Is it ok/healthy/reasonable to leave a dog unattended during working hours? (say 9-5)?

Question

I'm posting this question a second time because I got a lot of thoughtful answers but I want more...

I've been debating getting a dog for my 800ft² apartment but every time I broach the subject my mother informs me it would be cruel to leave the dog unattended during working hours. Now, I love animals and I would walk it, feed it and give it the love and attention it needed as soon as I got home and before I left in the morning. Also seems to me if I were to rescue one from a shelter, I'd be providing a much better life for it in general. Is it selfish of me to subject a dog to these conditions or is it a little mean of my mother to continually harp on this concern and deny me the happiness I know I'd get from pet companionship. Am I wrong in thinking lots of people leave their pets unattended when they work and this is perfectly normal and not torture for the dog. I need arguments, justifications and any evidence whatsoever to refute a self-proclaimed animal behavioral expert.

Answer 1

It depends on the circumstances. Most adult dogs will be fine home alone during the day. (and most are, we have to pay for dog food, vet bills ect. after all) As long as you spend plenty of time with the dog when you are not at work. If you have a very active social life and aren't home a lot of the time even when you aren't at work then it may not be fair to the dog. If you get a puppy you will need to have someone come over during the day and let it out at least twice until it is older.

Answer 2

Research the breed (or mix of the breeds) throughly. Some dogs are more hyper and needy than others. Have you ever seen those hidden videos where dogs go nuts from separation anxiety? Even if the dog does not tear up your stuff (like your furniture), he still might wine and bark several hours.

We are retired with a Cocker Spaniel...a very needy and hyper dog. When we first moved, we were told by the neighbor the dog barked almost non-stop for the 4 hours we were gone. Her seperation anxiety did not get better for 3 months. We had to greatly alter our plans to go places so that the neighbor didn't complain. When we did try to go somewhere, we could hear her at the door barking so we either took her with us or didn't go. One person had to stay in the car with her while the other shopped because of the law in AZ not to leave a dog in the car under any circumstances no matter what the temperature is.

Nine to five is a long time to go without relief. I would paper/pad train. The dog will still go outside when you take it because it will smell what the other dogs did and get the idea. (assuming you walk him where other dogs have been).

Rescuing a dog is a noble thing. But it already has emotional issues (if it was abused or neglected). Add that to the above and you have more problems. Like I said, research the breed(s) and know the circumstances of the rescue dog. If in doubt, ask to talk with the professionals at the shelter. They should know breeds. Many shelters won't allow adoption unless it is a good match and acceptable circumstances.

Answer 3

I am a complete dog lover. We own 6 dogs. Four are miniature daschunds and we have two outdoor (we are in the South) dogs- a lab and a coon hound. I leave my dogs everyday and they are great dogs. I do not go out lots on weekends since they are my life. If you are going to be the work all day and go out at night I would not do it. If you are more of a home body on your nights and weekends I do not see a problem in it. They can be a lot of responsibility but I think they are worth every ounce of time I put into them. In that size apartment I would get a small dog. Actually maybe 2 small dogs. The reason I say that is so they could have each other for company during the day when they do not have you. Just think about it. When I spend time with people the time goes much faster. We just got the 6th dog this summer. The breeder was going to put him asleep since he was a blind puppy. I said we would take him. Until then the outdoor dog was always by herself. I have never seen my lab so happy. She is 12 years old now but loves the coon hound. I wish I would have had 2 outdoor dogs the entire time. Really 2 dogs is not that much more work then one dog in my opinion. Now 6 dogs is an entirely different story.

Answer 4

In a perfect world, we could all stay home and let our dogs in & out all day. I don't live there and must work for their kibble. Mine have always done fine (I have occassionally had singles but usually more than one). You just leave plenty of toys, treats and blankets even if you use a crate and turn on the TV or radio for company. I think rescuing an animal that will be loved and treated well for all but a few hours a day beats euthanasia every time. Sounds like you would do well and if you are ready to emotionally and financially commit for the next 15 years, your mother should let you grow up and be responsible. Be sure and work with the rescue to match a companion to your specific needs and lifestyle. You might also consider whether you could fit doggie day care into the budget a couple of times a week. I'm sure the dog would love it and maybe mum would be more agreeable as well. BOL!

Answer 5

No it's not cruel as long as your dog has ample supply of water and food for the day and is generally comfortable and not locked up in a small space. And maybe for your convenience, you should make sure that your dog is completely house broken or paper trained so that you don't come home to a mess. It takes a lot of time and patience to get to that point and you also have to entertain bad habits such as chewing/eating of your things.

If you rescue a dog, that is the best thing you can do for that pup. No dog deserves to not have a nice and loving home. Many people do this and it's not a reflection of how much you love your dog. Don't worry I'm sure everything would be fine.

Answer 6

If you get a puppy, I'd suggest crate training so that way you know that both the dog and your house are safe. In fact, I'd probably do that anyway with an adult dog. If you can run home during lunch, I'm sure the dog would appreciate the chance to run around a bit. But as for it being cruel, no, I think it'll be fine. Just be sure that you get a dog that fits the 800 sq. ft. I tend to think it's a bit cruel to have a large dog with lots of energy confined to a small apartment.

Answer 7

It is not unreasonable or unhealthy to leave a dog alone for 8 hours. I would get a smaller to medium sized dog for that size apartment, and probably one that is at least a year old. Puppies require almost constant supervision. I own a 900 sq ft house and have a beautiful 3 year old dog that is left alone while my husband and I work. She is walked daily, played with, fed and loved. She has no problems with this arrangement. It is more cruel to leave a dog in a shelter with no one to love him/her. By all means, if you can, adopt. That is the greatest arguement you can give. You are not only gaining companionship, you would be saving a life. Good luck in your endevors.BTW-once you are on your own, you may respect your parents' judgement, but your life is your own. My mother-in-law learned that the hard way. : )

Answer 8

My own dogs (2 great danes and 2 small dogs, ranging in age from 4 - 11) stay in crates during the day when no one is home and they do just fine.

Adult dogs have more control over bladder and bowel functions than puppies do. If you want to get a dog, I'd suggest adopting an adult dog from a local rescue or shelter. Perhaps do this over a long weekend so that you have a few days to spend with your new friend as he gets adjusted. Get him/her a crate to stay in during the day -- this way you know that he (and your house) is safe when you're not at home!

Answer 9

Yes, many people leave their dogs unattended for that amount of time. Some dogs adapt to this schedule perfectly fine, and others... You'll come home to a destroyed house, poop and pee everywhere, and an overly rambunctious dog.

Also, you may run into problems if the dog is a barker and you live in an apartment complex. Expect plenty of complaints from the neighbors if your dog barks all day.

Dog walkers aren't all that expensive. I'd seriously consider hiring one just to let her out midday. It should only cost you 10-15 a day, and you're dog will benefit from the special "me time!" everyday.

Answer 10

if u are going to be gone that long (9-5) make sure ur dog/puppy is in a nice size cage if u are unsure how he will be in the house alone..leave him plenty of water/food or toys and maybe a puppy pad..but if u use puppy pads and he is house trained that may confuse him..older dogs that are house trained will hold it until someone takes them out.

when my dog was a puppy we kept him inside and when we left he was put in a cage big enough for him to move around and play in..he also slept in it at night time..cages are also good when u have small kids, other animals and other ppl coming over and u don't want the puppy/dog to scratch or bite or aggrovate them.

i don't think its is UNRESPONSIBLE to have a indoor pet unattended as long as it has a safe PLAY environment...my animals are at home from 9-5 everyday...