can a belgian shepherd dog be lefta lone ofr six hours

Hmmm straight answer really - no!

Sorry. They are people dogs and very active - you will have a wrecked home if you try it :D
And it's not at all fair on the dog. Belgians are in Breed Rescue for this very reason.

Lindsay
X

As a former Belgian Shepherd owner I would say of themany breeds I am personally familiar with they are probably one of teh breeds least suited to being left alone for anything but the most essential times.

They are extremely inteligent and sensitive.  They need an awful lot of socialisation as otherwise their active minds tend to make them see dangers in anything unfamiliar and you end up with a dog with hang ups.  They need early socialisation to all new things reinforced continually until mentally mature at around 2 years of age at least in order to develop a steady character.  It must be pointed out that heredity olays a big part in good temperament too.

With training you have to strike just the right balnce between firmness and encouragement as they are easily put off with even unintentional rough handling, but will take advantage if they think they can, so the right balance of firmness with fairness needs to be struck :D

Hi guest, this is a specialist breed and one which rarely thrives in anything but an experienced environment.  The BSD is a supremely intelligent dog, very primitive in character in relation to other domestic dogs and while described as a "sheepdog" is quite unlike similarly named breeds.  It is a naturally aloof dog with non-family members which, unless sensitively and sensibly socialised on a daily basis until approx 2 years (minimum) this aloofness can easily manifest itself as fear.  Also a natural guard, it's original purpose being to protect it's flock, his inherent instinct needs to be kept under control for the BSD's reaction time is very quick.
As to general family environment, his natural exuberance, overwhelming craving for human interaction and hyper-active intelligence make this dog one which cannot realistically be left for lengthy periods and he is certainly not suited to life in a kennel, yard, or crate.  I own several and have the benefit of not being out at work so spend mostly all day with mine - and believe me, they NEED that!  Only consider this breed if you have access to open areas where he/she can have 2 hours daily off lead exercise and if you can devote time every day to train and occupy this dog's keen brain too ;)