What to do during the day

[OsaBarbosa]

Well, we got our puppy at the beginning of the summer when my wife was finished with school (she is a teacher). Now that she is getting ready to go back to school in two weeks, what would be the best way to get our puppy (now around 4 months old) ready to spend most of the day in her crate? We were thinking that each day this week and next that we would gradually work up the hours that she is in the crate and then for the first few weeks, I would go home at lunch and let her out/play (I work about 30 mins from where I live).

Any suggestions on what will work? We were thinking about putting her in our basement (it is finished) but we do not want her to releive herself down there and actually move her potty training back a few steps.

 

[Herschel]

Your plan sounds great. Stick with the crate.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

definitely stick with the crate--you don't want to add any option for messing in the house. If she hasn't really been alone --it may take her awhile to adjust.

 

[Charliesmommy]

Sounds like a good plan, but I have a feeling you will quickly get very sick of driving the 30 minutes home and back to let her out at lunch. Is there anyone who can come walk her for you during the day? If so, you might want to go ahead and start trying that so they can get to know eachother.

 

[OsaBarbosa]

We have a neighbor that stays home with her little one and she said she would be happy to come over and let the little one out. And we think it would be good because Osa would get to spend time with a toddler (she has done very well in the past). We are also going to bring her to puppy daycare 1-2 times a week that my boss sends her dogs too and they love it. This will allow her to get lots of her puppy energy out.

 

[Charliesmommy]

Sounds like you have all your bases covered! Charlie goes to doggy daycare occasionally and he looooovvvvvves it! And he comes home so worn out that he sleeps 12 hours straight. It's wonderful!

 

[kidsanddogs]

I agree, your plan sounds good. I would provide Osa with some safe interactive play toys like a kong, food balls, etc. These can keep her busy and help her pass the time. Most people stuff the ball with treats, and the kong with peanut butter and treats.

It will also be really important to give Osa lots of exercise in the morning if you can, and after you both come home from work.

Another thing to do is to head off any possible separation anxiety by doing a couple of things in addition to the toys:

1. Try to vary your routine in the morning before you leave. It's hard to do because we are all creatures of habit, but if she can't anticipate exactly when you are leaving, she's less likely to become anxious. Some dogs start getting nervous when they hear the shower come on, or smell the coffee.

2. Don't make a big deal about leaving. Just say goodbye and leave. Same goes for coming back. Just act normal so she sees it as just another day of coming and going.

Good luck!