How long do you leave your dogs for?

[Tobiano]

I am lucky that I only work a few days a month and on those days my dog goes to her 'auntie' and has fun with her and her own 2 dogs. Otherwise the longest I will leave her in the daytime is 4.5 hours tops, with a big long walk beforehand - probably about once a fortnight if that. (Today I was out from 10 to 6 pm and she went to her auntie). If I am out in the evening (very rare!) I will leave her for a longer period - after 9 pm she has normally switched off for the night so I wouldn't worry about leaving her even til 2 or 3 am. (ha ha, as if I was ever out that late!). I always explain how long I am going to be, make a big fuss if it's going to be a long time, less fuss if its shorter, it is probably totally idiotic but it helps me to think she has an idea of when to expect me back!!

 

[Snuffles]

I have left mine for 5 hours maximum. then I get twitchy if Im held up. If I know Im going to be longer he goes to a dog sitter for the day. I suspect he'd rather be left at home in peace as the sitter usually has several dogs in and apparently he spends the day on the sofa out of the way !

 

[Damnation]

5hrs, Dad works from home so no issue really.

If longer we have a friend 2 miles down the road who will come and fuss them for an hour if needs be.

Me and OH would dearly love to get our own place and have a dog but I suspect that with both of us working full time, unless he is in walking distance of the house for lunch times it won't be feesable for a long time.

 

[madlady]

Ours very rarely gets left - OH is pretty much retired - at most he may work a couple of hours a day. On those occasions she gets left in a stable which she is used to as she spent the first 4 years of her life as a working dog and is used to being in a stable.

If we are going out for a night or to a daytime do or something she gets left in a stable with shavings down (she knows it's ok to 'go' on shavings) and a cushion for her to sleep on - there is food and water for her as well.

Other than that the most she gets left at home is 3 hours if we go out for a meal or something.

 

[C1airey]

Mine come with me pretty much wherever I go. I work from home most days, and they are allowed in the office when I do go in.

The longest they are left is probably in the car at the yard while I ride (I leave my keys in the tack room and people will let them out for a wee/play if I'm gone a while). If it's warm, they're left in the stable. Occasionally I'll leave them at home, e.g. if I need to go to the supermarket on a hot day, but rarely for more than an hour.

As someone said further up the thread, the cost of this blessed doggy lifestyle is that I can probably never change jobs!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

4 hours. Any longer and the neighbour comes in.

 

[thewonderhorse]

I used to leave my old GSD all day (8:30-5:30) and came home at lunchtime (12-1) to let him out - he was very very good. Ted, the new boy i have booked in for doggy daycare so he gets walks all day and is out and about with other dogs. I am only working 2 days a week after having my little boy so i can just about afford it xx