Pet-Sitting

[HAnn521]

I'm wondering; what do you all do with your pets if you work a normal 40-hour week (9-5:00 everyday M-F) ?

My pup is going on 9 mths now and she is still being crate trained, which is really needed for her at this point. But, she has to stay in her crate alone in the house all day while I'm at work now. I do go home at lunch and let her out for about an hour, but I hate that she gets no exercise or attention for so long!

Do any of you have someone come in and dog-sit? Have them take your dog out/play/give the dog exercise and pay them for it?

[Quizmonkey]

The answer is: don't have a pet. The only reason I don't have a dog is he would be on his own for so long - and however you look at it, that is majorly cruel.

[HAnn521]

Quizmonkey: I really don't think you need to make assumptions like that...I bet some others on AB will tell you that I love my dog more than anything, and I take great care to realize her needs and meet them.

I waited and planned for 3 years to get her, didn't work at all in her first 5 mths with me, and only just started working a full-time job...I am asking because I would like to solve the problem of having to leave her alone. Therefore, I am not ignoring it, as a truly cruel owner would.

I am willing to pay someone to look after her and give her what she needs when I am unable to...that's not cruel...

Now, anyone else have answer/ input for me? Someone else is or has been in this situation?

[shaneystar]

When I used to work although only part time I had a really great neighbour who was retired and used to come over and take Shane out for me.He had a dog of his own and used to walk them together..mind you I was only gone from 8am until 1.00pm and my work was ten minutes walk away. Dogs really have no sense of time so as far as Mazy is concerned you could be away for an hour or a day...but have you no near rellies who could help out with a bit of dog sitting ..walking or perhaps a professional dog walker or somewhere outside you have a secure run built for her with shelter of course.

[woofgang]

I go along with quizmonkey on this. Wasn't part of your planning process to sort this out and find a pet sitting service before you got the dog?

I work 18 hours a week over 5 days, some at home, and take my girl out before work and again in the evening. When our old guy died (didn't go to work until he was 4 years old, then oonly 18 hour a week), we wanted a puppy, but decided not to because I couldn't give the job up. We took an older dog who was used to being left for 3 to four hours at a time and this has worked fine.

Dogs are pack animals....they need a pack!!

[HAnn521]

Trust me...you're getting the wrong idea...Mazy gets loads of attention!

thanks anyway

[mystress]

I am sorry if I am being ignorant,but just WHAT is "crate trained"? It sounds ominous to me,I am sure we don't have this in the UK?

[funkychicken]

If theres any responsible children living near you you could get them to walk your dog for you or if theres a neighbour you could ask them, just a thought as it would be cheaper than getting somebody who does it for a living

[FP]

HAnn.  I am not criticising, but would think that staying in a crate for 8-9 hours is far too long for a dog of 9 months.  I have two dogs who do at least have quite a lot of space when I am away from them.  I have a neighbour who comes in, plays with them and lets them out when I have to be out for over five hours.  I understand what crate training is about, but surely this can't be right? (I do realise that crates aren't tiny)

I do know you love Mazy and she has loads of attention.

Also, surely this can't help the toilet training problem you are having.

[HAnn521]

In answer to the crate-training questions (mystress): Here, and I know as well in the UK, crate-training is the most popular way to house-train a pet...it's their space, a place where they can go to be alone, get away, nap, relax, etc....(Mazy goes in by herself when she wants).

My Mazy is a small dog, so I got a fairly large crate for her, big enough for her to stretch all the way out and lay down...and even stand up, turn around, sit, whatever...

I am a tremendous believer in the tried & true ways of training! I have even had Mazy in dog obedience classes and FP, we have even solved the toilet problem! (seems it was a result of moving to a new place during a move to my new house, now that she's relaxed at a stationary home again=no accidents anymore, I'm so glad!)

And do remember, I said I let Mazy out during lunch halfway through the day...(so she's only in the crate for 3-4 hrs at a time)...

Thanks for all the suggestions...I guess I gave out the wrong impression with this Q...except for shaneystar, you all went a lil' overboard!   *yikes*

[woofgang]

sorry, but crate training is not "the most popular way to housetrain a dog in the UK" and where did you get the idea that it was? Its not the fact that she is left in the crate (although IMHO trhat's not a great idea for that long) its the length of time for which she is left ALONE

[woofgang]

PS overboard? this is just a toe in the water!!!

[HAnn521]

OK woofgang...let's all take a step back...

I didn't mean anything rude, and I hope, neither did anyone else. I am an avid animal rights supporter and animal lover...I am the last person to be upset with on AB when it comes to caring for my pet!

So, let's just leave it at that. I already have someone in mind whom I am going to have come by during my work hours and looks after Mazy for a while until I get home.

[Snappy]

I dont know where you live but check out www.doggydayscreche.co.uk I work here, we open 7-6, mon-fri. Its great for puppies as it gets them socialised in lots of areas

[Snappy]

http://www.doggydayscreche.co.uk. that might work better!

[maggie01]

I have to agree working full time and having a dog just do not go together. Even if it had freedom of the house, it is just too long to be left alone. I will only leave my two dogs for 5hrs max and thats not very often. If you can find a dog walker thats an excellent idea. Good Luck I'm sure you have your pups interest at heart.

[HAnn521]

Snappy:

That's so wonderful...two thumbs up for Doggy Dogs!...I'd have Mazy there in an instant if I lived in the UK...I'm from the US, but thank you!

[Snappy]

Oh, thats a shame, all our dogs love coming and have a great time! Im sure your puppy would too! Everyone look at the site, we're all very proud of it and i love working there!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

My sister crate trained her GSD.  But at 9 months she is not crated all day.  In fact when the breeder introduced her to the crate method she made it clear that dogs should not be left in them for long periods alone.  Now i am not saying this is the correct method but to my sister and I it makes sense.

She now lets the dog have the run of the garden and a neighbour listens out and pops in and sees her during the day but my sister only works 3 days a week.

I dont doubt your love and affection for your dog but walk a mile on their paws and ask if you would like to be in a crate all day without seeing a soul or being able to have a run around the garden.

We will all have different views on this and all should be respected.  I would love a dog, I was brought up with always having a dog around the house but I work full time and in my opinion I dont think its fair to have a dog while I am keeping these hours how ever much a miss having them around.

[Trillipse]

i gave my two golden retrievers a front door key and a motorbike-and-sidecar.

i rarely see them these days.

though i do get some intriguing postcards.

[JB]

I pay someone to come for a few hours each day.

I leave for work at about 8.00 am (we've already spent 2 hours together by then - taken for a walk, breakfast etc)

Then at 12.00, the cavalry arrives to let them out in the garden, have a play etc (and do a bit of ironing for me!) before leaving at about 4.00pm

Me and husband return home from work at about 5.30pm and spend the rest of the evening with them (rarely go out anymore!)

Think it helps that there are two of them as well - as someone said in an earlier post, they are pack animals!