Puppy left at home all day :(

rising_from_the_ashes

I don't particularly think anyone has been "self righteous" etc and none of us are perfect.

My thoughts - not directed at the OP .... just in general

I don't think anyone (apologies if I'm wrong) has said that full time workers can't have dogs ..... but in order for it to be successful arrangements must be made for the dog during the day eg you come home at lunchtime, a friend/relative pops in or you get a dog walker.

Personally, I would never have a pup when I worked full time (and I have been seriously tempted recently, believe me) - they require so much extra time spent with them - for successful house training and obedience, that I personally wouldn't feel comfortable whilst I'm away for so much of the day.

Yes, you could train a small dog to use a litter tray but personally I wouldn't feel comfortable with this as you're never going to have a fully house trained dog (what happens if you go away anywhere or visit friends & the dog wants to "go" and there's no litter box? It wouldn't know to go to the door to be let out etc).

The obedience issue would also sit really heavily with me - even if the dog is small, it still needs to know right from wrong and be well behaved.... this would be hugely difficult if the dog was left alone for up to 10 hours / day and then showered with affection when the owner came home.


To the OP glad you've got something sorted .... whatever that is.

beth.stephenson2009

A young dog, I would never leave for more than an hour. The work and "I have things to do" excuse isn't good enough. You think of that before you get the dog. I'm surprised the seller let the OP take the dog if I'm honest.
I get a dog is only an animal, but excuses wouldn't cut it when it comes to children, and for me it doesn't cut it when there are animals who are needing the attention. We have two cats who are left during the day- but they can get out on their own, don't need walking and apart from the odd cuddle will entertain themselves.

OP, I seriously suggest you find a new home for this dog before it becomes damaged.

1sue23

How about asking at the local vets and putting a card on the board , in my vets there are several retired people asking to walk and care for dogs when the owners work .
One lovely couple feel they are now to old to take on a dog and having lost their own love to walk and care for other people's dogs , I meet up with them in the park and they tell me they worried about getting a dog of their own in case they became ill and unable to cope , but they still love walking , love dogs and love to meet people in the park .

CFC

beth.stephenson2009 wrote: »

I think its cruel, simple as.

If you wanted that puppy- you should of weighed up the costs before you got it.

Not to mention the problems you could face when it is older. Neglect can lead to aggressive dogs.

Selfish. If your neighbours had any common sense, they would be on the phone to the RSPCA to report you.

And you'd find the RSPCA would say 'So what?' and have no interest in it whatsoever. Leaving your dog at home while you go to work is not regarded as 'animal cruelty' by the RSPCA, end of story, whatever an individual may think.

Chakani

beth.stephenson2009 wrote: »

A young dog, I would never leave for more than an hour.

While I agree the situation in the OP is completely unacceptable, I think you may be taking things to the other extreme.

When we got our current pup, we were advised by both vet and dog trainer that she should be accustomed to being left while young, so that she accepts it as being normal. That strikes me as common sense, and all our family dogs have always been treated this way. Ours at 4 months is left several times a week for up to 3 hours at a time (only once per day maximum, I am at home most of the time, and she is with us almost all the time). It was gradually built up, she wasn't abandoned from the minute she came home, and she is now perfectly happy and secure, knowing that we will be back, and mostly uses the time to sleep.

I don't think it's realistic long term for a young dog to only be left for an hour at a time, and however highly you regard your dogs, they are not children, and their needs are not the same. It takes me longer than an hour to do the round trip to the supermarket!