Question:I would take the dog outside every morning before I left. I'd take the dog outside during lunch and let it run around for a bit. I'd take the dog for a nice long walk when I got home or take it to the park to play... and then obviously I'd take the dog out the rest of the night until bed time. I'm a huge animal lover and don't leave home often, plus I live with my fiance who would also pay the dog lots of attention. I have two cats so he/she would not be super lonely during the day (once they all get used to each other).
So....if the dog is alone for 8 hours total (with a 1 hour break) for 4 days a week (my fiance is off on Fridays), will the dog do ok?
Answers:
A lotof people have dogs and work and there is nothing wrong with it. I would go to the pound and get a dog that is already housebroken and kinda settled down. It would just be easier. It would love to have a home also. My nephew got a boxer pup. Had never been one to pay much attention to dogs. He lived in a small apartment and worked but somehow(I couldn'tbelieve it) he ends up with the most well behaved, well trained dog I have ever seen. She is very well adjusted and happy. Very devoted to him.I would have never thought he could accomplish this.He kept it in a cage while he was at work.He did like you, went to do, took her out in the mornings, ( she watches TV to keep her company), came home at lunch and took her out and spends his time with her in theafternoons.. He had a very jealous girlfriend and got rid of her but he still has "Alexias". Good choice.
Yes...my sister does this (except she gets off at 6) and she just comes home for lunch to walk him and stuff...it's fine just as long as when you are there, you spend time with him.
Yes it will I have three and I do it and they are fine.
yes if you excercise the dog as much as you say you will. also set a schedule with your dog they do better that way! and you could also leave the radio on so the dog hears voices and isn't too lonely. that's what we did with my dog and she was fine!
The dog will communicate quite explicitly if it's NOT ok.
It will chew things up and destroy the house.
Try using a 1/4-speed audio tape recorder (records for approx 4 to 5 hours) to see if he cries and whines the whole time.
The fact your concerned shows the doggy will be fine as long as you take it out for walks and do pay attention then theres no problem! Alot of dogs have worse so buy him and give him a good life :)
I was worried about the same thing when I got my 7 week old puppy. She is now almost a year old and she has had no problems when we are working. She was crate trained from the beginning. I only went home on the days that we would be gone longer than 8 hours and let her out. Other than that we go to the dog park every morning for an hour. That seems to be great exercise and tires her out enough that she has no problem sleeping all day. Good Luck with your new addition to your family. Our dog has brought lots of joy and laughter to our home.
Honestly, I think that a dog needs lots of attention and should not be left alone for long periods of time. If you love animals and really want a dog, why not hire a dog-sitter while you're away? Dogs have feelings, too. If you're neighbors found out they could report you. Consider the pet's feelings in this situation,too.
If the dog is getting a lot of loving attention, and someone is able to check on and walk the dog in the middle of the work day, the dog should be fine, inside the home.
Dogs are very social creatures and need the same loving attention that people need. It sounds like you have given this a lot of thought and have planned well to make the animal a part of your family. I think any dog in your home would be a lucky dog.
You shouldn't have a problem, but research dog breeds carefully. Some breeds would be much better adjusted to the kind of lifestyle that you live than others.
More Questions & Answers...