Kennel Question

[Kumar]

I have a 4 month old Dacshund mix named Kumar. Kumar is kennel trained and has not had an accident in her cage in a couple weeks! I take her outside immediately when she is out of the cage, and that seems to be working fairly well. She stays with my mom when I am at work, so so far everything is great. Unfortunately in 2 weeks I am moving a good distance away from my parents so they will not be able to watch her while I am work. I do wish to continue the kennel training, but I feel I would be a BAD OWNER leaving her in there for almost 9.5 hours. Is it okay to do this if I have no other options?

The only other thing that I can think to do is put her in the bathroom with a gate. I did this in the past, but it made her VERY hyper and ill tempered. I prefer the kennel, because she seems happier and better behaved but I am not sure what is better for her.

Any advice is appreciated.

:)

Jordan

[MARTHA]

I leave my two alone in the hall and bathroom area of my house when I'm not there. They are both paper trained. If your baby gets hyper have you tried putting her kennel in the bathroom and leaving the kennel door open where she can get into the kennel? This may help because if she feel comfortable in her kennel it may help relieve her anxiety. Try it for short periods of time and increase the time she is left in the bathroom.

Good luck!

Martha and the "Girls"

[Cindi]

It always makes me nervous leaving a dog alone in a room that they can do damage to when there are other options :) I have known of dogs to eat entire cabinets, flooring, walls, etc. in no more than 1/2 hour.
Sooooo, I would suggest purchasing an exercise pen that is portable. It can be set up in your kitchen or wherever you have that is safe. Your crate minus the door can go in there, you can paper the area plus leave water down for her and a toy or two. Get her used to this before leaving her alone for an extended period of time. This will protect at least your cabinets and woodwork :)

[Kumar]

Both of these are great suggestions. As far as the hall/bathroom that wouldnt work, because Kumar likes to chew up the carpet... :(

I am going to look into the playpen or maybe some other options. I just dont want to do any damamage to the pup or get her "angry". This is the first dog that I have ever owned, and I am trying to do the right thing.

I was advised not to let her have "free-roam" privileges until she is at leat 18 months. SO the kennel/crate may be the way to go.

Can y'all think of the downside to keeping her in the crate for 9.5 hours?

Thanks Again!

[MARTHA]

The only down side to keeping them in the crate for 9 hours is that if they have to potty.... An x-pen would be a solution. That way if they do have to go, they don't have to lay in it. Also if they do have to go in their crate it might defeat the purpose of crate training.

The only reason I leave mine in the bathroom and hall is that they have been "Sadie proofed". No carpet, no cabinets, etc. Their bed, food, water, and toys (which they don't play with) is in there with them.

Good luck!

Martha