I've been reading the posts regarding this subject and I'm wondering if there are any breeds that are less likely to suffer from separation anxiety. Is it reasonable to leave a dog for 3-4 hours a day? I am thinking about getting a dog, but I don't know if I am asking too much. One of the rescue centres advised me to take two dogs but I am not sure whether this is the best solution. Please let me know your opinions.

I think 3-4 hours is fine once a dog feels secure in its home. I try not to leave mine for longer than it takes me to need to go to the loo - if I need to go, so might they, and having got them housetrained I don't want them to suffer! I'm rather surprised at a rescue kennels suggesting you take two - they can be twice as nice, but can be double trouble!!

3-4 hours a day sounds fine, especially if you're thinking of getting an older dog. Dogs will learn to adjust, and I don't think that you're being unreasonable.

Sounds good to me as long as they have the right environment. Have they suggested you take two that are already bonded to each other? If not it might be an idea to get one settled in well first then get another - but getting adults is not quite as hard as puppies as long as you are prepred for the baggage they may bring and can devote the time and attention when you are at home to them.

As for breed - if you are looking at a couple of rescue adults then it is more their temperament that will matter rather than the breed.

Good luck

Pam n the boys

From my experience at the rescue, I can say that the polar dogs (husky/malamutes etc) always seemed to be brought in in great numbers because they couldnt be left alone. They have a tendency to "howl the pack together" something the neighbours do not appreciate most the time. Before all polar dog owners start throwing things at me: There is nothing wrong with
these beautiful dogs, but a lot of ignorant people will buy them simply because they are so gorgeous whilst having no clue whatsoever how to train a dog and I personally think these independant dogs do not make ideal fist-time dog owner pets.
They deserve someone who at least knows what they are doing, although this goes for any breed ofcourse.

Thank you all for the benefit of your experience!

Cheryl,

Just wanted to let you know that we picked up our 8 week old pup just 15 days ago. We didnt leave her for the first 3 days and then I built the time up from around 15 mins, to yesterday when I left her for 2 1/2 hours. She was fine. She is almost house trained (just a couple of tiddles a day in the wrong place, but this is not when she is left alone! And amazingly she is clean for 8 hours during the night). I have also left her and then listened at the door and she doesnt make a noice - I do make the effort to ensure that she has had a good play, food and been out in the garden before she is left.

In fact when I work at home, she spends a great deal of the day sleeping, I sometimes have to wake her up for play, food and toilieting before I can go out. She seems to have already go into a routine that after 3.30pm is play/fun time and this is when she is liveliest! Having had this first experience, I would actually feel quite relaxed about building the time she is left alone to 3-4 hours. Also, a friend of mine who has owned and bred many dogs, has advised me that upto 4 hours is fine.

The only reference I have ever seen regarding stress levels at being left alone for different breeds is in the breed selector on PetPlanet (it gives a stress level of high, medium or low). Here is actually said the stress levels of a Mini Schnauzer is low (my pup).

Good luck
Karen.