I don't think 4 to 5 hours in a proper crate is abusive. Are you using a crate that is big enough for him to sit up and turn around in? I think 4 to 5 hours is the maximum you want to leave a dog in a small crate. Since you don't confine him very often it the crate it should be alright.
So let me get this right....your dog barks all the time despite the fact he is not confined? Does he bark when you are with him? Are you letting him out into your home so he can be with you and interact with you and the home? He will never learn social skills if he is not learning how to behave in the household. Maybe I did not understand your post correctly. It just does not make sense for a dog to bark all the time if he is not confined. |