I was really nervous when I got Coco because I felt bad for leaving her home alone in an itty bitty little crate. But you know what? They love it in there. It's their security blanket, and their home. They might cry when you leave initially but I waited outside the door for 15 minutes and she only cried for like 1 minute, thinking I would change my mind. She went right to sleep within a couple of minutes. So I would get up at 6am for work. Let her out of her bed (it's a plush zip-up that I highly recommend it). Then I would take her to the puppy pad and make sure she did her poo poo and pee. Then she was allowed to run around my room only AFTER her business was done. While I get ready for work she usually plays around me. Right before I leave I poor her food/breakfast, that way as I'm leaving she's too hungry to notice. I would put her and her food in her crate along with some toys. Make sure the crate is only big enough for her to sleep in, not wander around in. If it's too big, they will go potty in it. Trust me I learned that the hard way. They will hold themselves till you get home. Then I would come home let her out to go potty. She again would have to do her business before running around the room. I only let her run in one room at a time, not the entire house. They become very dominant and don't listen if they think they got run of the house. Now because she's been so good, I put a gate in my hallway of about 4 feet. I put 2 puppy pads there, with her crate, toys food and water. I also turn on the tv for her for background noise. Even when I come home she's napping. So don't worry, they don't really mind. Of course they would prefer to be with you, but they would nap anyway...haha..please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I would love to help.
Nobella and Coco |