Hi all,

So Bronx was neutered last week and is doing really well. He was able to go back to daycare on Wednesday and came back home exhausted, just how we like it. However, I only plan on taking him to daycare 3 days a week as its pretty expensive.
Any advice on how to contain him the other 2 days while I'm at work full time? We've put up baby gates that are screwed into the wall to keep him on the tiled area of the house, but he just knocks them down and begins destroying anything in sight..carpet, couch, paint on the walls, vinyl blinds, you name it.
I bought him a very sturdy metal crate and left him with his favorite toys and a stuffed marrow bone to keep him occupied today but I am worried sick that he might hurt himself trying to get out, or disrupt the neighbors if he cries. My other dog is fine in her crate all day, and she is right next to him so I'm curious to see the results of day one. He seems to be okay with the crate when I am out running errands, and the 2 hours for "nap time" at day care. I know we can't be the only husky parents that work full time, so I'm hoping to get some tips.

We left S&J crated for about 1.5yrs till they settled in, and we husky proofed the lower level of the home. jack was almost 3 and sierra was about 7 when we let them start to roam, it stated on the weekends for a few hrs here and there till we worked up to a day at work. at 6 and 11 they just spend the day sleeping on the sofa now!
neither of them came with crate issues so im not good with suggestions on helping them relax longer in the crate, i know we have post on that all ready with suggestions.

jbealer wrote:

We left S&J crated for about 1.5yrs till they settled in, and we husky proofed the lower level of the home. jack was almost 3 and sierra was about 7 when we let them start to roam, it stated on the weekends for a few hrs here and there till we worked up to a day at work.  at 6 and 11 they just spend the day sleeping on the sofa now!
neither of them came with crate issues so im not good with suggestions on helping them relax longer in the crate, i know we have post on that all ready with suggestions.

That is really good to know, thank you! I don't plan for it to be a permanent fix, once he learns to mellow out a bit and isn't as destructive both dogs will be able to roam. It has just been hard to come home after a long day of work to a destroyed apartment along with potty messes from 2 dogs.
We plan on moving closer to the mountains after the holidays, into a house where he will have the crisp fresh air and plenty of yard to play in. But for the next few months, he'll just have to make due in the crate twice a week. I'm hoping since he sees the other dog sleeping next to him he'll realize its not so bad.

Do you exercise him plenty before work so he's tired out before you leave for work?

I haven't worked for years but when I did work full time I always walked my sibe first thing in the morning. Then I came home and walked him on my lunch break and again when I got home from work. He was in the crate while I was at work but he got a break to exercise, potty, and eat midday.

Huskyluv wrote:

Do you exercise him plenty before work so he's tired out before you leave for work?

I haven't worked for years but when I did work full time I always walked my sibe first thing in the morning. Then I came home and walked him on my lunch break and again when I got home from work. He was in the crate while I was at work but he got a break to exercise, potty, and eat midday.

He actually has done very good in the crate all day, I've left him twice so far. Getting him neutered and taking him to daycare every other day has made a world of difference in his energy levels and overall behavior. It's like we have a new dog!

How much exercise does he get before you leave? Most huskies will need a full hour if they'll be in a crate all day.

If at all possible, come home at lunch and do a half hour walk or get a dog walker.