[Dolcecoco]

Hi everyone,

I am technically a first time dog owner and I have had my corgi for about four years now. During those four years, I didn't work and was basically a stay at home mom. Recently I went to work part time and worked about five hours a day two days out of the week. However, I am now going to be working full time M-F for about 5-6 hours a day and 6-7 if you count commuting. Where I live the weather is always unpredictable such as today where it rained so much the streets were flooded and so I made sure that my corgi was trained to go potty on a peepee pad when we aren't able to take her out. My question is, will my corgi be okay if I start working 6-7 hours M-F? I have never left her alone for long periods of time, but I do know that she just sleeps when I am not home. I'm just worried since now I will be gone the majority of the week. She isn't put into a crate and roams around the house, but I am sure she's not destructive since I haven't seen that since she was a puppy. I guess I just worry she will become depressed and sad when I start working. Also, dog walkers and daycare isn't really a thing here and even if there was one, I can't really trust them to look after her.

Thanks everyone for reading!

 

[RonE]

Every dog is different but if your dog has been okay with you being gone part-time, she's likely going to be fine when you're gone more hours. You'll need to carve out more time when you are available for walks and training and cuddling, but I sense you'll be okay with that.

I recently spent three weeks with my daughter and her dog. When my daughter would first leave for work, the dog would cry and run around frantically for a few minutes. Then he would sleep for most of the day, whether I was in the house with him or outside working (which is where I was most of the time.) When she got home, he would go nuts for a while before settling again.

We like to imagine that our dogs are absolutely lost without us but the truth is - even with dogs that are really bonded to us - true cases of clinical separation anxiety are rather rare, and it doesn't sound like your dog will suffer.

 

[Dolcecoco]

Every dog is different but if your dog has been okay with you being gone part-time, she's likely going to be fine when you're gone more hours. You'll need to carve out more time when you are available for walks and training and cuddling, but I sense you'll be okay with that.

I recently spent three weeks with my daughter and her dog. When my daughter would first leave for work, the dog would cry and run around frantically for a few minutes. Then he would sleep for most of the day, whether I was in the house with him or outside working (which is where I was most of the time.) When she got home, he would go nuts for a while before settling again.

We like to imagine that our dogs are absolutely lost without us but the truth is - even with dogs that are really bonded to us - true cases of clinical separation anxiety are rather rare, and it doesn't sound like your dog will suffer.

Thank you so much for your comment. It really put my mind at ease. I live for my dog and I think I get seperation anxiety more than my dog does. We usually play catch in our apartment and she chases the ball. When I leave I throw some treats so she doesn't see me leave, but I always leave with such a heavy heart.
Thank you again for your kind words and your story. I really appreciate it.

 

[lucasbolla]

I'm sure she'll be fine! Dogs are clever and adaptable, and as long as she is getting affection when you are around it sounds like you'll have plenty of time to socialize before and after work. One of my friends set up their laptop to auto-accept facetime calls, and they'd leave their laptop open when they were away so that they could call in and see their dog at any time. Might be overkill but it could be fun to set up. ha!

 

[Dolcecoco]

I'm sure she'll be fine! Dogs are clever and adaptable, and as long as she is getting affection when you are around it sounds like you'll have plenty of time to socialize before and after work. One of my friends set up their laptop to auto-accept facetime calls, and they'd leave their laptop open when they were away so that they could call in and see their dog at any time. Might be overkill but it could be fun to set up. ha!

That sounds great! I have those treat dispensing cameras, but my little girl is afraid of it so setting up a laptop sounds like a great idea! Thank you for your comment!!

 

[Shell]

If a dog does not have separation anxiety with say, 3 hours gone, they are really unlikely to have anxiety with 7 hours gone.

Most healthy adult dogs are OK for up to 7-9 hours without a potty break.

I think your dog will adjust fine based on your description of the current status.