[telli]

I'm getting a 6 week old puppy and we have a fenced in backyard lots of toys and food... but I'm gone all day at school... what would be best??

[shazamataz]

0 hours and 0 minutes.

1) You should not have a 6 week old puppy. No good breeders home their dogs before 8 weeks of age, and it is actually illegal in some states to so before then.

2) A 6 week old puppy does not belong outside unsupervised. It is dangerous. What if a dog, or depending on the breed, a large cat jumped your fence? A 6 week old is not big enough or strong enough to defend itself from any predators.

Why not keep the puppy crated inside while you are at school, or get your parents to buy a baby gate and confine it to somewhere like the kitchen?

If you can't, then I'm afraid rehoming might be your only option if the dog is not allowed inside at all. A puppy that young just can't be outside alone.

[martinizing2]

Who the hell turns pups out at 6 weeks?
Is it illegal to shoot people who do that?

[De Maria]

im getting a 6 week old puppy and we have a fenced in backyard lots of toys and food...but im gone all day at school...what would be best????????

We? Is anyone else at home during that time?

If not, I like the crate idea. Just barely large enough for him to turn around. According to dog psychology this makes them feel as though they are in a den and safer. AND less likely to relieve themselves since they can't get away from the waste.

Do not line the crate with newspaper or anything soft and permeable. This will invite them to pee. And then you'll have a bigger problem.

Do not feed the pup before you leave in the morning. Or if you do, wait until he does his business, which is usually pretty soon after he eats. This is for obvious reasons. You don't want the poor thing holding it all day.

Also, since you haven't gotten the dog yet, now is the time to learn about dog psychology. This way you will learn to have a healthy and mentally stable pet.

Here are some resources:
Amazon.com: cesar millan dvd

Cesar Millan's Official Website | Achieving balance between people and dogs.

Remember to be your dog's Pack Leader!

[Cat1864]

I am going to suggest waiting on getting the puppy unless there are other people in the house who are willing to help with it. A well-adjusted dog needs all of the humans in the house to work and play with it. Not just one person.

It needs someone to let it outside at regular intervals to use the bathroom and get water. It needs exercise to build a healthy body and mind. It does not need to be left outside where it can get into things and things can get it.

I fully support crating, but not for the length of time you would be in school plus any after school activities that you are involved in. I would be afraid that the pup would have accidents and become confused over where to potty (much like pet store pups who have very limited places to relieve themselves).

Is there a reason for getting this particular animal or would you be able to look at getting an older animal that could better handle being left for long periods?

[shazamataz]

Oh sorry, I read that wrong, my apologies, I thought he already had the puppy.

Need to learn to read better :rolleyes:

[Lucky098]

It is not natural for a PUPPY of any age to be left alone outside. Puppies do not leave their mom until almost 6 months if everything was left up to mother nature.

If you cannot find a different route in housing your puppy while you are gone, then you shouldn't get a puppy.

Also, do not purchase a 6wk old puppy. There are lot of problems that follow from purchasing a young pup. 8wks or older is ideal.

For your situation, why not purchase an adult? Adult dogs (depending on size) CAN be left outside with food, water and toys without much of an issue.

[Aurora_Bell]

I agree with Shazzy, 6 weeks, not coming from a good home. Please wait until the pup for no only best socializing but as well as aggression issues. It is common that when pups are too young to leave the pack, they have issues with aggression as well as separation anxiety as well as socialization issues.

It's never a good idea to leave a dog out side unattended, I know some people kennel, which as long as it totally enclosed, it's much safer then one that is open. A puppy should not be left alone out side by it's self for any period.

Crating is a much safer and better idea. But again try and wait until at least 8 weeks before you get your new puppy.

[Alty]

A good rule to follow when crating, one hour for each month of age. Any more than that is not good.

This is a very young puppy, and since you haven't got it yet, I have to ask that you please wait until the puppy is at the very least 8 weeks old, 12 would be better. Obviously you're getting this puppy from a backyard breeder, so health concerns should be considered and a complete vet check should be done immediately.

At 8 weeks of age the puppy should spend no more than 2 hours in the crate during the day. At night crate and give puppy a potty break at least every 3 hours.

This is like a newborn baby. A young puppy needs lots of attention, lots of care, and constant supervision. If you cannot be there during this time in puppies life, perhaps getting an older dog from a shelter is better for you at this time.

Good luck.

[Hollowdude]

The best place to the keep a dog is in a big backyard with lots of plants, and grass. Also try getting some sort of patio and keep his doghouse, water, and food under it. Get him a bone and a few chew toys and the dog should be able to entertain himself long enough until you get home. Also make sure u spend lots of time with him and take him for walks to make up for the time you were gone. That is what I do with my 2 month old puppy who has all his shots and he is perfectly healthy and active.

[Aurora_Bell]

Hollowdude, not only is this thread old, but no one should EVER keep a 6 week old pup out side unattended all day long! Ever! I don't agree with keeping any age dog outside on free range for long periods with no one there to supervise.

[Cat1864]

Hollowdude, how old is your puppy? I ask because a two (2) month old puppy is an an eight (8) week old puppy and should have received the first of its shots not completed all of them. Also, I hope you were very careful not to choose plants that could be toxic to a puppy who will chew on anything and everything.

[Aurora_Bell]

Had to spread the rep Cat. There is just too much wrong with this post. And people wonder why we get snippy on the dog forum. Yikes. I hope this OP is mistaken in facts and age.

[Alty]

I agree with Bella and Cats. Keeping your young puppy outside all day is not good advice.

Seeing as this is an old thread, and the best advice has been given, to avoid other one hit wonders from posting horrible advice, I'll close the thread.

Thread closed. :)