when crate is not used for training is it still okay?

dog in crate 6 hours image

stan_mcman

Ok I have a couple of questions about keeping dogs in crates....

1. Most websites talk about crates as a training tool...does that mean at some point they should not be used anymore w/ a dog like once it's trainined?

1. How much crate time is too much? Like I mean how many hours per day? All I've heard is that it shouldn't be for more than 6-8 hours at at a time, does that mean after that the dog can go back in for another 6 hours? How much total per day is too much?

2. Can keeping a dog in a crate be harmful to it? What are the negative side effects, I mean mentally and socially?

3. If I kept my dog crated too long, could the spca take him away?

4. My dog tries to run out of the front door anytime someone comes over, is there a way to train him to not do that?

5. Has anyone tried those electronic collars that keep the dog in a certain area? Are those okay to use? Better or worse than a crate?

Answer
1) Even though my puppies (now 11 months) are completely housebroken, I do still crate them when I am working during the day because they cannot be trusted by themselves in the house yet. It is a safer option for them and for me. Once the chewing phase is over, I will slowly get them adjusted to having more freedom.

I also still use crates to help prevent bloat (I have large breeds). After each meal I crate them for an hour so they relax and aren't tempted to romp around and exercise or drink water.

2) It is recommended that you don't crate a dog for longer than his/her age. For example, if your puppy is 3 months old, you shouldn't leave him/her in the crate for more than 3 hours at a time. However, I would not recommend leaving a puppy/dog in a crate for longer than 3-5 hours at a time at any age. I know it isn't always possible, but that is my personal opinion.

3) As long as you don't keep your dog in a crate 24/7 they are not allowed to remove him from your home. SPCA can investigate any reports, but most likely will not take your dog unless they are in their crate for lonnnng periods of time, you allow your dog to urinate and have bowel movements and let him lay it in all day, etc. I would like to hope you wouldn't do such a thing anyway!

4) YES! Keep his leash on and DO not open the door until he is sitting politely (and calmly!). It may take several minutes (and several times!!), but do not open the door until he is exibiting a proper, desired behavior. Have friends come over and help you out! Have them ring the door bell/knock and practice sitting and staying with your dog. Use plently of praise and treats to reinforce the behavior! It is important that YOU don't get too excited when someone comes to the door either... dogs react off your energy :)

5) I am against any type of shock collars, again, personal opinion.

Hope this helps!

have you taken your ferrets on holiday?

Charlie

I live in the UK and we rarely go abroad. We are planning next years holiday to Devon, which is about 6 hours drive away from us. I'd love to take my ferrets along, there's no boarding services near me who cater to ferrets, and I have no friends interested in animals who could help. They have a huge cage and a large carry crate used for big dog breeds on planes. Would they be okay staying in the crate for a week? I'd let them out to run around the caravan (pet friendly) whenever I'm there, and they are vaccinated so would probably come on their leads with me when I went out. The crate is the same size as the large one here - http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_cages_carriers/airtravel_dog_crates/60777 but has a mesh roof which I can hang their hammock on. I'd be going with my two dogs also, who get along with the ferrets. I've never taken them on a long journey or road trip, they've only been to and from the vets.

So have you taken your ferret(s) on holiday? Do you recommend it?

Answer
Ferrets travel very well! I take my four fur kids camping, to the coast, you name it! They sleep the whole car ride there. That crate is certainly acceptable. I use a similar style dog crate, hook a food and water dish to the door so they can't be spilled over, one hammock, a few toys, one litter box and some blankets over the bottom of the crate and the kids travel in style.

If anything they'll probably sleep a little more than usual, all the excitement of being in new places seems to do that. Perhaps bring a playpen with you? That way when you're not their to watch they still have a little extra room to get out and play, rather than be cooped up in the crate? I always take my ferrets with me if I can.

My only warning is to watch the temperatures, they can get to cold and to hot fairly easily. I have a little clip on fan for their crate just to be safe.

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