Comment

Comment by Sky and Lyla on December 24, 2009 at 1:23am

Also, if she and Jack grew up together from puppyhood, it's likely that she is experience some serious seperation anxiety for the first time in her life. If Jack was always around then she has never really been alone before. You might have to start some of that crate training/being left along just as if she was a young pup. When you leave, give her a special toy so being alone is a good thing (like an extra special yummy Kong that she only gets when she's alone). Give her some extra love and patience, it's very very difficult for dogs to deal with losing the "sibling" they grew up with (whether or not they are actual litermates, if they're the same age, it's the same problem), they become so closely bonded. Good luck!

Comment by Bev Levy on December 23, 2009 at 3:30pm

My daughter was new in the state she now lives in and on Craigs list found a lady who used to be a vet tech who takes dogs in her home for day care, night care etc. She had references and was much less expensive than the kennels. Our area has a company that is insured and will come and let your dog out for $15 a day. I have not used them but my neighbors do and really like them. There are a few options at least until she is older. Also a kong with cheese or peanut butter frozen will keep her busy for a longer time.

Comment by christy fry on December 23, 2009 at 10:59am

maybe you could network this site and find someone close to you who could keep her over night with them? My corgi's love other dogs and would be beside themselves if another corgi came here to play at night a couple days a week...I'm sure there is a member here or at you local corgi meet-up that might have a corgi looking for a part time playmate as well ? I also use a x-pen with my puppy when I'm gone the other 2 have no restrictions to their movements around the house.

Comment by Sky and Lyla on December 23, 2009 at 10:22am

When I went looking for a pet sitter/dog walker I looked for someone with references that had been doing it for a long time and that was insured (most are bonded as well, however, bonded means nothing it it's just one person as bonding only covers against an employee stealing). I had an interview with her where she came to my house, met my animals, and stayed and talked for close to an hour. Yes, you are always taking a chance when letting someone into your home, but I felt better handing over a key to her than I would have a teenage neighbor. Her rates are very reasonable and my pups both just love her. Good luck!

Comment by Nicole, Stanley and STELLA! on December 23, 2009 at 10:11am

Hello,

I know you said you are new to the area, so maybe you could call to the local veterinarians, dog grooming, and/or day care places and find someone who is a trusted and recommended dog walker. Some of the vet techs might do that as a side job after hours. I know that some here do. Like the others said, I think that getting her out and walking wil probably help a lot. Stella has bent a couple bars on her crate, too, and the longest I ever leave her is for 6 hours.

Comment by Emma on December 23, 2009 at 9:40am

I like all of your ideas but I have thought of most of them. I now live an hour away from my ex and any of my friends and relatives (moved closer to job). I do not know anyone yet around here yet. I also am no sure about paying someone to take her out because that means giving them access to my home and belongings. Doggy day care is out because I work nights. The only reason I was allowed to have a dog in my apt (which is a townhouse) is if she was potty trained and crate trained..aka no leaving her to roam when I am gone. I didn't know I was going to be in this cituation a year ago when we got our puppies and I don't want to give her up completely.

Comment by Jane Christensen on December 23, 2009 at 8:19am

I agree with Kerry and Joanne. Trying to get someone to take her out would be of great help!

I also had this with one of my puppies and her new owner but she wasn't alone that long. We had a trial and error period which took some time for us to figure out. Rosie was climbing out her 4' high exercise pen also! What worked for them was having a radio on,moving the pen to where she was able to see out a window (it was still across the room) and giving her the dining room space also as she had been in a small kitchen area!

The last I heard was that all of this stopped after she moved the fence to a bigger area and it also stopped some chewing she had been doing. I was so glad this was a success for Rosie and her owner! Can you also leave a old shirt or something with you smell on for her to lay on? Yes, good chew toys are important also! Keep doing the dog park and playing when you are home!

Good luck!

Comment by Joanna Kimball on December 23, 2009 at 5:33am

Ten hours a day is a VERY long day for a young and active corgi. I'm not surprised that she's figuring out ways to keep herself busy - a year-old herding dog in a crate is like locking Lance Armstrong in your living room. He may be OK for a couple of hours but eventually he's going to start building a bicycle out of your furniture.

Can you find a doggy daycare near you so she can be kept occupied and happy while you're at work? Can you work out an arrangement with your ex to have her during the day? Can you hire a college or high school student to take her out and walk her and play with her every day? In this case it's not a stronger crate or better toys she needs; she has to be mentally and physically occupied.

And yes, I agree that she's going to hurt herself (if she hasn't already - check her teeth) if she keeps this up.