When did they get the run of the house?

chloedog · #1 09-25-2002, 05:17 AM

How young was your boxer when they got the run of the house? Chloe has had run of the house at night now for over a month (only two accidents; both our fault for being too lazy to get out of bed in the middle of the night

). She's not even 6 months old yet, but does so well at night. We've recently started leaving her out of the crate occasionaly when we have to run out real quick. We leave lots of toys and treats laying around to keep her occupied and she's doing just fine. Yesterday after I was home for lunch, I left her out with a baby gate confining her to just two rooms when I went back to work. She was out for 3 hours without any problems at all. She's never been one to chew on the furniture or tear things up, so I think she will be fine. Does is sound like this is too young? Are we just asking for trouble at this age? We are still crating her in the mornings and for long stays, but we are trying to work up to an all day stay.

Rowdy's Dad · #2 09-25-2002, 06:37 AM

As far as accidents, that's not a problem for Rowdy. Rowdy gets the run of the house, but he can't go in the kitchen alone because he is a trash moocher and a counter surfer.

Murray'sMom · #3 09-25-2002, 06:39 AM

Murray has had full run of our house since the first day we brought him home -- he was 8 weeks old. I have to admit he did very well -- only a couple of accidents -- and would wait at the back door for us to take him out! He's never even done any damage to anything in the house, either. The only thing he seems to be obssessed with is an occasional shoe. We really haven't left him alone yet, however. He stays in his crate when we go out and only because we feel it's safer for him in there when we're not home. He's only 7 months old so he can still get in a lot of trouble if unsupervised!

Linda

chloedog · #4 09-25-2002, 06:45 AM

I guess I should clarify the poll question. What I mean is "How old was your boxer when they had run of the house while you were away ?"

Scorpio · #5 09-25-2002, 06:50 AM

I would have to say about 6 months I think can't really remember, but he has Ryker our 5 yr old rottie to calm him down and teach him to be good, I make sure all the doors are closed and anything that means anything to anyone is put out of reach. Now that he is almost ayear old he is getting bored and seems to be looking for things to chew!!

I guess they are all different.

kgf73 · #6 09-25-2002, 07:39 AM

Never! My mother came over one day to let Mabel out, and she didn't put her back in the crate because she looked sad.

When I came home 2 hours later, Mabel had destroyed my custom made (expensive) blinds to look out the window and had gotten anything she could reach onto the floor. I made my mother come over to help clean, and to see how sad I looked. However, when I am home she is not put back into the crate for any reason.

khousman · #7 09-25-2002, 07:51 AM

We started leaving ours out at about 6 months. They don't have run of the whole house though, only the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Every other room has the doors closed. They do get in some trouble, but it's mostly Willow and Chloe. I just don't know if I could crate two of them and not the other two.

Kristi

YourFriendDeb · #8 09-25-2002, 10:44 AM

I wasn't sure how to answer this one...Mazzy has run of the house, she's about 2 years old (she's a rescue so we're not sure) and she's an angel...she doesn't mess up anything. Now Legend on the other hand....there's no WAY he could have run of the house for more than half hour or so (as long as it takes to get a shower!) because he would tear it UP! I don't know if I'll ever be able to let him have run of the house!

jrodriguez42 · #9 09-25-2002, 11:17 AM

Jack was first crate trained during the days but he ran around when we were home. We built a dog run area in the back yard for when we are at work.

Sometimes I leave the back door open when I run errands and the come and go as they please.

Remember this though, Jack never tore up anything (household wise) until he turned 8 months. He's eaten two area rugs and a futon mattress. Not too much damage but it started late.

Linda/NJ · #10 09-25-2002, 01:28 PM

Ginger had total freedom, I guess around 1 1/2 yrs old. I thought it was time and took away the crate. First I tested her with in the crate for 1/2 day and the other 1/2 day free and it worked out to no crate at all. I was so proud of her! Knowing that she could be trusted without damaging a thing.

Linda & Erik
Ginger * June 4, 1997
Flashy Fawn * Natural Earsqueenicon