We have recently adopted a husky/german shepard/akita mix from the humane society. She's a fantastic little dog, quiet, mellow, and a perfect family companion. The only thing is, we don't know what to do with her while no one is home. We don't have a fenced yard, however we could build a kennel for her. Or, she could stay inside during the day. We are gone for about seven hours everyday during the week. What should we do?
2006-10-08 06:07:08 · 27 answers · asked by just me 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
due to the recent adoption I would not recomend allowing total freedom while alone, without a good history of the Dog you could be creating problems. The dog may be good but behavior has a way of changing to the situation without attention. I would sugest using a crate inside when gone or a out door kennel, this will set a stage for your recently adopted dog. doing this from Day one is the best but you can work with dogs from later days. Also I woud sugest reading books like Don't Shoot the Dog, by Karen Pryor and The Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson. these two books will help you understand the basics of behavior modification techniques. Allowing you to modify any undesirable behaviors that my begin later in your relationship with your dog.
2006-10-08 06:32:01 · answer #1 · answered by reispinscher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Larger dogs usually can hold "it" for longer than adult dogs, but I think it's a bit cruel to keep a large dog inside for seven hours a day. I would consider the kennel option- or could you build a fence?
My dog has an electric fence (and I'm sorry if I'm mentioning this and you don't think its a good idea to use one), but please let me give you a little background.
Rather than tying up your dog on a chain which would hurt her sweet little neck every time she pulls away at something, an electric/invisible/underground fence gives the freedom to roam the entire yard without painful interruptions. The Average electric fence (when a dog is nearing their electric boundary) gives MANY warning beeps before giving a small shock to allow the dog to recognize that they have done something wrong. Most fences (as mine does) also allow you to control the power of the shock , so if your dog can't handle a high voltage you can turn it down even so there isn't a shock at all. The shock is a last resort.
Please consider this. Even PETA considers it humane.
Hope I helped!!
2006-10-08 13:16:42 · answer #2 · answered by Lee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just crate trqin your pup. Don't say your dog "Now, you be a good dog. I will see you later. Bye, bye." while leaving. Try to recruit a pet-sitter for your dog. The result is frustration and anxiety which triggers barking and chewing behavior.
Other simple solutions for this complex problems are-
1. Be sure not to make a fuss when you leave. Just walk out the door and say, "Good-bye, Jane."
2.Hire a pet sitter to take your dog out for a walk during the day.
3. Turn up the volume on your telephone recorder and call a few times during the day to say "hello.''
4. Turn the radio on for the comfort of hearing human voices.
5. Give lots of exercise just before you leave.
Hope this helps, it would be worth contacting a dog trainer for obedience training to prevent separation anxiety in the ensuing years. ALL THE BEST
2006-10-08 13:24:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work 12 hr shifts. though I hate to do it he stays home and is just fine. If you are worried about her tearing up the house or using the br inside, you can get a crate/kennel for her. or just seperate off a room in the house for her, make sure that rm is doggy proofed though. There are some agencies out there who will come to your house and walk the dog for you when you are gone. Here there is even one group who will come pick them up and take them to the park for a while. There are also daycares for dogs in some places, Some vets also provide a day boarding type situation
2006-10-08 13:11:55 · answer #4 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are usually fine indoors for 7 hours, but you should start with caging her in a small area...maybe the kitchen, that way she will not tear up your couch or pee on your carpet. If you do build a kennel, you will have to make sure that she will be able to find shade and have a warm place in the winter to go. Inside would probily be your best option.
Congrats on the new addition to your family
2006-10-08 13:10:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A kennel would be good. A fenced backyard would be better. I have a dog too that stays home while I go to work and I am thinking of taking him to doggy daycare a couple of days a week. It's pretty inexpensive. $6 a day. It would be worth it.
2006-10-08 13:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by Sabina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do would be build a fence for your dog or a kennel while you are building the fence. Honestly you should have considered this before you brought the dog home.
2006-10-08 13:09:27 · answer #7 · answered by slickshiftin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could leave her in the house but she will most likely have accidents in there that you may not like. I think you should build her a kennel. Make it big enough so she can move around and get some sort of exercise. Include her water, food and of course toys to keep her occupied.
2006-10-08 13:14:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you leave her inside you need to make sure she is house broken. You don't want a dog peeing and pooping everywhere. A kennel would probably be your best bet. Just make sure the dog has plenty of water and food to last it for the hours that you are gone.
2006-10-08 13:10:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a Crate. We do it to out chocolate lab. She actually loves it! It's not cruel like some people think, it's the dog's own personal space. She even goes in there on here own.
Crates/Kennels cost anywhere from $40 on up to $150, depending on size.
2006-10-08 13:09:12 · answer #10 · answered by Boodie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋