Ok, I may be in the minority here, we'll see, BUT:
I don't see it as abusive, and in a way it may actually be helpful. He sleeps in his crate all night with no problems and that is for a longer amount of time then you'll be gone, right? He barks constantly when he knows that someone is there and he can't see them but in his kennel with no one there he will probably figure out that barking isn't hleping him and that there is no one to let him out. He'll most likely bark like crazy for a while then give up and relax and fall asleep. You aren't comfortable leaving him out to wander and injure himself (I wouldn't either) and he is safe in his crate. He'll be FINE! Don't stress yourself out about it. =)
__________________ Amanda  |