How long through day?

[christmashope]

So I have a new job that will take me out of the house for 5.5 hours Monday to Friday
Is that too long to leave my 2 year old cavapoo
She has free reign of the house
She would have been out for a 40 Min walk before I left
Then walk when I get home
I have only ever left her for 4hrs maximum before
Many thanks

I'm not an absolutist on these things as some dogs can cope for more than 4 hours, others for much less. How does she react when you leave her for the 4 hours?

Some dogs can cope with it, others can't. Best way to test is to do your routine on a test basis and see what happens. If she's fine, fine. If she's not, you'll need to put a backup plan in place.

It depends on the dog. However, I would invest in a camera as they are so cheap now to see how she copes when you leave her. I can view BiteyDog as a live stream on my phone and he sleeps for around 1.5 hours and then is still quiet but is listening for someone to return for the next hour. I certainly wouldn't want to leave mine any longer but you may find yours just sleeps. The camera has also helped when he was barking as I could see he was barking at his reflection in the window and then when he heard noises outside which we easily rectified.

My camera can be turned around using my phone but would obviously only work in one room but at least you could set it up where you think she mostly stays and of course you can hear if she is agitated.

I used to leave my two for 5 hrs a day when I worked in a school. They were fine. Walked before I went to work then walked when I got home. No problems.

Once in a while mine would be OK with it, but 5 days a week it is far too much time. You need to get a dogwalker at midday both for toileting and for social purposes - would you like being in the house with no book/radio/tv/phone on your own and no access to a toilet all day 5 days a week? You could hold onto your wee, but would be really lonely

My dog can cope with being left longer than the recommended maximum 4 hours from time to time - it probably happens a couple of times a month at most - but I don't think she'd cope with it happening every day.

In your circumstances I'd be looking to have a dog walker or doggy day care at least a couple of times during the week.

Thanks for your replies
She’s quiet a lazy dog if I come home after being out for 4hrs sometimes she doesn’t even come down stairs to see me!
I will need to play it by ear and see how she gets on
A camera is a great idea
Got a brilliant dog walker that I use if I’m away for day so will speak to her
Thanks

My dog is left 8.30 to 2.30. She's fine. Know people will disagree but she has good quality of life. We don't get any messes and tbh would understand if we did. She has free roam downstairs. She has a 40 minute walk before and after work and a bedtime wee walk. Don't get me wrong it would be great to not leave her but needs must and she isn't unhappy or psychologically scarred. Tbh think she gets a lot more exercise and fuss than others where owners are home all day.

Could you maybe have someone come in at least a couple of days? Could a neighbour help?
Perhaps gradually leave her a little longer and see how it goes. 4 hours 5 mins. 4 hours 10?
Mine wouldn't cope with that every day. But then she's a needy hound!