If you place the xpen where they feel safe but can still see out, your little baby may do better and stay in. I put Scooter's xpen in the kitchen but I have it expanded through the opening. I have a u-shaped kitchen and instead of closing the xpen to be the shape it is supposed to be, I have it expanded. Can you maybe set it up so they can see the door? Did they actually climb over it?
Scooter used to feel like I was leaving him for good and one time did get out. I figured out that because I had to go on a business trip and didn't take him (boarded him at his daycare instead), he thought my briefcase was similar to the suitcase I carry on trips sometimes. He has traveled quite a bit with me so he is really perceptive of these things. After the escape, I started putting my smallest suitcase where he could see it just outside the pen and haven't had a problem since. He now knows I won't leave him for long (just going to work) and I have been able to put the suitcase away.
You mentioned you work long hours....do you take a briefcase? Do you travel and leave your baby at all? You may be dealing with the same thing I went through. Try the suitcase trick and see what happens. Also, be sure to leave safe toys in the pen for your dog so they can play while you are out.
Good luck and PM me if you want more details on the suitcase trick....or if you need any advice from someone who lives in Austin. |