Hi, we have a 4 month old lab mix. I just got a new job that requires me to work 8am-7pm 3 days a week. My husband works 10am-7pm 5 days a week. Also, as soon as I'm off work (30 min commute) I have to pick up my daughter from daycare so I'm not home until 8pm. We have a large outside kennel (I think its 6'x10') for her with a dog house, protected from the weather, lots of toys, etc. My question is am I asking too much of her to be in there from 9am-8pm 2 or 3 days a week? We live out in the country and our closest neighbors are very elderly. I could ask my father in law to come over but I feel thats asking a lot of him. Should I hire a dog walker once a day?

How long do you anticipate this schedule to continue?? You might want to consider re homing the dog to a family who has more time to spend with him/her.....

Thats a lot of hours for a puppy to be locked up....He is loosing very important social skills, Training, And proper obediance.

Im sur eyou love your puppy, but at 4 months old and that many days and hours a week locked up seems a bit un fair, and would suggest someone to walk him/her a few times a week..

Also insure their is a Tarp on the top of the kennel to provide the dog shade from the heat...Which is something else to consider...If your puppy is only 4 months old and you live in a warm area....95 degree temps are dangrous for that long

Hmmm that is a long time and I am sure you would never want to move your puppy to a diffrent home so I think a dog walker would be a great idea. Make sure the puppy gets at least a 1hour walk if he will be locked up for so long. Maybe you could have someone come and check in and play with your puppy but that is a lot to ask for. At the least, get the dog walker.

I agree that it is not an idea situation, but nothing that they dog cant deal with. As hard as it sounds, the dog has to adjust to your schedule and can definately remain in the kennel for that long. Please just make sure you spend the needed time after work and on weekends to meet the mental and physical exercise demand that all dogs need. If you do not have the time to provide the dog with that much needed interaction, you may want to rehome the dog. Also, watch out for the heat, depending on where you live it may be a better idea to crate the dog inside while you are gone.

dog walker would be a great choice.. just make sure you spend more time with your dog when you are free...

[lil mutt]

i think its a good idea to get a dog walker for your dog... spending almost 12 hrs inside her kennel is too much for a dog to bare...

That's a good choice, but for some reason it is better when you or one of your family spends time for your puppy...for her to feel more comfortable and secure...

It would also help your dog if you would give her something like a frozen kong to keep her entertained for a while.

You have a Sheltie puppy, Shih Tzu puppy, Cocker Spaniel puppy, and now a Lab puppy? I'm interested to see what else kind of dog you'll "claim" to have next...

Everyone please do not bother with this poster... I have reported them to admin in hopes of resolving the issue.

how do you know about the other puppys?

that is quite a long time. considering she's still a puppy, she'd want to be with another human or a dog to keep her company. who feeds her while you're gone?? you shouldn't put all dog food in at once coz she's going to be constantly eating and become obese without proper exercise as well. you should get a dog sitter if there are any to keep an eye on the dog while you're away.