How long can I leave my 1 yera old Maltese?

[dawny0311]

I have a very exciteable one year old Maltese who I really don't want to part with but my circumstances has changed and I need to return to work. I have been offered a part-time position working 5hrs per day but allowing for travel my baby will be alone for 6 hours.
I have searched for dog walkers and day care but it wouldn't be worth me working if I paid them to cover for me.
Does anyone have a 'single' Maltese that leaves them for this long?
It is breaking my heart to thing of her being alone and or have to rehome her.
Any helpful responses would be most appreciated.

[Tilly2]

Six hours is a long time to leave a dog on its own. However, if you take her for a long walk before you go to work and leave her enough water and toys she might be alright.
Do you have a neighbour who could come round and let her out into the garden for a little play?

I have two dogs who are company for each other but I would not leave them stuck in the kitchen for six hours a day.

[Ratty2E]

I don't like to leave my boys for longer than 4 hours but then despite there being 2 of them they do get quite upset at being left. If I were you I think I'd try to get someone to take her out for a walk to break up the day and give her a bit of company.

[dawny0311]

These are my feelings too. I am really stressed at the moment because I don't want to leave her that long. This job came up very quickly, I have been registered with an agency for almost 6 months and I am required to start tomorrow.
I am also mid way through a divorce and house sale and will be moving at the end of May so I won't know my new neighbours either.
I have searched the net extensively and was up until 5am this morning trying to find a dog walker/sitter but there doesn't seem to be any near where I am going to move to. In any event I would want to 'check them out first' and there just isn't time!
I have got to work and it is becoming clear that my only option is to re-home her and it's so heartbreaking. I haven't stopped crying since I got up this morning!

[Goofy]

Is there a club for your breed?
If so, it might be worth asking them if they know of someone close to where you are moving who has one and would be able to help look after her.
Is there someone who can give her a temporary home while you look for a long-term solution?

Best of luck

[lankeela]

Why not give it a try leaving her and if it doesn't work out then rehome her, but she might be ok. Mine are left for varying times, but then I do have quite a few dogs!. Make sure she has a good walk before you leave and make sure she isn't left where she can do any damage or hurt herself, chew wires etc. Even if you do have to rehome her, please don't rush this and please don't advertise her 'free to good home' as so many dogs are being got in this way and used for bait dogs for training fighting dogs. Contact the breed rescue for help and they may have someone on their books waiting for a young bitch.

[lankeela]

Breed Rescue one in Merseyside and one in Surrey: http://www.the-kennel...fault.aspx?breed=6159

[lankeela]

Also try contacting the breeder, they should be willing to take her back.

[fairycakes69]

How long do you normally leave the dog? Can you not try a bit longer each time. That way the dog will get used to you being out. When we got our dog we got him used to us going out at different times of the day for different amounts of time.We never had a problem, he just accepted it. Kept him in his cage to start with, then in one room, now he has the run of the house. He is left for 9 hours if we are all working. He gets a good run when we get back.

[chi-chi66]

I'm sure you will be registering with a vet when you move.....ask there, they
are a good source of information too. A hard call, so good luck with you're
decision. x

[dawny0311]

Thank you all for your help and advice. Yes it is very hard.
The max I have left her is 4 hours and she has been fine - very excited when I get home but no accidents etc. I leave her kongs, radio on etc and confined to the kitchen.
I leave the camcorder on the PC too so that I can view it when I get back to see how she has behaved and generally she has slept the whole time. It's just 6hrs - to me is - too long!
I have spent the whole morning searching for dog sitters etc but there is absolutely no point my working after I have paid out the fees. Catch 22

My daughter is off work, following a minor op, and she has said she will pop in this week for me (mid way) so I can cover this week and 'maybe' next week so I have a little breathing space now - but I am desperately trying NOT to give her up. I adore her and would miss her terribly.

[nungate]

I saw your post last evening and my heart went out to you Dawny, what a position to be in, I'd hate to have to give up any of my pets, they are members of my family. However, if after exploring all means working and keeping your wee dog have been exhausted and you find yourself with no alternative but to give her up, I'd like to offer her a home. Naturally there would be a lot of things for you to think about but I'd like to be your "last resort" I could guarantee you lots of pictures and so on and most important of all visitation rights. Something for you to mull over

[B00]

Awwww, don't re-home your obviously well loved friend.

Millions of people work, most full time, and have dogs. Sure, it's not an ideal situation, but if enough food, water and play things are left out, i'm sure she'll be perfectly fine. And treat her to a long walk when you get home each day :-)

[NOX]

I must admit if she isn't exhibiting stressed behaviour after you've left her for four hours then I think 6 will probably be fine as well. I don't leave my dogs very often, but when I do as long as they've been out and have water, toys etc, I'm perfectly at ease with leaving them all day as they are so laid back as to be practically horizontal and as you say spend most of their time test driving my sofas.

[craft1948]

The daughter's situation changed not long after she took in a re-homed Akita. She works full time and is out of the house from 7:30 to 17:30. She gets up and takes the dog out for an hour at 6:30 and another hour at 17:30............it's not ideal but she puts in the effort and the dog seems happy enough.

[Clanad]

While Mrs. C's little white/apricot dog is a Shih Tzu/Bichon Frisse, a neighbor has a Shih Tzu/Maltese cross and they are very similar. Very intelligent and the center of the universe, they are both excitable as is yours. We and our neighbor both need to leave the dogs for about the 6 hour period you describe. They do well... plenty of water and feed, of course, and two floor level windows through which they can keep tabs ont he world at large.
Our neighbor reports they've not had a problem and the same goes for ours. They do require a good walk afterward, as someone has mentioned, but they don't suffer for the separation... still very perky and "look-at-me" prone...

[divegirl]

Hi, please try not to worry too much, I have had to leave my dogs for as much as 6 hours a day in the past...someone has to pay for the food etc!
That said, I am in the position of having a few hounds that keep each other company but I know for a fact all they do is sleep anyway.
As long as your dog is getting a good walk before hand and plenty of chews she'll be fine.

Lisa x

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with all those who say keep her and try it out. My dog is often left for about six hours. She has the run of the house downstairs and is content. Give it a try.

And that is a lovely offer from Nungate if you decide otherwise!

[dawny0311]

I have recently been reminded that I came on AB over a year ago now and thought I would report back and say (to all those people out there, that come VERY close to re-homing their beloved pet) - don't panic like I did, but explore every avenue first. Since my marriage breakdown two years ago I have moved three times, changed jobs twice and struggled financially - JUST to be able to keep my beautiful Maltese. She is now 3yrs old, as adorable as ever, as expensive to keep (if not more), but I wouldn't be without her. I am working at the moment and leave her for just over 5.5hrs after her long morning walk. I am pleased to say that she is actually a much calmer, healthier dog too. I take her straight out for another 15-30 min walk at night (longer during lighter nights) when I get home too. I also installed a camera in my home and I review it regularly but stooped because it was boring - she sleeps 99% of the time I am at work. She no longer jumps up at me when I come home, she just rolls over for her, much welcomed, belly rub and we have play and cuddles after our dinner. It has been an emotionally draining time but I have achieved my goal. I admit, I do stress when work over runs or traffic holds me up making me late home but, fortunately this is rare and Gizzy is still ok. I am fortunate that I am paid well and can just about survive on my salary - at the moment! Some people think I am mad (or even sad) doing all I have done just to keep my dog but I don't care what they think. I took on the responsibility of a dog and I intend to continue with it because I love her to bits. Don't give up too soon - I very nearly did and would have lost out on all the joy my little one gives me.

[furrypusscat]

I am really pleased things are working out well for you and you don't have to be parted from your pet. How lovely of nungate to offer a home if all else failed but sounds though it will not be needed.