Today (Tuesday 5/18/2010) was Bargo's first full day home outside of his crate. We've been working up to this since the beginning of the year. I left him out for gradually-increasing periods of time, for short errands at first, such as when I left to grab some takeout. Then for slightly longer times, like when I helped a friend move some furniture or when I left to see a movie (i.e., twice). Today is the first day I left him home out of his crate when I went to work. I'm excited as well as a little nervous.
This is a big step for Bargo. He's very good about not "going" in the house, so I'm not particularly worried about that, especially since we have amazing dog-walkers who visit Bargo twice a day when I'm working. But up to now, he's been staying in is crate between visits because he has a very active mind. He's curious and he has a habit of taking things off tables and shelves to carry around, chew, or even gobble up. Not "malicious" chewing or even really anxiety-chewing... more like boredom-chewing. He has toys but why stop there, right? Hence, nervous.
As I write this, I have not heard back from our dog walkers regarding how Bargo did. I'm hoping (and quite frankly, expecting) that he did well so I can give him a little more freedom during the day. There are a couple of spots in the house where he likes to nap and it will be nice to give him those options.
Here's to hoping!
