Crate training and xpens...!

[Jess041]

When Missy was a puppy, the first day I went to work and left her at home I set her up in the kitchen with a baby gate. I also set up a webcam to see what she was doing. Poor thing was panicking the entire time I was gone! I asked about it here and it was determined that leaving her in the crate was best. She felt more secure in there. I think if an x-pen works for you, go for it. It wasn't the best for Missy.

 

[RikyR]

No, don't use puppy pads! 4 hours is a stretch but if pup can last overnight then can it can 4 hours at a time during the day

I sell them at my store but I never recommend them.

My only issue with crating for long periods is that the dogs need exercise too. And young pups should be fed 3 times per day ideally. So if you have someone coming at noon, then perfect.

I left him for 2 1/2 hours yesterday, no issues, he was sleeping when I came home. Going to go 3 hours today. I am off work until Monday, so I am building up the time slowly. Last night we had him in the pen while we ate supper. Not a peep, because he was busy tearing up the puppy pad!

 

[BarbV]

I actually don't think that the length of time a puppy can hold it at night = the length of time that a puppy can hold it during the day.

Why do you say that? I would be the first to say not to crate your dog too much during the for exercise and play. But I'm not sure that that Callan has need to poop/pee during the day. I think he does because he is outside and easily figured out that that is where you go.

And I'll also say that Callan is a poop machine in the morning. He can easily poop 2-3 times between 5:30 and 8:30. But throughout the day he does not seem particularly in need to go. Yes, if I bring him outside, he will pee buts it's more a dribble.

It's a little like humans. Put me near a bathroom, and if I have time, I might decide to go. But if I'm busy, I can hold it for a long time! Even in my advanced menopausal years!

 

[corbinam]

Why do you say that?

I guess I don't have any scientific evidence, only anecdotal. I assume that your system "slows down" while you are sleeping (maybe? Could be wrong). And also, I think back to dogs that have UTIs. They often pee inappropriately during the day (in the crate, on the bed, multiple times) but it does not always manifest at night.

In fact, again, anecdotally, my dog had a horrible UTI as a puppy but she ALWAYS slept through the night. Just peed a lot outside, once on a bed (which lead me to taking her to the vet), etc.

 

[MissieLynn]

I guess I don't have any scientific evidence, only anecdotal. I assume that your system "slows down" while you are sleeping (maybe? Could be wrong). And also, I think back to dogs that have UTIs. They often pee inappropriately during the day (in the crate, on the bed, multiple times) but it does not always manifest at night.

In fact, again, anecdotally, my dog had a horrible UTI as a puppy but she ALWAYS slept through the night. Just peed a lot outside, once on a bed (which lead me to taking her to the vet), etc.

My laboratory tech friend was just telling me last week that yes, your body does slow down at night. The kidneys slow down so you don't have to get up all night long to run to the restroom. (She also said they slow down in times of stress, which is why one can make it through a scary movie far better than a comedy. Random, I know, but cool fact.)