Loki stays in his crate when we are not home or cannot watch him for an extended period of time (like if we are painting or something). It's safer for him to be confined when we are not home. When he was being crate trained we did use a very small crate, and now he has a much larger one. I leave a nylabone and a kong for him but he just sleeps the whole time, even if we are home. I don't leave him for more than 4 hours, even though he is a year ols he just can't hold it longer than 4-5 hours. To him the crate just means "time to take a nap". You are doing it right by starting a few hours at a time. If you will be gone long hours I would suggest having someone let him out, otherwise just give him a lot of attention when you are home! Honestly, when Loki acts like a spoiled brat he gets a time out in his crate and he comes out acting much more polite. I think it makes them appreciate the time when we are there.
Another thing to remember - dogs go crazy when you are not there because they do not know what is expected of them. Putting them in a crate prevents them from getting confused by having run of the house when no one is home. It's not cruel, as long as the crate is of a proper size and they do not have to hold it for so long they pee in their crates. Soon it will just become routine! Plus, you won't have any surprises to come home to. Yes, it's hard to leave them and you do worry about them, but it's much safer than leaving them out. |