I'm not entirely sure where to put this, so I'm sorry if this isn't the right forum.

I have an almost 8-month-old Malinois bitch. My fiance and I discussed, at length, the commitment it would take to raise her, and we both agreed that we were in this 100%. I mean, we really talked this over - I never rush into anything without thorough consideration, and this was no different.

We had weird schedules that worked out so that she was really only crated overnight.

Well, the fiance moved out of state yesterday, giving me only about 3 days notice.

Now I'm feeling so incredibly guilty because even though I only work 4 days a week, I work 10-hour shifts.

That means that she's in her crate for my entire shift, and then overnight as well.

I'm not really sure what to do. All the folks in my mondio club live pretty far away from me, and I'm not sure I entirely trust a run-of-the-mill pet sitter to handle her properly.

She is definitely NOT ready for unsupervised alone time in the house. Plus, I'm a renter, so I'm that much less thrilled with the idea of possible property damage, if you know what I mean.

So, am I overreacting, or am I right in thinking that this is WAY too much crate time? Do you think I could maybe rig her ex-pen so that it's super stable (can't tip over, can't be scooted across the floor, etc.) and maybe leaving her in that while I'm gone?

Be careful with the ex-pen thing. I thought mine was stable, too.
When my foster rott broke out of it...well, needless to say, the house was a disaster, not to mention the dead bird (RIP, Morty).

I work 10 hour shifts, too, although all night long, and my guys do ok after 8 months of age or so. Is is possible (and safe) to kennel her outdoors? Secure kennel, doghouse, protected from neighbors, etc? I finally set up a covered 6 ft high 12X24 ft chain link kennel inside my fenced in yard for fosters and/or pups. That may be an option for you if she can be trusted and kept safe.

I guess barring her being messed with by neighbors/strangers, the only thing I would worry about is barking and escaping.

Sorry, not much help, am I?

Best wishes.

As the owner of a mal myself, I think that is too much time alone in the crate. Are there any day dog daycare places you could take her? Some people near me who work do that. They take their dog for the day while they are at work and the dog gets lot of exercise and play time. It can get costly, but even if you did it just part of the time it could help.

 Quote: Erica Dalton

and I'm not sure I entirely trust a run-of-the-mill pet sitter to handle her properly.

Hi Erica,

I wouldn't go for a run of the mill pet sitter either, but that doesn't mean you can't find someone perfectly qualified. Most folks have a knee-jerk reaction and automatically rule out, without even trying to find a professional to help with this type of work. Ask the folks in your mondio club, your vet, neighbors, look online, etc... GET references, and CALL them to inquire as to how satisfied they are, etc... You don't need someone to work your dog, just someone trustworthy to walk her and give her a potty break and a bit of mental stimulation.

The pet day care is an option as well.

Either way - I agree that this dog is going to need some time out of her kennel daily or you could very well end up with a very frustrated, distructive pup on your hands. And btw, I'm really sorry your life has taken this unexpected turn. Hang in there...

^^^^ What Barbara said

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

I wouldn't go for a run of the mill pet sitter either, but that doesn't mean you can't find someone perfectly qualified. Most folks have a knee-jerk reaction and automatically rule out, without even trying to find a professional to help with this type of work. Ask the folks in your mondio club, your vet, neighbors, look online, etc... GET references, and CALL them to inquire as to how satisfied they are, etc... You don't need someone to work your dog, just someone trustworthy to walk her and give her a potty break and a bit of mental stimulation.

Agree with Barbara^^^ I think she'd be fine if you can get someone to walk her (or play with her if you've got a fenced in yard)for a half hour/45 min in the middle of your shift. I'd have frozen kongs ready to go so someone could come in, exercise her, then put her back in the crate with something to keep her occupied for a little while. Work her good before and after your shift and she'll do fine.

Personally I'd avoid doggy day care for this dog unless the playtime is one on one with a person. Far too many doggy day care places just turn the dogs loose to play for the day. Which is just about like a dog park IMO.

I'ld avoid the doggy day care too.
It is usually just a free for all at playtime, and that can lead to more problems than you want to deal with.

Try the dog-walker option. Like someone said, you don't want them "training" her, just someone who's going to get her out and stretch her legs. You should be able to be specific about what you do and don't want them doing with her.

Hi erica
I had a similar situation with my gsd,allthough i wasnt away for as long a time as you are,i was away 8 hours a day and my dog wasnt crate trained at the time.He was kept in an outside kennel when i was away and when i came home he was off the scale with energy.
I managed to find a good responcible dog walker who gave him a walk every day for an hour,he was differant dog after that and much calmer,hope this is a help to you.
robbie

Thank you all for the replies, I appreciate them so much.

I don't have access to a yard, right now, but hopefully that will be changing within the next 6 months as I look for a new place to live - I'm looking for a place with a yard, for sure.

Thanks for the encouragement about dog walkers, too. I will start asking around and see what I can find. It's just hard because I've seen too many dogsitters/walkers think that they are the next Cesar Millan and try to "fix" people's dogs for them. Makes me so uncomfortable, especially with this girl since she's got a specific job, you know?

Depending on where you live, Erica, day-care could be an option, although I agree you don't want to have your dog in a "dog park" type of situation. I know there are several in our area that offer different levels of socializing with other dogs. Sometimes you can get a private area for your dog where they get a little space to move around, an outside area for potty (or at least somebody taking them out for potty breaks) and a little interaction with a human. It is indeed expensive, though.

I also agree that you don't want a run-of-the-mill pet sitter, but if you do a little research and check references, you will probably be able to find someone trustworthy. And anyone worth their salt should respect your wishes not to train or try to "fix" your dog.

Edited by Cheri Grissom (12/31/2010 12:03 PM)
Edit reason: added a thought