For our dogs, same as our new pup, we crate trained until they were trustable to roam free. The longest we ever left our one dog crated during the day was 7 hours because our golf game ran way to long. Other then that the longest time would be 4-5 hours when we left them during the day. Our BC was the hardest, potty training was easy but she would rip the house apart when left alone. I refused to leave them outside either in case I'd they got out and there was a wacko who was stealing dogs from people's backyard and turning them into the SPCA. Anyway, now we don't crate them at night or during the day.
For our little yorkie pup we plan on the same then to gradually ween her from it if she wants. When I go to work eventually, there is Bo way that I can get home at lunch to let them out, so I will probably leave her ib our huge laundry room with her crate door open and a pee pad.
Personally, I think anymore then 4-5 hours (except at night) is too long. I know I can be in one spot or hold it in for that long, so I could only imagine what doggie feels. Our old neighbours would leave their Brittny crated for 8 hours a day, then let her out in the yard for an hour or so, then crate her in the evening because they would go out. I would be able to hear the poor thing crying. They then expected her to sleep at night lol. |