[Tara<3Boss]

Boss has not been crate trained, I tried it for a little while, but when I'd let him out, he'd become very hyper and a little aggressive. What I'd suggest if you don't want to crate her, make sure she has things to do when she's left alone. For example, Boss always has a couple chew toys out for him, plus, I have these kongs that are meant for stuffing. I prepare two kongs for him with kibble and treats inside and kong stuffing in between the crakcs of the kong. It keeps him occupied for a few hours, then, after that he always has toys he can chew. If you give the dog something to do while you're gone, there is less of a chance they will become destructive. Again, good luck!

 

[Tara<3Boss]

Ok but, he said he does not want to crate her. Crating is not by any means the only option. I would never crate Boss because him being confined to one tiny space for like 8 hours is too long for him. He is a very active puppy. He has never destroyed anything (unless you count some paper and a book or two) because I make sure he has something to do when I'm gone. You'll find that boredom is the reason dogs become destructive, and sometimes because they have seperation anxiety.

If you don't want to crate her, trust me, you do not have to. I have never crated ANY of the dogs I've owned. They were always permitted to wander about the house because they were well trained and were given something to do. Granted, one of the dogs we had, did destroy a door once, but, that was our fault. He was bored out of his mind. Also, I would recommend keeping her in one room while you're gone still. Just until she is completely house broken.

 

[Tara<3Boss]

Well, it's not fair that people have to work for a living and HAVE to be gone for 8-9 hrs a day. Yeah, it's a long time, but that really can't be helped, unless you live with your parents or are somehow independently wealthy. So, people with jobs shouldn't have a puppy?

The only reason I'm repeating that he does not want to crate the dog, is because that's what everyone keeps suggesting. He is aware that he CAN crate her, but it is important that he knows he doesn't HAVE to and that there are other options.

 

[Tara<3Boss]

I disagree. Most of the dogs I had growing we got as pups, three were adopted, my mom worked to earn a living. We didn't win the lottery. Most people that own dogs HAVE JOBS AND LIVES. Just because you can't spend every waking moment with your dog, does not in any way mean you don't have time to train them or that you are doing the dog an injustice. I work and I trained my dog myself. How do you pay your way if you don't have a full-time job? And what would make you think that you can't leave a dog at home for 8 hours while you do what you need to do to survive? That's ridiculous.

 

[Tara<3Boss]

Like I said, ALL OF OUR DOGS THAT I HAD GROWING UP WERE LEFT HOME WHILE MY MOTHER WAS WORKING. And YES BOSS WAS LEFT ALONE WHILE I WORKED ALL DAY. As far as house breaking goes, once he was about 4 months old he was able to HOLD IT. Now, before that age he would use the papers that were laid out for him. Also, did you ever see me say that I think crating a dog/puppy for 8 hours a day was a good idea? No, I did not. My puppy is free to wander the apartment all day, he is not left locked up in a crate. ALSO as I ALREADY STATED, when you leave a dog alone for a long period of time it is to be expected that the dog/puppy WILL GET BORED. Hence, the reason I said make sure they have something to do. Now, as for my statement about MOST people who own puppies/dogs work and have lives, that DOES NOT IMPLY THAT PEOPLE WHO DON'T WORK DON'T HAVE LIVES. I understood everything you said, you obviously did not understand everything I said. Sorry, I just really don't like having to repeat myself. Just please, read what I said before you jump on me about it.

 

[Tara<3Boss]

Sure, but, I hope you read my post and now understand what I was talking about. Btw, you did jump on me about the job thing and about the crating and etc before you even took the time to comprehend what I was saying.