Hi,

Does anyone use a run for their dog while they are at work? I would really like to get a dog but am out for 7 hours a day and do not want the dog to have to stay in the house himself. I will be able to come home in the middle of the day to walk the dog for a short time. Do you think this would be an acceptable way to keep a dog?

I have never had a dog before so do not know how well they cope with being alone. Would the fact that it would be outside be better? The run would have an enclosed, covered over area. The dog would be inside through the night and at weekends. What do you think?

Thanks,
Jen

Sounds fine to me Jen :)
I have kennels and a large run in my garden. The dogs can potter about or go into the kennel (the door is always propped open) while I'm out. I give them a warm bed and plenty of fresh water. They're ok :)
Lara x

It will only7 work if there is no outside stimulus for them to bark at, as then you will have neighbour problems. Whether a dog is outside on it's own or inside makes little difference, other than him being able to releive himself.

If you live in a built up area, you may get the dog barking at every neighbour going about their business etc.

I have a double kennel that my dogs sleeep in with a big run which only gets used for Puyppies, as if I left my dogs out then they would bark at the neigbours, especially the Summer Barbeques, the Gardeners etc. So they stay in the kitchen with the radio on when I am not there, which isn't often.

I think a bored lonely dog could well become a noise nuisance, very much depends on the dog, but you won't know that until it happens, so you need to have an alternative indoor plan!

Thanks both of you for your advice. I don't live in a built up area, my garden backs on to a field which is usually empty. My neighbours all work longer days than I do so there isn't anyone to be bothered with barking.

How do you think a pup would cope being left in a run for 7 hours of the day? I would be taking a month off of work in the summer to settle in the pup and get him used to staying by himself and building up the time alone. I really don't want to take on a new member of the family if he or she would not be happy with the arrangements that I would have to make. What do you all think?

Thanks again,
Jen

Jen, I can hear that your heart's in the right place and that you're really trying, but I wouldn't let one of my pups go to a home where they would be left alone for 7 hours a day. Sorry. I know that some on this board do exactly what you are planning and I'm sure that some breeders would think that's OK.