[Jennifer McClellan]

CJ is doing great with everything except for when he is alone. He has chewed up countless shoes, undies, socks, cups, toys and finally due to the recent couch incident he and Stella are now banished to the kitchen (where the food and water are) and the basement. We didn't want to do this but we were afraid that he would get into something dangerous and get hurt. We have given them lots of toys, hidden treats in bones and tied pull ropes to the walls. We are gone for about 4 hours at a time and CJ can seem to find all kinds of trouble. Does anyone have any other games or jobs he can do to keep his mind occupied when we are gone?

 

[kelso]

sounds like he isnt ready to be alone.....crate??? or at least another dogproof area

or exercise the heck out of him before you leave..which isnt always possible

 

[Jennifer McClellan]

He has his crate downstairs which he sleeps in when we are gone but we don't lock it mainly due to my own phobia about him being trapped in a crate while the house burns down (past experience of a friend). I try to get him out before I leave mainly when my son and I are on poop patrol and we play with him but it is difficult for me to walk a 4 month old GS and a 2 1/2 year old human at the same time.

 

[shilohsmom]

I agree the crate is likely your best bet. I hear what your saying about a fire but I can't imagine a crated dog having any better or worse chances at surviving a fire than one that is free in the house. What I would highly recommend is making sure you have visable stickers on your house and windows telling emergency crews that you have pets inside. I have yet to find a sticker that doesn't need to be replaced every so often due to fading, so keep up on that and change them as needed. I think the best ones I've gotten were free from the ASPCA. Other than that, make it clear to your neighbors that if your not there to please make sure fire crews know to get your dogs out.
Eli, my youngest boy, has the same issues with being distructive when I'm away and must be crated. I just make sure he gets special toys, stuffed Kongs and bones to keep him happy while hes there. I too, worry he could get into something and if I think about it he's likely more apt to start a fire if he's loose than if hes crated. There really is no stopping that boy when it comes to his distructive ways but at least in the crate I know he's safe.
Good Luck

 

[fourdogsrule]

Crate is the best solution. I here you about being crated in case of a fire, but he is better off in a crate so he doesn't get into something that can harm him or worse when your not home and can't help him.
I also have stickers on my windows and doors for emergency personel.
Good Luck and keep your fur baby safe.