Can a cocker spaniel puppy be left on its own for up to 5 hours?

[HopeNotFear]

Hi, we would love a working cocker spaniel puppy but I would like some honest advice if it’s the right thing for us before we start looking for one.

We (myself, DP & 13 year old DD) have read up lots on this breed and spoken to a few owners and we are all really keen to get one, however I am worried about leaving the puppy on its own for long periods of time 2 or sometimes 3 days a week.

I work 3 days a week and am out of the house from 8.30am -- 5.30pm. DP is full time but does shift work over 7 days, so he will sometimes be off one or 2 of my working days. On his day shift he leaves home at 9.30am, can pop home about 1.30pm / 2.00pm for 45 mins, and DD will be home from school by 4.15pm. On back shift DP leaves home at 1pm and DD is home about 4.15pm. At a push, I could probably reduce my hours at work so I could also pop home for 30mins during the day while the puppy is settling in.

I would take a couple of weeks holiday to settle the puppy in, but after this, it’s likely it’ll need to be left on it’s own whilst we’re at work/School, and there’s no-one nearby who could pop in and puppy sit during this settling in period.

We have a big lounge and could have an area fenced off so puppy would have space to move around but would be safe, with it’s toys and radio left on so it hears voices. We would of course build up the time it’s left on its own, but I realise 15/16 days from getting the puppy till I go back to work isn’t very long to build the time up.

I know cocker spaniels like company and stimulation and don’t like being left on their own for too long or too often. Just wondering if anyone has been able to make it work in similar circumstances with either a spaniel or another breed of puppy.

Just read this back, sorry it’s so long!

I totally understand why you would want to add a dog to your family but please don't get a puppy in your current circumstances. Until you have had one you cannot imagine how much time and commitment they need - especially for the first nine months-1 year. Sorry if that sounds condescending but it is true. Just look at some of the other posts here.
You are setting both yourselves and the puppy up for a lot of heartache and suffering. You basically need to have somebody at home nearly the whole time 7 days a week - how else are you going to toilet train your pup? When he's tiny he won't be able to hang on for 2 1/2 hours while you are at work. Popping back for 45 minutes, to only leave again is just not enough. What happens if you can't get away or are delayed? He'll be soiling in his crate/ pen, he'll be distressed and it will take you months and months to toilet train, making it so much more difficult than it needs to be. They need more or less constant interaction, training, guidance and don't forget affection, except for their shortish naps. I would really urge you to consider rehoming an adult dog which would be much more able to fit in with your family set up. I wish you the best of luck!

I would only on v v v rare occasion leave my 2 cockers who are 1 and 3 for that long. They aren't nicknamed Velcro dogs for no reason and a puppy can't be left for that long without going for a wee unless you want lots of mess 2 clear up.

Please don’t get a working dog unless you plan to actually work it! I have a beautiful working cocker, but she’s only beautiful because she goes rough shooting off season and beating/picks up at this time of year. Plus we’re out training with dummies every day, and she’s never left for longer than an hour or two on her own.

Seriously look at another breed. I know working cockers are gorgeous dogs, but they are hard work, need firm (not harsh) training, tons of mental and physical stimulation and I really don’t think they make a good first dog.