Can I leave a dog home whilst at work?

Question

We are planning to get a little puppy but i am worrid that s/he gonna spend too much time on his/her own:(
Shall i give up this idea or is there any kind of dog that wouldn't be too depressed after spending time lonely.
We've got garden and i work normal hours (Mon-Fri between 8 and 6)

Answer 1

While that is a really long time for the puppy to be on it's own and housebreaking and general training will be rough, it's doable. Many owners of puppies and dogs leave their animals while they go to work at home. Some have family for friends who will come over to let the dog out and give it attention, but some owner don't have that kind of support system.

Just realize what your getting yourself into and don't give up on the dog because it isn't training fast enough.

If the above is a concern, then you may want to look at an older puppy. One that is about 6 months old.

Answer 2

We have just got an 8 week old puppy this week and me and both my husband work. He is on his own in the day but has the run of the conservatory and we have put in a pet door so when he has had his injections he can go in and out to the garden. he has his toys, bed, blanket and water he also has an timed feeder which we set before we go to work and gives him his food at 12.30. We only got him on tuesday and he did cry when i left for work the first day which was a bit hard, but that was the only time..i spent one day with him and he just mostly slept. I give him a treat in the morning before i leave so he doesn't associate me leaving him as a bad thing, just be prepared for making lots of fuss of him when you get home!

Answer 3

If there is no one around during the day to spend time with the dog it seems a little unfair. I'm single and work and my dog spends a lot of time at home alone to the point that I don't go out in the evenings and spend most my weekends with her. But I also have a cat and they play during the day. But for a puppy...they need more time with you.

Answer 4

Many people work and leave their animals home alone!! If you are worried about leaving a puppy home alone, how about getting an older dog?? You can set up a room in your house, that the dog can't mess up, too bad, put food and water and toys out, and make him/her a bed to lay in, and the dog should be just fine!! Just don't keep it in a crate all day, I am not saying you would, but I know people that do, and they have behavior problems, and just can't figure out why! Good Luck on your new family member and Congratulations!!!!!!

Answer 5

If you can, adopt an older dog if you have to work those hours. It would be a little much to leave a pup alone for that long. Not to mention make house training and training in general a lot harder than it needs to be. As for type, it doesn't matter, pick one that you like and is realistic for your lifestyle when you're home.

Answer 6

I am a dog owner that works an eight hour day five days a week and have since my sweet-pea needed a home I feel that as long as the dog/puppy is safely contained, to prevent s/he from eating anything that can be of harm, and provided with toys that are safe a allow them to chew then them being home is part of their day. I make a huge effort when i get home to show him that i am just as happy to see him. We go for walks and play outside at night with his fave laser toy. My dog seems to have no problem with his job of watching our home while mom is gone. He is happy and healthy ! But hey that's me..

Answer 7

I got a lil puppy recently, I have a full time job and at the start he hated being left alone,wouldnt stay outside or even in another room on his own,hes now 18wks and coming along rightly,he stays outside and plays when were gone,me and my bf come home for lunch spend an hour with him then my bf comes home at 4 so as long as he's kept occupied and gets plenty of love when ye get home im sure it will be fine :)

Answer 8

I did the same mistake. Got a puppy, which I loved dearly, but had to give it up, as I could dlearly see that she was spending TOO much time alone home.
DOnt do the same mistake if you have a full time job.

Answer 9

My 6 year old pit bull stays home alone and he has right from the time I brought him home at 2 weeks. He does great! I try to go home everyday for lunch, I only work 2 miles from my house. I take him outside, and it helps break up the day for both of us. He is always very good when I leave him.

Answer 10

I would either adopt a dog from a humane shelter, that is used to spending time alone and would love to find a forever home, or adopt a cat. Cats are more prone to being alone during the day..... My cat sleeps all day while I'm at work.