so after finally getting bruce to eat his hard food, he's reached the whirlwind of destruction/biting crocodile phase while i know this phase will pass the problem being is i work from home all day and he's becoming a bit of a nuisance. i can't play and indulge him all the time so what are peoples strategies from dealing with that? I do put him in the kitchen when i go out for lunch or when he needs a time out but then i don't want to have him in there for hours on end
Re: The whirlwind of destruction I worked from home during this phase too! Boy... My strategies: Remove everything he can use to create mischief out of his reach - everything - adopt the log basket on top of the TV style of interior design. Use puppy play pen panels, or similar, to keep him in the room I am working in. Feed in kongs throughout the day to "shut him up for a bit" ;D Invent self amusing games with the contents of the recycling tub and prepare several in the morning for use throughout the day. Buy a crate that fitted in the space next to my desk. Have a work/play/walk schedule and stick to it - if it's not playtime, tough luck! Good luck! It does get better!
Re: The whirlwind of destruction Oh I understand this! I also work from home and some days are better than others. And it's changed over the weeks as he grows and behaves differently. I make sure that we get a good bit of play before starting my work day so he usually naps the first couple hours. I also plan on 15-20 min breaks every couple hours and use these for exercise, play or short training sessions. I have been giving him a frozen kong mid afternoon and just make sure he has access to lots of toys. Up until the past 7-10 days he had to be in my office and usually under my feet, but he's started to be a bit more independent and spending more time roaming the house and napping in his new favorite spot, by the tub. It can be challenging but I have found that it makes for a great opportunity for training and bonding. Good luck! Lori & Edsel
Re: The whirlwind of destruction I work from home too. When lady was a puppy I was at home alone with her with my wife out at work all day. My stategy was to move my office to the dining room where I could keep an eye on things better. I kinda worked and not ideal, but it was better than having her alone or in the office.
