"sallytighe" wrote in message
...


Paul E. Schoen schrieb:

[snip]
When I had to go away for 8-12 hours, I always [snip]


This bit took my breath away, and then I started to wonder if there is a
cultural difference operating here.

Is it generally acceptable where you live to leave dogs alone inside for
this length of time?

Sally

I was very concerned at first when I started leaving him alone in the
house, but only once have I ever had a problem. I think I had just fed him
half a can of dog food with gravy over a bowl of kibble, which he ate
quickly, and then I had to hurry off to work. I had taken him for a short
walk before he ate, but he didn't do very much. I had to work somewhat
later than usual, so it was probably 10-12 hours later that I came home to
find a small pile of poop and a small puddle of pee just inside the door,
and Muttley seemed apologetic. I praised him, and took him out for a much
deserved proper walk, where he really emptied himself (I think he had used
some restraint inside the house), and then I cleaned it up. I didn't use
anything special, just some detergent and bleach, and I'm sure there was
still some remaining odor, but there was never again any problem.

I make sure now that I do not feed him without allowing some time and then
allowing him to go out, but there is usually some kibble in his bowl all
day, and a full water dish. Often times he seems to wait until I come home
before he eats and drinks his fill, and then I take him for his evening
walk.

From what I have learned, this means that Muttley feels secure in his
"den", and is careful not to soil it. Previously, when my cat was still in
the house, I think he eliminated inside as a marking behavior, and also he
did not feel full "ownership" of the house as his den, especially when I
was usually leaving him tethered outside, where he usually did his
business.

Even after he was very reliable in the house, I took him to my other house
next door, which is used for storage, and allowed him to explore while I
looked for something. In that short time, he peed and pooped on the floor.
I pointed to it and told him "No", put him outside, and cleaned it up. He
has not done that again. I didn't make a big deal about it, but just told
him it was not a desired behavior. That seemed to work for him.

But each dog is an individual, and what works for one may not work for
another.

Paul and Muttley