I leave Luny in the kitchen mainly because that has flooring that won't be harmed when he spills the water bucket (I got one of those flat-sided ones that hangs with not a lot of water but he still makes a mess with it). When I leave in the morning it's dark out anyway.
Lately he seems "resigned" to having to be in the kennel when I leave for work - he no longer howls and doesn't pee in it and doesn't tear up the rugs much any more (I can tell he doesn't really like it though). He doesn't hate the crate because he'll go in there readily to be fed and look for treats so that's good (EL D never would go near a crate and he would actually destroy one if forced). Luny's still a little anxious when I "disappear" even for short times so I'm not sure I can trust him loose in the house yet but I'll work on that.
I leave him a kong with some peanut butter smeared kibbles - he hasn't yet learned (as EL D did early on) to toss the thing around so trying to lick out the insides keeps him occupied for awhile. We're progressing I think.
