Just curious here: in one thread someone voiced the opinion that a puppy left in it's crate for 7 hrs during the work day was unfair.

I agree that it would be much better for the pup to be around people and actively engaged... however realistically most people work an 8 hr day at minimum. For those of you that work away from home, how do you address this?

I was under the impression that dogs (puppies exponentially) actually slept a huge amount of time during the day, and that the idea was to wear them out before and after work and definitely leave something to keep them occupied while you're gone. Am I wrong? I felt kinda guilty after I read that particular post... including commute I'm away from home for 10-1/2 hrs a day. Granted I get to go home for lunch and see them and they aren't crated anymore, but...

A young (8 week) puppy cannot hold it's bladder long enough to be crated for 7 hours. Without peeing and being forced to sleep in it. Also a very young dog needs to be fed often (4 times a day). And watered. And young babies tend to tip their water bowls

It is perfectly reasonable to expect an older puppy (say, 7+ months) or adult dog to be crated all day. Not an infant/toddler puppy.

Myself I went home at lunch to let the pups out/feed and make them comfortable. I also had a friend watch them during the day.

In my personal and humble opinion, these things need to be taken into consideration before obtaining a puppy.

For those (like me, for the future!) not wishing or able to accomodate a young baby's needs, an adult dog from a breeder or rescue or pound, is an alternative option.

Hi Carolyn,

I work 8+ hrs a day. Most of the dogs are able to be in their kennels until I get home from work. Jesea I crate, and I do run out at lunch for a potty/quick play session 98% of the time. (unless something happens that I cannot get home).

Usually I have one or two dogs at work with me. (they rotate)

With puppies, they come to work with me until I have thier schedule down and know how long they can be in their crate without an accident.

Then they stay home a few days a week and I run out to break them.

I do not bring them to work everyday after a schedule has been established so that I do not create a separation issue.

All the dogs and puppies get play time either before and after work and I rotate their training schedule. The younger dogs "in training" get more training time than the "certified" dogs, but all work at least 4 times a week. (younger dogs train more).

Sometimes everyone gets one or two days off depending on weather and my schedule. While I cover ambulance call I usually do building work in town so that if I get called out the dogs can be crated at the station while I go on my run.

I agree that more time with their "human" is best, however, most of us have to go to work rather than work from home, so you have to find what works best for you and the dog or puppy.

Hope that makes sense.

It does make sense-- thanks Carol & Angela. I guess never having had a true puppy I didn't realize what it was like. I had an idea-- that's the reason I didn't get a puppy, lol. My two were 1-1/2 yrs by the time I got them.

It looks like I will also never get a puppy if that's what it takes! I can't bring an animal to work, and I can't take 6 months off (although that would be a blast except for the paycheck part, hahaha).

Thanks-

I personally use kennel runs while I'm at work. For the little rascals it's 6x6 and for the bigger rascal it's 10x20. What the video cameras tell me is the effect is pretty much just like a crate, they sleep most of the time, but it gives them room to potty. I also feed mine in their runs as opposed to their crate.

This isn't a viable option for everyone. My little guys take up pretty much my whole garage, my big girl is outside in her run on my back patio. You have to have the room and neighborhood safety factor to allow such a thing.

I've used ex-pens in conjuction with crates in the past and left enough food for the pup to eat during the day. When I was home and in the evening (or days when I work nights) the ex-pen set up is taken down and puppy's put on a feeding schedule. It's not perfect but I generally can't get home during my work day/night.

Currently I have a room mate so I'll probably ask her to take the pup out if I can't. I'm also considering bringing the pup to work and keeping her in the car and going down several times to give her a potty break. Unfortunately she won't be able to be in the office with me but it doesn't get that cold here in San Diego so she'll be fine in the car in her crate.

When our dog was a pup, we bought a fence type thing from Petsmart, and attached it very securely to a wire crate, to form a small enclosed area, similar to a run, inside our house. We also were away from home for 8-10 hrs, so initially (I can't remember the exact ages) we had a pet sitter come to take him out twice during the day, and as he got a little older into adulthood, she came once a day to let him out. Since we've moved, and he's over 2 y/o old now, he's loose in the house all day, just pottied before and after work.

I WISH I could bring a dog to work!!!!!!

At the possibility of getting a new puppy, what are the thoughts on bringing a puppy with me to school and keeping it in a crate in my truck. I have a single cab truck, and it would stay up front. Its been pretty warm here lately, but the temp is starting to go back down.

My classes are 1hr 15min each, two mornings a week. I go to my truck and move to different locations 3 different times for my 3 different classes and have 15 minutes in between each class. The pup would then go to work with me afterwards. I have class in the evenings twice a week, but someone would be home to tend to it then.

Any thoughts on revolving a schedule around that?

Absolutely Megan. I would totally be okay with that. If temps get colder, you can always cover the crate with a heavy blanket, and/or run the pick up while you are on break.

No reason not to do this until you develop a schedule and figure out how long puppy can go before needing a break.