So I've introduced Malvin before. Not sure her exact breed but she seems to be a beagle/terrier mix.
I found her about 8 years ago while in college living with my brother. When I moved away she stayed with him where she was free to run in his big backyard. I've since moved back home, he's since married, has children, and she began living with me. I live in a 1,000 sq ft townhouse with about a 15x15 patio area with cement under the covered area and pebbles in the open area.
I work 8 hours a day and have tried leaving her in the patio area during the day but I always get a call from someone in the neighborhood that found her. She's a little Houdini and is ALWAYS looking for a way to get out. Since she gets out during the day I've been leaving her in my house while I'm at work and she just sleeps all day (I work from 8-5). I take her for short walks in the morning, when I get home (about 6pm), and before going to bed. In the evenings she is obviously discontent (sitting by the door whining, scratching) and wants to go run outside but my backyard doesn't interest her... she wants to run in the neighborhood. If she does get out she either always comes back or someone takes her in and calls me to pick her up... but I don't want her running around in the street as she has already been hit by a car once before.
I'm looking for a solution to this and a way to make her happy about being inside. I mean she's not a lab or a golden retriever... she's an inside dog. Any advice and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
I found her about 8 years ago while in college living with my brother. When I moved away she stayed with him where she was free to run in his big backyard. I've since moved back home, he's since married, has children, and she began living with me. I live in a 1,000 sq ft townhouse with about a 15x15 patio area with cement under the covered area and pebbles in the open area.
I work 8 hours a day and have tried leaving her in the patio area during the day but I always get a call from someone in the neighborhood that found her. She's a little Houdini and is ALWAYS looking for a way to get out. Since she gets out during the day I've been leaving her in my house while I'm at work and she just sleeps all day (I work from 8-5). I take her for short walks in the morning, when I get home (about 6pm), and before going to bed. In the evenings she is obviously discontent (sitting by the door whining, scratching) and wants to go run outside but my backyard doesn't interest her... she wants to run in the neighborhood. If she does get out she either always comes back or someone takes her in and calls me to pick her up... but I don't want her running around in the street as she has already been hit by a car once before.
I'm looking for a solution to this and a way to make her happy about being inside. I mean she's not a lab or a golden retriever... she's an inside dog. Any advice and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

