While talking about getting a dog with some friends, I came to the realization that I am going to have to get used to leaving him or her alone. I don't like this at all, but when you have a job or have to go out to a wedding or something, it is inevitable that you have to leave your dog at home alone sometimes. But how long is too long? I googled it and I really couldn't come up with a definate number. It was mostly just message boards and blog comments- nothing professional or anything. Here is a link to an article I found: Home Alone
I feel bad about having to leave my future dog (already I feel bad- I am such a weirdo) but at the same time having a dog isn't like having a kid (not exactly). You can take a baby to a restaurant, to a wedding, or whatever if you have to. Your child can almost always come with you if need be (not always at work, but honestly they could). Your dog however cannot. You can't take your dog out to eat, or to the mall. So it's just different. What does everyone else think?
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Well now, my case is different from most as I am at home on permanent disability, but I totally understand where you are coming from in this post.
ReplyDeletePets left along can develope what is know as Separation Anxiety. If your future dog is fairly low-key, ie: not easily distressed, you may be able to leave him alone when you go to school or work. If he is stressed by you leaving, there are ways to deal with this. You can find ways by searching Separation Anxiety and I have included one link below which will give you some great ideas and links to some great professionals. Patricia McConnell is one of my favourites.
http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm