Having a pet sitter or someone you know, such as a friend or neighbour, spend time with your puppy when you're working is a great way to lower the risk of boredom or separation anxiety. If possible, have someone stop by every couple of hours while you're gone if your puppy is younger.
A work friend brought her pup in to work and that also worked out wonderfully. Lots of kids to socialize and lots of attention during the day. As long as you have a good set up with an x-pen and safe places to go outside to potty (not used by unvaccinated dogs) it should be fine.
Younger puppies (from 8 weeks old) should only be left for 2 hours on their own initially and then gradually build up the duration. This is for both their physical and mental wellbeing. As soon as your pup arrives in your home, practice leaving them alone for short periods of time.
The general consensus for leaving a puppy alone during the day is one hour for every month, a two-month-old puppy will rarely be capable of holding his bladder for more than two hours, a three-month-old for three…etc.
Don't crate your 8 week old puppy for more than 2 hours during the day. As she gets older you can increase the amount of time she spends in the crate. Associate as many positive experiences with your puppy and the crate as possible. Feed your puppy her meals in the crate.
Puppies that are 8 weeks old sleep approximately 18 to 22 hours per day. The rest of their day is spent eating, playing, and taking potty breaks.
Begin by closing your puppy in the confinement area with a chew toy or other constructive activity, then quietly walk out of the room. Return immediately and reward them with praise and a treat. Repeat the process, slowly increasing how long you're away each time.
Spend the first few days at home with your new family member and introduce “alone” time gradually. Head out for a few minutes, then an hour and then longer. Don't just get a puppy and leave them alone for a few hours right away. At the very least, get your puppy on a weekend so you have some time together.
Young puppies under six months shouldn't really be left alone for more than two hours. And it's a good idea to build up the time they spend alone gradually to prevent separation anxiety from setting in. When you do leave your puppy alone, it's a good idea to crate train them, or leave them in a puppy-proofed room.
Pick a room of the house for your dog. If your dog isn't comfortable in a crate or you don't want to use one, but you also don't want your pup having free run of the house while you're out, consider making up a room just for them or penning off a portion of your room with a pet fence.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).
It might make more sense to limit your puppy to five minutes of playtime per month per play session. You might play for five minutes in the morning, a few times during the day, and once before bedtime.
It is not uncommon for a puppy to defecate 5-6 times per day. Some will eliminate even more frequently. The good news is that the pace of pooping will slow down as the dog matures. Although a 2-week-old puppy may defecate at every feeding, by 12 weeks, they may be down to only 4 times per day.
From when you bring your puppy home at eight weeks until they are four months old, it's best to feed them four meals a day. At four months, reduce this to three meals a day and when they turn six months, reduce to two meals. Continue a morning and evening meal for your pup's life.
If you're wondering when can puppies go outside away from home, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about seven weeks old.
Keep to a regular routine of taking your puppy outside at least every two-to-four hours and after every change of activity. This is especially important during house training and will keep accidents to a minimum. Several short play sessions during the day are better for a puppy than one long one.
Limiting access to water can help prevent accidents, but if you'll be gone for more than just a few hours at a time, it's a good idea to make sure your dog has water. You can get a drip-free water bottle for your dog's crate that works similarly to a hamster bottle.
Their young bodies and brains are still developing, and leaving them alone for too long can lead to behavioral issues and conditions like separation anxiety. No dog should be left alone for a full 8-hour workday.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Until then, here are some options for puppy care while you're at work: Ask a family member – a willing grand pup-parent perhaps – or a friend to puppy sit while you're at work. Employ a professional pet sitter. They can come to your house during the day and keep your puppy company.