Leaving your buddy alone in the house

**CajunGolfDog** · 07-31-2011, 10:28 PM

Magnus never took to the kennel. Try as I might (using the advice from this board before finally joining), he just never got along with it. I think he must have had a negative experience with one when he was younger. He goes to daycare during the day, but there are times on the weekends or at night when I need/want to leave and he can't come along.

Anyways, I've been working with him on leaving him alone in the house on his own. I'll tell him "bye, be good" and a scratch on the head with a kong, then leave. Starting 2 mins, then 10 mins, and 30 mins, etc. I even bought a security camera that I can view online for my peace of mind. Is this the best way? Thanks.

**Sophiesmama** · 07-31-2011, 10:59 PM

I am not sure if/when to leave Sophie alone. So far we have always gotten a sitter when we have to go somewhere. We got a sitter yesterday to go to a birthday party. I am skittish about leaving her alone. She is 15 weeks. How old is your dog? Let us know how this goes...

**Belles mom** · 07-31-2011, 11:04 PM

Belle was 12 years old before I could trust her loose in the house!!

**kassabella** · 08-01-2011, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by Belles mom

Belle was 12 years old before I could trust her loose in the house!!

Erns just earned that right at 9.

Kassa was about 18 months. Tessa I have had to leave inside as she breaks out of the crate and barks outside.

When I leave I say going to work. Covers all situations. Give a nice treat and usually do it a few moments before I go. When they are left inside they don't have free range of the house and have to stay in the dogs room.I have baby gates up.

**Samson** · 08-01-2011, 08:50 AM

I have a nine year old Jasper and a three year old Dylan and I expect some damage on a monthly basis !

I set up a mini cam corder that I bought off ebay but sadly the battery only lasts two hours and as such i can't decide who is the culprit !

I KNOW it's Jasper - I just don't have the proof !!

His latest escapade was pulling the microwave off the counter top ( I had left a chicken breast in there for their evening meal as Jasper had an upset stomach )

I now have a new microwave without the convenient handle to pull it onto the floor.

**CajunGolfDog** · 08-01-2011, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Sophiesmama

I am not sure if/when to leave Sophie alone. So far we have always gotten a sitter when we have to go somewhere. We got a sitter yesterday to go to a birthday party. I am skittish about leaving her alone. She is 15 weeks. How old is your dog? Let us know how this goes...

He's 7 months, almost 8. Will let you know. Thanks.

Samon check out this camera. It uses an outlet (no batteries) and can be connected to a wireless network and be viewed anywhere that you have an internet connection even on a smartphone.

Same one that I use. You can even turn it 360 degrees.

Amazon.com: Foscam FI8908W Wireless IP Camera with Pan & Tilt, Night Vision, 2 Way Audio, Apple Mac and Windows compatible, Color - Black: Electronics

**BigBrownDog** · 08-01-2011, 09:26 PM

What do you mean by "did not take to the kennel"? If you mean a crate - you have to train a dog to accept being in a crate. Mine both are fine with it, but I no longer crate either of them.

Diesel was almost 2 before he was trustworthy. Blaise was a little younger. Both of them occasionally act up - recently someone (don't know who) destroyed a box of knee-high stockings while I was away on a business trip. The cardboard was in a million little pieces - all stockings untouched. Such drama queens sometimes.

**Laceezmom** · 08-01-2011, 10:35 PM

At almost one year I have started to leave my pup loose in the house if I am only going out for a few minutes - like to the farm stand for vegetables. I don't think she likes it as when I come home she is waiting right by the door where I leave and seems a bit nervous. UsuallyI ask her to kennel when I go out and she trots right in - is rewarded with two pieces of kibble - and all is well. She has not gone onto heat yet and we are waiting until after that to spay her. I want to have the kennel as an available option for controlling any mess. Otherwise I might try to get her used to being ut of the crate and alone but I think it is one of those human traits we transfer to the dogs - that it is punishment to be confined. It is easier if a dog is happy in the crate as mine is.

**CajunGolfDog** · 08-01-2011, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by BigBrownDog

What do you mean by "did not take to the kennel"? If you mean a crate - you have to train a dog to accept being in a crate. Mine both are fine with it, but I no longer crate either of them.

Yes I meant crate, sorry. He would run away from me when I went to put him in, and had this throaty cry as he banged on the grate door with his paws from day one. I had tried everything, including advice from this forum as well as several breeders and dog trainers. If I placed his food in there, he wouldn't eat. Acted as if I was dropping him into lava or something. Since he is a rescue and fairly young, I assumed that he just had a traumatic experience with one early on.

**CharlieLabMom** · 08-02-2011, 07:41 AM

Our pup is 9 weeks and seems to be doing well with his "den" however, we have not left the house with him in it yet. He goes in on his own during the day but we have only locked the door once. At night he has done great - about 7 hours! There are a few chews and a towel in there. He doesn't tear towels part, seems to find them comforting...

I guess I won't know how well he handles being left alone until I try but since he's still a little one, I am worried. Our plan is to always put him in his "den" when he's left alone. I've heard lonely dogs get destructive.