sploozer

We brought Roxy home at 9 weeks and had another dog in the house (Beagle Mix) up until about 8.5 months. Since then my girlfriend and her dog moved out temporarily so Roxy is all alone. At about 7 months we stopped putting her in her large cage while we were at work (8-9 hours). I continued that after my my girlfriend and her dog moved out. Though just recently she started to scrape holes in my wall. This probably is related to her withdrawel not having our other dog present. She has a lot of space to roam around in that area of the house but I could not afford anymore holes in the house. She eats very well (Canidae) very well mannered and obedient. I started to put her back in her cage which is one of the largest cages petco sells. Are there extra large cages out there I can purchase? This cage is large but not large enough where she can take a few steps and walk around. I feel bad putting her in the cage while I'm work but I have no choice....Suggestions or Opinions on this? by the way, Roxy is now 10 months old...

Thanks,
Sploozer

Julie W

She's still awfully young to be un-crated when nobody is home. And as far as the size of the crate, one that fits them vs one that is too large is a more secure environment to keep them calm and content.

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Jenny

Isabelle was crated until she was about a year & a half before she was allowed out during the day while we were at work. it depends on the dog as to when they can earn their freedom. We kept all doors closed - she had the kitchen, great room & hallway.

BackInBlack

I agree, 10 months is pretty young to let her run free in the house. That is alot of responsibility to place on a young dog.

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kimmy80

ya, Lucky is 10 months, and I had to put him in his crate this morning. He is usually restricted to the kitchen, but went and chewed my daughters highchair this morning, so in he went.

dobes4us

Very young to be out of the crate. Mine have usually been about 1.5 years before they can be trusted.

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Sue & Crew
Chessie, Riggs and Kylee

ReDobie4xtina2

This is not the best solution, but maybe you could get her a dog run to put in the garage if it's not freezing? And if you have a master's bath, Walk in Closet, or a kitchen (any of these places must be dog proofed), just get some baby gates and block off just that section (I couldn't use this method because my Lukas would just jump out).

The best solution is that you be home with her, but we all know that's not feasible if we can't work from home. There are options, like hiring a dog walker, or an awesome solution is bringing her to doggy daycare, which I know a few DTers do.

Before you leave the house, you should exercise her and play with her. Mental and physical stimulation will help calm her down and she will probably just sleep till you come home.

Anyway, remember to give her toys and comfort.. like Kongs filled with treats or those buster cubes, a nice fluffy durable bed, and maybe some background noise (like those relaxation CDs, my dogs like easy listening lol).

Good Luck!

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Lexxsmom

Lexx just turned 10 months and I wouldn't trust him in the house alone all day while I was at work. He sometimes gets left in a restricted area when I'm only gone for short periods ( 1-2 hours) but normally its in the crate when mom leaves.

Maybe try to think of it as keeping her safe instead of locking her up.

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Leanne and Lexx


Dragon Slaying Dobermans Incorporated, member #001, President.
" I don't need to sit for the cookie, I hunt dragons all day dammit!"
Lexxington's blog: http://lexxslife.blogspot.com/

AnneMarie

I agree,too young to have that freedom.Mine were about 15 months at least before they were left alone.It was a half hour,then an hour etc.Slowly !!

sploozer

This is true, but I'm a little afraid she could choke if Im' not there...I have ton's of toys for her but I am still fearful if I'm not around when shes chewing...