Hello, my name is David and Daisey is my 14month female-labrador.

About 6 months after getting her my accomodation situation changed drastically and i was forced into a place that did not allow dogs atall. As a result she had to go and live with my mum for a bit. Big back-garden, fed regulaly, treated well that is not the issue. The issue is that now I am no longer tied into this contract and have found a place that will allow dogs so once again, we may reunite.

Sadly, I have just finished university and begin full time work Mid August. I have read about crate training and aside from feeling guilty that so far i have not been able to give her the time she deserves I cannot get to grips with the fact that a day in a cage with a walk morning afternoon and evening walk is an enjoyable reality for Daisey. As a result I have organised for her to visit a day-care kind of thing (sounds ok from others but i have yet to go there and have a look myself). My main worry here is that the once again, sudden change in lifestyle is going to cause poor Dais' to behave.......differently, perhaps to the torture of my house deposit and the neighbours quiet time.

To this day and every walk and training session even in times of great excitement she has not barked. Infact the only time i have heard a sound from her is when the tortoise bit her and when i accidentally stood on her foot

Anyway, is she likely (remembering she is used to having little human contact thourgh the day) to bark the house down or dig through the furniture while i am away or am i over-worrying ?

Finally, i am new to the internet forum adivce thing so i wish to get a few things straight:
- I am a first time dog owner, I have and am doing alot of research and learning on a daily basis and feel i transfer this knowledge over to Dais' training fairly well. However, i am POOR and so obedience classes (atleast for the next 6 months) is just out of the question finacially. As a result i see this forum and others like it as being my only source of tailored feedback. Consequentially, it will be, that i am asking a lot of questions and due to my inexperience feel i will not be able to answer many. Will this kind of take and no give attitude be viewed as rude and selfish or am i free to ask at will ?

Thank you for your time and apologies about the lengthy post.

The only advise I can give really is that you know your dog best and are the best to judge whether her behaviour will change. Every dog is an individual and all will react differently to the given circumstances.