Dog Owner Checks Pet Cam on Puppy's First Time Home Alone-And Regrets It

A pet parent decided to test out how their puppy would behave at home alone, but as soon as they checked the pet camera, they immediately regretted it.

The owner Heber decided to run out of the house for a quick 30-minute errand, leaving her 3-month-old Pomeranian named Marky at home alone for the first time. Heber told Newsweek via email she was hesitant about leaving Marky alone in the crate, but knew she would eventually have to try.

However, a quick glance at the pet camera to check on him revealed a one-dog protest against her decision. Heber shared the footage to a May 25 Instagram post on the dog’s account, @markyandmilly, showing the tiny pup crying consistently, seemingly calling for his family to come home. He was determined to let her know he was not happy with the decision, in which he had no say.

“It must have started the second we left!” Heber said, adding that she would still have regrets about the decision years later.

It wasn’t just the loud cries. Heber said the dog escaped from the crate, hopping right over the top.

She decided after this situation to “retire the crate.” Marky made it clear from the start that the crate was not going to work for him, especially after showing how quickly he could escape. And the change proved successful.

“We decided to let him free roam,” Heber said. “And honestly? He's been a much happier king ever since. No more jail breaks needed!”

Plus, the family has since grown. After Heber returned to work, she welcomed a second dog, a “little sister” to keep Marky company during the day.

Crate or No Crate?

Crate training is a common tool used by dog owners, particularly during puppyhood, but many debate whether it should be used. Experts stress that crates should be viewed as a safe space rather than a form of punishment.

Crates can become a dog’s personal space, where they can relax, sleep and feel secure, an article from the American Kennel Club (AKC) says. It can also help with house training and preventing destructive behavior.

However, crate training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The AKC adds that dogs should never be forced into a crate or made to associate it with punishment, as it could create negative feelings about the space. Instead, dogs should gradually build positive associations with the crate, which will make them more willing to use it.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 9:30 PM.