Let Freedom Ring

Dear Dog Lady,

My dog, Monte, a pure-bred chocolate Labrador, will be one-year-old this month He gets a lot of exercise between dog parks, daycare, walks, and play time. During the days when he doesn't go to daycare, he stays home alone. Since he was about six-months old, we started giving him a little more freedom in the house by letting him roam between the living room and eating area. He also has a dog door to go outside as needed. (The house and backyard are fully secure).

Monte does very well when home alone. There’s not much destruction in the house and it looks like he sleeps a lot during the day. However, I recently read an article that said dogs don't really want that much freedom. Instead, they would prefer to be in a more confined space (e.g. crate, or smaller room) because they feel safer with less anxiety. Do you think we give Monte too much freedom? How would we really know if this isn't the best plan for our pup?

Bonnie, Moline IL

Oh, Bonnie, the answer doesn’t lie over the ocean – or in a general book about doggy dos and don’ts. The answer lies in Monte’s mien. It appears, from everything you’ve described, he’s doing just fine with the arrangement. When home alone, he doesn’t get into any kind of Macaulay Culkin trouble. He sleeps. He destroys something every once in a while but you don’t seem too disturbed by it. He gets outside via the trapdoor. Essentially, he’s handling your absence like any healthy dog.

You would have to confine him to a smaller area if Monte exhibited great distress during your absences – if he destroyed the house or soiled indoors. Dogs on solitary rampages calm down if crated or corralled because they do feel safer with smaller spaces and can’t get into much trouble when penned.

Your darling sounds as if he’s adjusted just fine to the space you allow him. You might also leave out treats and chew toys so he doesn’t sink his teeth into your belongings. And make sure you never make a fuss when coming or going. It might pain you to do so, but it’s best to walk out the door without saying “goodbye” and come home without a big “hello.” You don’t want your Monte to feel any anxiety around changes on the home front

Posted by Dog Lady at February 27, 2006 12:39 PM