So unfortunately, my financial situation has changed and I now have to go back to working fulltime. This means that my 1 year old will need to be left home alone 5 days a week. Luckily, my work is not far so I will be able to go home at lunch without much issue. My concern is that my pup is only experienced in being home alone for two hours, once a week, so this is quite a jump with not enough time to build him up to it slowly. One point of comfort is that we have never had much trouble with this alone time and to the best of my knowledge he mostly just sleeps it away once he's finished with his Kong. I'm also considering hiring a dog walker to break the days up even further for him so best case scenario is he'd be alone 2-2.5hrs, three times a day. Daycare isn't an option as he is intact. I guess really what I'm asking is, am I just being overprotective or are my concerns justified? I'd also love to hear others experience with leaving their pups home alone all day.
Hi @shawnlinus I think you have the right idea. A walker to come in to stimulate him is a good idea. Maybe consider getting some interactive toys that will provide some enrichment. Buy several different ones and rotate them each day through the week. If your financial situation can go that far consider a trainer to come in say once a week and teach him some mentally demanding things. Dog love scent training. Or retrieve. Good luck.
I think your concerns are justified and Michael’s suggestions are good ones. I use a dog walker and it really gives me piece of mind. I am in and out from home during the working week and try not to leave my girl for more than three hours, maximum four which would be on rare occasions. She does sleep the time away but I’m still happier knowing she’s not alone.
I think a dog walker (preferably by himself and on leash) sounds like a good idea and maybe leave some toys for the dog walker to play with him with, as well. Lots of Kongs and food puzzles to keep him busy... You are lucky that you've reached 1 year old before this has happened, as it would be much harder with a little pup, to be away this long.
I've just had the same decision to make, my wife has Mondays off I have Fridays working from home he was going to doggy daycare 3 days a week but they are asking us to have him castrated which I am unwilling to do, we now have had a dog walker for 2 weeks and everything is going fine, I have a camera in the house and the dog walker only lives 2 streets away he just looks out of the window looking out most of the day and eats his kong it is a shame because he loved doggy daycare. Lee
Thanks all for your input, I've been attempting to build him up this week before I start my new role and we made it to 3 hours without any problem, I've no reason to believe he couldn't do more but I still worry (doesn't every parent?)... Are there any suggestions on good interactive toys? We're well acquainted with Kongs and I always leave him one when I leave the house. We've tried a few treat dispensing toys such as wobblers too but he tends to get through them very quickly...
