Hi.
I am really concerned about the puppy we are due to get. ( a scwt)
Worried about leaving her alone in the house for long periods of time, Will it be best for us to put her in to one room, ao she doesnt have the whole house? also- should we get a dog sitter? how long is too long for them to be on their own? thankyou!!

Hi Guest,
A puppy shouldn't be left for more than 2 hours at a time (and preferably not even that) and an adult dog shouldn't be left for more than 4 hours. Hope this helps.
:)

Its a funny one! And I think you have to assess each circumstance. While I agree that a puppy just cant be left all day, I also feel that it just isn't possible to spend every minute of every day with your dog (for some people!) But what if you have a puppy and are home for the day for the first six months of its life then all of a sudden your circumstances change and you have to go to work for some of the day, for instance? I feel that a dog would suffer more if it had people around all of the time and then only some of the time - and I see this happen on weekends for some dog owners. If you show, is it ok to leave a dog on a bench all day if it is not required for its class until the afternoon?? If you take your dog shopping with you is it ok to tie it up outside? Or would it be more comfortable left at home in the warm with a toy?? My friends Bichon is the laziest doggie ever and if it rains he aint going anywhere, if you spend the day with him, he will sleep most of it!! I'm not saying get a puppy and leave it all day...But..Get a puppy, rear it responsibly, socialise it, train it - spend quality time with it..But I feel strongly that the pup/dog has to be confident in being alone sometimes because inevitably it will be and that way it will reduce the chance of it worrying/barking/destructiveness even if you only take a trip to the shop for a paper!!
Sarah

i started on day 1 by leaving my dog in a separate room (with use of childgate so she could still see and so wasn't distressed) for a few seconds and then minutes, also the next few days went into the garden for a few seconds then came back in. Ignored any howling but returned when she was quiet with lots of praise.

Then graduated to popping to the corner shop, adding on 5 minutes here and there - but NOT always longer, sometimes i still popped out for just a very short time, otherwise all you are teaching is that you will be away for longer and longer

In spite of being a breed that wants to be with you, she has enough independence and confidence to be able to deal happily with any disappearances from me.

I also stuffed lots and lots of Kongs and Funballs (with mini markies) to keep her occupied.

Lindsay

I think sometimes breed of dog has a bearing. Personally I would not let someone who works full time have one of my SCWT's (although some breeders will) unless there were firm arrangements in place for a dog sitter. It is a breed which does not make a good kennel dog and craves human companionship. It is also a breed which needs lots of time spent on grooming and training (most terriers are stubborn and more difficult to train) and under those circumstances, usually something is neglected because of time shortage.

Edited - Does the breeder know the full circumstances? What is her opinion?