Leaving your dog

michael · 12-16-2006, 10:08 PM

When your going around a relatives or something, something that your dog can't follow you with. How do you leave your dog, do you keep her in her kennel with food and water? at what age can you leave your dog alone for longer periods of time? or can't you (shouldn't you)?

drfong · 12-16-2006, 10:11 PM

There is not a good answer for you as we need alot more info.
How old is your dod?
How long is it used to staying alone now?
What type of setup do you have your dog in, ie stays in yard when left alone, usually crated while gone, has run of house while your gone with or without access to go outside to elliminate?

Desy · 12-16-2006, 10:12 PM

Thats a good question. I dont know the amswer tho lol I tell my family my baby is family too so she is commin' lol (of course she is only 5lbs and you dont really notice her) lol.. I will be looking for people to answer this question too tho' Thx

Sawyer · 12-17-2006, 12:51 AM

When we are not home Sidney is in a kennel. He's 5 mos as of yesterday and although he is doing very well I don't trust he'd be safe alone. We don't leave him for more than 2 hours and no, we don't put food or water in his kennel. Our trainer recommended only a toy, no treats or food for his safety, so that is all he gets. He has a blankie - very cute of him really, so that always goes in there as well.

I don't know if there is a specific age your dog will reach before he can be left alone for longer periods. I think it depends on your dog. We let Sidney alone for 4 hours once - the longest he'd ever been alone - and when we came home he was crazy for attention (as well he should be!) and that night at puppy class he was awful. My husband and I agreed that would be the last time he'd be alone that long!

opokki · 12-17-2006, 02:17 AM

I can leave my dogs for long periods if I need to and they have free run of the house but they are trained adults. When Natalie was a puppy I would confine her to the kitchen while I was away.

A general rule for puppies is that they can hold it for their age in months plus one. So a 4 month old pup, who gets plently of exercise, should be all right if you crate her for 5 hours while your away without food or water. If your going to be gone longer than this its better to use an x-pen and have an indoor potty area and water available.