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Puppy Training

I just got myself a new puppy, she's a large breed. I'm thinking that she's a Husky/Boarder Collie. Umm, I'm not having much for problems with her attitude, or with her accepting the rules of the house. We have four cats, one of whom is still not yet a year old, as well as two 9 & 12 years old dogs. The older dog a mother to the youger dog. I could potientally be at work for close to thirteen hours on occasions. My question is, How do I manage the rules of the house while we are at work. (Staggering schedules at work is not an option) I was thinking about a crate but I think that sitting in a crate for 8 to 12 hours just isn't humane. I could keep her outside but I don't want her to bark for twelve hours a day disturbing the neighbours and what not. But I DO want her to bark when someone is in our yard. Can you suggest something cause I'm totaly confused.
C.D Northern Alberta, Canada

• Experienced Advisor Mark Nunez says:

  December 25th, 2008 at 08:16 PM

  You work a lot of hours to have so many pets.  The dogs need AT LEAST an hour of exercise and mental stimulation a day.  You could hire a dog walker to walk them in the middle of the day.

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  Bring Balance to Your Unruly Dog

  I am a general practitioner with a special interest in canine behavior. I can teach you how to restore mental balance in your canine friend and strengthen the bond between the two of you.

  

• User says:

  December 25th, 2008 at 08:39 PM

  Thanks I think I was a little stressed about the whole twelve to thriteen hours a day and yes we do have a lot of pets for the hours we work. Thankfully the boss is pretty relaxed with the lunch breaks. Mostly I'm worried about keeping her obediant while we're at work. I think if we stagger our lunch breaks all the animals will have enough attention through out the day. There are three of us living here so with your advice we should be able to keep everyone happy here. Thank you for taking some time out of YOUR Christmas to help me with MY Christmas gift, I'll be sure to come back if I have any further questions. This was my only answer to the same question, I've been asking ALL day. You Guys Rock!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS.

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• Experienced Advisor Mark Nunez says:

  December 27th, 2008 at 02:32 PM

  Hope your Christmas went great as well.  With your new Husky/Border Collie mix.  The Husky part of her was literally made to walk for miles on end, up to 10 hrs a day.  The Border Collie side of her was literally made to be very active, alert, and to try to herd things that move.  It sounds like you have the days planned out pretty well.  I commend you on your dedication.  Don't be affraid of crate training.  If done properly, it becomes their "special place" and is a place of comfort.

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  Bring Balance to Your Unruly Dog

  I am a general practitioner with a special interest in canine behavior. I can teach you how to restore mental balance in your canine friend and strengthen the bond between the two of you.