Advice - Leaving pup at home

krlyr

To be fair, OP has already said that her work hours were originally going to be mornings only - 20 hours over a week is only 4 hours, and while that's probably a tad too long for a 10 week old puppy itself, it won't be long before pup can manage a few hours on its own, it's not as if OP went out and got a puppy whilst in a fulltime job.
Plus they've now clarified that the pup was a day short of 8 weeks old - don't think that makes the breeder a terrible breeder.
It is a shame that we can't all stay at home and play with adorable puppies but some of us have to work to afford our dogs. OP needs to be aware that 7 hours isn't OK to leave a pup of that age but I don't think they need to be judged on going to a breeder or having to accept a job despite an unexpected change of hours.

Welshwoofs

alisara wrote: »

Thanks so much everyone. I do wonder if there is anyone else who has been in the position of leaving a pup alone, people must work?

I must admit that I haven't. I only got a puppy once I'd negotiated working from home and when I change jobs, it's on the understanding that I work from home 80% of the time. My dog is grown now and when I work away either my Mother comes to stay and sit him or he goes to his sitter. If I wasn't able to work from home then honestly I'd buy an adult dog (rescue) rather than a puppy.

I know from my sitter that there are a fair amount of people who do have puppies whilst working though and that's why they use the sitter. There's also a fair few places round here that do 'doggy creche' during the day times and those always seem to have puppies in (having a lot of fun I should add!)

peachyprice

alisara wrote: »

I know people will say I should have thought about this before getting a pup but my new post was to be mornings only, and that would have been fine, but recently changed to 3 days per week.

I guess some of you didn't read this bit before condemning OP?

What's she supposed to do, turn down a job, then find herself in the position where she has give the pup away because she can't afford to keep it because she's no job?

alisara

_Andy_ wrote: »

Why did you get a puppy when you knew you wouldn't be there to look after it?

Why buy from a breeder, thus filling their pockets, whilst there are thousands of rescue dogs out there?

Andy, I did state I have always had dogs and I did state that my hours of work had changed from mornings only to days not a lot I could do about that, other than be unemployed. For goodness sake unless you are stupendously wealthy most people have to work for a living.

And my choice was a pug, although that was not my question. It was as my hours of work have changed, has anyone got any tips advice etc. I got a whole lot from the kind comments of the other posters and currently I am looking for a pet sitter/dogwalker.

Welshwoofs

Op - definitely get out there and talk to other dog owners you see out walking their pooches. They'll tell you who the good/bad sitters/walkers are. Certainly the dog walking community round these parts is a veritable fountain of information for all things doggie related and people are always happy to pass on recommendations or warnings.

Your pup will be absolutely fine if you can get some daycare/sitting. He'll socialise and you may even get lucky and find a sitter who starts him on commands!

You're doing the best you can with the cards you've been dealt and I'm sure you'll find some care for him in the day until he's old enough to be ok on his own whilst you're at work.

alisara

Welshwoofs that was lovely thanks, and also peachy and others I have not mentioned. I know in year from now that pup will be just fine. But until then hopefully I will find someone.

chris_n_tj

OP what area are you in, if you dont mind me asking that is. x

alisara

I am in n.ireland, belfast

chris_n_tj

Had you been near me in Yrrks I would have helped xx
Maybe there is someone here in MSE land that could help this lady out for a few months?
I hope you sort something out, and like others have said try your local Vets they might be able to put you in touch with someone xx

PS have you thought about putting a post on the The N. Ireland Board. x

con1888

alisara wrote: »

Thank you all for your replies, except the weird one regarding 7 weeks, I bought my pup from a reputable breeder and she was only a day of 8 weeks.

I have another week left before returning to work and have lined my sister up for one of the days, so that leaves me with 2 days to fill. I will now look for someone to pop in for same.

Thanks so much everyone. I do wonder if there is anyone else who has been in the position of leaving a pup alone, people must work?

Usually the dog is older or they have relatives/friends to let dog out.. I grew up with a dog and working parents but my grandfather took the dog a walk an hour a day.