How long is too long to leave a 13 week puppy in a crate?

Question

I put him in the crate when i go to bed and when i can't give him the attention he needs, my question is, I'm starting school up, and i'm afraid that the 5.8 hours is to much, some days my father will be able to come home and let him out, but he works for Comcast, so its only when he'll be near by, I cannot hire a dog walker, simply because i don't work, and live in a rural/suburb area. We don't have any neighbors that will be home during the hours that i will be away, i'm sorry if this is to long, but i'd appreciate all the feedback negative, as well as positive.

Answer 1

Personally I think it is a long time for a pup to be in a crate, particularly as it is crated at night too and it will be every day you are at school; occasionally would be fine.  

Can you not allow him just one room so that he can at least be able to stretch his little legs?

Imagine yourself if you were in that crate, would you find it uncomfortable for 5.8 hours and then again all night; for 5 days a week?  May I suggest (and i don't mean this to sound nasty; just informative) Why don't you imprison yourself in a small area (have you a large cupboard/small bathroom?) for as long as you can manage and reflect about how it feels; is is a pleasant experience? are you enjoying the solitude? How long is it till your muscles begin to ache through lack of movement? How long until you are bored? craving some company? busting for the toilet? How do you feel after 5 hours (if you have lasted that long) Are you relaxed or feeling a bit tense? Will you be happy and playful when you get out-or just relieved? Do this and then you will be equiped to answer your own question.  

Answer 2

That really is far too long when no one can let him out. No more than 3 hours at most at that age.

I would get an x-pen and put it in the kitchen with food water, bed and toys. Also make sure there are some newspapers or a potty pad for him. That way he will be able to eat, drink, play and potty but not damage the home while you are gone.

Thank you for being accepting of all answers. So many say "don't say..." because it's not what they want to hear.

Answer 3

Puppies that age shouldn't be in a crate any longer then 2-3 hours without a bathroom break.

Answer 4

A couple of hours is okay, but 5 is too long for a pup this age (at least in my opinion). I suggest that you put the crate in a room where he can't do too much damage, with his crate and lots of toys and a bowl of water. Maybe invest in a puppy pad, if you don't have a backyard that he can go out to pee in. If you do get a puppy pad then get some liquid odor stuff (I don't know what it's called) that will make your pup go on the pad. (I'm not sure if the puppy pad actually smells of it, as I have never used one).  

Answer 5

Just be sure you let him out just before you leave in the morning and he should be okay.  If he does have an accident in his crate never scold him for it.

In the next month or so you will have him house trained and it should be easier.

I have three shelties, they have always been crated when I am at work.  When they were puppies we were able to get home at lunch time to let them out, but some days it just wasn't possible.  They did well for six hours at a time.

Answer 6

man that really stinks, 5-6 hours is to long for most dogs and especially for puppies. personally i'd skip school ;) but don't think i'm recommending that! could you hire a friend to play with him? like if some one came over after 2.5 hours of you gone then fed him and let him go to the bathroom then your dog would probably be fine.  

Answer 7

i had a puppy that was 9 weeks and we left her in the crate forabout 9 hours u kno so swe could go to school when we would let her out she wouldnt be playful she was tired all the time and she would throw up the food she ate so i htink its better off gettting a gate so u can put it in the kitchen or wherever so she cant run aroundthe house its much better than her being in a crate all day