Do you think I could stop coming home for lunch?

[Mitfordhons]

I have two dogs, one who is part whippet and who knows what else and the other a greyhound or lurcher depending on which 'expert' is talking. A year ago I was offered a full time job which is fairly local and since then I've come home for lunch every day to let them out. This week there was an emergency with one of my colleagues that meant I couldn't leave, my teen dc's said they seemed fine when they got back and there were no accidents. It's got me thinks that perhaps I could do this more often.

I leave at 9.15 and the first dc arrives at 3.30 and th next one at 4, one day a week the earlier one stays later at school to play sports. It takes fifteen minutes each way to get to and from work and often feels very rushed/stressful as parking is a nightmare where I work.

What do you think?

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

I think it's better if they have their day broken up for them, and the chance to pee. Sorry.

[Fluffy24]

On MN I may be flamed for suggesting leaving them for more than 60 minutes but I don't see why not, it sounds like it's really only an extra couple of hours - assuming your DC can make sure they get outside as soon as they get home.

[Branleuse]

i think if you can come home to let them out and give them a cuddle, then you should, otherwise its a pretty long day for them to sit and cross their legs. A lot of dogs just wont pee in the house even if desperate. That doesnt mean its ok to just not let them out

[mudandmayhem01]

I think they would be ok, they have got each other. My lurcher is very lazy and also seems to have a bladder of steel often won't go out for his first wee until 10am after snoozing all night.

[DramaAlpaca]

I have a similar situation to you OP. I work very locally, but always come home at lunchtime to let the dogs out & spend some time with them. The only time I don't is if one of my young adult DC is at home. I don't think dogs should be left alone for more than about four hours even though they have each other.

[Shriek]

i definitely wouldn't be happy to leave mine all day. Its too long. I think another couple of hours (as two hours on their own don't sound much) on top of the previous 3 or 4 are too much and now you are full-time maybe you could employ someone to at least whip your ddogs out for a while. These are fast and energetic ddogs.

[mudandmayhem01]

I don't think should do it everyday but occasionally wouldn't do any harm.

[Mitfordhons]

Ok, you're right, I knew it really hence the post. Thank you everyone who posted I'll carry on as normal.

[patterkiller]

I work from home and some days mine look at me like I'm an idiot at the thought of been made to go outside.

I think an occasional miss isn't going to hurt them.

[NoahVale]

6 hours, they should be ok tbh