CannyCat Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 I like the idea of having a dog. I work 4 days a week - the usual 9-5. My OH works shifts, so the longest a dog would be on its own is 7 hours, 3-4 days a week. Is this too long? I know you have to let them out to potty, and it would be mean to make it do the potty dance all day so I might just have to wait until if/when I get to give up my job and pop out a few sprogs....... How do other working doggy mamas manage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 im very fortunate that I work days and hubby works nights. So there is always someone here with the dog. Hubby hasnt always worked nights though and a few years ago we had to leave the dog for about 4-5 hours x4 days a week. My dog is very good and has never done any poos/wee's in the house. She is walked 4-5 times a day (we have woods and fields next to our house). We have always made sure that she gets the time/attention she should have. Obviously its your own personal circumstances if you got a dog,...as long as the dog is happy and you'll have plenty of time at the weekends etc to walk it - its up to you. Maybe get 2 dogs - and then they will have company!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted September 10, 2007 Share Posted September 10, 2007 7 hours is a long time, dog might get bored and start wrecking the house etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 My dogs used to be on their own for about 8 hours while I was at work. I think having 2 helped and i never had problems with weeing/pooing or destroying things. I think it depends on the type of dog and how you feel about leaving them alone for a long time. Now i wouldn't dream of leaving them alone, i've got softer in my old age, and they spend the day at my mother-in-laws being pampered rotten! Do you have family nearby who could come and let your dog out during the day or alternatively look into hiring a dog walker. Your local vet may be able to put you in touch with someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Lots of the rescues I looked at won't entertain them being left longer than 4 hours - I'm lucky that there is some one at home until lunchtime on the 4 days I work, and I only work school hours. They do need to get out during the day, are you close enough to pop home at lunchtimes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CannyCat Posted September 11, 2007 Author Share Posted September 11, 2007 Lots of the rescues I looked at won't entertain them being left longer than 4 hours - I'm lucky that there is some one at home until lunchtime on the 4 days I work, and I only work school hours. They do need to get out during the day, are you close enough to pop home at lunchtimes? Yes, I am able to come home for lunch at the moment, but my worry is that if I get a dog I'll have to be that much more selective if/when I look for a new job. (I've been made redundant before, and it's scarred me!) A dog walker is a good idea, if costly... will research! No family nearby, alas Destruction isn't a big deal - we can just close the lounge and bedroom door, which is the only place we have any furniture of value... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
