leaving a pup

at what age is it acceptable to leave youe pup/ dog through the working day?

How long will you be leaving said pup for. I had 2 weeks off with my pup before going to work, so she was 10 weeks old when i went back. I only work 5 minutes away though so come back for half an hour at dinnertime to let her out.

Sorry, i didn't make that very clear. Cass is 7 almost 8 months old now.

He's fed first thing in the morning, i normally fly home at lunch to feed and let him out then back to work and i'm home for half 5. I'd like to know what age people think is acceptable for a pup/ dog before i can a) take him down to feeding twice a day (morning and evening) and b) if leaving him throughout the day is ok?

We cut Caley's food down to twice a day at 6 months old, so I'm sure Cass can be cut down now.

As for leaving on own, I'm not really sure, we leave Caley for up to 4/5 hours on two days of the week when son is at college, other times he is home with her.

debtom, thats a gorgeous looking staffy.

i was thinking that about his food now and i could nip home most days, but there will be days i can't do it. i just don't want to confuse him by turning up some days and not others?

Leaving a pup or dog for longer than 4 hours on a regualar basis is unfair on the dog. You should continue to return home at lunch time or have someone come in to take him out daily for as long as he is around.

Steviec wrote:I'd like to know what age people think is acceptable for a pup/ dog before i can a) take him down to feeding twice a day (morning and evening) and b) if leaving him throughout the day is ok?

You can cut him down to 2 meals now.

I know a lot of people leave their dogs at home all day while they're at work. In my own opinion, I don't think this is right. If you can't get home, then have you thought about getting a reputable dog walker in once a day for him?

Our dogs are left 2 hours a day but they are both adult

Not the best person to advise as I have the luxury of working from home a lot and on the days I'm not then the dogs are left for 2-3 hrs max but that can't happen with everyone

Is it a real problem for you to get home at lunchtime ?? If it is then as suggested look for a dog walker, friend or neighbour that can help you out . If its a friend or neighbour maybe you can cut down costs by returning the favour with their dog to do a morning or evening walk ?? Just a couple of ideas I've seen bandied about here before . As far as as the food is concerned then 2 meals a day from 6 months onwards is fine , really it's your choice at this age whether you do 1 or 2 , we stick with 2 for both of ours as it works for us

Tash has only had 2 meals for a while now and she is 7 months old. Her choice, she just didnt eat the midday meal. As i said im lucky enough to work 5 mins away so do come home but work with people who say there dog/puppy is better when they dont go back and they work for 9 hours

julespercules wrote:but work with people who say there dog/puppy is better when they dont go back and they work for 9 hours

Which they have no way of proving, cause they ain't there!

Caryll wrote:

julespercules wrote:but work with people who say there dog/puppy is better when they dont go back and they work for 9 hours

Which they have no way of proving, cause they ain't there!

Another point (and not wanting to raise an argument here) but these "dogs" are they staffies, as there are certain breeds that are happy to be alone because of their nature and staffs aren't one of them , it can work if it can't be avoided but like a woman and presents , when company is on offer it is definitely the preference

Just a note to remember about cutting down the meals you give, if you decide to cut one out please do so gradually by reducing the amounts and split between the two other meals.

As long as he is exercised properly and someone can let him out in the middle of the day he will be fine. Leaving them alone for long periods of time isn't ideal though

Dave wrote:

Caryll wrote:

julespercules wrote:but work with people who say there dog/puppy is better when they dont go back and they work for 9 hours

Which they have no way of proving, cause they ain't there!

Another point (and not wanting to raise an argument here) but these "dogs" are they staffies, as there are certain breeds that are happy to be alone because of their nature and staffs aren't one of them , it can work if it can't be avoided but like a woman and presents , when company is on offer it is definitely the preference

Staffs definitely prefer the company! We got Roxy in April. In May the OH had a back op and was home for 6 week with her...the very day he went back to work full time I lost my job. After 3 months at home with her I got a job (lasted three days - big mistake that job!) but when I was back Roxy was more "needy" about being around me. Now I also work from home and the two little pups are very happy

Will you pup be crated or free to roam while you work, ?
my husband and i both leave for work about 8am, i am home for 1pm for about 40 mins so both mine can go have a wee, and frtunatly my husband is self employed and never home any later than 2.30pm anyway, some days he's home sooner . I could'nt leave my dogs from 8-5pm its too long, but again im lucky my parents live close and both mine go to there house if we are out any longer/ meeting etc. you can defo cut the meals down now x

My pup is 5 months now and we got her at 9 weeks....i only work part time four days a week and on these day she's left for only 4 and a half hours at the very most....she has to be caged tho because shes a chewer. Shes walked before i leave in the morning and as soon as i get home tho. x