I agree with you about it being too long.
2007-12-26 09:22:58 · answer #1 · answered by winterrules 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to say, you sound like you don't have enough time for this puppy.
You should leave him in a crate while you're gone. Yes, even up to 8 hours a day. And yes, even if he's been in the crate all night long. It's better than leaving him anywhere else.
Slick floors are not good for puppies - it can create joint problems.
Being left to roam inside the house is not good either - a dog can accidentally ingest something or chew on wires that could start a fire, etc.
Being left outside is not a good idea - the dog could get his collar caught on something and choke to death. If he doesn't wear a collar or it's a breakaway, he might not be returned to you if he gets out.
You need you to take him outside for walks and to play everyday since you are so busy. Maybe stagger your schedule with someone else's so the puppy gets a potty break in the middle of the day?
2007-12-26 08:24:26 · answer #2 · answered by Kimberly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would keep him in his crate until he can be trusted to stay alone in the house when you are gone. I would leave some water in my dog's crates and they would just nap while we were gone. Once you are ready to keep him uncrated when you are not home, you do it in very small increments. Like you leave the house for 2 minutes and come back and see if he is starting to get into mischief. Then you up it to 5 minutes, 15 and so forth. Also, at first you only give him a small area of the house to roam, like the kitchen or living room area. We did this with our two dogs and they do just fine all by themselves for 8 hours a day. Maybe you should let him sleep out of his crate in a doggie bed since you are home at night and then you will not feel so bad about him being in his crate while you are at work.
2007-12-26 08:11:22 · answer #3 · answered by Blueize911 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crate him it is VERY dangerous to leave a dog outside for 8 hours everyday. No matter how secure you think it is, many dogs have been stolen, attacked by other dogs, ran away, etc.
If you an uncomfortable leaving him for that long, consider hiring a pet sitter to let him out during the day.
You could also buy a very large crate and provide food and a potty area, or even an ex-pen?
2007-12-26 07:59:37 · answer #4 · answered by ccourtcleve 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave him in his crate. That is his den, and he will be comfortable and feel safe there. As well he won't get into trouble.
His crate is not a punishment, it is a safe place. Get up earlier and take him for a nice long walk before you go to work, and he will be fine.
2007-12-26 08:08:43 · answer #5 · answered by always b natural 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I but by lil chihuahua in the bathroom, that's the safest place for him. I put all the rugs up and there's really nothing left for him to tear up, and he still has room to play.
2007-12-26 08:00:53 · answer #6 · answered by Megan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave him in the garage but make sure that you don't store anything low that he can get to. Ie, detergent or any harmful chemicals. if not access to a garage, kennel. i leave my dog in a kennel while im at work with lots of toys and she's fine. it also helpe me potty train her. now she can hold it in for hours!
2007-12-26 08:03:41 · answer #7 · answered by Zoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you thought about doggie day care in your area i think 7 months old is a little young to be left for that long of a period this is just my OPNION
2007-12-26 08:01:51 · answer #8 · answered by LittleLady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at a dog pound
2007-12-26 08:03:12 · answer #9 · answered by Digz 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋