[rabs_t]

We are going to get a 3-4 month old boxer puppy at the start of summer and we will be able to be with it for the whole summer, but in September we will go back to school.my mum will leave the house at 8:45, after that my dad will stay at home till 9:30/9:45 then my grandmother and mum will come back at 12:00 to give it lunch at take it for a walk. So do you think that is too long for a puppy? + it will have toys around and everywhere on the first floor will be available for it to walk/run around.

[JudyKayTee]

Is this your first dog? Dogs don't eat three meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner - like people do.

You will probably need to somehow contain the puppy at least part of the time - or it will get in trouble.

[Gernald]

I think you should be okay. When I got my german shepherd he was about 3-4 months old and I left him home for about four to five hours at a time max the first month or so. The important thing is to make sure they get LOTS of exercise every day so that when you do leave them they're tired and don't get in trouble.
Like Judy said you may want to look into a crate or something instead of leaving the dog out. Puppies especially need a place that they can feel secure and that won't be damaging to the rest of the house.

[rabs_t]

Thank you very much

[rabs_t]

Is this your first dog? Dogs don't eat three meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner - like people do.

You will probably need to somehow contain the puppy at least part of the time - or it will get in trouble.

No it's not my first dog I had many before. Still, I know that a dog is for life. It's proven that puppies should have 3 meals
Until they are 6 months. Still thanks for your answer.

[Cat1864]

For clarification: Are you getting an eight week old puppy who will be about five months old in September or a three to four month old puppy who will be six to seven months old when you leave him/her for about four hours at a time?

How long will the animal be alone in the afternoon?

[rabs_t]

And by the way when I say everywhere on the first floor I do not mean it literally, I meant as in it will have enough space to be comfortable. Also I know how much of a mess a puppy can cause, therefore we will prepare for that.( no need to worry about that :) ) but thank you very much for your answers! Xxx

[rabs_t]

For clarification: Are you getting an eight week old puppy who will be about five months old in September or a three to four month old puppy who will be six to seven months old when you leave him/her for about four hours at a time?

How long will the animal be alone in the afternoon?

He will be 5 months in September and he will not be alone in the afternoon just in the morning for 3 hours or something like that not more than 3.

[Alty]

The best idea is to crate train, not give a puppy the run of the first floor. Trust me, you miss one little thing and you could come home to a dead puppy. Dogs are curious by nature and get into things quickly.

Crate training is not only a great tool, it's also natural for a dog. A crate is like a den, a safe place. In the wild, while the pack leader is away, the other dogs are in their den waiting.

The general rule for leaving a puppy alone is one hour for each month of age. So, if your puppy will be 5 months old in September, you can leave it for 5 hours (at the very most) in the crate.

If you'd like some tips on crate training, I'm happy to post them. Let me know.

[JudyKayTee]

I can't find the proof that puppies should be fed 3 meals a day at the age you've posted. I'm relying on this: Basic Feeding Guide for Dogs, How much should I feed my dog?

What are you reading?

As far as the dog "running loose" on the first floor I answered what you posted: " everywhere on the first floor will be available for it to walk/run around."

And I'd take Alty up on her offer - she knows dogs.

[Sariss]

Many people recommend feeding more than twice a day, even up to 6 months. Here is information about a 4 month old puppy feeding schedule: What Your 16-Week-old Puppy Needs - Page 1

[JudyKayTee]

I was thinking along the lines of 7 months old in September which is when I "think" the feeding/leaving alone problem starts. I could very well - and often am - wrong.

That is a good site, though. Thanks.

[rabs_t]

The best idea is to crate train, not give a puppy the run of the first floor. Trust me, you miss one little thing and you could come home to a dead puppy. Dogs are curious by nature and get into things quickly.

Crate training is not only a great tool, it's also natural for a dog. A crate is like a den, a safe place. In the wild, while the pack leader is away, the other dogs are in their den waiting.

The general rule for leaving a puppy alone is one hour for each month of age. So, if your puppy will be 5 months old in September, you can leave it for 5 hours (at the very most) in the crate.

If you'd like some tips on crate training, I'm happy to post them. Let me know.

Thank you very much :) This helped me a lot, last time my dog had 10 puppies and my dad was looking after all of them, and I was pretty young so he didn't quite let me help him with anything so I don't have a lot of information about puppies being kept alone because my father was at home looking after them. So thank you VERY VERY much, I will definitely look into the crate ;) xxx

[rabs_t]

I was thinking along the lines of 7 months old in September which is when I "think" the feeding/leaving alone problem starts. I could very well - and often am - wrong.

That is a good site, though. Thanks.

Anyway, still thank you very much for your opinion, and I realised I was wrong about leaving it alone on the first floor, so thank you xx :D

[JudyKayTee]

No problem - My 8 year old dog and I rescued a puppy. I didn't remember what puppies are like, swore I would never kennel, read everything here on this thread and bought and used a kennel. He is/was happy. Now he doesn't use it, but I suspect it kept me from pulling my hair out.

Good luck and keep us informed.