This pet owner is worried about the effect that crating has on her dog. During the day, he is penned up whilst she goes to work. She is looking for answers to the question of what she can do to improve her dog’s life.

Question

Hi! I am worried about whether I’m giving my dog a good life! He is a six-month-old boxer. I am a single person, living alone, which means I am the only bread-winner, and I have to leave my dog alone while I’m at work. I make him stay in a crate when I am not home, because he eats everything in sight. Nearly every day, I come home at lunch to let him go to the bathroom and to feed him lunch. I am usually home every evening, but occasionally I go out for social events. Am I worrying too much about his loneliness and physical restriction? Would he be happier if I got another dog, so they could keep each other company, or would he resent not being the “only doggie” anymore? I am really stressing over these issues. Please help!

Thank you.

Hi there
I am afraid I have to say … life in a crate is really no life at all! Yes, I do believe crating will affect him psychologically and I not sure why you would want to get a second dog because it may also finish up in a crate.
The truth is, you know the answer to your question so why not either find friendly day care where you could leave him during the day, or find him a really good home where he will have company because dogs are, after all, pack animals which means they need other animals around them to feel complete.
Perhaps a cat, which are loners and like their own company, would be more appropriate to your life style?
Take care
Glynne