how long at a time do you leave your dog alone?

[aaaaaaa]

we really want a dog. I am not working now, but do intend to work in the foreseeable future...and that would be 3-4 days a week, out all day

thats too much isnt it?

Yes it is.
I don't let my puppies go to people who are out at work all day.

Yes it's too long. Unless you can get someone to come in for an hour or more and take him for a walk, I wouldn't get one.

The longest I leave ours is 4 hours. Anything over that and our neighbour comes in and takes her for a walk.

Yes. It is a bit much I'm afraid. My lot are left for three hours max. Any longer and I come home at lunch time for an hour or so and then go back to work then DS is home.
There's a doggy daycare near us that several colleagues take their dogs to and several professional dog walkers around here too. Do you have anything similar close by..?

I think it depends on the length of your day. If you're nearby and can pop home at lunchtime and it's only 3 days a week I think it may well not be a problem, depending on the dog. I believe over 4 hours is the recommended cut off point.

you need doggie day care - they could do half day care on the days you work.about £10 per half day here.

our staffie is very easy going about being left - no separation anxiety which is miraculous considering his personality! tbh it's more us that gets the separation anxiety.

the longest he is ever left on his own is three hours. tbh it's hardly ever that, but that is the longest we would leave him.

Perhaps not a popular view but our two will stay alone for 6 or more hours (rarely)
It's easier because there's two of them so they do have company, and if we need to be out for any length of time we ensure they've had at least an hours exercise beforehand (I can cover around 4 miles in an hour, as spaniels they cover 5 times that!) I also work nights so while I am in the house, the days after work I will be in bed so they are "on their own" as they are not allowed upstairs so are well accustomed to left to their own devices.

Mine get left for 4 hours maximum and that only happens rarely (a couple of times a month?).

Mine is left no longer than 4 hours at a time. I work part time but my parents have her when i work. Have you got any friends or relatives who might agree to a bit of dog sharing? My parents love it because i get all the hard work and training to do and they enjoy a few days of company and walks.