lucky penny lane

Everyone I spoke with suggested crating Penny during the day while I’m at work, both to keep her contained and to aid in potty training, so I set her doggie bed up in the tent-like box I’d purchased to keep her safe in the car.  She seemed pretty comfortable in it, even when zipped, so I decided to test it out by going out for an hour last night.  Big mistake.  When I got back Penny had not only gotten out of her crate but bypassed the gate (the wooden slats she chewed out made the gaps big enough to slip through) and somehow got my bedroom door open and relieved herself on my bed.  Thanks, Pen.  I know you meant well, but no.

So before work today we took a field trip to buy a new, heavy duty, durable crate.  Penny took to the car like a champ and we picked out one that would house her comfortably.

Before leaving for work I spoke with my neighbor, who also has a dog, to make sure Penny’s whining wasn’t bothering her and she assured me that it was fine, perfectly normal for a new puppy, and that after fifteen minutes she quiets down.  It was a huge relief to know she wasn’t crying all day, and I hope that the crate becomes a regular part of her routine.