Hello Our pup isnt home yet but 2 days a week I will be working and gone from 7-5. I was reading up on feeding schedules and I feel kind of stuck about the feeding 4 times a day. I have decided to crate train and have a big crate with a divider so he can still go only being 8 weeks i dont think he will be able to hold it. Any recommendations one feeding or crate training? Thanks
You really need to make some other arrangements for the two days you'll be away as 7 - 5 is too long to leave a puppy alone. He will not only need feeding and toileting but will need company. Think about family or friends who you can ask to help or look into daycare or paying someone to visit for a few hours.
I agree with Joy. Leaving a pup from 7am-5pm is far too long even if it is only 2 days a week. Could a family member help out? Or a lot of dog walkers will pop in and play/feed/let them out for a wee a few times a day? Or puppy day care? A puppy needs company and stimulation and will need to be let out for a wee on a regular basis. Pups have very small bladders and you may find it wees and poos in its crate which will put back house Trainng. Even if you put a divider in the crate, they won't understand what it's for. As for feeding, it is recommended to feed 4 times a day and if you reduce this and give pup 2 larger meals it may cause diorrhea.
This is far, far too long to leave a pup. Even if his physical needs were met (which they won't be if left for so long) his mental and social needs certainly won't be. Imagine leaving a three year old for hours with no company and nothing to do - and that's what you would be doing to a friendly, social animal. It's cruel, please don't get a pup if you can't meet all of his needs. Here is some excellent advice - http://www.thelabradorsite.com/combining-a-labrador-puppy-with-full-time-work/ ...
I agree with all the above. If you are not going to be home you have to have someone else there. Your puppy is going to have to pee every 30minutes and poo who knows how many times. Four feedings a day are totally necessary. And human interaction with this little puppy is a must. If the pup's needs cannot be met you should wait for a better time to get it.Sorry but you will do harm to the pup if you cannot make other arrangements for someone to come in and keep it company, feed it, let it out to do its business. Please think about this carefully.
Welcome to the forum from me, Hattie 9 years and rescue boy Charlie 6 years. I couldn't agree more with the advice you have been given. A puppy needs toilet breaks every 30 minutes or so whilst it's being house trained as a tiny puppy cannot hold on, you will delay this training if you leave him for 10 hours a day twice a week. Who will feed your puppy during these hours? His socialisation needs will not be met and you could end up with an anxious dog. My dogs have never been left for more than 4 hours at a time when puppies and even as grown ups, my neighbour has a key so if I am ever going to be late she sees to their needs. Could you please find someone to help out? What are your working hours the remainder of the week? Sorry if we seem harsh but the puppy has to come first. x
