45, gtfo. 43, at 6 months I couldn't leave my shepherd/rott mix home alone without being crated. Between the loooong process of housebreaking, and the fact I knew he'd get into everything he could, it wasn't worth the risk. Kudos for your dog being that great at a young age, but not every dog is the same. Mine's two and it's only been in the last few months that I've trusted him uncrated in my house when I'm gone. And I still have to make sure he doesn't have access to cat food bowls or trash cans. He won't touch them if I'm there but the second I leave he's all over that shit.

I've worked my ass off with my pup. But I wouldn't trust him home alone. Miniature Pinschers are very stubborn, plus his separation anxiety makes him destructive with not only toys, but also carpeting. I hope by a year I can nip the rest of his quirks out

YDI for leaving anything of value where a puppy can get to it.

always always always puppy proof the house. ... I have two dogs and learnt this early on with the first one. I am lucky I don't have chewers or destroyers!!

YDI for leaving important items around a destructive puppy...but also FYL because you can never predict what item a dog is going to pick on

My dog destroyed my homework...that will be a new one

Just be smart in the future.

My sister's dog was *exactly* like that. Her previous owners left her in a crate all day just sitting in her own filth and was (is) also very skittish around people. You can still crate train her. The key is to make sure she knows you're coming back and that it's a place for good things like food and toys and pets, and that it's fairly spacious so she can stand and walk a bit. Never ever ever ever for punishment. Good luck whichever way you decide to handle it. Glad there are people like you in the world to balance out the assholes who don't know how to treat animals. :)

I love dogs! I don't own one but I do know they're a hand full. Especially as a pup. I hope the textbooks aren't a hassle to replace but on the plus side, your dog is okay and unharmed right? :)

What do the number of "*****" on the profiles mean?