How long is too long to leave a dog alone?

FabSascha

I know what you mean. When we first got her the idea was that there would always be someone here or she'd come out with one of us. It's only recently that the building I go to has stopped allowing dogs so there's not much I can do twice a week. We had it all planned out but we've had to rethink it because of this. I do miss her when I go!! I keep a very close eye on her for any signs of anxiety, but I haven't seen anything that's set off any warning signs. However, I'm still inclined towards thinking that it might be an idea to get someone in or take her to a dog carer. Thanks again for all your replies

rising_from_the_ashes

Do you have any (can't think how to put this but no offense meant to anyone) youngish retired people near you?

They might be willing (and happy) to take her for a walk/spend time with her a couple of times a week - without having all the "ties" that actually owning a dog brings.

gettingready

"you can go out and stay out as long as you like but when you come home YOU STAY"!

That is exactly my Zara.... sigh..... Once I am back home - forget going out at all.... sigh.....

Can nto really advice about cost as my dogwalker is a good friend and gives me a massive discount... also - not sure where in UK are you - prices vary a lot...

rising_from_the_ashes

I'm wondering - as she's quite young this may work .... (and come in handy if needed at other times)...

I have a totally different routine for working and non-working days (working days = get up, walk, fed - then me shower/dress/breakfast etc / non-working days = get up, garden, fed - then me breakfast/shower/dress etc then walk).

He knows the difference and I do the "working day" routine if I need to go out at the weekend /when on hols and can't take him (very, very rare).

Might be good to try something similar and have a slight difference in "left" days and "not left" days so she's quite happy with both routines and it won't then bother her if some days you're home and others days not.

gettingready

NOt with Zara, would not work - perhaps OP's dog s young enough to be fooled

hethmar

I expect some of you may have seen the recent articles on a study of dogs left alone. People who thought their dogs were fine whilst they were out all day - the films showed the dogs crying and walking in circles on standing behind the front door for hours. Really sad.

Jeaniebean

I work from home most of the time so my dog is very lucky.
One day I left the house, didn't take the car, came back about an hour later, and heard my dog howling!!! I never noticed it before as usually I take the car. An eye opener for me!
best of luck
Jeannie

jamespir

i would say when they start to get dehydrated etc

bagginslover

hethmar wrote: »

I expect some of you may have seen the recent articles on a study of dogs left alone. People who thought their dogs were fine whilst they were out all day - the films showed the dogs crying and walking in circles on standing behind the front door for hours. Really sad.

My dog has no choice but to stand behind the front door if he wants to stand up-we shut him in the hallway (with food, water bed etc) as he howls if left anywhere else, and yes, we have checked he doesn't in there by using a live-streaming webcam

How long is too long will vary totally from dog to dog, it's the old piece of string question .
If you can set up a camera to film while you are out, then do, and do it a few times. Watch it back when you get home. If there are a few instances of barking, don't worry right away, ask neighbours if something g happened at those times-someone could have come to the door, a loud argument in the street, or a car backfired.
If all seems well other than triggered events, I'd continue to leave her at home. It's very useful to be able to leave them for a while, in case of emergences etc

nonnatus

I think your little lady is lucky to have an owner as considerate as you! So odd that people expect dog owners to be with their pets 24/7.
Twice a week for 5/6 hours sound reasonable to me and provided your pup isn't destructive or pooing / weeing I would suggest she's not too bothered! Could you ask your neighbours whether they hear her barking at all?