Maybe we’ve been asking the wrong question all along, writes Nancy Tucker, CPDT-KA. Rather than trying to figure out how to best stretch the amount of time we can leave our dogs alone, we should be trying to help our dogs get more out of every day.
10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.” – Nancy Tucker, CPDT-KA
Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 10, 2020. Link. If the principal reason for using a crate to confine a dog during our absence is to avoid destructive or nuisance behavior, a better approach would be to address those behaviors through training, or through management that involves meeting the dog’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs.
Also see: Pet Sitter Certification, Fear Free. Link. This course will equip pet sitters with a scientifically sound knowledge base in animal body language, dog walking, behavior and training basics, enrichment, home life, travel, administering medications and more so that they can offer top-level Fear Free care to pets and provide owners with basic support and advice.