My baby is home alone from about 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 or 7 p.m. He is is a big exercise pen with his toys, food & water, his crate with the door open, and his piddle pads (this is a big pen). The pen has a rug in his "living area." I leave the TV on for him so he can hear voices (he also loves music). He does fine. When I first got him, he cried when I left -- now he's used to the routine. When I get home, he's out of the pen, I put down fresh food and we play. I put him to bed (in his crate) at around 9:30 0 10 p.m. every night. He's a happy little guy and doesn't seem to feel deprived. I would advise you, though, to leave your puppy some toys to play with during the day. I put in stuffed toys without the squeakers with all the tags removed, also rubber toys like Kong or rubber balls are pretty indestructible. I do not leave him in with his Nylabone, because I worry he will chew off a piece and swallow. As long as you snip off any tags, or other features of the stuffed toy that look like he could chew off, he should be fine with toys. Dogs adjust to just about any routine you give them -- remember -- he doesn't have any idea of how long he's in the pen -- he's just happy to be with you when you come home -- for however long that is.
__________________ Archie's Mom   |