I mean honestly I do think 10-11 hours is a bit too long for a daily or most of the time basis. Part of having a dog is sometimes having to say "no" to going out after work, etc (or going home first and then going out).
Regardless of if they have pee pads and are able to relieve themselves, I think having human contact and attention is important as well. Many many people work full-time jobs and have dogs. It's totally possible. And I think it is great that they will have each other.
I think on the days that you may know you're going to go out and be longer than 12 hours, you definitely need to have a friend, or family member or dog walker come in for a 30 minute break period.
I personally have left Jackson on occasion for 8-10 hours but it's very occasionally. Usually I don't like to leave him for more than 6-7 hours. Granted he's not pee pad trained so my main worry is him getting outside and of course just being lonely.
I am a dog walker/pet sitter and I find it so sad some of the dogs that I watch. I pet sit for this rich family who is practically never home, decided to get 2 littermate puppies (large breed) and yes... they get the basic care needed to live (food, water, treats, shelter etc) and they have access to a doggy door and a HUGE yard (that they don't even use unless someone is out there with them) but god they are STARVING for attention. They sent them away to training camp for 3 weeks expecting exceptional dogs in return and while they know basic commands, they still can't be left alone in the house (they destroy things out of complete boredom), they still jump sooo much on you simply out of such excitement of seeing a human, and they just have a lonely look in their eyes. I just feel like they're not even a part of the family. Now in your case, I think you would provide much better care, so I'm not saying yours would be the same situation.
So anyway, I'm not one of those "omg!1! animals can NEVER be alone!1!!!1" people (and I do have those clients, too! LOL...) but I do think 10-12 hours more than 5 days a week is too excessive with no break in between and you should probably make accommodations. |