Pet owners: How do you manage to take care of your dog, when u have to be at work all day?

Question

I know that dogs need lots of attention and love - how could I do a 9-5 job, and leave him all alone in the flat?

Answer 1

I work at home. Usually if you have to work at 9, you're leaving for work at 8? If you get out at 5, you aren't usually home until at least 6. Plus if you stop on the way home, it can stretch more. A puppy can't really hold it more than 3 hours. You really need soneone to let them out. It's a long day for a social animal to be home alone in a crate. I think you know the answer. I would wait to get a dog. Pretty soon you'll get the corner office and be able to come home for lunch. You sound very smart.

Answer 2

Ignore people that say you can't have a dog because you live in a flat. What a stupid thing to say. As long as a dog gets enough stimulation and exercise a day, it doesn't matter whether you live in a flat or a mansion. Actually, people in flats may make more of an effort to walk there dogs unlike those with gardens who may just let the dog into the garden and that's it.

I don't think you should get a puppy that will be left home all day on it's own, it just won't be good for the pup. If I were you I'd look into a dog sitter/walker who can pop in and check your puppy and take it for a short walks whilst you're out. If you can't do that I would suggest an older dog, a rescue perhaps that is already used to spending periods of time alone. If you can't do either of these, I don't think you should get a dog.

Answer 3

It's very difficult to give a dog what he needs when you have to work 9-5 5 days a week. Better not take a dog. Or if you decide to after all, be sure to choose a breed that is not so active and try to find a dog walker who walks him an hour every day. Even better is to get two dogs, so they have at least each other.

And you have to be prepared when you ARE at home to spend time with them. So: don't be away 9-5 (or 8-6!) and then leave in the evening as well. And then leave them outside your bedroom as well when you sleep.

A dog is pack animal. Being alone is unnatural for him. He wants to be with you all the time, although he will have to learn that is not possible.

If you do get a dog, inform your neighbours and ask them to let you know if he barks when you're away.

Oh, and dogs don't need a garden, they need to spend time with their owner outside. A dog in a flat who is walked 2 hours every day (like mine are), is better off than a dog who is alone in a garden all day and doesn't get any walks.

One last tip: check your local shelter!

Shanti

Answer 4

You get up early and exercise them EVERY day no matter what the weather. Train them to "play" games that stimulate their minds, (hide and seek, find the toy, biscuit, whatever). A dog uses a huge amount of energy just thinking. When you leave for work, hide a few treats and there are toys that dispense food, but they have to think and work to get the reward.

I have two German Shepherds, they get about an hours walk and play in the morning after which they get fed. I mostly work from home so I see that after the mornings activity they will sleep for a good proportion of the day.

In my experience, dogs need a routine, if you adhere to that routine the dog can be left alone all day and they will be quite happy.

Answer 5

You can't leave a puppy alone for that length of time. I have 2 dogs, one 2yrs old and one 15 yrs old and I leave the old one in the lounge as she likes to sleep on the sofa - she has a bowl of water,various toys and biscuits scattered around. I leave the young one in the kitchen and there is a child safety gate in the doorway between the lounge and kitchen. This way the two dogs can see each other for company but they have their own space. The young one has an activity ball which I put part of her food allowance in, a kong which is stuffed with soft meat, various toys and I always leave the radio on. I also have a friend who takes the young one out in the middle of the day. Obviously I take them out before I go to work and again as soon as I get home. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I work from home, and my boyfriend works at a normal job. So I'm mainly with him during the daytime, and if I have to go somewhere for a little while, I know my boyfriend will be home soon to take over. Our dog is never home alone for more than 3 hours.

If you're going to get a dog, you need someone to let it out and take it for a walk at least once while you're gone--there are services that will visit your dog 1 or twice a day for about $10 a day, or get a neighbour or a neighbours kid to do it for a little $$.

Otherwise if you leave the dog for that long, he/she will destroy your place and go potty everywhere. Leaving it in a crate for that long is just cruel, and leaving it in a designated area which is blocked off by a gate is also cruel.

Answer 7

I believe it also depends on the dog you would be planning on getting. I was pretty nervous of getting a pup due to working long hours also but i brought a chihuha and because she so small what weve dont is given her a full room 2 herself which has no cables and is perfectly dog proof. she has loads of blankets toys a heated puppy pad and we always put meat out b4 we go 2 work and then leave dry food for her 2 get whenever she likes. also water is there all day. i read that chihuhas prefer quality of time spent with them rather then quantity. fuss ur dog when ur home. i even take her 2 my mums sum evenings so me n my partner can still have a 'life' . dont cage your dog up if your away that long....i totally disagree with that. and definetly dont agree with excpecting your dog 2 hold its poo/wee allday. get some puppy pads. bella uses tghem when were at work n then when we are home she scratches 2 do it outdoors. People whjo say its cruel...........just stop and think about the dogs who really are iltreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Dogs that are left alone all day can get distressed and lonely and very bored. As a result they start acting crazy and wrecking things or howling etc.
However, some dogs that are not anxious when left alone and get enough exercise are happy to just sleep all day.
Its hard work to train a dog to be happy with this kind of lifestyle and has to be built up to gradually from when it is a puppy.

Answer 9

Its so unfair in my opinion to leave a dog all by itself for a whole day. Espcially when its a puppy. Youd need someone coming in during the day to play with it and give it some attention. I know people leave their dog at home all day, but the dog has another dog friend to play with which is ok. Id never buy a dog if i had to leave it home every day.Thats just my opinion. Dont buy one unless it can come with you to work or you can afford to have a friend for it.

Answer 10

If you have a puppy it is really hard to have to work 8 hours and potty train a puppy.
Usually you will need to crate train a puppy. What this means you are going to train the puppy to go potty in the crate or dog kennel.
You place a puppy pad down in the kennel and train the puppy to go there. While you are gone you will have to keep the puppy in the kennel. You have to make sure the kennel is big enough for a bed and a place for the puppy pad.
Dogs do not like to lay close to where they go potty. So you need a pretty good size kennel. Always make sure you have fresh water for your dog in the kennel.
I like the wire kennels rather than a plastic dog crate.
The dog should be able to run around the house when you are home. Dogs do not train themselves they have to be trained and well.
I stay at home so I have trained my puppy to go outside. She is trained to go to the door and sit until I get to the door.
As puppies become older their bladders will grow so when they do the dog will be able to hold itself for about6-8 hours sometimes. Just according to what size the dog is.
When you do get home you will need to show that dog lots of love and take the dog out for walks at least once a day.
Dogs are only as smart as their owners.
If you want a dog and think you have the time and patience then get you a dog.
You can even go to the shelters and find a older dog that may be house trained already. There are lots of dogs that need good homes.
Good Luck

Answer 11

I am home all day, I can't imagine how people can leave their dogs from like 8AM to 6PM M-F, and have time to do other things, give their dog lots of love and attention, training etc.. I think that's why Doggy Day care works out so well.. The dog gets attention and socialization while you are at work, and then when you get home, he is likely nearly as tired.. Not as tired as you but almost :) It's hard I think.. A single person working full time.. I wouldn't recommend a dog..