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How Long Can You Leave a German Shepherd in a Crate?

Last Updated: December 10, 2023

So, you just got a German Shepherd puppy and are busy with crate training, obedience training, and potty training. But when you leave your new pup in his crate, it’s essential to know how long you can safely and humanely leave your German Shepherd in his crate.

German Shepherd puppies can be left in a crate for up to a maximum of 4 hours, depending on their age. An 8-10 week old pup can be left for 2 hours, a 12-week-old pup for 3 hours, and a 16-week-old pup for 4 hours. Puppies can stay in their crate overnight for 7-8 hours at 6 months old.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn:

  • Consequences of over-crating your German Shepherd
  • How long to crate at night depending on age
  • What kind of crate to use
  • Alternative solutions to crating your dog
German Shepherd Pup in Crate, How Long Can You Leave a German Shepherd in a Crate?

Let’s dive into exactly how long you can leave your German Shepherd in a crate.

How Long Can You Leave a German Shepherd in a Crate?

Age of German ShepherdMaximum Time in Crate
8-10 weeksUp to 1 hour
11-14 weeks1 – 3 hours
15-16 weeks3 – 4 hours
17 weeks +4 hours
Maximum time to leave a GSD in a crate

German Shepherds shouldn’t be left in a crate for several hours daily while you go out to work. This is never acceptable. Unfortunately, this can make it somewhat challenging for owners and families with no one at home during the working day. However, don’t worry, as we will discuss many alternative solutions later.

My German Shepherd was never left for more than three hours in her crate during the day. She was crate trained as soon as we brought her home at eight weeks old, as recommended by her breeder.

If you check out this fantastic video below from celebrity dog trainer Zak George on how to crate train a puppy, around halfway through the video, he confirms that you should never leave dogs for more than four hours in a crate and less for younger puppies.

German Shepherds that have been crate trained love their crate and see it as somewhere comfortable where they can go to feel safe and secure. They see it as their special den where no one else is allowed and where they can either eat, rest, or play with their favorite chew toys.

One of the reasons why German Shepherd puppies shouldn’t be left for more than 4 hours in a crate is that they can’t control their bladders or bowels for that length of time. Plus, puppies need loads of attention, playtime, and socialization

The same goes for house-trained adult dogs, who should be allowed outside to pee at least 3-5 times during the day. In any case, it’s just not the right thing to do to keep your dog in a crate for more than four hours during the day. In fact, it’s downright cruel.

You must always exercise your German Shepherd and allow him to go to the toilet before leaving him in a crate for a few hours.

You can always invest in a pet camera, such as a Furbo from Amazon, to keep an eye on them from time to time and make sure they are okay. You can get cheaper dog cameras, but I just love how these can toss treats out to your dog, which you control remotely from your smartphone! They’re crazy!

German Shepherd Puppy In Crate

Extended periods longer than four hours can lead to various mental and physical health issues for your dog. Here are a few significant side effects of leaving a German Shepherd in a crate for longer than four hours a day:

  • Restlessness during the evening is common when owners leave their dogs in a crate for too many hours each day. Pacing, whining, and excessive energy might occur when a German Shepherd is supposed to be tired or winding down for the night.
  • Separation anxiety is an unfortunate issue that GSDs have to deal with sometimes. When left unattended for several hours, especially in a crate, they begin to get worried or distressed about when you’ll return. Even if they don’t suffer from a case of full-blown separation anxiety, they may feel quite distressed if left for more than 3-4 hours in a crate.
  • If they need to pee or poop while stuck in the crate for hours on end, they could develop rashes or infections. Remember, crates are used to help puppies with toilet training, as dogs typically don’t like to relieve themselves where they sleep. After all, would you? This problem may occur with young puppies who haven’t yet been potty trained, and in any case, their bladders are far too small to hold urine for more than 3-4 hours.
  • Joint issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia is a disease prevalent in older German Shepherds. If your adult dog is crated for hours and hours during the day, then he cannot stretch out and move around sufficiently. The lack of space and cramped conditions without exercise for hours can cause additional pain and discomfort due to your GSDs hip dysplasia.
  • German Shepherds left in their cage for excessively long times can develop heart or other health conditions. Perhaps this is the most crucial reason you shouldn’t leave your dog in a crate for longer than 3-4 hours. Without enough exercise throughout the day, GSDs can become ill very quickly. Remember, they were initially bred as herding dogs and are still used as working dogs today due to their fitness, strength, and stamina. They should have open running space, and they need two periods of at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, including mental stimulation and lots of playtimes.

Never uses a crate as a way of punishment for your German Shepherd. It should be a happy place where they associate positive experiences.

What Kind of Crate Should You Use?

German Shepherd Puppy in Crate
My German Shepherd “Willow” in her crate at 8 weeks old

German Shepherds are much bigger than most other dog breeds, so it should be no surprise that they’ll need a larger crate. If you have a puppy, remember that they shouldn’t be left in a crate for too many hours, the recommendation is one hour for each month of age, up to a maximum of four hours.

Regarding crate size, German Shepherds should have an extra-large one, no smaller than 48 inches. This allows for enough space for your dog to move around and stretch out without being too confined to a small area.

Read More: German Shepherd Crate Size: What Size Crate for a GSD?

You need a metal or wire crate, preferably a heavy-duty one that will be impossible to break as German Shepherds are strong dogs. Most metal crates will fold down, making them easily transportable, and you can opt for either a single or double door or both, depending on how you wish to position the crate.

I like the Midwest Homes for Pets dog crate as it comes with the option of double doors, has a divider panel, and is easy to set up.

You can read more about why I like this crate in this article, 8 Best Dog Crates for German Shepherds (and Playpens)

Nonetheless, a crate on its own will not just turn into a safe haven for your dog and keep him entertained. Here’s a list of the items that you should have inside of your German Shepherd’s crate:

  1. A crate pad or mattress. It can be as big as the whole crate, or you could leave half of it uncovered for them to move around easier and leave some space for them to cool down on the tray if they get too warm. Either way, you need to make it cozy, and washable soft bedding is essential to allow them to lay down comfortably. All dogs love to be pampered, especially when they’re home alone. One way of solving all these problems is to go for the Big Barker crate pad. It’s perfect for large breed dogs, such as the German Shepherd prone to joint issues.
  2. Plenty of toys. Imagine being stuck in a small room for hours and hours with nothing to do. You’d need something to keep you entertained, so you don’t go crazy and German Shepherds are no different! Providing them with various interesting chew and interactive toys, such as KONG toys, will prevent them from becoming bored. You can’t go wrong with the KONG Puppy Toy from Amazon, and you can even stuff treats inside it to keep your dog busy.
  3. Food and water. It can be hard to stop your dog from making a mess with their food and water bowls in a crate, but it’s definitely possible. Purchase clip-on bowls to prevent them from being tipped over. These pet bowls hang onto the side of the crate, holding them firmly in place and stopping your dog’s food and water from spilling.
  4. A blanket to cover the crate. Place a blanket or cover over the top of the crate. This makes the crate feel more like a den and can help your dog feel more secure, especially if he is clingy. I used to cover three-quarters of my German Shepherd’s crate with a blanket which also helped her get distracted from anything that could excite her, such as a cat walking by or the sound of children playing.
A German Shepherd Puppy in a Crate, How Long Can You Leave a German Shepherd in a Crate?
“Willow” at 8 weeks old in her crate

Alternative Solutions to Crating

If you are out at work all day, you can still consider a few options as you now know that you should not leave your dog in a crate for longer than 3-4 hours. Let’s take a look at the alternatives:

  • Some owners prefer to leave their German Shepherds outside. As long as they have food, water, and shelter, such as a large dog house, they should be able to adapt fairly quickly. The only problem is when you try to make a GSD stay outside when they’ve never done it before. This can be done; however, it will require lots of training, patience, and a gradual transition.
  • Get dog gates for your house. These gates allow you to decide how much space your puppy can have to move around in your house by sectioning off various off-limit areas. If you’re worried about them feeling confined in a crate, it’s a great choice until they get big enough to jump over the gates! Opt for something like Carlson Extra Tall Pet Gate from Amazon.
  • Purchase indoor or outdoor dog fences or playpens for your puppy. These products are perfect for young GSDs who need more room to move around. Some of these can even be connected to a crate to make a fantastic combination of a cozy resting space and room to roam. If you set one of these up outside, you also won’t need to worry about your dog going to the bathroom! If you have a higher budget or need a playpen, look at the BestPet Dog Pen. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor and can be configured into multiple shapes without using any tools.
  • Slowly train your German Shepherd to roam free throughout the house. This process will take some time, from puppyhood into adulthood. You can start by initially leaving the crate door open when you go out or gradually increasing the size of their gated area until it fits the size of a room. Once they’re used to the freedom, you can open the house up for them. My GSD, Willow, was 12 months old before I started leaving her crate door open and two years old before she was allowed free reign of the house.

It’s never a good idea to leave your dog alone for any length of time, whether they are crated or not. Here are some other solutions you can consider:

  • Doggy daycare
  • Hire a dog walker or dog sitter
  • Call home at lunchtime
  • Arrange for someone to call and let your dog out
  • Work from home where possible
  • See if you can take your dog to work

FAQs

How Often Should I Let My German Shepherd Out Of The Crate?

It’s generally recommended to let your German Shepherd out of the crate every 2-4 hours during the day, depending on their age and individual needs. However, it is important to gradually increase the time they spend outside the crate and to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation when they are out of the crate.

It is also important to ensure that your German Shepherd has access to water and a comfortable place to rest when they are in the crate.

What Should I Put In My German Shepherd’s Crate?

You should put a comfortable bed, some toys, and a water bowl in your German Shepherd’s crate. The bed should be large enough for your dog to stretch out comfortably, and the toys should be safe and appropriate for your dog’s age and chewing habits. It is also recommended to cover the crate with a blanket or sheet to create a den-like environment and provide your dog with a sense of security.

Can I Use A Crate For German Shepherd Separation Anxiety?

Using a crate can be a helpful tool for managing separation anxiety in German Shepherds. However, it is important to introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive and comfortable space for your dog. You should also avoid leaving your dog in the crate for extended periods of time and provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when they are out of the crate.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherds are prone to feeling anxious if they’re left alone for too long. Remember that you shouldn’t leave them in a crate for longer than four hours per day and even less for growing puppies up to four months of age.

When crate training your German Shepherd, always provide food, water, comfy bedding, and enough toys for them to enjoy and keep themselves entertained.

My German Shepherd adored her crate. She loved to go and settle in her crate if she wanted to rest and needed some peace and quiet away from me!

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Sharon Waddington
Sharon Waddington is the founder of World of Dogz. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. But it’s her trusty German Shepherd, Willow, who steals the show as the inspiration behind this website. As Sharon’s constant companion Willow has played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for dogs. Recently, Sharon has become deeply passionate about the plight of rescue dogs and is an active advocate for dog rescue, striving to make a difference in the lives of dogs in need.
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