I think crate training is OK. I use to confine mine to the bathroom in my room, where there was tile because I came home to poop and pee on the carpet all the time. Sometimes, just because they couldnt hold it and well it was messy. We went on like this for a few years, but it seems as time has gone on Daisy doesn't like Winston so much when I am gone and has attacked him twice sending him to the vet (she's way smaller than him too, it just takes it). Then when we got Kane, he marks like crazy so everyone is crated now separately when I'm gone and I think it's just fine. They can stand up and turn around and each have a bone to chew on and are all side by side so they can see each other. If it's only for an hour or two then I put Daisy in my room and the boys can have run of the house... if you want to work at letting her out of the crate, try 10 minutes, then an 30 minutes, then an hour and keep working it up.

Deanna, Daisy & Winston

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I've had success with this behavior, but I still confine my dogs to an ex-pen if I'm going to be gone all day. Whether they're confined or not, they get lots of stuffed Kongs and chew toys to keep them busy while I'm away. I started by confining them to a certain area of the house and leaving them alone for 10 min, then 30 min, and then an hour or two. I don't let them have the run of the house for more than four hours at a time, since they can get very bored and they may move to chewing my coffee table instead of their toys.

I never intended to let Chloe roam the house while we weren't there, but our situation changed. My mom, who was normally home with the dogs during the day, went to help my mother-in-law with some health issues. The first day, Chloe "broke out" of her crate (the wire/metal kind)...she apparently pushed and shoved until she managed to separate a corner (not really sure how!).. anyway, the next day I put her in a larger crate that we had (still wire/metal, but large enough for a BIG lab) she broke out of it as well. When she broke out, each time, she didn't bother anything, but she did rub all the hair off her muzzle by her mouth and get a scratch above her eye. I was too worried about coming home and finding her hurt or worse. Decided to just leave her loose (all bedroom/bathroom doors shut) with access to the kitchen, den(and sofa!)and the entry and living room. She hasn't bothered anything, and after the first day, no accidents. I feed her on a schedule (morning/evening)and so far no problems. She is usually on the couch asleep when I get home.
That being said, I would prefer that she was in a crate while we were gone, but I felt like all day long was just too much (and apparently she did too!) and I am unable to come home at lunch everyday.
Sorry no reall advice, just a story....
Oh, I do make sure there are no shoes/remotes/etc laying around to entice her.

~Kellie and Chloe~

Why allow her out to chew up something or potty in the house. Then you'll just feel angry & frustrated with her. As long as she gets out at noon & gets some attention & exercise, I think the crate is safest & best. Hugs for Stella!



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