i have a 6 month old puppy who at the most gets left for 6 hours, but i worry about him all day to the point i feel sick, i leave a radio on and toys and treats we were given him to look after casue his previous owner can no longer look after him. is he okay
2007-01-05 02:44:59 · 31 answers · asked by jessicaandmo 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He should be fine, but if you're really that worried, why not look into a dog-walker that could come in mid-day when he's alone and take him for a walk / give him love.
2007-01-05 02:48:35 · answer #1 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
In a ideal world it is suggested that you don't leave him that long, but people need to work etc. Yes he will be ok , the radio is a good idea and if he has food, water, toys and chews and a lovely bed, what more does he need? You are doing everything right. Just remember when you come home to make a big fuss even though he has wet the carpet or has torn the wallpaper of the walls, he is a puppy and that is what puppies do best! I'm afraid you are going to get comments like why get a dog etc, from people, just let it go in one ear and out the other.
Good luck, hope you have a great 2007 with your new best friend.
2007-01-05 02:53:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a perfect world we wouldn't have to leave our dogs and go to work, but if you're finding your house is still in one piece when you get home and you get a warm reception, then you're onto a winner. I have three dogs, and for quite a while when the youngest was an adolescent, he would present me with some shredded item when I came home. He wasn't even left alone for that long really, so honestly, don't worry about it. If you've taken over the responsibility of caring for this lovely pup, then enjoy it. If you start feeling uptight about leaving him for a short (or longer) length of time, he'll pick up on it eventually and might start to display some behaviour that you really don't want. Keep on with the treats and toys, but you might be better off without the radio on. A spacious cage is good if you treat it like a lovely place to go, rather than a place to go, only when you go out (almost like a punishment), but when I tried it with my pup, he made such a mess, it took me more time to clean him, the cage and the area around the cage, and eventually I got rid of it. However they can be a godsend, and my friend who has my dog's brother, still cages him, and he's no bother at all. Of course the other alternative is to see if you can arrange for someone to look in on him during the day. This is not always possible from your family or friends (which is obviously free), otherwise there are people who provide this service, but check them out carefully.
2007-01-05 08:49:08 · answer #3 · answered by mackten 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
MOST pet owners have to leave their dogs for a certain amount of time during the day. It is a fact of life that most people do not financially have the means to stay home all day and live the life of leisure. You are leaving that puppy for less time than most people have to. If it were more like 6 weeks instead of 6 months, I would say someone needed to stop in to break that into two 3 hour stints instead of one 6 hour to give it a potty break. By 6 months old though, it should be just fine for that long at a time. The radio, toys, and treats are great to keep his mind active while you are away. You can put your mind at ease.
2007-01-05 02:52:07 · answer #4 · answered by Rain S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He will probably get used to it... however it is advisable that you do not leave your dog for longer than 4 hours at a time.
I work all day as well and was worried abou my dog too, I have employed a dog walker who takes him out for two hours. Most of the day he just sleeps, as he is a cavalier and loves to lounge around. I also got a cat so they keep each other conpany.
I think it would be best if he did have a dog walker as that would mean he will have a change to use up all his energy. He could potentialy become bored and frustrated and start destroying things in the house.
Good luck and I hope your puppy will bring you lots of joy and love x
2007-01-05 02:52:37 · answer #5 · answered by Kitty Kat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im sure he is just fine! u would know if he had been stressed, seperation anxiety is usually pretty obvious, ask your neighbours if they hear him if ur concerned, i have a 6 month old pup and i work, but like u hes not often left more than 6 hrs, if im out for a long time (over 5hrs or so) i get someone to come in and walk him.
Maybe you could walk him before u go out? that way he will be tired and probably sleep alot of the time ur out? i wouldnt worry most dogs dont mind being left for a few hours, if he shows signs of stress u may have to rethink but it sounds like hes a much loved pup and probably very contented!
Also i agree he might feel more secure in a crate, some dogs do, as long as he is not being left for too long in it! x
2007-01-05 03:34:25 · answer #6 · answered by BABY BELL 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I do not believe him to be ok!!! Taking a six month old puppy into your home,then leaving it for that length of time,quite honestly is not on!! You took on a responsibility,so you should be there to care for it! A six month old puppy should not be left alone for such a long period of time.
At six months,he needs a lot of attention,
ie,play,training,exercise and company. Your puppy is at an important stage of his life. He needs his owner to guide him. He needs to get to know you,and what is exceptable in the house. The training he receives now, is vital for shaping his character and behaviour.If you are not there, his training is intermittent.Toy's, treats,and a radio are no substitute for human company. Dogs need mental stimulation,or they get bored/depressed/stressed, which will ultimately lead to other things,ie.barking,
destructiveness, even illness. An unhappy dog is a dog in trouble. They usually end up in kennels.Please, I urge you to rethink this situation.
2007-01-05 11:47:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand completely what you mean! I'm a full time college student studying two majors and I'm gone from anywheres to 4 to 8 hours a day. I feel so bad that I leave my puppy alone. My solution to this problem was an outlet plug-in call Comfort Zone with D.A.P. This plug in is designed to ease all dogs of many ages. With the D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) the plug-in simulates the smell of the dog's mother for up to 80 feet from the plug-in location. I personally love this product and can't ever be without it again. Hope I could help!
2007-01-05 03:02:25 · answer #8 · answered by Barlow 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He will probably sleep while you are gone so don't worry so much. If you are afraid of him getting into something he shouldn't - then I suggest a large crate. He will find it as his safe place. Leave him water while you are gone and put paper down and a small blanket for him. Give him a couple of chew toys in the crate and make sure you let him out as soon as you get home, he will need to go to the bathroom and then he can get all of your love all night long. If you don't like the crate idea, then confine him to a small safe room, like a bathroom, where he will not get into some things he shouldn't. As long as you love him when you get home, he will do just fine. Good luck and give him a hug for me.
2007-01-05 02:52:11 · answer #9 · answered by sandy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He's a puppy not a baby, dogs can be left alone as long as when you are around him you give and show him attention so when you do leave for long periods of time he will miss you but he'll be o.k...it would be like he gets some me time and also make sure you let him play with other pups...
2007-01-05 02:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by smartiebc 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
6 hours is perfectly fine to leave a dog. mine get left for about the same amount of time. Get a kennel for him and put some soft blankets or pillows in there. This will simulate the dogs 'den' in the wild. Dogs like their kennels, its a place where they feel safe, comfortable and can rest. Then just take them for a walk when you get home. You don't have any reason to feel bad!
2007-01-05 02:51:58 · answer #11 · answered by bonnie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋