how long is ok to leave dog in cage during day?

[mmmmchocolate]

i have never left my 11 month old in the cage when out before. but last few times we beenout she has been naughty. pooing and pulling out anything tucked away. she is in her bage at night.... but don't want to lock her up during day as feel cruel. we have open plan so can't shut her anywhere. tried a playpen but jumps straight over. she is a pringer spaniel.

Well if she has been fed and done her business and wee, I wouldnt condone anything more than a couple of hours.

I wouldnt consider having a dog if you are out for longer than that given your home layout.

Destructive animals are telling you that they are bored. Does she get enough exercise?

As you know Springer Spaniels are hyper, I had one and it was on the go constantly. How long will he have to be in his cage?

You see, they need at least 2 hours exercise a day (being an active breed). They are meant to be very easily trained, I hope you havent missed the boat with its training. It would be such a shame as I understand they are lovely family dogs and with the right exercise and diet can show a lovely temprament.

my jack russel has a run in the morning then in garden till about 9am, cage till 1pm then in/out of cage till about 4 (dogs choice to go in/out cage by the way).another run, back in kitchen and chooses to sit in cage with door open,

i had no qualms whatsoever about leaving him in the cage from a pup till a few months ago, for up to 4hours at a time until he stopped chewing everything in sight

dogs arent always destructive because they are bored tenalady its a young dog andthey are hyper and mess and chew like all young dogs.

I would say a maximum of 3 hours a day in a cage. Cages are useful when used with care but they really shouldn't be used as doggysitters and do not substitute proper training. Dogs are social creatures and being trapped in a cage for too long away from their family often leads to behavioural problems.

Can you have someone come in every couple of hours to take the pup out for a walk? This will break up the day and help with boredom. Remember that dogs don't have a concept of right and wrong, by pooing in the house she isn't being naughty, just doing what is natural. How long are you out during the day? I always advise puppy buyers that a dog will need to pee/poo as often as a child does. Expecting a dog to hold it from more than 4 hours is unfair.

I hope you get it sorted, it is frustrating when they have a setback in their training, however, using the cage for a short period may certainly help break the habit. Good Luck