How Long Can Adult Dogs Be Crated?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Adult dogs shouldn't be left in crates for more than

6-8 hours

. Puppies of 17 weeks and older can handle up to 4 or 5 hours in a at a time. Leaving a dog home alone in a crate longer than this can hurt their mental and physical health.

Can you crate an adult dog for 8 hours?


A dog can stay in a crate for up to 8 hours at night if that dog is a fully-grown adult

. During the day time, the maximum will be somewhere between 2-4 hours for full-grown dogs. You'll have to learn what works for your dog, and keep in mind that puppies need to get out of the crate more frequently.

How long can dogs be crated by age?

Age Approximate Allowable Crate Time Limit
9 to 10 weeks old


30 to 60 minutes
11 to 14 weeks old 1 to 3 hours 15 to 16 weeks old 3 to 4 hours 17 or more weeks old 4 to 6 hours

Is it OK to crate a dog while at work?

Crating a Dog While at Work


While leaving dog in crate while at work is not recommended

, if this must be tried, it shouldn't be more than 8 hours. If crating a while at work is not an option, dog-proof the room you're keeping them in to ensure they can't injure themselves while you're away.

Is keeping a dog in a crate all day abuse?

Crate Abuses


Leaving a dog in a crate for 8, 10, or 12 hours a day is cruel and tantamount to abuse

. Dogs are social animals and seek out the pleasure of the company of other dogs or people to feel secure.

Can dogs be crated for 10 hours?

Most experts agree

you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours

, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long.

Is 7 hours too long to crate a dog?


Adult dogs shouldn't be left in crates for more than 6-8 hours

. Puppies of 17 weeks and older can handle up to 4 or 5 hours in a crate at a time. Leaving a dog home alone in a crate longer than this can hurt their mental and physical health.

Can a dog be crated for 9 hours?

Nina Torres says it's fine for most adult dogs to be in a crate “nine hours maximum” during the day (with a walk in the middle), and then eight hours at night – unless they are seniors or large dogs needing to stretch their joints.

How long should a dog be crated at night?

A good general rule to follow is

one hour in the crate for each month of age

. A three-month-old puppy should be fine in the crate for three hours. Puppies should sleep in their crates at night, as this helps them learn to sleep through the night.

How long can a dog be crated daily?

Most adult dogs can stay in a crate for about

half a day

as long as the dog gets ample exercise and walks when he or she is out of the crate. Many adult dogs can manage eight or so hours in a crate while their owners are at work, but longer than this can often cause behavioral problems.

Should my dog always sleep in a crate?


Although he won't need to spend each night in the crate throughout his life

(he can if he wants to of course), being comfortable in a crate will help him when he goes to the grooming shop and the veterinary clinic, both of which will need to put him in a crate or cage.

Can a dog be too old to crate train?


There is no reason an older dog cannot be crate trained

, even if they've lived their entire lives without any crate exposure. The key is to move slowly. No dog—puppy, adolescent, adult or senior—will be comfortable in a crate if they are locked inside the space without preparation or training.

Should I get a dog if I work 9 5?

In a perfect world, flexible schedules and pet-friendly work places would allow us to be with our dogs most of the day. But in real life,

being a working dog owner often means leaving your dog at home while you work the 9-5

. Don't worry: you can have it all.

Can I crate my dog during the day but not at night?

It is a useful management tool, but

your dog shouldn't live in a cage day and night

, with few opportunities for playtime and “people” time. If your dog is being crated for any extended periods during the day, it is a good idea to allow him to sleep in someone's room at night.

Can I let my dog roam free in the house?

If your dog has access to all or part of the house while you're home and doesn't get into trouble, then he might be ready for more freedom when left alone, according to professional dog trainer Jennifer Mauger of L'Chaim Canine.

What happens if you leave your dog in a crate too long?

Crating a puppy during the day for too long

can cause separation anxiety and can lead the pup to have an accident in the crate

. This can lead to stress and accidents as well as urinary tract infections if your puppy tries to hold on.

How much crate time is too much?


Puppies and senior dogs cannot hold their bladder or bowels for as long and should not be crated more than 2-4 hours at a time

. Adult dogs can typically be in their crate for up to 8 hours a day. Never leave your dog confined for long periods while you are home. Dogs are social animals.

How long can you leave a dog in a crate without water?

In general, your puppy should never spend more than

two hours

in a crate without an opportunity to drink, visit the back yard, go for a walk, and play with her people.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.