I just went back and read all posts & threads started by Nodak.
Are you for real?! keeping a puppy kenneled for 20 hrs+ a day?!
You are both too busy and self absorbed for a puppy.
Your poor little guy will never be potty trained or properly socialized.
If you end up keeping him in the manner which you are now, you will have numerous behavior problems with him, which will lead to frustration on all of your parts. Then to try to rehome an adult dog that is not housebroken or socialized will be heartbreaking for all involved.
Did you both really weigh all your options on caring for a dog? Vet bills?
training? toys, food, carpet cleaning, replacing chewed or ruined items? What will you do with him on your next vacation? Dogs take a lot more care then cats, where you can fill up their food and water bowls and empty the litter box. You don't have to walk the cat.
I have two very cute lovable girls who are not left alone more then 5 or 6 hrs at a time and they have free run of our entire 5,000 sq ft house. When we go out of town, we take them with us or a friend stays at our house and watches them. They are both pad trained and well behaved.
A small cramped kennel is not adequate for a growing puppy. He cannot sleep for 20 hrs a day. He needs love & attention to thrive. A puppy needs to have fresh air and exercise. You really need to think of the puppy needs and not your own. |