I have had my little Mister for 2 years. He has always been blocked in a small kitchen or bathroom area while we are at work. We bought a doggie gate that has a swing door so that it is always up and all we do is close the door when we leave. We did feel guilty about leaving him all day so we had to get him a brother. They keep each other company during the day and we know they are safe behind the gate...had to start taping the weewee pads down as they were shredding them...gotta love the boys!