Hello, hope you can help again!
Are dogs okay to be left in a kennel with a substantial walk in the morning, one at lunch time and then again in the evening, coming into the house at evening time, and last thing at night? They would be alone for periods of four hours between each break. I realise this is not ideal but is it okayish?
Thanks for your help
Nic

Is this every day? Its just about o.k-ish if you really have to but I do honestly feel they are lacking human contact. Is it two sessions of four hours or in the evening as well. how many dogs and are they together so they have company. What sort of time are you back in the evening.
I have to leave mine in the morning and they have had a good walk before work and a longer one in the afternoon. But they like the company when I am back.

If you are working full time what would happen if the dog---puppy was ill they are a commitment like children.Would your employer let you stay home, do you have family who would help out, if this is a puppy how would you house train with the dog being left for these four hour periods.If you are home at week-ends would the dog then be allowed in the house all the time or would the four hour routine continue then, Just thought's not digs

Hello Nic.
I have three dogs and live on my own. I also work full time, sometimes i only work a five hour shift, but i also work eight hour shifts and twelve hour shifts(not very often fortunately).
I have a lot of doggy friends who all have keys to my house, so they come round to see to my dogs for me whilst i am at work. They don't stay all day though.
I personally don't see a problem with what you are suggesting, as long as you remember to give your all to your dog when you're not at work.
However i would agree that this wouldn't be a suitable arrangement for a puppy, and it would be better if your canine friend had a companion.

Hello, thanks for the reply, it made me feel a lot better.
Could I ask what type of dogs you have as each time I start to think about a particular breed someone comes along with some helpful(?) advice about it.
What do you think about rescue dogs? Will places such as the RSPCA let people like me adopy dogs or do they only place dogs with people who are at home all day etc ?
thanks for your help
nic

Hi Nicola

If you were thinking about this sort of regime for a Cocker puppy (you were enquiring about Cockers on the Behaviour board), then I think you would be better considering a more independent breed or an older/rescue dog used to being alone for longish periods. Cockers thrive on company & need a great deal of attention & training when young & are inclined to be noisy if they get bored - something to consider if you are planning on kennelling a dog(s) outside while you are out at work. I wouldn't recommend a Cocker puppy or puppies for your current situation, sorry, although older Cockers could adapt to your routine if they were given sufficient exercise & mental stimulation. I would still not be happy with the kennelling idea though - thefts of pedigree dogs are on the increase from gardens/kennels so you would have to make security a high priority.

Jane

Dear Jane,
Thanks for you advice, I agree you are right and had thought about older dog/dogs. Are rescue dogs really an option ? Do they often have behavioural problems ? I had thought about this but been put off by others.
thanks once again.
Nicola

Some rescue dogs are unknown as they may have been picked up as a stray etc... They have only spent time in kennels and it may not be known what they will behave like when they are homed. They may behave differently in a kennel environment or they could have other issues.
...... and some dogs have a background but may have found themselves rehomed through no fault of their own. Some might have been previously owned by people who have left them for so many hours a day and they may already be used to that set up. Look for one that meets your requirements as much as possible and you may not encounter some of the behavioural problems that often accompany rescues.
I agree that an older dog will be a better option - and some rescue kennels will rehome to people who work through the day :)
Lara x

We had a cocker and got a springer to keep him company. Although same sex - they love each other to bits and would often snuggle up together, play together - in fact they hated to be parted from each other. Even when we had their bits done, they whined so much the vet nurses put them in the same cage for company! We then decided to increase the family (!) and we got 2 rescue springers from Springer Rescue in Lancs. Although they were very uncertain at first they are now definitely part of the family, although they still do shy away when you put an umbrella up or take your shoes off. We knew nothing of their background but I can only assume they were beaten. All the dogs get on really well together although the springers will often bowl the cocker over when playing ball, but he gets his own back by running away with it! I'd definitely have another rescue dog again.

Hi Springer, I have just been reading your post and wanted to ask are you a spaniel lover as your log in name suggests, also your posts tell me you have 4.