My husband and I both work long hours and sometimes neither of us can get home in the middle of the day. We have two Rott mixes and we feel bad keeping them in their crates all day, but we aren't allowed to leave them out on our porch where there's nothing for them to chew, and if we leave them in the house we would have to replace all our furniture, the carpets, the cat...everything. We don't have a yard, so we take them to a ballpark near us to run as often as we can, but even that isn't enough sometimes. And don't suggest walks, because that won't do anything. They're both about a year old and have unlimited energy. We're crating them now cuz there's nothing else to do, but we don't like it. We love our dogs and won't consider getting rid of them, but we don't feel like this is good for them. Whenever I read about chewing the article always blames the owner for being gone too long and not leaving out enough toys, but we give them tons and can't help that we have to work. Any ideas?
2007-01-24 11:53:02 · 18 answers · asked by David M 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You aren't being cruel to your dogs.
If you have no other choice - leaving them crated during the day is really "OK!"
As far as the advice of leaving them lose with plenty of toys - LOL!
I hear it all the time - "If you leave them with enough of the "right" things to chew on.... they won't chew on your house!"
Ha Ha Ha!!!
Obviously, none of my dogs have decided to follow those guidelines & no matter how many toys & "proper" chewies are left for them - they will chew the walls, floor, windowsills, blinds... you name it.
So, keep in mind, this situation is temporary! They will grow up. You don't need to give them away to a home where they can run & play & be dogs & etc etc etc - cuz how many of those type of homes exist?
You don't mention if you live in an apartment or a house - but if possible, the best situation would be an outdoor kennel or run in your yard (with proper shelter, water & shade of course.) Where they would be safe & couldn't destroy anything (except for their shelter of course!) While you're at work.
But - if that isn't possible, then they'll just have to be happy & comfortable in their crates. So long as they have something to chew on to keep them entertained, they'll be fine. This too shall pass! Eventually, and you'll be amazed when it happens, they will no longer be home destroying little "$H*Ts." They'll be nice, well behaved doggies.
Until then - don't feel guilty about crating them while you're at work - it's the best you can do & dogs LOVE crates. Just leave a crate open with a dog in the room - he will go right in & lie down.
Keep doing what you're doing & give them love & care & excercise & wear yourself ragged entertaining them while you're home - LOL - but you must crate them when you're gone & you're doing the right thing & your dogs will thank you for it in the long run.
:)
2007-01-24 12:43:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two possibilities:
Dedicate one room that the dogs can be left out in, with plenty of food and toys and furniture that can take some abuse. Leave a window that they can look out of and maybe leave a radio or television on (if you can keep the electric cords away from chewing mouths).
Look into a doggy day-care center...they are able to exercise them and give them attention wile you're at work, even if its only one or two days a week as a break from the crates.
2007-01-24 20:01:07 · answer #2 · answered by callthedog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to take a long hard look at the life they have right now. They are spending more time crated than they are loose, which is not fair on any animal, let alone a high energy dog. The chewing is a result of frustration. Think of them before yourself; i'm sure you do love them, but if you truly love them you will do what's best for them rather than what makes you happy.
2007-01-25 01:45:51 · answer #3 · answered by Cara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a pet nanny or a puppy day care. Sometime kennels will run these for $5 a day. You can also post an ad in the paper for someone to come mid-day and let the dogs out, take them for a 30 minute walk or run, etc for $10 or so.
Besides that there really isn't much to do. As for chewing, it really is associated with lack of exercise because it makes them bored and anxious. I think getting a pet sitter will be really good for your pets!
2007-01-24 20:30:25 · answer #4 · answered by bpbjess 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure where you and your husband live, but why not check into doggie day care in your area? This is a good option for busy people who are gone for most of the day and need some place safe, fun and productive for their dogs to hang out until after work. If you like this option, definitely make sure to do your research, though. You want to find a situation that will fit well with your dogs' needs. Some daycare places let all of the dogs run around in one large room all day, regardless of size, age, and activity level. Other places are more tailored to fit different types of dogs, and will have different play groups, as well as dog runs or crates for dogs to retreat to if they need a nap or some down-time. Many daycare places will offer you special rates for having multiple dogs, or monthly rate packages. Please make sure to visit as many as possible, and ask for a tour of the facility first! If they don't offer tours, don't consider the place! Also, make sure they can explain their health/safety policy to you, including vaccine requirements, how/how often they sanitize common areas,etc. Look for a quality establishment, and your dogs will be happy!
2007-01-24 20:06:51 · answer #5 · answered by stuball 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well first you know what you are doing now is not fair to them so you need to pick something.
My first idea would be doggie daycare....
Because they are rott's I kind of worry about asking someone else to take care of them come in and let them out during the day.
I really have to say if those ideas don't work you really should consider letting someone wtih more time take them. And maybe getting shared custody... You could have them on the weekends.
2007-01-24 20:12:33 · answer #6 · answered by Shelly t 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a pet-nanny - She comes in mid-day while my hubby and I are at work, walks the 2 dogs, plays with them and gives them lots of love and treats. It's not cheap ($13 a day!), but I don't care; it's for the well being of my boys!
My boys are otherwise crated during the day (From 7-6).
Consider it if it's on option for you!
2007-01-24 20:00:14 · answer #7 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will simply have to make more time to let these dogs get exercise. When you got them, you also got the responsibility to do what's best for them. I am not slamming you-I am just saying it like it is. Also, registering them in an obedience class could help channel some of their energy.
Eventually, they will reach the point where they don't have to be crated to keep them from destroying your house. Until then, it's up to you to keep them exercised.
2007-01-24 20:00:17 · answer #8 · answered by kelly24592 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a dog sitter, one that will come in the middle of the day take them out to the toilet and stay while they play for 1/2 hour. My vet has a dog sitter who works for him and she loves doing it. I'm sure you could locate one in your area. Good luck. Don't feel bad about the crate situation I had to do that too.
jw
2007-01-24 20:03:44 · answer #9 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is kind of cruel you should definitely look into daycare, or gettung someone to visit them. You should also try a kong. Make sure to get a large ones,and fill them with peanut butter or dog food. It will keep them busy for a few hours, and they get a treat.
2007-01-24 20:23:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋