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Time Spent

19 16:22:28

Question
QUESTION: I have a 13 month old bulldog and have been crating him at night and during the day. I leave for work around 7:30 and have someone come at 12 to let him out and feed him, then I am home around 5:30. He goes to bed around 10; so my question is am I caging him for two long, 18 hours a day seams like a long time to be in a crate but he is really not old enough to give run of the house to or is he?
ANSWER: That is a very long time to keep a dog crated. You might try gating off an area in your house say for the morning and see how he does by the time someone comes in at noon. If he's good, keep that schedule for a while. If he remains a good boy, then try him in the gated area for the entire day. It's basically up to you how much time he has free in the house. You won't know how he acts until you give him a chance. He's certainly old enough to have house time when you're not around.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am sorry I ment a 13 week old bulldog; does the same answer still apply?

Answer
No it does not still apply. This is an entirely different scenario.

Spending this much time alone, and crated, will lead to behavior issues not to mention training issues. It's the isolation that is not good for any puppy.

Why not see if you can find a daycare for him, or puppy kindergarten, even if it's just 2 or 3 days a week?  He's much too young to be left loose in the house, but a gated area is still a possibility if it's the only option.