Tough Decision

obiethedobe · 08-09-2008, 07:18 PM

I have a dilemna, I have been keeping Obie in an outdoor run while i'm at work from 8-5.
The plan was to continue with this for another 2-1/2 months until I move into my new house then at that point I would crate him and my sister would come at about 2 or 3 to let him out for an hour or so, we will be in the same neighborhood then.
I'm living at my boyfriends parents until our house is ready but the neighbours called the city on me complaining about Obie's barking.
So now I have a few options, I can crate him and work slightly less hours from 8-4 and get home a little early, or I can keep my 8-5 which gives me a day off every other week.
What do you guys think is the better option, an extra half hour a day out or a full day out every other week??
I cant really afford a dog walker or a daycare right now with the new house expense in Calgary it's upwards of $350 a month for a walker or $600 for daycare.
Thanks for any opinions!

**Doberdog** · 08-09-2008, 07:33 PM

Q and Peaches are in their crates from about 1015am to 6pm and they handle it just fine. There have been many days that Q was in till 7:30pm (when I went out of town) and he did ok. Of course he got walked before (off leash on 5 acres so he could run), and again when my husband got home, and again before bed. In between he was let out to run, since we have an underground pet fence and live way out in the country. How old is Obie? If he is over 8 months he should be able to handle it for awhile as long as you exercise him alot before and after. It is not ideal, but I actually think it is better than him being outside all that time. They don't seem to handle temperature extreams very well. You know him better than the rest of us, so I'm sure you will decide what is best. You could put an XPen in the house so he would have more room or if he is not a chewer, you could put him in the bathroom with a bed and toys so he would have more room to move around. If I did this I would be scared Q or Peaches would chew the water lines and cause a big flood.. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

obiethedobe · 08-09-2008, 07:41 PM

Thanks,
I'm leaning toward staying with the 8-5 and get up early to go for a run with him before I go, then another long walk when I get home. He is 8 months now.
I did leave him in the bathroom when he was younger but he chewed two holes in the drywall, lol. So that didn't work out too good.
I don't like leaving him outside, scared he might get stolen. but couldn't do the bathroom anymore and felt bad to crate him.
I feel like he can do it, he sleeps the vast majority of days I have off work. So if he sleeps out of the kennel or in what diff. will it make right?

Dobejazz · 08-09-2008, 07:44 PM

I would crate him also - Casper is crated 8-6 with a break around 11-12 most days

I'd be scared to death to leave him outside

I'd keep your schedule too so you have an extra day off

dobegal · 08-10-2008, 04:45 PM

I would crate as I would be scared that someone would take him.

Hound · 08-10-2008, 11:02 PM

Mine are crated for that much time. They sleep. I've set up web cams and they freaking zonk out and stay that way until my car gets to the house.

Much safer and no worries of pissed neighbors.

PAULA · 08-10-2008, 11:49 PM

I also think that crating is the best. I wouldn't leave him outside for all those hours. At 8 months he should he should be fine in the crate. Don't your neighbors work???? Lucky them that they have so much time to complain!LOL

As long as you are going to crate him in the new house. There is no time like the present to get him used to it. You don't want to throw so many changes at him at once, new home/surroundings, new rules and regualtions, etc.

Gook luck!

clipclop · 08-10-2008, 11:56 PM

He absolutely can be crated for that long. Still too young to be "runned" if its a jog with you on concrete. But a good walk and morning play time should have him snoozing for a few hours. I also think the xpen is a great idea if he is housebroken already.

obiethedobe · 08-11-2008, 11:00 AM

Hound - Awesome idea with the web cam, i should get the BF to set that up.

Paula - There is a few "stay at home wifes" in the neighborhood. Wish I could do that!

Clip Clop - an xpen is one of those small'ish metal pens right? I was afraid he would knock it over or jump it. He is a jumper.

**Jennifer01** · 08-11-2008, 11:24 AM

Yes, crating is good. If he is still young or an adolescent, I'd put in some chewy stuff too to keep him company. Perhaps a nylabone.

We used to have a mixed breed doberman, and he would go stir crazy if he wasn't run hard every single day. So, my husband ran him on rollerblades morning and night, which kept Ramses quiet when we weren't home (10-12 hrs some days).

Good luck!

-- Jennifer