What to do with puppy when we're away for the day

[gill1978]

We have had our beagle puppy since January and he's now 5 months old and settled really well. I've had to leave him a few times over that period for around 2-3 hours and on these occasions he's been in his large crate with his bed, toys water etc. He's usually asleep when we get back and seems happy to go in the crate when he's asked.

We have a couple of days out planned over Easter. These have been planned for months and are not at places that we can take the dog. I expect each day trip to involve us being away for 10-12 hours at a time.

My question is about the best thing to do for the dog on these days. Should I be looking to put him in a kennel for the day so he has company? I had thought about getting a dog walker in for an hour or so but that would still mean him being alone for long chunks of the day. What do you all do when you have to go away for the day?

Any advice would be appreciated

If we have to be away more than 5 or 6 hours, I ask a friend to take the dog. Or if no one was available I would put her to a professional dog walker / carer. We haven't used a kennel yet, and she is a sociable dog so would prefer to have someone who would keep her with them.

She is very spoiled.

He's not likely to have much more company if kennelled.

Unless I could get someone in for the whole or most of the day, or someone to have the pup with them most of the day, still leaving puppy alone for no more than 2-3 hours, I would cancel the trips out, I'm afraid. It's just not fair to leave a puppy so young alone for such long periods of time and is also asking for trouble. (seperation anxiety, chewing etc you can't possibly leave him in a crate for all that time)

the dog walkers where I live will take dogs for the day / overnight as paying guests. but they're all booked up for easter, so we had to change our plans.

Thanks for your replies. I'll see if one of my friends can take him for the day, or failing that see if I can hire a pet sitter to be with him for the day.

Agreed, I wouldn't opt for kennels myself.

What area are you in, I may have some suggestions of dog sitters?

I'm just outside Lincoln Vallhala. I'd appreciate any recommendations you have for sitters.

Me! :o

OK, tis what I do but I'm kidding, I'm too far for a day's care. Will have a scout round and see who I can find. :)

ours go to day care if friends are unable to help. day care is in someone's home as they have free run of the home and garden. its also very good for their socialisation. the person mine goes to also rescue dogs so we are indirectly contributing to her doing that which is a big added bonus. i am in glos so too far away to recommend. always worth chatting to dog walkers when out and picking up info on where their dogs go. mine was found via word of mouth as she doesnt advertise
would second cancelling your plans if you cant find suitable care for the pup

Oh blimey don't cancel your plans - either contact a dog walker - many usually do dog sitting or if the worst comes to the worst one day in a kennel is not a real big issue for a dog. Although you may have to have the kennel club vaccine in advance so you may need to act quickly.

It is essential though that you do get a network of dog sitters etc so that you can on occasions do something without the dogs.

I live in Lincoln! Have got a couple of fab suggestions.. We have a 3 month old spaniel who goes to 'doggy day care' 2 days per week, also know of some other pet sitting services locally..

Is beagle puppy friendly? I have spaniel pupster & an 8 year old terrier :)

Pm me?

Just pm'd you herladyship.

We did lots of research before deciding on a beagle and its really paid off as he's so friendly and chilled around the kids. We'd planned to go and look at a few different puppies before deciding finally but as soon as ds who's 4 saw our little pup at the first visit it was clear we couldn't choose anyone but him!

Thaks again for all the advice.