Pixie has a similar set up at home... She stays in there all day while we're at work. She's out most of the time we're home. If hubby and I are both busy doing something (running errands, cleaning, whatever) she'll be put back in her area. Like you, I don't like her running around unsupervised. There's too much she can get into and she tends to chase the cats if we aren't looking....
On average, Pixie probably spends 10 hrs or so in her pen each day. We bring her out as soon as we get home and unless we're cleaning or something, she's out the rest of the night (sleeps in bed with us) and then is put back in her pen when we leave for work in the morning. Eventually she'll have free reign of the house (whenever she's potty trained and can be trusted not to cause trouble anyway!) but this is how it's going to be for now.
I think as long as you spend plenty of time with them each day and they have toys to amuse themselves when you can't, they're fine being confined for a few hours. Doesn't sound like your pup is stressed about being locked up so I wouldn't worry about it too much... |