Pup alone for several hours

[Tiquicia]

Hi!

Tom is 9 weeks old and unfortuntely my girl and i both work so we leave the house early (around 5 am) so he stays alone for about 9 hours a day. We do have a meal schedule for him wich he likes and there's no problem with that. What gets me thinking is that they like being around people as much time as possible. When we get home (around 3 pm my girl gets home first) we dedicate all our time for Tom until late hours playing, petting, showing him tricks and stuff, etc. Because he is so young and because he doesn't have all the shots he needs we don't take him out or walk him (not yet). My concern is how will this affect he ability to be social or to be confident.

Thanks!!

Tom says hello form Costa Rica!!!

[gmacleod]

9 hours a day is rather a long time for a puppy to be alone. Do you have someone coming in to feed him? At 9 weeks, he should not be going for long periods without food, but rather should be getting a minimum of 3 (preferably 4) meals per day at reasonably even intervals. Just like human infants, young puppies do need frequent small meals - they're unable to regulate their blood sugar very well at this age, and if they go too long without eating, are liable to suffer blood sugar problems that can lead to hypoglycaemia.

So - in physical needs, you've got feeding and toileting to be concerned about in the short term. As he gets older, he'll be able to deal with less frequent feeding. But he's going to be at least 8 months old before you can leave him that long without the opportunity to relieve himself (actually, even adult dogs should not be asked to hold on for 9 hours. 8 is the maximum reasonable length of time to ask a dog to hold his bladder/bowels, especially if its on a regular basis). For the moment, I guess you're laying newspaper for him to pee on? It is almost certainly the best option.

You are quite right to be concerned about his socialisation. Is it possible to ask a friend/neighbour/hired dog walker to come in daily to feed, toilet and play with him for an hour or so? Another possibility would be doggy daycare - which would certainly help a lot in terms of socialisation. You'd need to be a bit careful about choosing one for such a young pup (possibly something better to consider once he's a little older).

As for walking him - it does depend a little on where you live. But generally, it is a good idea to get the pup out and about (bearing in mind it's possible to carry him). Obviously, because of the vaccination thing, you need to avoid other dogs and places where dogs congregate and (especially) where they defacate. But if there are relatively low risk places you can take him, it is very much worth your while. Socialisation later can't really replace that as a baby. Another thing to look into is a puppy kindergarten class. Those aren't really for training, they're for the essential socialisation - giving the pup the chance to be exposed to new people, new situations, and crucially, to play with others of similar age. They should likewise be being protected by their owners from strange dogs/risky places, so the risks are minimal and the value of that socialisation immense.

[Tiquicia]

Thanks for the info. I'll try to aply those very soon.

On weekends the situation is very different: all eyes are on Tom ALL THE TIME! and also I try to have some people over all the time so he can get used to all kinds of people an smells that way he will not be uncomfortable if it gets crowdy!

Also as soon as the vaccination is complete i'll take him to my mother's house were there's a lot of space were he will play with other dogs: Max (medium size Schnauzer), Nana (Pekines) and Moro (rescue dog with some Greyhound in his blood-Bullet fast!!!).

Until that moment (couple more weeks) i think i'll need to make an extra effort.

Thanks again guys!