I have a 13 week old lab / shepherd (maybe?) mix. When we brought him home my wife and I were able to trade him back and forth to the office. So he was with us 24/7 where we could somewhat entertain, clean up after, and check on him. We now need to start leaving him at home during the work day and it’s giving my wife and I some anxiety.
We have a pen (8 panels) set up in the kitchen. I know a lot of other people prefer crates, however, he has some unusual intermittent issues with bladder control. Crating him all day seems like a recipe for a very unhappy pup. I bought reusable waterproof pen mats to hopefully keep his paws mostly dry during the day. I also have a camera on the way so that I can keep an eye just in case.
We’ve left him in the pen for 3-4 hours a few times in the past, holidays, and evening out, etc. he seems to do alright. Aside from the pushing of the pen that I assume is from his distress of wanting us around 24/7.
My wife has been off work this week but we have still been trying to keep him in the pen for the majority of the “working hours”. To try and establish a sense of consistency.
I’m sure that spending the days away unable to take him outside hourly will set back his potty training a bit. But he is good about peeing outside as soon as he gets there. And I do intend to take lunch breaks to come home and let him outside and play a little.
Currently inside his pen he has a good size pillow bed (brand new. Letting him get use to it today. Hoping it doesn’t get shredded) a handful of toys including durable stuffies, bones, peanut butter hoof, and a water bowl that attaches to the side because for some reason he’s started throwing his water bowl in protest this week.
Should I put a crate inside of the pen for additional security? I want him to be safe and comfortable. Sometimes when we leave his crying stresses out my hound dog to the point that I’ve had to get safety locks for the pantry.
Sorry for the long post. Appreciate any advice.
submitted by /u/Synthyx
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