So, where was I? Oh yes, Bella had an "accident". I was mad. However, I also realize that she is a ten month old pup and that she was left home alone (well, not really alone ~ Sadie was there, as were the cats!) for a very long time. I'm gone for 10 hours when I work. 
The animals and I are trying to adjust to my new work schedule now that I'm on second shift. I used to feed the dogs first thing in the morning and around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. 
Now, I leave for work at 1:00 pm. So, I've been feeding around 8 o'clock in the morning and then again at noon. I'm rethinking that plan. I'm going to try feeding them at 8 am and when I get home from work (around 11 pm) and see if that works better. I'm thinking two meals, within a few hours of each other, and then being left alone for 10 hours is probably not the best plan for a puppy...
On a brighter note ~ I bring you (courtesy of my Princess):
6 TRUTHS OF LIFE
1. You cannot touch all your teeth with your tongue.
2. All idiots, after reading the first 'truth', will try it.
3. The first truth is a lie.
4. You are smiling now because you're an idiot.
5. You will soon forward this to another idiot.
6. There is still a stupid smile on your face.
I don't care if you lick windows, take the special bus,
or occasionally pee on yourself...
You hang in there sunshine, you're freakin' special...
..."I don't get it."Trust me Dreamer, it's amusing!
That sounds like a good schedule for them Nancy. Mine are on about a twelve hour apart schedule and they can hold it for 12-13 hours in their kennels if they need to as long as they go out right before they are kenneled when I am gone for a long day.
ReplyDeleteNancy, I feed usually before I leave the house and again when I return (usually 7am and 7pm in the summer).
ReplyDeleteI also really push the idea of crates and crate training. My dogs when I am home during the day will go into their crates to nap, its where I feed them, and where they feel secure. Its not intended as a punishment like a lot of people do.
Even my little Ell Bell was crate trained at 9 weeks of age and barked or whined to be let out when she needed to go. I just had to restrict water so she wouldn't pee if I was gone for a long time.
Things happen like that with puppies, can't be helped. But if she had a crate, at least it would be IN the crate and not in your house.
I don't trust my dogs to ALL be out when i"m gone...Even my Sadie only gets the Kitchen when i'm gone.
:)
Thanks for the tips. I'm not opposed to using a crate but since I'm gone for 10 to 12 hours at a time, I don't want to leave my dogs confined for that long. I feel that they need to be able to move around and exercise. I'd rather have to deal with an occasional accident than keep them in a crate for half their lives...
ReplyDeleteThe new feeding schedule seems to be working well. In a few more weeks, I'll be able to let the dogs stay outside when I'm at work. In spite of my threats, I haven't done that yet. ;-)