I had to go through the same dilema and currently leaving Duke home around 9 hours a day (adding 1hr for the commute to my 8hrs workday).
He seems to be doing well, I used to be able to see him atleast every 3 hrs but now my commute won't allow me to see him as often. I leave the radio on for him and once I'm home - I lay down on the couch and he would kiss and jump all over me. I think it's his way of saying I miss you and how dare you left me for so long
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Also, at the beginning, he would barks or tries to run out the door with me. I had to teach him to stay and would always say "Ok Duke, mommy is going to work, you stay home and be a good boy. Mommy will be back". I think this conditioned him to understands that it's ok to stay and gets him in a routine.
He knows now to sit and stay as I leave and my heart still breaks every morning but it gets easier, like someone said, we have to work for them and their needs but definitely get the unconditional love in return.
Oh also, I spend a lot of time with him once I get home, the cooking and dinner always wait
Good luck and let us know how it goes for you
