Going to work...leaving puppy

[Alisvolatpropiis]

My jrt puppy is now almost seven months old, we've had her since she was 8 weeks. Because of my DP's profession and later unfortunate circumstances re my job, she has never been left on her own for more than a couple of hours.

In terms of settling her into the house, it was ideal (though not for me). My situation has not changed, despite dilligent attempts,so this is a bit premature really. But...how do I ensure she copes with the transition from rarely being on her own to both myself and DP working full time? She has been left on her own,probably for a maximum of 4 hours a time. But that length of time is quite unusual in all honesty. We often take her to friends if they have dogs.

She's really very good, I've never come home to find her destroying anything if she feels inclined she'll do it in front of me or in a state. We do have cats, one is very outdoorsy living a double life and the other is inside 99.9% of the time. So he and the puppy keep eachother company.

Any advice welcome.

[Piffle]

Full time by when? If soon then get a day time puppy sitter.

[OatyBeatie]

I would have thought that four hours would be about the maximum you can lave her alone, at any age.

[TooTiredToBeCreative]

As above poster suggested I would look into doggie day care or a dog walker to come to collect and walk the dog in the middle of the day.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

I'm not sure in all honesty, I am currently job searching so it could be any time soon or in the dim and distant future (depressing thought). So it's more preparing for it than imminent.

I'm completely happy to pay for a puppy sitter if I happened to get a job soon.

At what age would you say a puppy sitter wouldn't be required? My younger brother is forever offering his services, but think my mother would be peeved if he started missing school

What kind of things can I do to make sure she's alright in the day time if she's a bit older? She already has lots of toys and she happily plays by herself with them (I'm making her sound like a small child aren't I). I was thinking maybe a very long morning walk might help, because then she'd be tired and just sleep? Though she will not allow any long walks to happen if this weather keeps up, hates the rain!

[Alisvolatpropiis]

oops cross posted.

I'll look into dog walkers and puppy sitters. Thank you all.

I think I kind knew the answers really but wanted some advice. Although I have grown up with dogs, this is the first one who is mine so I sometimes find myself worrying!

[suburbandream]

What OatyBeatie said - I wouldn't want to leave a dog on its own all day at any age really. A dog walker in the middle of the day would relieve the boredom.

[Piffle]

I puppysit and walk a young dog (7mths)
I have 3 dogs aged 3,2 and 1
I would not leave any of them all day and I have a dog door and fenced run.
Because they are used to me being there most of the time.

[mute]

It's all very well saying you can't leave a dog more than 4 hours. But let's get real most dog owners have to work and general the dogs do fine as they mostly sleep (as they do allot of the time when owners are home). As long as you give your dog a good long walk when you get home they do fine. Mine have a kennel and run and are happy chilling watching the world go by.