Should my dog stay home alone or with a neighbor when I start work?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Most of the people work all day and have animals. I know we all feel guilty about leaving our pets but that is the way life goes. As long as when you are home you are walking her, interacting and playing with her you are doing a good job. You can consider sending her to doggie day care 2-3 times per week for interaction, have a neighbor kid pop in to walk her or send her to a friend or relatives house who may not work as other options. The cage is a safe place for her and your personal belongings. I wish you the best!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My suggestion is to have a friend or neighbor stop by a at least a couple times during the day while you are gone just to make sure Soska is doing okay and has enough food and water, is let outside to potty, and to watch Soska in case she goes into labor a few days early and should any problems arise. If a friend, family member, or neighbor can't be available, I would hire a sitter to stop by 2-3 times during the day while you are traveling. I hope this helps and thanks again for your post!

Phoebe is an older dog, so she can be left at home alone that long. Do you have a friend that she likes who you can pay to stop by and let her out once during the day? Otherwise, especially since she likes being inside, she should be fine. When I was in vet school, I often had to leave my dogs inside that long, and they were ok. Just take her for a longer walk when you get home to get her exercise. I hope this helps.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would play with each dog individually, but not where the other dogs can see. Put the other dogs inside in separate rooms where they can't see you from the windows. Play fetch, take them for a run (if you run), walk on a leash in a park, bring pull toys outside. Play with each dog 30-45 mins per day individually. There is no easy answer due to your circumstances. I hope this helps in some way and I wish you all the best!

Hi and thank you for your post! Wouldn't it be great if dogs could just put in a work out video? :) While you are away at work, he may not get much exercise until you come back and are able to take him for a walk or play. In that case, I would investigate a dog walker that can come to your home once or twice while you are away at work to walk and play with Tank. There is an app you can get on your phone called Wag and it works like an uber only it's for dog walkers. You can request a dog walker just like you request an uber at a moment's notice. I hope you are able to find someone to come visit Tank while you are away! Best to you and Tank! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am sorry to hear about your concern for MJ! Whether or not she can be left in the apartment is dependent on the dog and their behavior. Some dogs can be left loose in a house all day with no issues while others are destructive and may chew furniture/eat objects/have accidents in the house. If your dog does these things already, then leaving her out when you aren't home is not a good idea yet. If she is well behaved and doesn't have accidents/chew things then you could try leaving her out for short periods of time at first and see how she does. You can also provide her with some stimulation while you aren't home with puzzle toys, there are many available online or in pet stores https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-toys/interactive-dog-toys/dog-puzzle-toys-and-games . You can also hire dog walkers to come during the day to let your dog out/play with them if that is financially feasible for you. Many dogs spend most of their time while you are away asleep!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, gradually work up to the length of time you are usually gone for a normal day. He may or may not ever make it though. If he has extreme separation anxiety I would discuss medications (anti-anxiety) with your vet and private training. If he likes other dogs consider doggie daycare twice a week so he can expend energy. Max is a high energy breed. On your days off and free time be sure to exercise him well. If he plateaus at a certain length of time I would seek help and meds form your Vet. I hope this help!