Need Some Helpful Ideas On Living Arrangements

Zoeys_Mom · #1 06-03-2006, 11:49 AM

So I'm moving to Winnipeg this August, and will be moving back in with my parents. Normally I would be just fine with this. I get my own bedroom and den, so there is plenty of room for me.
But now I have Zoey. She is welcome at their house (they know giving her up is no option, and they want me to go to school!), but they do not want to change their lives becuase of her.
They have a basement den area that was my mom's workout room, and the 2 big meat freezers are down there. There is a radio and a tv. I was thinking that Zoey could be in her crate down there while I am at school. My Mom or step dad would of course let her out to potty.
My concern is that she'll hear the people upstairs and whine and carry on (we've all heard our babies 'scream) I do plan on leaving the radio on beside her. I am planning on taking her to doggy daycare a couple of times a week, but on a students budget, that will be tough. Does anyone have any suggestions? I could buy a run and put it under the trees, but I don't want to leave her outside, it's really way to hot in Winnipeg in the Summer. She's used to her crate, thats our routine.
The other thing is my stepdad is a treat machine! So if I know him, he'll feel bad that she's 'caged' all day, and let her out and feed her people food! I really don't want to miss out on going to school, there has to be something we can work out. I need some advice, Boxer World friends! What do you all think?

***I should have mentioned that they don't want her in the yard. They have 1/2 an acre. I would love to leave her out, but they don't want to watch her. The yard is fenced by a 6ft chain link, so it's ideal. But they also don't want poop on their manicured lawn!

Brynn1508 · #2 06-03-2006, 12:24 PM

Zoey's mom - congrats on going back to school. My suggestions would be to sit down with you parents and work out all the fine details. Perhaps early in the morning when there is not much comotion zoey can be in her crate with the music - and then you parents can let her out to spend some time. Make sure you parents do not let her out every time she "screams" this could undermind you crate training.
I would try and pick a schedule and stick to it. Zoey is a boxer so she will catch on. The adjustment period will be minimal if you have a good plan. Maybe monday - crate, tuesday doggie day care, weds with grandma and pa and thursday doggie day care friday crate? I would also make a how to care for zoey list... ie no people food, she gets let out once to pee 1/2 through the day etc. Good luck!!! and keep us posted

LeahR · #3 06-03-2006, 01:03 PM

Give them a little time, before long I bet Zoey will be the queen of the castle

In the meantime, and if they don't cave in, I am sure she will adjust to the new routine. but how and where are you planning for her to potty if she can't go into their yard???????

Gemflies · #4 06-03-2006, 03:05 PM

Give them time, they will probably change! Will the crate fit in the den or your bedroom?

Zoeys_Mom · #5 06-03-2006, 06:58 PM

Brynn: The idea for a Zoey Care sheet is awesome! Thanks! Of course I am going to talk to them about the fine details. My mom just sounded a little rigid on the phone! And I am hoping she will be the queen of the castle!!

LeahR: I am going to talk to my Mom about having a 'designated potty area'. Needless to say when it hits -50C outside in the winter we WON'T be walking up the street to potty

Gemflies: I am going to try and talk my parents into letting me have the basement for Me & Zoey space. Might have to move a few things... but it's only for 2 years! Hopefully they will cave in!

Thank you all for your ideas and help