Me and my boyfriend are really interested in getting a dog, prefferably a staffy as we both love them!

The only problem is that we both work 8 hours a day, meaning the dog would have to be left alone for four days a week for the 8 hours :-(

Would it be ok to leave a dog on its own for 8 hours? I can get home for 30 mins for lunch for the 4 days but would this help or stress the dog more?

The dog would have the run of the kitchen, hall and upstairs of the house when we are out.

Any advise greatly appreciated!

Sarah.

Personally I don't leave a dog in the house for any longer than it takes me to need to go to the loo! If you and your boyfriend don't need to visit the loo in all that time, then a house-trained, adult dog, may be able to last, too. A pup certainly won't be able to (and will need feeding during the day as well).

I Have a Staffy so I can see the appeal as they are super little dogs :)

Staffys are very social dogs and love human company and attention so really I wouldnt personally advise leaving them for that amount of time alone .
Especially a pup as they can be very destructive when left in the house purely through boredom :(
Then again I dont think anyone should leave a pup for 8 hours a day - how would you train the pup or housetrain the pup with no one there to guide it and let it know what is right and wrong . My partner has been there 24/7 for our pup while I am at work and his training has come on brillantly . He was totally houstrained at 5 months which I would say is probably because he has had someone there with him , helping him along
Staffys have quite high energy levels too and need to be taken on good walks throughout the day ( obviously not a long walk whe a pup ).
Leaving a dog for so long throughout the day and especially a pup is asking for trouble and is unfair on the dog .
I wouldnt even recommend a dog walker as I think the pup should have someone there .
Lesley

Have you thought of a Rescue Stafford, often hard to find people to take on an adult Stafford but you could be ideal. Talk to the Stafford Rescue in your area, I'm sure they might be able to help.

Karen

hi

i dont think that you could get a puppy as 8 hours is to long but you could try a Rescue but even for a Rescued Stafford 8 hours would be to long like others have said they love being with people but it does not sound so bad if you did came home at dinner

Natalie

try and Rescue one :)

Hi, I got to agree with Lel, I have 3 Staffs so I only work 3 hours everyday & when I get in they act like I've been away for a week. they hate us going out but love it when we get home. staffs are very people orientated & need human company.
Trace.