Isn't it frustrating when they're destructive?! I'm so lucky my yorkie puppy isn't destructive but my lab was 10 years ago when he got him and I still remember the frustration as if it were yesterday. He ate anything and everything he could (remotes, CD's, baseboards, shoes, drywall, another dogs harness right off of it's body...). We spent so much time and money at the vet because of the stuff he would eat.
I would highly suggest you crate train him and always put him in there while you're gone. It will keep him safe and save you a lot of heartache and frustration. Start off slow, leave the door open and allow him to go in and out as he pleases, teach him to "go to bed" and reward him when he does. It doesn't have to be a negative thing going into a crate and you'll both be happier in the long run. We have our puppies crate attached to her exercise pen so she has lots of space to play, sleep, eat, drink and potty while we are out. She is very comfortable and happy in there. Our lab sleeps right on the other side of her crate every day. The brand is midwest homes for both crate and pen (all of them are made to attach to each other).
Good luck!
Karen |