Too much time alone

xwilliamjohnsx

Hey guys, looking for some advice here. So over the past couple of months my girlfriend had been on maternity leave from work (she took it way early) which was great because it allowed her to be home with Ollie during the days while I was at work. I recently started a new job where I'm out of the house by 6 am and she is now going back to work her hours are 8-5. When we are not home he is kenneled. We have tried a few times to leave him in the kitchen after we bought a nice dog gate but he just chews our door frame haha. I'm very concerned because he sleeps in his kennel at night (we usually go to be at 10). I let him out to go to the bathroom in the morning before I leave and he goes back in until my girlfriend is up. I'm just afraid now that with this new schedule he won't be getting the full attention he deserves. I have looked into dog daycare which is way too expensive here. Has anyone else had problems with things like this? How did you manage your time? I love my little buddy more than anything but I want to find a way to give him the best life that he deserves.

BulliesofNC

Is there any possible way of setting him up with an outside run that provides shelter cover?

xwilliamjohnsx

Do you have a link on where to purchase these? If not too expensive this may be a good solution but with a newborn I can't afford to spend way to much.

BulliesofNC

http://www.lbarmranch.com/Dog-Kennels-s/46.htm

BONC_Jacksonville

William an alternative could be purchased at Lowes if those are over budget.  http://www.lowes.com/SearchCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=dog+pen#! .  It could be a decent starter for Ollie.

Soapskid

I too am going back to work after this year. I recently left my job of 6 years due to long hours and stress. It was a great job and in a field I loved, I was basically making video games. I am worried about how Spud will be once I get back to working again. My mom is always home but Spud is still a fireball of energy.

My plan is that Spud will be 11 months by the time I go back to another job. I hope he can be some what house trained with my mom, otherwise I plan on building a kennel run in the back yard until he is maybe 1.5 years old then slowly integrate him to being with my mom all day if possible.

Let me know what you plan to do. I'm looking to build the kennel with a chain link fence. I estimate it to be around $100-150 to make.

Boyda

We built our own kennel for about 300, it was fairly easy to build so as long as you're handy you can pull it off. We were also lucky in the fact that we bought a home with a random cement slab that we easily put fencing around.

Ps... Don't mind my crappy backyard, we are in the middle of fixing it up.

BulliesofNC

If you're going to go with chain link make sure you get the thickest you can find. A bull terrier that's wants out will go through chain link like butter. Trust me on that. I also recommend that you install a bottom bar simular to the top so the chain link can be secure at the bottom.
Having some for of shading is a must also. Direct sun in the middle of summer can cause heat stroke faster than many would believe.
Here's an old thread on Kennels: http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/119/who-makes-the-best-dog-kennels#Item_12

Dog Houses: http://www.bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/discussion/121/recommended-dog-houses#Item_1