what to do with pup while I'm at work? Long but please give input...

[b131]

Originally posted by luvfritz
Hi,

I don't mean this in a bad way - not a personal attack - I'm just curious. With your demanding schedule why are you getting such a young puppy? I know it is workable but not without a lot of help.

Luvfritz -

Not taken in a bad way . Everyone has their particular schedules towork around. Mine just happens to be work but I don't think it's all that demanding. M-F 8-5, just like your average "Joe" + commute time. I had a puppy at a young age before with the same schedule and did not have a problem. The only difference this time is that I want the dog to be trained indoors rather than being a backyard dog (this may seem major but it's all on how you manage time). I have plenty of time for him, like I said, I would go home at lunch if I did leave him at home alone, plus all night and all weekend.

 

[KC]

I guess I'm the only one with this opinion - but, I'd take my baby to my parents. In my opinion, the socialization and house training will be more important than some habits you can train away with work. I would at least do this until the puppy is older. How old is up to you - but no matter how well you puppy proof, etc., the pup is gonna be safer with people there to look after it. My dogs have spent extended daytime hours with people who don't necessarily agree with or abide by my training methods - but it was worth it to have to work on those issues - just to know my babies weren't lonely all day. Boxers are incredibly social and to leave one (especially a puppy) alone all day is tough on them. I know some people can't avoid it - but if you have the option of having your baby with people all day - that's what I'd do.

 

[b131]

Thank you all for your input. I'm still thinking and deciding but am leaning towards a mixture of #1 and #3. I want the pup socialized well and not just used to me and my gf. So I plan on bringing him to my parents house (5-10 minutes away) on way to work on certain days and leave at home in crate on other days only when I am certain that I can take an extended lunch break which theoretically could happen may 2 or 3 times out of the week.

I just really need to lay down the ground rules when I leave him with my family (parent's house).

Thanks again.

 

[b131]

Originally posted by KC
I guess I'm the only one with this opinion - but, I'd take my baby to my parents. In my opinion, the socialization and house training will be more important than some habits you can train away with work. I would at least do this until the puppy is older. How old is up to you - but no matter how well you puppy proof, etc., the pup is gonna be safer with people there to look after it. My dogs have spent extended daytime hours with people who don't necessarily agree with or abide by my training methods - but it was worth it to have to work on those issues - just to know my babies weren't lonely all day. Boxers are incredibly social and to leave one (especially a puppy) alone all day is tough on them. I know some people can't avoid it - but if you have the option of having your baby with people all day - that's what I'd do.

I posted my thoughts then came up on this one right after. This has got me thinking even more! I think you're right in regards to the importance of socializing the pup. I will probably leave him with my family more often than not but also want to have him alone at home so that he can get used to that feeling as well. I may not try leaving him alone at home until he is much older (1/2 year or older). Thanks again.

 

[BXR MOM]

I purchased an exercise pen that I set up in the Kitchen. This was big enough to give Lucy some room, but small enough that she couldn't get into trouble. Plus, it helpd with the crate training. In it I placed her bed, then a toy area with a bowl of water, and then an area with newspapers for her to potty. I also had a crate in the bedroom that she slept in at night.

 

[Raynas mom]

What works for US is having a gate to block off our kitchen....our kitchen has a slidding glass door to the back yard so they can go in and out. We leave Rayna and Joe for about 8 hrs like this and It has always worked for us. My husband and I dont like crating (our personal opinion) so this was our best option.

 

[kgf73]

You could try alternating #1 one day, and #3 the next. It sounds like the puppy would needs it's rest the next day after #1.:p

 

[buddy's_mom_29]

I do like Chewy's Mom, and Buddy has the run of my kitchen and living room, with puppy pads (well, not much now). He's always done great like this. He sleeps the whole time I'm gone, albeit my schedule isn't like yours. The most I'm usually gone is 4-5 hours, but maybe you could alternate like you said. I like the idea of leaving him at your family's to have people to play with. If I had somewhere to leave Buddy for the times I have to leave, I would.:D