What are my options for care for a dog while we are at work?

Question

My hubby and I want to get a doberman. We both work, so the dog would be left alone during the day (some work days will be longer than others, obviously). I need to know what my options are for his care while he's at home alone.

We had a shepherd years ago, but it wasn't a problem since I was a student and was only away from the house a few hours a day.

Any advice?

Answer 1

Your best bet is to crate train the puppy. Get a crate big enough for when the dog will be full grown. And partition it off so that it can't go potty in one end and sleep in the other end. Puppies that are raised in clean places will not potty where they sleep. But they can't hold their bladder for more than a couple of hours until they are at least 14 weeks old. If you just let them have run of the house, they can set it on fire, electrocute themselves or cause so much damage you will get rid of them. And leaving them in the garage can be just as dangerous, anti-freeze drops on the floor can kill an animal. And it is according to where you live and what the outdoor temperature is, what kind of fence you have and other outside conditions before you put them outside as a puppy. Be certain that you have room and time for a puppy before you get one. A doberman requires training starting at a young age and if you are gone long hours then a dog is not your best bet.

Answer 2

There are dogwalking services, they'll come over and play with the dog and walk him every couple of hours. Or some places have doggy daycares where you can drop them off and they have a big yard and if he gets along with other dogs they'll let them play together, and if they don't get along they have private areas as well. Dog walker is probably cheaper, like $8-10 an hour (check to see if any trustworthy neighborhood kids are looking for a part-time summer job). Daycares are more in the $50-60 a day range.

Answer 3

Good thing that you are thinking this through before getting a puppy or dog. Check to see if there are any doggy daycare places available and go over to check them out. Some of the PetsMart places have them, and there are private ones, but some are good and some are not. Otherwise, you can either hire a professional petsitter to come over or find someone who is not a professional, but be careful either way as there is much liability to both your dog and the sitter involved. Also check your homeowners policy to make sure they do not exclude dobbies - many policies exclude a number of breeds including dobbies.

Answer 4

First question, i ought to surely ask your vet about the fee concepts or perhaps calling different vets asking about concepts in case you comprehend what the treatment is, attempt to locate something that ought to correctly be extra life like in any way- fee plans, decrease value of the treatment, per chance something else that stops aptitude ups. 2. i imagine it must be extra good value- yet take the healthful canines off the foodstuff slowly- blend the hot foodstuff and the former foodstuff for about 3-4 days so its digestive device would not get too stunned. this can be solid because the $25 you spend on that foodstuff will pass longer than a million month because you're purely making use of it for one canines rather of two. professionals- spending a lot less on foodstuff, saving the money there for the vets, your ill pup remains getting the right care, and the different one remains getting foodstuff. cons- the healthful pup may might want to pass outdoors somewhat extra that commonly used that week and may have a a range of of coloration bowels- yet will ultimately stability out. Fleas and ticks- in case you won't be able to arise with the money for it then i ought to easily no longer enable the dogs run in severe grass or by the woods. we from time to time overlook to placed that on our dogs for a month and they nevertheless do not get fleas. so i imagine they're going to be nice for a minimum of a month. solid success with each and every thing and that i will save your family individuals in my options and prayers. :-)

Answer 5

If you can afford it, doggy day care is GREAT, especially for smart, active dogs. You pick them up on the way home and they are as tired as you are!

I have used doggy day care in 3 different cities and it is in the 15-20 dollar range.

Alternatively you could have someone come over daily and play with and walk the dog.

Answer 6

Dogs can be left at home during the day as long as they have a source of water and food. Its best to at first try crateing the dog so he/she doesent go beserkers on you. I have four large breed dogs and they all stay at home when we go anywhere and are fine, Remember dogs decend from wild ansesters and can take care of themselfs.

It is a good thing to ask questions though so when ever you have one, ask.

Answer 7

You can hire a dog walker to take the pup out for a bit during the day.Kennels are out there but charge as much as daycare for children.My dog stays home alone for at least 8 hours a day.He's a bit older and used to it.never had a problem with leaving him as long as he gets out before we leave and as soon as we get back.

Answer 8

Have a stay-at-home neighbor that you trust drop in for a few hours if their schedule permits. Paying them for it would be good. Maybe do that to start and then slowly let the dog get used to being alone.

Answer 9

Welcome to my world!!! My wife and I have three labs, and we both work. They do stay home for at least 12 hours alone with no problems at all. But when they were pups - Oh My lord did we have our problems. So my advise to you is (I hated it at first) Get a doggie crate with bedding and water. Try that out until he/she gets to know proper training. The dobie should get to understand your timing. After a few weeks/months You may be able to remove the crate/cage.....Hope this helps.....good luck.

Answer 10

you could see if any kennels around your house have day care for dogs...i work at a kennel and we offer it. Then your puppy wouldn't be left alone all day