Just found out we're having a schedule change in the house, and I wanted to know if everyone thinks that 5 1/2 hours is too long to leave a dog alone. It will only be twice a week, and I plan to take him either on a very long walk to tire him out or take him for a run at the dog park beforehand. The only thing I'm worried about is that I'll be leaving around 5 pm and returning around 10:30 pm. Between 5-7 is really his "wild time", but he tends to sleep most of the time after that. He'll have the run of the living room and dining room. What does everyone think?

Depends on the age of the dog IMHO - if the long walk comes immediatly before you leave, I would think he'll be happy to move his 'wild time' to then........ If you're worried, set up a video camera or a tape recorder to give you an idea of how he's adjusting.......

I agree with Fran that it does depend on the age of the dog etc, and also the breed, whether active or not so active, etc .....but if i read you rightly, there is to be a change in routine twice a week?

When i had my 2 BSDs, they were used to me coming home from work at 6pm - but 2 nights a week I had to work later and couldnt get home til 7.30pm, and being very sociable, family orientated and active as a breed, they really weren't happy and I ended up actually changing my whole way of life to suit the dogs ;)

Obviously these are my personal experiences and all dogs may not be so sensitive to such a change twice a week.

I'm not saying it can't work, but what i would suggest is that you ensure that if there is a problem, you have some sort of contingency plan or backup system.

Best wishes#L

Lindsay

I think at the end of the day you have to look at the alternatives..
I think everyone agrees that 8 hours is way too long for a dog to stay on his own.
Yet I ended up having to do exactly that. When I got my dog (mix male border collie) from the rescue,
I was still married and my ex was working shifts, so he was there during the day. On this shedule it was
perfectly sensible to have a dog while I was working during the day.
When we got divorced I was on my own, I still had to work 8 hours every day to pay my bills and all
my family and friends were also at work, so I had no one to walk Misty during the day.
Maybe people will call me selfish for not giving Misty back to the rescue at this point, but I honestly believe
putting the dog in a shelter hoping someone would pick him up that woud have more time would have been more
traumatic than having to wait 8 hours for me to get home.
My point is, if you have an alternative like having someone walk the dog or keep it company, by all means go for it, but
if not, then I think the dog will adjust to this situation, just like mine did.
I dont believe in giving up on a member of your family for that reason.
I think in the end being with his own "pack" is what a dog values above anything, no matter if the circumstances are less than perfect.

IMO- I can't see a problem It's not actually that long and only twice a week? It's about the same length of time it takes to go shopping round Meadowhall and pop for dog food afterwards:D :D :D If he's walked beforehand then he'll be tired out and sleep for his *wild time*:) I'd probably think about leaving him in which ever room he can cause the least amount of damage:D Leave the radio on perhaps so he doesn't feel quite so lonely:D :D

Stacey x x x

Been thinking, and ofcourse Lyndsey is right about breed being relevant as well - but it might also help if you can keep a similar routine during the other days as well - the days you don't work.....

He's a 1 1/2 year old chocolate lab -- I know that they are a rambunctious breed who need lots of exercise, that's why I'm worried. Unfortunately, I can't keep the schedule regularly because I only have to go in at night twice a week.

I think you'll just have to see how it goes as he is a young Lab. Look for ways to either tire him out beforehand and keep him out of mischeif when he has to be left. I don't think this is an insurmountable problem. There are many dogs that cope with more. Changes happen in our lives and sometimes we can't forsee them so we all have to adapt. With the right handling - you' and your boy will be fine.

Pam n the boys

I work 4 hours a day, and of course have to leave 20 minutes early to get there and 20 minutes to get home. So most days it averages 5 hours that they're alone. If I go shopping on the way home it occasionally can be longer. They are fine, happy and sleep the whole time.

Wendy

Can't see a problem here. After all, how long does he stay on his own at night?

I think you're more worried about it than your dog is ever likely to be.