2 Terriers at home when we're at work

Twinkletoes

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Hello

I would really appreciate your doggie advice.

Pleeease dont get onto the 'having a dog when you work' taboo, sometimes I do think about it but....
Every day without fail the dogs are walked from 6-7 which involves tearing around the local beach or nearby woods. They get a full hours walk at lunch and then at least over an hours working or tearing around at the stables after work. They are therefore left from 8-12 and 1-4.
At the moment they seem split between snoozing or manic playing. They adore each other and are very very happy dogs. They are used to their routine which is part of the reason as to why I am hesitant to change things. When I get home they are always pleased to see me but never go crazy to be let out or act unhappy ever. Sometimes I wonder what they get up to when Im gone!! Anyway... some of our friends leave their dogs outside (we have a super dupa kennel with vetbed etc) and I was wondering if we should do the same in the day. I am worried about the security issues of it although the garden is totally secure and the back gate is padlocked and bolted. Also worry if they yap lots if the neighbours will be unhappy.

Do any of you leave your dogs outside? If not, think we are going to stick to the routine they know already, as they are happy, its just me worrying.
Both dogs were rescue cases (one as a 10week old puppy found by local rescue centre) and one as a 6mth old who had never had dog food, never been on a lead, and never met another dog. We have worked so hard with them both (now 2 and 3) and they both now are obedient, well trained pampered x breeds.

Advice please x
 
They sound as if they have a wonderful time.

I wouldn't leave a dog of mine outside - I would be too worried about it getting pinched.
 
I think the routine you have right now is ideal! Unfortunately I couldn't get back home to walk at lunchtimes so my pooches are home alone all day
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but they have excellent walkies at the yard each morning and love to sleep all day anyway, I think if you keep to the same routine it helps keep them settled, changing only causes problems....
 
Well, that is my gut feeling - why change a routine that they are happy in.. but you know what its like when someone says something and you get thinking. Just popped home this lunchtime and there clearly have been crazy antics this morning as both verry dozy and quiet on the walk! Thanks for your advice.
 
sounds like u have yourself some happy little dogs there
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I understand your dilemma.......I have 2 dogs outside,mainly because they cant stand the heat and prefer to be outside both large breed, and probably wouldnt take to kindly to someone strange trying to approach them
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.......however I work night shift and I always take them too work with me, which not everyone can do.......as AMYMAY suggested there is always the worry of people poss stealing them
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esp with small friendly dogs
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My property is also very secure,
My mam has security cameras on her property inside....so she can see what they have been up to when she gets home and outside so that people are aware that the cameras are there.

I think if they appear happy and dont seem to be destructive,mess in the house and you walk them frequently throughout the day like u mention......I dont think u have anything to worry about.

But if u really wanted to leave them out......maybe stick a camera up and only leave them out half day.....and bring them back in at dinner time.

Also ask your neighbour to keep a listen out and let u know if they bark
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Or if u decided to get a camera you would be able to hear any barking through this, when u play it back
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Your dogs sound wonderfully happy as they are... and I can tell you exactly what they'll be doing during the day whilst you're at work - sleeping! I work at home and my doggies snooze about 90% of the time... sometimes they don't even lift their heads when I venture out of my office to get a drink.

What I do have at home is a dog flap in my back door so they can get into the garden if they need to... I don't let them have run of the full garden (I value my plants!) but onto a large decked area that is fenced off from the rest of the garden. It's great for when I do have to leave them and even better if you want a lie in one morning - they don't have to cross their legs whilst you're sleeping off your hangover
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My Boston Terrier is in a similar situation. We live in an apartment, but go on active walks three times a day. The rest of the time, she is snoring her head off in bed or on the sofa.

To be honest, even if I did live in a house, I would not leave my dog outside in the garden. Small, pedigree dogs, in particular, are very appealing to dog thieves.
 
Your dogs sound happy and I wouldn't worry about changing their routine. I work full time and have a dog flap for my 3 terriers to get out, I also manage to get home a lunchtime - 8 mile drive each way to check they are ok.
 
your dogs sound absoloutely fine - dogs very quickly get into a routine and mostly sleep through the day - my hubby works from home and says that as soon as my lot have had breakfast and their morning walk they just snooze ALL day until I get in and we all go out for a long evening ramble.

I do have kennels and I put my male dogs in there if we both have to be out any time or when the bitches are in season - this is because myboys have been used at stud and will scent mark in the house if we are not around to stop them - YUK !.

We have a large heated dog room wth a dog flap into a paved area where the kennels are so they generally sleep in there through the day and everyone piles into the living room at night for cuddles , but then go back to 'their' room to sleep - (except for Lily whose getting old and likes a bit of pampering - she sleeps upsatirs on the landing
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Ii I were you I would'nt change a thing !
 
May I just add that everyone has different circumstances and although people have different opions about dogs not being left at home on their own all day while people work, sometimes this has to be the case. I think it has to measured to a certain extent - otherwise there could be a huge homeless problem.
I think your routine sounds brill....I do the same with my dog.
 
Hi

It sounds like they have a very nice life!
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I think there are probably a lot more dogs, although not alone throughout the day do not receive as many walks as yours, our Yorkie demands at least 2 walks a day usually of about an hour duration in the morning and again in the evening plus she spends time in the garden!
 
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