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latezza · Jan 30, 2012, 02:47 PM

Hi there! I just got an 8 week Husky x Lab (we know the mom is a Husky for sure but unfortunately, the dad is unknown, most likely a Lab). Unfortunately we do work so that means the puppy will be left alone? Is this okay? The first few days we got home, we were home basically all day and tried to get him used to the crate as much as possible. Now, my husband wakes up at 6:30AM and lets him out of the crate. I get up at 7AM before he leaves and I feed the puppy. I have to leave at 8AM. I go home on my break around 12PM and let him go potty and play with him a bit. My husband then gets home at 3:30PM.. Is this too much time for my pup to be home alone? I don't want him to become depressed. I'm so worried. Today was the first day we tried this and he looked so sad when I came home on my lunch break, he did not want to leave my side :(

tickle · Jan 30, 2012, 03:27 PM

Keep in mind you have a baby there who needs attention and love. No, sorry I don't agree with a pup that young being left alone that long.

Lucky098 · Jan 30, 2012, 03:33 PM

Puppies and working people don't mix very well. It is hard getting a puppy house trained and getting a puppy socialized with the world.

Once he is old enough, I'd advise 4-5 months, he should go to a doggy daycare. Even if its two days a week, its better than sitting at home. Doggy daycare will tire your dog out so that you can live with him. Both breeds are extremely active and hyper dogs. You need to start thinking of things like this. Right now he is a baby and sleeps a lot. In about a month, you'll be tearing your hair out over his destructive behavior and whiney vocalizations. So start shopping around for a doggy daycare. I would almost say that it is manditory to have one with a young dog and working owners.

It sounds like your family is doing everything possible for your puppy. The 12pm break is wonderful. That means he is not being left alone for 8 hours straight. Its even better that your hubby is home by 330p. That's a pretty decent schedule for a puppy. Mother dogs will leave their pups behind... sometimes they will leave them for a few hours at a time. So leaving your puppy in a crate is natural. To help you puppy feel more comfortable, leave the TV on or a radio. Leave it to a talk show. The sounds of voices are very comforting... I know my dogs enjoy watching animal planet and USA :) lol

Stick to your schedule and for the sake of the dog.. please, please, please.. find a doggy daycare. You will not regret it.

latezza · Jan 30, 2012, 03:48 PM

Thanks for the advice Lucky098. Luckily, we have a doggy day care just across the street from us, we have met the owner who also has a doggy shop beside it. We will start taking him there when he has all the proper vaccines and shots!

This arrangement will have to do for now. I am trying the best to care for him and he is learning amazingly very fast! I may take him to work with me a couple of days a week because I miss him too much already! Lol

Lucky098 · Jan 31, 2012, 09:46 PM

Glad to hear!

That's great you have the opportunity to take your dog to work with you. But even at that, make sure he gets to doggy daycare for a couple of days out of the week. Doggy daycare will help him socialize with other dogs. That is probably the most important thing that a pet parent can do for their dogs.. Socialize, socialize, socialize!

Also puppy classes should be starting soon.. Obedience is a fun way to bond with your dog.. It also helps establish rules... not to mention if you get stuck on something, you have someone to ask who knows your dog and your lifestyle.. Not to mention puppy classes socialize your dog with other people and dogs.