D lon'ly dog
- Thread starter icebucket
- Start date
Yes, covering a crate with a sheet or towel sometimes helps a dog feel more secure in a den-like atmosphere. You can also try taking a tshirt that you have worn which has your scent on it and put it in with her too. Playing a radio low nearby also helps some pups. If it is at bedtime sometimes it helps to have the crate in your bedroom so they don't feel completely alone. One of the main things is to completely ignore the dog when she is crying. You will probably find that each day the crying gets less.
IMO, 4 hours a day is the max that I would leave a pup alone in a crate. Night time sleeping is another thing.
If you cover the crate, be sure it's light enough material that it doesn't get too hot and not enough air. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it and let the dog be able to see out and get some air. It must get kind of stuffy in there as it is.
A stuffed Kong (frozen) is a good thing to keep the dog busy. Also, give the pup a good romp and get her tuckered out first before having to go in there. And have nice, fresh water for him. Make sure it's always as pleasant an experience as possible. Don't associate it with punishment...that sort of thing.
At night, I would bring my crate with my pup in my bedroom, so he could be close to me, but not so close as to "spoil" him. (by letting him sleep in my bed)
Your pup will get use to it if you just hold out on him. Don't go get him when he's crying...that sort of thing.
Good luck.
If you cover the crate, be sure it's light enough material that it doesn't get too hot and not enough air. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it and let the dog be able to see out and get some air. It must get kind of stuffy in there as it is.
A stuffed Kong (frozen) is a good thing to keep the dog busy. Also, give the pup a good romp and get her tuckered out first before having to go in there. And have nice, fresh water for him. Make sure it's always as pleasant an experience as possible. Don't associate it with punishment...that sort of thing.
At night, I would bring my crate with my pup in my bedroom, so he could be close to me, but not so close as to "spoil" him. (by letting him sleep in my bed)
Your pup will get use to it if you just hold out on him. Don't go get him when he's crying...that sort of thing.
Good luck.
yes that is way too long for her being stuck in a crate. sorry but why get a dog if your out all day and you have nobody to look after it? as for the drinking you can get bowls that attach to the side of the crate in a holder, this may be better than laying the bowl in the bottom of the crate, where it can get accidentally knocked over. and if it did knock the bowl over whilst you are out ALL DAY the dog could end up dehydrated, not having access to a drink.
Edited to add it would be better if the pup was put in a room that it cannot damage anything or have access to anything dangerous, maybe a section of your kitchen secured off.
Mo
Edited to add it would be better if the pup was put in a room that it cannot damage anything or have access to anything dangerous, maybe a section of your kitchen secured off.
Mo
Is there anyone else who will be home during those 10 hrs to let her get some exercise & companionship? In my opinion, it would be next to impossible to train her as she should be if she is going to be alone that long.
I also agree that it is way too long to keep a young pup crated. They need exercise, stimulation & companionship to thrive.
If you don't have a room that could be puppy proofed to keep her in, I would suggest investing in an exercise pen that folds up. That way you could set it up with lots of toys and a stuffed kong and she would be able to get some exercise as well. Then when you are home it can be easily folded up & put out of the way.
I also agree that it is way too long to keep a young pup crated. They need exercise, stimulation & companionship to thrive.
If you don't have a room that could be puppy proofed to keep her in, I would suggest investing in an exercise pen that folds up. That way you could set it up with lots of toys and a stuffed kong and she would be able to get some exercise as well. Then when you are home it can be easily folded up & put out of the way.
That sounds like an excellent idea, it will break her day up, and if you can do that then she may not be as over excited as she is at the moment, of course she is going to get excited, she is a pup, and been on her own all day, this is only natural, and when pups get excited they dont listen to well, once you get in to a routine, of someone take her out for regualr breaks, she will no doubt settle into this routine, and when you come home she will be a little excited but not as much as she would be after being locked in all day.
Good luck
Good luck