HELP - we have had our puppy for four weeks now, she is 13 weeks of age - I only have to work 4hours per day. 3 days per week, term time only.  We took the first two weeks off work to settle her and when I returned she has been FANTASTIC in coping with being left - (we leave a radio on, water for her, a hot water bottle, her blanket and a selection of safe toys).  During her first two weeks we built up to this gradually.  ANYWAY - due to a work collegue being off work sick I have to cover her hours next term for 7 weeks, which means our puppy for 2 days a week will have to be left for 4 hours then have me for 30mins before I have to return to work for another 3 hours.  AM WORRIED this will be too much for her to cope with?!!

Advice from working dog lovers needed.   Thanks

Hi guest why not join so we can discuss this in more detail :)

Do you have any friends or family who could pop in and sit with pup for a while when you are not there ?

Is there anyway you can say no to the extra hours?

Sorry to have to say this but it might be too much for them. I know some breeds are better than others but to be fair to the pup can you try and make other arrangements so that someone can come in and spend time with her, it would be much kinder.

Its only two days a week, I wouldnt worry too much, puppies sleep most of the day anyway at that age.  The only problem would be house training but as its only two days a week you have the rest of the week to spend extra time with him :)

As its only 2 days a week I'm sure your pup will be fine, as long as you get home to break up the day. You will find that most pups sleep and dogs sleep most of the day anyway. Leave a kong and toys and a radio on. Most dogs adapt to their situation very quick. I work 3 days one week and 2 the next but always get home at lunchtime and he is never left in the evenings. Dont worry its only temporary anyway.

I think he will be o.k, especially where you are coming home for lunch to see him. I recommend a kong and the radio or even TV if you can, then it is a bit of company for him. If you use newspaper to train him then there should be no problem with accidents everywhere either. Good luck, it is only temporary. :-)

I never used newspaper with mine and, with Fagan, even when on the odd occasion he had to be left a day with me only coming home at lunch he never soiled, I feel newspaper would be encouraging him to go indoors :)

HI ClaireyS... i have a staffy pup now 5 months old, and i never used paper for him either.... i just used to take him out after play, dinner, etc.

And my puppy is now fully house trained :-D :-D

The only problem that i have with him at the moment is him wetting in his bed every morning.

Take care
kerry xxxx

I thought the guest meant two extra days a week plus the normal three! which would be too much