[HarleyHOO]

Originally Posted by Ava Mae

I'm totally with you. I'm gone 8-3 everyday, and also leave my little one in her crate. Do you leave a pee pad in there with her? What else do you leave in the crate? How old is she?

I felt bad at first, but we both got used to it and she's quite happy in there.

Crate training, imo, is essential. They can't be roaming free 24/7, and it's important to crate train them so they don't get spoiled.

Her crate/pen is small...I mean, for her size she has planty of room to get comfortable (stand up, turn around and then lay down) but it's not large enough for a pee pad. I've actually never used any pee pads. She's 100% trained for outside. Since I'm only gone for 8 hours a day, she has no problem holding it. She is 1 year old and has a pillow, blanket and chew toy. I usually leave her 3 baby carrots as well for a snack.

I agree, 19 hours is WAY to long to be left in a crate. Heck even 10-11 hours IMO. But for the 8 hours which I'm gone, I know beyond a doubt that Harley is safe and comfortable as well as content. She NEVER makes a peep in her crate, no whining, no barking, no scratching to get out....in fact, I've brought people into my home and until I let her out, they don't even know she's there. She's quiet until I go and get her. Once out, it's usually for the rest of the day and evening.

BTW - I'm usually up @ 5 every morning and don't leave until 6:45. This gives her time to play, although usually she's ready to get back in bed, and have a snack and water. I take her out to potty twice before leaving.