What can I do with my dog while at work?

Question

I am thinking about getting a dog, but I work 8 hours a day (7a-3p, M-F)... Would a dog be okay for 8 hours alone or is that awful to do? I don't know if they can go 8 hours without going out to use the bathroom... I know my bosses wouldn't really care if I brought my dog to work, but I really don't want to be THAT person, you know. Anyone else have this problem?

Answer 1

You could get a kennel (crate) and put the dog in there while you're gone. I was against this for years with my husband, but trust me...he will just sleep the whole time anyway.
If you're lucky enough to have a fenced yard with lots of running around space, invest in a doggy door and teach him how to come in and out that way.
It takes a LOT of patience and responsibility to own a doggy, but boy are they worth it!
Eight hours is not too long,just walk him good before you leave, and as soon as you get home. Be sure to give him lots of lovin'!
Good luck.

Answer 2

My advice for people who work who want a dog:

Get a larger breed dog. Small breed dogs have tiny little bladders and can't hold it for more than a few hours. A larger dog has a larger bladder. My dogs have no problem at all holding it while we're at work. When I come home and let them out, they still take their good ole time to go pee because they don't really have to go that bad.

Get an adult dog. Puppies, like small breed dogs, can't physically hold it for very long at all. Puppies also need an incredible amount of attention and socializing--more than someone who works full time would be able to provide in most cases.

Research breeds. Some dogs just don't do well alone. Some do fine. Breed isn't going to gaurentee anything because dogs are individuals, but it can help you get an inkling. Even if you get a mixed breed dog, knowing a bit about dog breeds can help you decide which mix would be right for you. For intsance, a lab-border collie mix? Not for you.

Research training options. Crate-training is an excellent option for people who have to be out of the house for several hours, because even the most sedate dog can get into a heap of trouble if left to their own devices for 8 hours at a time.

Adopt from a shelter. Many times dogs who are surrendered to a shelter by their former owners come with full backgrounds and histories, so you know what you're getting. These dogs frequently are already housetrained and have some obedience training, and are used to a regular working person schedule. Many people surrender dogs not because the dog is "bad" but because they had to move and couldn't take the dog, or the owner developed a serious illness and could no longer care for the dog, or someone in the family developed allergies to the dog.

Having a dog while having a full time job is extra work, but it is totally doable. You just have to make sure that when you're not at work, your priority is the dog. You won't just be able to go out after work on a Friday and party all night. You'll have to go home and spend quality time with your dog first.

Answer 3

Most dogs are left at home alone while their owners work. I have 3 and they are loose in the house while I am gone and I also have a doggie door for them. Most people crate their dogs while they are gone. Get a big enough cage for the dog to move around in comfortably (the crate will also help with housetraining). Your local PetSmart or Petco store can help you pick out the right cage for you. Always provide toys so that the puppy/dog will have something to play with while you are gone. Just remember to spend quality time with your dog every day.

Answer 4

I would probably check out your local shelters and get a dog that is not a puppy. Chances are that they are house trained all ready. My dog does fine when she is left alone for the day she is a small 10 pound terrier mutt. To begin with i would just leave the dog locked up in a kitchen to make sure that you don't have any accidents and just make sure that you have nothing of value laying around because that is what the will chew up.

Answer 5

Pet sitters were invented for just this problem.
I have one and it works out well. If I hve to out doing estimate for the company I call and they go over and let dogs out or feed or what ever needs done with the pets.
They get paid and my dogs do not suffer.
Look in the phone book or ask a few vets many people are doing this now and it is a great way to be able to have a dog and work.

Answer 6

Fence in your yard and get a doggy door. Or, have a neighbor check on the dog. Puppies can't really go longer than 2 hrs. or so without having to go.
A friend of mine uses a doggy day care. I have no idea how much it costs, but it may be worth it.

Answer 7

An adult dog should be fine while you are at work. But don't expect a puppy to hold "it" that long. How about a pen with good dog house for shelter.. Then let the dog/puppy out to be with you as soon as you get home?

Answer 8

If its going to be a puppy, then no it cant go that long by itself. If it is a housebroken dog, then yes it can go that long while your at work. My dog is 9 months old and she stays in her cage for 6-8 hours at a time..

Answer 9

If that is a concern enroll the dog in doggy daycare. Drop the dog off on your way to work and pick him up on the way home.

Otherwise crate him with plenty of toys.

Get two dogs so they can play with each other.

Answer 10

well my dog can stay home alone for like 10 hours, but she doesnt do anything because she is a boxer and boxers are the best dog. shes 11 years old and shes trained. shes the best dog ever. get a boxer there good with children and will protect there owners.