I hate the crate...

[Mesquite]

but what other options do you have while you're gone (until the dog is older and proven trustworthy). What I really wish I had is an indoor, dog-proof saferoom (like they have at our neighborhoold shelter) that was a part of the house and therefore cooled and heated, that also provided access to an outdoor dog run. I'm sure both I and my dog would much happier. Why don't new home builders have this as an option? I'd bite!

[iluvfrankie]

i wouldnt put my baby in a crate either, i know some do but its not for us. My lady has the run of the hallway in our house and one bedroom (which of course as we called it has been 'defrankied') she loves sitting on the bed looking out the window and is as good as gold! she is never left anything she can destroy and she has loads of toys.
This has been the way we have worked it since she was a puppy and it works a treat!