Getting A Puppy

[ErictheRed17]

Me and my fiancee are wanting to get a pug puppy. We both work full time and will be out of the house for roughly 8 hours. Would it be ok to be left that long? We would be getting a dog walker too so they can check up on him/her. Are we cruel for leaving it that long? Need sensible answers for this. Sick of seeing different answers on dog websites

[Tilly2]

I wouldn't leave a dog on its own for eight hours, neither should you. Please don't get a dog.

[Prudie]

I think that's way too long to leave a dog alone. Dogs need company and get very stressed if left alone. Plus you will have to walk it before you go to work and when you get home, even a little dog like a pug. Get a cat instead if you must.

[ummmm]

Far too long.

[wolf63]

8 hours is a long time for any dog to be on its own. A puppy will get bored and might cause damage and create behaviour problems.

I don't know the solution to your problem - please take time to think it through.

[gingejbee]

Perhaps a very old dog (that tends to sleep all day) could be left for some time (although 8 hours seems excessive)...but certainly not a full-of-beans pup.

[Tilly2]

Why are you sick of the answers on dog web sites? Are they all saying, as we are?

I have decided that this is just a wind up post and I am not going to pander to your baiting.

[Davemano]

Don't - when the yapping starts, which it will, complaints from neighbours. Speaking from experience.

[ummmm]

Why would it be a wind up? People do get dogs and work full time, rightly or wrongly.

[Old_Geezer]

I know little about dogs, but I do know what occurs when a nearby neighbour leaves one without it's pack (owner family). I'd not advise it. Seems cruel to me.

[ErictheRed17]

Sorry to burst that bubble but this isnt a wind up im looking for help. We have never had dogs before, some websites are saying teach it over time to be left alone, now my fiancee has 2 weeks off when we were getting it, the websote didnt specify now long to teach it. Some websites say the same as the sensible people on here but a dog walker would be a help. We know couples who have had dogs and until we can speak to them I thought i would try this site. Sorry if the question has offended you all

[Prudie]

Eric it hasn't offended most people and is a perfectly legitimate query by those inexperienced with dogs, the main problem is a puppy needs lots of attention and training in the early months (and feeding during that time as opposed to an adult dog). It really is not fair to do this when you both work full time. (and you might find a reputable puppy seller wouldn't want to sell you either with those home circumstances)

[woofgang]

also look here
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pug+dog+operation

please do not buy a pup if you won't be around to look after it and please don't get a pug or other shortfaced dog breed....the flat face and goggle eyes may look cute to you but they are a killer to the dog

[jennyjoan]

Please don't get a puppy. They become so scared and afraid of being left on their own for so long.

[ErictheRed17]

Thank you Prudie, we were both concerned that it was too long. The sensible answers on here have confirmed it.

[ErictheRed17]

Thank you Ygritte, we will consider your advice.

[jennyjoan]

After a period of time Ygritte - people get tired of playing with a puppy.

No, one needs to be there all the time. My little dog never ever leaves my side. Right now he is beside me in the computer room. The longest I have ever left him would be 3 hours to do shopping and that would be once a month.

[Baldric]

//The dog will have company for over 18 hours a day.//

///We both work full time and will be out of the house for roughly 8 hours.///

Yeah the Maths work well!

[jakep]

It is a very bad idea. You are setting yourselves and the pup up to fail. A new pup needs training and socialising. I would urge you to wait until your circumstances are different. Crate training is a good tool in dog training but not even for four hours at a time.
Dogs require a huge level of commitment. We have only once, in 17 years left ours for longer than four hours, and that was unforeseen.