I wondering, based on the experienced of others, how old was your lab before you could trust them to just wonder the house (or a puppy proofed part of it) alone without needing to be confined to a crate or a pen?
Hi there, for my pup and from what I've heard, I wouldn't try before 18 months to 2 years. I accidently left mine out of the crate for an hours a couple of weeks ago and ended up with a nice hole in the drywall . And I am talking about a very well trained puppy who is well adjusted and socialised...
Ours mostly had the run of the house before 6 months old. We lost a few small things, but neither of them ever ate furniture or walls. We did let them out supervised earlier than that.
Never used a crate in the day, just at night. Supervised her until I could see I could trust her and made sure environment was as empty as possible until then. I started to leave her on her own at 4 months in our kitchen when I had to work, she was never that destructive, kitchen mat and her bed had it on occasions but that was it. toys and cardboard boxes were also helpful for satisfying the rip up need!!! She does however at 2 years still love a toilet roll or slipper if she can !
