Appropriate age to leave 4 mo. old puppy alone? Dog alone?

Question

I have been working at home since before we got our puppy. The puppy (a Pomeranian) is now almost 4 months old. I plan on taking classes that I estimate would keep me out my home for 5 hours every weeknight. **Is my puppy old enough to be alone for that long? The puppy will be in a pen with water and a wizdog (litterbox). **At what age can I leave him alone for 8 hrs? Of course, I'll walk him before I leave and when I get home. **At what age do dogs need to be fed only twice per day?

Answer 1

Well, if you have the set up of a litter box in his crate and water, there shouldn't be a problem.

4 months old...he should be able to hold his potty time (while sleeping for 8 hrs) now for 8 hrs awake time.....well I 'd say a year old...pomeranian's are a 'toy' breed, which thier little bladders can't hold much before they HAVE to go......so I'd say a yr old/

Answer 2

you can usually add 1 hour to the months of age the puppy is so you would probably be okay. I never leave my dogs crated more than 4 hours at a time. if i'm working i leave at lunch and let them run around the yard for 10-15 minutes to stretch before putting them back in. If you are unable to do this maybe you can find someone to do this for you. i began feeding my puppies twice a day at 2-3 months.

Answer 3

for the 5 hours, there shouldn't be a problem. For the 8 hours, it really depends on the breed and you. Like my little dog, he'd mess in the house or the crate if left alone too long, like out of spite...my Lab, not a problem at all. You have to give them all your attention when you get home. They do get lonely and you need to spend as much time as possible with them.
as for the feeding, read the back of your dog food. Follow what they recommend. I started feeding my dog twice a day about 6 months old, I think.

Answer 4

Your puppy just joined the real world and well you cant always be around. 8 hrs is about the limit to leave a lone pup on its own. I usually like to get my pups out in 6 hours. Otherwise they will pee on the floor or worse. But most dogs can keep it in for about 6 hrs. If you have a whiz box then your dog will only get lonely and this may cause problems for him.and you. I hate to tell any one to get another dog because I have three and they are big and a hand full but they do keep each other company so you may want to consider it. I have always feed them once a day.

Answer 5

I don't know all those answers, but in my opinion the puppy will be just fine.
I did want to suggest however, that if you can put a dog door in so it can go in and outside. Unless you already have one of course. And inform your neighbors about your puppy if possible. They also have stickers available that you can put on your window or something saying you have a dog in the house.
I am suggesting this because if you ever have a fire in your home it will increase the chance of your dog surviving. And I always worry about that when dogs are left inside while people are gone.

Answer 6

5 hours is not a long time to leave your dog alone. My dog actually enjoys going in her kennel, it becomes a place just for them. I think you should gradually increase the amount of time away from your dog. Don't leave the puppy for a long time too soon. I don't think there is an age that you can leave your dog alone I think it has to do with the dog. Talk to your vet about feeding.

Answer 7

Defiantly stop this soon. Keep your puppy on a leash when your older dog needs to go potty, or if your not home try crate training the puppy. Also, hen the puppy is jumping on the older dog, try correcting him, teaching him that he shouldn't play with her like that. It will give your older dog some relief from the puppy. :) Good luck!

Answer 8

Stick to a feeding schedule, Until after the teething phase is over at about 6 months, puppies need three meals a day.
Once they have reached there first birthday two meals a day is sufficient. this is important for small dogs..

Answer 9

A dog really should not be left alone all day..ever. Dogs are social animals and are much happier with company. I suggest another dog to keep him company or hiring a teenager to come play with him.