[Ladypenny]

I adopted a schnauzer/terrier mix that is about 2 yrs old. She is healthy and active, I work so she is in her kennel during the day but gets plenty of exercise when I am home. Now she goes only in the afternoon on our walks, both urine and bowels. She seems fine, the vet says she is fine but I worry that this may not be a healthy schedule. I would like input as to whether this is all right.

[progunr]

If she is able to hold it till you get home, I don't think it will be harmful, if she can't, you will be the first to know, when you have to clean up the kennel.

Your vet told you she was fine, I don't expect anyone here will argue with the expert.

I am more concerned with her being "locked up" all day, than with her ability to retain her waste. How big is this kennel? I'm one who believes that nothing deserves to be caged, especially for the entire day, I always think, "damn, how would I feel in that animals place"?

I'm not trying to be too critical, and I know many people have no problem with caging or chaining their pets, I'm just not one of them.

[spinphoto]

[QUOTE]

"damn, how would I feel in that animals place?"

The beauty of this, is you're not a dog and our psychology and a dogs psychology is quite different.. in my opinion and in the many books I've read dedicated to dog psychology claims a dog lives should consist of three important factors (a schedule) to create a balanced healthy dog.. exercise, obidience THEN affection.

This is what I do:
I wake up early and take my dog for a run or a bike ride, TIRE his little butt out. When we get home, I play a few games with him, (hide his toys around the house; ask him 'where is it?' he finds them, praise, praise, praise, sit, stay, lay down etc etc etc... ) Then he gets a big bowl of food.
I try to treat my dog what is natural to it, so in the 'wild' dogs will travel for hours searching for food, they'll eat and pass out for hours. So after my dog eats, that is when I leave for work because he's gotten what he need to be a balanced mutt, and he sleep sleep sleeps.. so I don't see anything wrong with the kennel (my dog was born in a dug out den, what's more natural than that haha) as long as the dog is tired enough to sleep in it while you're at work. Never punish her to it, make it as comfy as possible and if you'd like to make it even more comfy, buy her a special toy, she only gets when she's in her 'bed' and when I get home, after she is calm, LOVE LOVE LOVE!