I think 9 hours is much too long to leave a young pup. I'm hoping to get a puppy in May and I work 3 days but I'm already looking for doggy day care as I won't leave a pup or even older dog all day, it's not fair. I know many do but for me I have had to consider the cost of not only puppy but the doggy day care.
Look its fine to leave them while you are at work and if your wife goes ome at lunch then of course that is fine. Just not in a crate - consider a puppy playpen in the laundry so there is some space. Please do NOT feel shamed by some on here about actually having to work all day. Our puppy was 8 weeks old when we got her and we both went back to work on the MOnday. I came home on the first day and let her outside and then put her back in the playpen (where she had her bed, toys, a food ball and water and puppy pad). By the second day she was quite fine - didn't need me coming home at lunch so from the third day she went into the playpen when the last of us left and stayed there til one of us came home after work. As long as the puppy is with you inside in the evening and overnight spending time on her own during the day is fine. Socialisation you wil do at the vets puppy school then at obedience and then out walking etc and with you at night. They will actually sleep for most of the day just like an older dog does (and when they arent they will play with their toys). Dont leave her in a crate all that time as there isnt enough space but ours ultimately got the whole laundry with a baby gate as she got bigger and thats where she goes now when we go out and usually gets left with a frozen kong, toys, water and I've put some plain cardboard boxes in there so she can destroy them too.
This is normal for puppies - they will eventually stop bitig often afte rthey get their adult teeth - until then you have to work out what stops them. Chewing on things they shouldnt - you just have to restrict access until they learn what they can and cant have.
Nobody is trying to shame those who work all day. Many of us do. Small puppies need more frequent interaction and looking after than mature dogs in order to develop into well rounded individuals. If you can't afford a dog walker or sitter perhaps you have a neighbour or family member who could pop in to spend time with the puppy. I would try and break your nine hours into at least three and maybe four. It won't be forever You also might want to consider leaving her with safe chews like stuffed Kongs. There are loads of threads on the forum about them if you have a search.
I agree with Barbara. Many forum members work full-time away from home. You can find lots of tips for working parents on the new Home Alone Puppies thread Where people differ, is on how long to leave puppies entirely alone. The general consensus here tends to be that small puppies should not be left alone for a full working day. Attitudes may vary though from one region to another. If you are going to leave your puppy alone all day, then Jenny B's advice to use a playpen rather than a crate is important. Crating is only suitable for very short periods of confinement
Hi, I have a 5 month old pup and on the days we are out all day we send her to doggy daycare. I have been able to find good people who can take her for the day even from around 12 weeks, and they usually have other dogs, so she is socialised, too. It might be worth looking for something like this. I find she is a lot calmer (and also very tired) after going, and well behaved. I think is channels her energy. This isn't a kennel, but a person who takes her in their house. Cost is about £17 per day, which we figure is worth it to know she is happy. She loves it so much she can't wait to go. I found the person through a facebook community page, and got references. The other thing worth trying might be borrowmydoggy.com, which I was on before I got a dog - people walk your dog for free (because they can't have their own). Downside is they are usually also office workers...so not available during the day, when you need them most. Also, unpaid people aren't as reliable. Otherwise perhaps having 2 visits from walkers if you are out for 9 hours? I also think part of the pre could be long hours in the crate - no judgement - I know it's hard!
Finn is now 5 months old. Doggy daycare three half days a week and lots of trips to the dog park have saved us. He is so sweet and so smart and sooooo much work!
