Have I Screwed Up? I've read in a few places that letting you dog have run of the whole house immediately when you get them is a huge no-no. Well, I didn't read this until after the fact. We've had a Chewie for a month and right away we let him run around to get used to the place. Is this going to have a huge impact on how well he takes (or doesn't take) to being penned up in the kitchen when I go back to work? Is the damage reversible? |
How long until you have to go back to work. It's probably going to be hard for him to be in one small space when he's used to being able to go anywhere. I don't think the damage is irreversable though. Maybe try slowly closing him off of one area at a time until you go back to work. Hopefully by then he will be used to not having the run of the whole house. :) |
The great thing about dogs is that they live in the moment. He's not going to be thinking, "What's up, I use to have the run of the place." Most trainers say that dogs feel safer in a smaller enclosed area so when you're not around this is better anyway. I think most people keep them confined because it easier to potty train them. Whether you had started this in the beginning or now, he probably will put up a fuss at some point. |
I don't think it should be a huge problem. Duke is 7yrs old now, but when I first got him, I kept him in 1 room while I was at work, and he hated it from the begining. He barked almost the whole time, but I realized that he just does not like being left alone at all. He adapts when he gets on a routine, he will bark for a few minutes each time he is left but then he stops. I think as long as you give them plenty of attention when you are with them, then it shouldn't be too bad. |
Just try and get him used to being crated for short periods of time to begin with. Five minutes while you nip to the shop, then maybe ten next time and so on, gradually increasing the length of time. Depending on how much time you have til you go back to work you may have to 'nip' out quite alot but he will soon get the idea that you are coming back! Also each time change his toy to keep him occupied, Kongs are good! |
I did that with both Pixie and Roxie and then had to confine them to a smaller spcae and they did fine, but I have other dogs so they weren't alone, but w will adjust quickly |
Love the name Chewie! You've gotten good advice. As you're regrouping on his freedom, remember that often pups pitch a fit even if you started on day 1. So if you have trouble, don't assume it's because you started later. My 11 year old Reggie has had the run of the house 24/7 for about 8 years. When we got Coby, baby gates had to go back up. So unfortunately, Reggie no longer has free run of the house anymore unless Coby is crated at the moment. I look forward to a day when we don't have to have baby gates again. :rolleyes: So, I really don't think you'll have that much trouble. |
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