leaving dog at home

Harleys#1fan

My fiance and I just got a large yellow male lab who is about 15 months old. My fiance works from 8-6 and I am at home right now on break. Our dog, harley, is not getting much attention right now and won't again when I have to come back for summer. He only sees my fiance for approx 4 hours a day. I want to know what any of you think about this and how we can make sure that our puppy dog isn't lonely or upset. I would hate to give him up for adoption but that might be our best option, please let me know.

Would getting him a companion be better? If so, do you think an older female dog would settle him down a little?

Thanks!
Harleys#1fan

skelaki

How well trained is Harley? If you have a dog and work, it's important to make the dog your priority outside of work. That means you don't go to the gym, bar, or out with friends after work, you go home and walk the dog.

You should never get another dog (or other pet) for your dog. If you want one and have the time necessary to settle a new dog in, to walk, train, etc. two dogs, then go for it. But don't do it without serious thought.

If it was me, I'd find someone, whether a friend or professional pet sitter/dog walker to come in every day I was at work to take Harley out for a long walk and potty break. Have a few special interactive toys such as Buster Cubes and kongs (stuff them) that you can rotate to give him when you go to work.

And make sure the time you do have to spend with him is used wisely for some good quality training, walks and play.

DogAdvocat

I'd like to weigh in on the other side. I'm of the opinion that you should consider getting that other dog, and commend you for thinking of an older one rather than a puppy. My theory is that since dogs are pack animals, they really do better with another living being around, even if that's just another dog. But there are some things to consider when bringing in another dog. First, it's not the second dog's responsibility to exercise and train your dog, nor to give it human attention. You still need to spend as much time as possible with both dogs, so I agree with the above poster that your dog(s) need to be your priority in life for your off work hours. Second, having two dogs can be the best or worst solution to some problems. The best is that they keep each other company and I've always been a fan of experiencing dogs interacting with their own species. But the worst is that if there's trouble, there's sometimes twice the trouble. Barking and howling can become twice as loud. Destruction can become twice the size. Even separation anxiety can be eased or worsened with two dogs - there's just no way to know ahead of time.

What you might want to consider is contacting a rescue group and offering to foster, with the potential of adopting, that older female dog, and if it works out like you hope, then make it permanent.

But remember, you will now have twice the training, twice the exercising, twice the grooming, and twice the loving.

Tamara

I agree with a dog sitter - they do give you piece of mind if you have to leave them alone for the day. Also I am with Advocat two dogs (obviously that suit each other) are happier than one. Remember they are double the cost as well.

DogAdvocat

Whoops, you're absolutely right Tamara, I must have had a senior moment on the cost. Twice the food, twice the routine vet bills. Thanks for adding that.

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MagicToller

Hmm.. I agree with Skelaki. Getting another dog would just add to the situation, a pack can only be stable if their is ample exercise and a clear leader (that should be the owner) long absences will make the dogs find jobs of their own, and as many of us know, they are seldom pleasant.

A trusted sitter, or finding some way to give more exercise and attention to Harley would be great for him.. if not, I'm not sure what to tell you =/

skelaki

I didn't say not to get another dog. I just said to give it very careful thought and to do it only if the people want and have time for a second dog. When you have two it's not always just twice the work.

And if they do opt for a 2nd animal to keep Harley company it doesn't necessarily have to be another dog. They could look into other options that don't require the commitment dogs require. Even the movement of fish in a tank can keep a dog occupied. I'm not advocating fish or anything else; just to look into all options before deciding anything.

Jessica&Crew

If he is capable, I dont see a problem with getting a second dog.

Here are som other great tips for situations like this:

http://wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/notime.htm

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