Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey there

I am hoping to adopt a young adult chihuahua pretty soon. I work full time and so am trying to find out how long is acceptable to leave a young adult chihuahua home alone. Obviously I will be taking a week off work when it first arrives to allow for settling in. I will be getting a large crate / playpen for whilst I am out. The maximum the dog would be left alone would be for 6.5 hours on week days (it would then be with me all evening every evening and mornings and weekends).

Also, if you have a large crate, is it ok to place a litter tray inside this for the alone periods?

Many thanks

Ed

>>Hey there
>>
>>I am hoping to adopt a young adult chihuahua pretty soon. I work full time and so am trying to find out how long is acceptable to leave a young adult chihuahua home alone. Obviously I will be taking a week off work when it first arrives to allow for settling in. I will be getting a large crate / playpen for whilst I am out. The maximum the dog would be left alone would be for 6.5 hours on week days (it would then be with me all evening every evening and mornings and weekends).
>>
>>Also, if you have a large crate, is it ok to place a litter tray inside this for the alone periods?
>>
>>Many thanks
>>
>>Ed

Hi Ed -

How old is a "young adult?"

It really depends on where the dog is in it's development and how well trained it already is. Be aware that these little guys can be difficult to fully potty train. I do like your idea about creating a smaller area for the dog and giving it an "indoor" potty means. Be sure to train the dog to this indoor potty prior to expecting it to use it.

If a crate is large enough you can get away with a potty area in it. However, the size depends on your specific dog. I'm attaching a picture of an area I set up for my old girl LaVie for the last 8 months of her life. In her case she needed a smaller space as she had lost most of her sight and hearing. For her a pee pad, her crate, a heating pad and an eating area was all she needed. For a young Chi you'll need it to be large enough to have a play area also. And something to keep the play area seperate from the potty area, like a board. You don't want the dog to think the potty area IS the play area...

Keep us updated!!

.

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tabitha
Kayo, Kahla, and Dante'

Hi guys

Thanks so much for your message. It is encouraging to know that it's ok to 'crate' adult chi's. I have heard conflicting things: some people say it's ok, others say it's bad cos they are such loyal and dependent dogs. My view is that's unhealthy for a dog to have attention ALL the time. I have heard from 'professionals' that I should hire someone to come in during the day and sit with the dog, but that's probably cos they want me to hire them!! To be honest I'm not keen on the idea of someone coming into my home and handling my dog every day anyway. Rest assured that I can definitely give a chi ALL the attention it needs and deserves in the evenings and weekends.

The pic of your crate looks just like what I had in mind. I wanted to set up something with separate sleeping, toilet and play areas, with a little food and water. That's really why I want a young adult rather than a puppy, I have work committments so just couldn't give a young puppy the full attention it needs.

Thanks again for your advice- it's really appreciated from an experienced owner. If you have anymore I'd be delighted to hear.

Best,

Ed