How Long Can a Dog Stay in a Crate?

You have probably heard of crate training or even had it recommended to you. 

However, unsurprisingly, it is a bit of a controversial topic. Keeping your dog in a crate can be easily abused and can seem cruel to some, it is even illegal in some countries.

So, is using a crate safe? How long can a dog reasonably stay in a crate? Is it the same for all dogs? Let's try to take a look at the facts.

When Crating is Not the Solution

Crating your dog can have many positives, it can help curb destructive behavior, calm anxiety, and allow your dog to retreat somewhere if they feel overwhelmed.

However, crating is not a fix-all solution. Some dogs may become more anxious or frustrated when crated. Crating should also never replace proper training, dogs are not meant to stay in a crate for hours on end, especially puppies. A crate should also never be used as a means of punishing bad behavior.

A dog who spends too long alone in a crate may become very depressed, resulting in more destruction and bad behavior. Dogs have some concept of time and are not meant to be kept isolated and away from you. Therefore, crating should only be done in moderation and with frequent potty, social, and exercise breaks.

So How Long is Too Long?

This isn’t actually an easy question because it's not a one size fits all solution. Dog owners may have to see if crate training works for them and their dogs. 

For example, more relaxed breeds, such as bulldogs, may be more willing to stay sleeping in their crates than more energetic breeds, such as collies. Big dogs may also feel more claustrophobic and unable to stretch than smaller breeds - while some smaller breeds may feel overwhelmed by a big crate.

Puppies also struggle to stay crated. Their bladders are very small, and they need frequent toilet breaks. Their attention span is also much shorter than adult dogs. In the same way an adult human may be ok staying in their bedroom the whole day, while a child may quickly become bored and frustrated, even if they have toys available.

A Rough Estimation

Small puppies - Small puppies can only stay around for less than an hour for every month of life. Tiny puppies (under 12 weeks) can only stay closed in for about 30 - 60 minutes at a time and need a lot of attention and care.

Puppies - Puppies from 3 to 6 months have better bladder control and more ability to learn. You can gradually increase the time to around 1 to 3 hours, with frequent checks for potty breaks.

Older puppies - 6 - 12 month-old puppies can now stay around 3 - 4 hours per day. However, they will need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to make up for the lost time.

Adult dogs - A healthy adult dog can stay in a crate for approximately 4 - 5 hours every day, and never more than 8 hours at a time. If you are unable to let them out, then it's advised you get a dog walker or pet sitter who can come by at that time to let them potty break and walk around. Some RSPCA’s such as the UK and AUS ones, have the cap at 3 - 4 hours.

Senior dogs - Senior dogs are more prone to a loss of bladder control and uncomfortable things such as arthritis, for this reason, it's best not to let them be crated for more than 2 - 4 hours.

Each owner will have to see how their dogs adapt, a well-adjusted dog may have an easier time than a very nervous dog. Crate training can take some time, but if your dog is not adapting well and becoming agitated, then it may be a better idea to change tactics. 

 

Preparing the Crate

If your dog is going to stay in their crate for any extended period, then you need to make sure their crate is comfortable and ready.

For starters, avoid putting the crate in direct sun, near a fireplace, or anywhere drafty. The place should be calm enough to avoid disturbing the dog, but still close to family, such as in a bedroom or family room. Dogs, especially puppies, are social creatures, and keeping the crate where they can still see/hear you can help reduce separation anxiety. 

The crate size should be big enough that they can sit, stand, lie down, and turn around. It should also ideally contain some bedding (waterproof is recommended for puppies) as well as a few toys. It is also recommended to include some puzzle toys, such as treat balls, to distract them if you are going out for extended periods.[1]

It is also recommended that you leave some water within reach. If you are worried your dog is going to knock it over, consider getting a clip-on bowl or a water bottle. Dogs can dehydrate quite easily.

Helping a Dog With Separation Anxiety

While making the effort to crate train can help an anxious dog, it can be more of a challenge to get a dog with separation anxiety to accept the crate.

One of the best ways to do this is to start up slowly, or by putting their bed in there to sleep but leaving the crate door open. Keep the crate close by, such as in your bedroom, and slowly move it away - which can be especially beneficial for puppies.[2]

You can work on making the crate a positive experience by including things like a soft blanket, chew toys, and treats, or petting them when they settle down (with the door open). You can even serve them their meals in the crate so they get used to entering it without fear.

If your dog is legitimately panicking, then don’t force them to be in the crate. However, if they are just crying and acting out, then you should wait for them to calm down for a moment before you release them.

Create a relaxing sleep environment by making sure the temperature is comfortable, they have pottied and exercised before bed, and by having a consistent bedtime routine.

You can also provide them with dog pajamas to help them regulate temperature and to have a swaddling effect.

For some stylish Dog Pajama options, including very large sizes, check out Sparkpaws Dog Pajama Collection.

For severe anxiety, it may be best to consult a professional. Crating may be a short term solution, but it may cause other issues for a dog with deep-seated trauma.

The Training Process

We’ve covered a lot of the steps in this article already, but the basics go something like this:

1. Create a comfortable, safe space in the crate that your dog is comfortable with.

2. Establish a positive connotation with the crate using foods/treats/affection.

3. Start by letting them stay in the crate for short periods, or sleeping there with the door open.

4. Keep the crate close to you, so the dog doesn’t feel isolated. This is especially important for puppies but can soothe older dogs as well.

5. Establish a command to go in the crate and reward entering the crate and staying calm with treats.

6. While training, don’t leave immediately after crating (but not too long either), and leave in a calm way with minimal fussing.

7. Keep crate time to a minimum, this may involve including help from dog walkers or neighbors.

8. Don’t make a fuss when you come home and let them out, or at least wait for them to calm down a bit before greeting them.

9. NEVER ignore genuine cries of distress - especially in puppies. But don’t go letting them out if they are just whining or scratching until they have calmed down. 

 

Signs You Are Crating for Too Long

Try to go by the time limits set above, but if you are worried about your personal case then look out for these signs.[3]

1. Dogs are clean animals, they hate to use the bathroom where they sleep. If they are soiling their crates, or are rushing out to go, then they are probably there too long. Puppies especially have tiny bladders. 

2. Whining and crying. A bit of whining is normal, especially for puppies, but if you have been crate training a while and your dog still seems distressed about going in the crate then you may be leaving them too long for comfort.

3. Obvious signs of stress such as drooling, panting, or pacing shortly after being confined.

4. Senior dogs that have been left too long may be very stiff and uncomfortable when leaving their crates, as they have been unable to stretch their joints out.

5. Destruction of toys, bedding, and anything else left in the crate probably indicates that your dog is frustrated and bored being stuck in there.

These can be signs that you are leaving your dog inside too long…even if you are sticking within the guideline amounts.

Some dogs just do not do well with crating, and you may need to come up with alternate solutions to keep them occupied.

 

Conclusion

Deciding to crate train can be a great way to help anxious or destructive dogs, but it's not the perfect solution for all dogs. How long a dog can stay can depend on breed and temperament. 

Puppies - 1 - 3 hours (Depending on age)

Older puppies - 3 - 4 hours

Adult dogs - 4 - 5, never more than 8 hours 

Senior dogs - 2 - 4 hours

Your crate should include a bed, water, toys, and be somewhere out of direct sun. You can help your dog feel comfortable by slowly getting them used to the crate, making it a positive experience, not confining them too long, and keeping the crate near people.

Dogs with separation anxiety may need more time and attention to adapt. Never force them into the crate, provide them with soothing items (such as pajamas), and make sure you remain calm when crating them. Severe anxiety should be handled by professionals.

We are sure that you want what is best for your furry friends, and will take the time to get to know their personal needs to provide the best care you can.

Happy Walking!

Ext Links

[1] https://www.preventivevet.com

[2] https://www.pawcbd.com

[3]https://www.acanineaffinity.com