Time at work

Question
Hi Labman, I am perplexed about what to do with my 4 month old Golden Retriever while I am at work. At first I was going to build a fence in the back yard but everyone says someone will come along and steal her. I am thinking about keeping her inside but afraid she will go crazy. Got any ideas on this one? thanks Kathy

Answer
This is a difficult problem.  Some dogs take well to being left in a fenced yard, and other become a nuisance.  And as you were warned, some are stolen.  A nice golden is expensive and a tempting target.  Most would happily trot off with anybody with a leash.  

I am a strong advocate of keeping the dog inside in a crate.  The usually 8-10 hours away from home is rather long even for a mature dog and too much for a 4 month old.  Being able to return at lunch is great, but out of the question for most.  Sometimes you can find a dog walker, a neighbor, or a professional.
At least a 4 month old can now go without a third meal.  Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away.  The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  They are harder for
dogs to open too.    Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select
a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate.  Praise it for going
in.  If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate.  This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.