Working and dogs

[SnakeyMcBadass]

I have a new job which will involve 5 hour shifts 3 days a week, and one 11 hour shift. For the long day, I'll be employing a dog walker who will take them out for a good hour at lunchtime. We all leave the house at 7.45 and the DC will be back at 3.30. I'll be back by 1.45 on three days.

I know this isn't ideal. I love my dogs and need to work. Is this ok for them as long as they get walked and have company the rest of the time? I'm stressed about leaving them.

Providing they are free to wander around at home ( not crated) I think that it will be fine .

Will you be able to walk them before you go to work? My dog is fine being left for a few hours as long as he's had a good run before I go. However what will you do when it's pitch dark in winter? Would funds stretch to getting the dog walker I on a couple of your shorter shifts to do a mid-morning walk? It would help everyone feel a bit less stressed in the mornings

I have a friend that can pop in some mornings. They won't be crated and I'll let them have the run of the house. Going to miss the little ratbags, but needs must

That sounds fine. They have freedom around the house and each other for company. Agree with short walk if possible before you leave for work on the short days.

It depends on your dogs - how old they are etc. Only you will know. I always aim for 4 hours or less of leaving mine but in reality most dogs can go 6 if they're house trained & get a good hour's walk before & after

Dogs are 4 and 2 and used to me being at home full time. I really hope they won't be too distressed.

Think about what they do when you are in. Do they follow you about constantly, or just chill out unless an interesting food cupboard opens?

They generally laze around sniring, moving from sofa to bed depending on where I am.

They'll just do that then, when you are out

Can you build up the time you're leaving them for in preparation for work?

My dogs are a bit older than yours but they are left 4 days a week for 8.5 hr stretches. They have at least an hour midday with the best dog walker ever. I wake up early enough to give them time with us in the morning. We felt guilty at first but they sleep most of the time and end up getting really tired on of days with them as they don't sleep much when we're home!

Can you join borrowmydoggie and look for local dog lovers? We joined and volunteered to help walk a dog near us as her owner's work situation changed

My spaniel is fear aggressive, so there's no way I can let random members of the public take him out. My dog walker has experience of his issues, and insurance.

I think as long as they get a walk before you go and as you said a dog walker mid day then a walk when you get back I think they will cope fine.
My father's dogs get 30 minutes off lead in a secure field before he goes to work at 5:00am and then someone pops in to give them a walk midday and they get walked again as soon as he gets home at 4:00pm they seem to cope well, they have each other for company and the run of the house.

Snakey My two are left for 5 hours, 3 days a week, term time. They have a walk first thing, get fed from one of those 'puzzle' dog bowls, beg for more food while I make sandwiches and eat breakfast. I come back from work and we are straight out the door for a long walk. They are totally, utterly fine. They are usually in the study, if it's warm they stay in the garden with water and a huge kennel (rarely is it warm enough tbh!)

They are fine, honest. This is the real world. My hours increased and I just went with it. Any longer and I might get a dog walker.