i work part time and me and others are in the house to keep him company most of the time. i don't want to take him to pet care or get a pet sitter, and I use the crate for short periods of time. i keep tv on for noise and provide him with fresh water toys and treats when im not there. what else can i do to make him feel good while im out of the house? ( to those who are going to criticise: yes, i do intend to keep my dog, he's a very happy pup and he's well cared for.)
2007-01-30 00:03:52 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
i don't have relatives/neighbours etc nearby who can keep him when im not there
2007-01-30 00:05:13 · update #1
I have the same problem, I have a siberian husky and she has only been able to stay out of the crate recently and she's almost 7 years old. If I'm going to be gone 8 or more hours she is still crated because she will find something to do and usually it's not something I would want done :)
PS - I always have other dogs since I breed shepherds and the husky still gets bored. She makes them part of her pack and alphas them around, but they don't do anything exciting enough to keep her out of trouble. So unless you really want another dog and can financially handle it, don't expect a second dog to solve the problem.
2007-01-30 00:26:14 · answer #1 · answered by alis_n_1derland 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I bought two to keep each each other company. Had them a week and its seems to be working out. They haven't suffered half the problems the my mums new lonely pup has. No crying or whining, and weren't at all nervous at being in my house. Despite my three children making enough noise to make the walls shake. They have a crate which I leave open when i am in the house, and i put the water bowl in there all the time so they get used to going in and out of there constantly. Cover the crate with a blanket to create a nice cosy den, which will make him feel more secure. Mostly do what you feel is right and I am sure your dog will love you for it. good luck and enjoy your puppy
2007-02-01 06:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by craig s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont feel bad, you sound like you are doing a great job, more than most people seem to do for their dogs well being. To keep him more entertained get a variety of toys and alternate them. Dont give them to him all at once, maybe once a week or twice a week you switch up his toys. You could also get a Kong and stuff it with peanut butter and freeze it, it will take a few hours to work it all out. Nutro has started making these dog desserts called Healthy Desserts that come in lots of flavors like, carrot cake, apple torte, and pumpkin pie, along with a few others. Stuff that into a bone or a Kong for him, he will be excited when its his alone time. If you get him another dog, youve now got to entertain two dogs while you are out of the house. Hes in the crate anyways when you arent there, so whats the difference? A variety of toys is my best advise.
2007-01-30 00:13:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What breed is he?
My Samoyed for instance wouldn't cope with being alone no matter how much effort I put in - as a pack animal and a very social breed, they need stimulation. A second pup would be essential unless I wanted an stressed doc and a chewed up everything.
Others, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Dane for example, can happily lounge around for hours without giving a thought to where you are. As long as they have food, warmth and water plus exercise when you return, it should be fine.
Add some more info and I'll be more specific.
2007-01-30 00:15:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it sounds as if you are doing everything right. It is great that you are so worried about how your dog feels, but it sounds like you are doing everthing you can to keep your dog safe and happy while you are gone. I would just make sure to switch out toys or keep giving the dog new toys every week or two. Then your dog will not get bored with the toys it has. I would also consider giving the dog a small bowl of food if it is potty trained.
2007-01-30 00:13:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
U sound like a good owner to me, how about a old shirt with your smell on it. There are new toys that u can hide treats in and it takes a long time for them eat them, so that is one way to keep your dog happy. Maybe a other dog to keep him company and a play pal. Also the other people u live with can they him for a walk sometime, just ask them.
2007-01-30 00:11:05 · answer #6 · answered by redhot ツ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the breed of the dog, you can get either another puppy of the same or compatible breed or a cat. In regard to another dog, terriers or schnauzers are good companions with dobermans. In regard to cats, some dogs are OK with them (we had a cat with a doberman) and some dogs are not (we have a Corgi that hates cat--always did.).
If the puppy/dog is in the crate for short periods of time...there may not be the need to do more. The dog should be OK. But, this depends on what you consider 'short periods of time.' Eight hours ( a normal work day) is NOT a short period of time. Good luck and congratulations!
2007-01-30 00:17:15 · answer #7 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Getting another dog is one answer, someone is with my dogs most of the time but when they are on their own they keep each other company and I leave the TV on. While I do think it's wrong to have a dog if you're NEVER there, most dogs are left alone sometimes, the best guide to whether you need to do more is how the dog seems, is he content, sociable, well-behaved? As long as he has love and attention when you are there, I think you're doing everything you need to.
2007-01-30 00:14:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You sound like a great owner to me! um... how about considering to pay a dog walker money to walk your dog for the length of time your at work? Of course you should check they have a license for dog walking and make sure that your not paying too much. so your dog could have company all the time! This is just a random suggestion because it can be a lot of money!
2007-01-30 04:02:39 · answer #9 · answered by ♥My Obsession Is You♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The recommended time to leave a dog on it's own at any one time is 4 hours maximum, there is a new legislation coming in to force this year which states this.
This is the first line of the new law.
What a dog needs.
•Companionship - to be with other dogs or people and not to be left alone for too long.
The RSPCA website goes into greater detail, so people who leave their dogs all day ie. if they work full time and someone reports them then they may be liable to prosecution!
I also work part time, but only 3 hours, 4 times a week! remember you have to count traveling time to and from work
2007-01-30 01:08:27 · answer #10 · answered by Pawstimes16 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋