Leaving puppy out of crate when not home

[Michelle and Chloe]

How do you know when a puppy is ready to be left out of the crate when you leave the house?  I have a 10 month old doodle, Chloe who at this time stays in a crate when I leave the house.  I would love her to eventually have more freedom in the house but am not sure when a good time would be to do this.  Should I wait until she is older?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree. Start with short periods, and be sure she's gated off where she can't do damage. Murphy is eight months and he's not crated at all anymore. He has his antlers to chew on while we're gone, and he does just fine. I know it's a leap of faith when you first try it, but if she's pretty much a good girl when you're around, I wouldn't worry. Good luck, and let us know how it works out.

[Michelle and Chloe]

Chloe has started a chewing phase again, where would I find antlers? Do they splinter like some bones or are they pretty durable? Right now my fear with leaving her "free" is her chewing something up. Other than that, she has been a great mellow girl.

[Carol and Banjo]

After many chewed up and destroyed chews and toys we picked up a couple of "antlers" for Banjo. Great investment for sure!!!! We love them almost as much as he does! They're available online but we found them in our local pet store. Money well spent!

[Helen]

Mine are never left to roam the house when we are out. In fact, when they see us getting ready to go out, they take themselves to their crates and wait for a treat and the doors to be closed.

[Carol and Banjo]

That would be Banjo as well......he can't get to his crate (and frozen, stuffed Kong) fast enough. We leave him "loose" while we're around the yard, etc. but he can and will get into things if he's so inclined. Sometimes he's great and other times he's a rascal. I like to think that someday he'll no longer need to be crated.

[Kyoko]

This is same with Charlie. I don't think she would cause problem or chew up things anymore, ( Once she was younger one of my daughter left her out because she felt "sorry" for her. Don't you know she chewed up my other daughter's passport out of all things!!) but I just don't feel comfortable leaving her out, in case she may find something to chew that is unsafe for her....She does not mind being in a crate at all, and relaxes as soon as she is in.

[Michelle and Chloe]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I'll keep everyone updated.

[shelly]

There was a discussion not too long ago about this very thing... I forget who... but it was only no more than a month ago, but they did a very smart thing - alright I think it was the DH's idea, but... they put on their webcam on their lap top to see what went on with the uncrated dog while they were'missing'... they found he/she was great and mainly just laid down. I think when the chewing and grabbing stages are over, you'll know and she will that it's time to take the next move to freedom... I STILL have to make sure NOTHING can be snatched while I'm gone and all doors are closed tightly... almost afraid to type the words, but she's really been pretty good (well... except for the corn cob incident recently - but THAT was due to careless HUMAN teens) - LOL

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

It was Seamus. There were two posts.

Here is the update:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/an-update-on-seamus-aka?co...

Here is the original Post with suggestions:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/i-have-a-houdiniand-a-big?...

[shelly]

Thanks Joanne! You are good!
;o)

[Lauria Orr]

I think the short periods of time and in a gated area are MUSTS. I have left Melody for very short periods...less than 10 minutes to begin with. She is fine with her toys until she comes across cords, She has chewed up a few of them now, and they seem to be very interesting to her. The other thing I try to do when leaving Melody is to exercise her right before leaving, and that does seem to help. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Antler website (much cheaper than in stores): www.antlerpantry.com

In my case, Peri is almost 17 months and is still not 100% reliable. She is a chewer. Like everyone said, it really just depends! Good luck.