Is this routine ok for my dog or is she being left too long?

[Lauresbadhairday]

We are first time dog owners of a gorgeous 6yr old greyhound. Before we got her I explained to the rescue that I work 4 days per week and that I would have a dog walker for 1hr during the day. They assured me this was fine but now she is here I am having an attack of the guilts and wondering if I'm doing the right thing.

I leave the house at 8.30 and get home around 4. The dog walker comes sometime between 11.30 & 12.30 so the longest she is ever left on her own is 4hrs but never 2 x 4hrs in one day if that makes sense. I walk her for 30mins before work and again in the evening. She is always sooo pleased to see me when I get home that I'm worried she is unhappy when I'm out. When I leave her she is settled on her bed and doesn't whine or bark. She is generally chilled and seems happy in herself.

So, do you think this is ok or am I leaving her to long? The alternative I guess would be doggy day care.

[OhNoNotMyBaby]

Am I right in thinking greyhounds don't need much walking? I would say you're doing more than enough there.

Ref time on her own. It sounds fine to me... I would that perfectly acceptable. I'm at home all the time but my dog spends most of the time sleeping!

[carrietwick]

Yes I also think that's fine, I used to be out 7:30am-5pm and have a dog walker for an hour at lunchtime, honestly my dog was more happier then than compared to me being a stay at home mum, I think they like a bit of piece and quiet!

[Strokethefurrywall]

Yes that's fine! I have two big shepherd mix mutts and I used to walk them 3 times a day as I'm out from 7.30-5pm. I used to come back and walk then at lunch until they decided they were absolutely not stepping foot outside the door when it's that hot (live in hot climate). So now they just get walked morning and evening.

When I was on both maternity leaves I expected to take them out more but no dice. They slept from 9am-4.30 pm with a bit of play either side and would grumble if I got them up.
I often feel guilty about the lack of exercise but Elvis flat out refuses to go for long walks and I take Frank for longer walks with DS2 in the stroller if I have the time, or for a short 3 mile run. Way too hot for that though.
It does piss me off when I see posters getting all shouty about leaving dogs for longer than x hours. Sometimes reality means circumstances change and the dogs have to adjust like the rest of us!

[MitchellMummy]

That sounds fine! In fact I think that dogs are more prone to separation anxiety if they're never left on their own.

[Lauresbadhairday]

Thanks all. That's really reassuring. As I say she seems happy and content when we're around but as she is our first dog I just wanted to make sure that I am not causing her any undue stress.

[Rainicorn]

Sounds perfectly fine. She is happy to see you because she has missed you. My dogs miss me when I go to the shops for all of 10 minutes, little weirdos.

[villainousbroodmare]

I think that you're doing a grand job. It's recommended by some to keep reunion greetings relatively low-key (in manner of two dog friends greeting each other I suppose) to avoid emotional rollercoaster assoc with development of separation anxiety.

[Scuttlebutter]

The time element is fine, but what I'd do is swap the evening walk for some training time. You'll find the bond between you is strengthened and you'll both really enjoy it. Get yourself a clicker and a bag of treats and do some nice basic exercises to start with, like hand targeting or Look at me, to build concentration. From there you can build in things like a heel position, a down, and stay etc. To start with, 10 minutes will be fine - you'll really see how it works her brain. Dogs need and enjoy mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Good luck, she sounds gorgeous.

[Lauresbadhairday]

I'm so glad I posted. I went to work today feeling much better. I try and keep my return home low key but I'm usually as pleased to see her as she is me! I will work harder on that. I also like the idea of doing some basic training with her.

She is gorgeous and has fitted into our family so well. When I first discussed my work arrangements with the rescue I was quite blasé about leaving her but now she is a reality and not just a concept it has been so much harder than I ever envisaged.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Sounds fine. I work three days a week and am out the house from 7:30 till 3:15. Dog walker comes about 10:30 to 11:00 and walks her for 30 mins. Dog seems happy enough.

[SunshineAndShadows]

Sounds like you're doing great OP. If she's a rescued racer she'll have spent much of her life alone in kennels so I'm sure your sitting room is luxurious in comparison!

You could consider giving her some activity feeders whilst you're out. E.g. Give her breakfast in a Kong wobbler or put some treats in a puzzle ball