Is it wrong to leave a dog alone?
- Thread starter Gempress
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I think it really just depends on the dog. Some are more independent and can get along by themselves in the house while the owner is at work. Others will have severe issues if they are left alone too long.
I don't really know how it would be with Moro or Midas...they are almost never left alone. No more than 2-3 hours if everyone is gone for some reason. But either myself, my husband, or our roommate/his girlfriend are always there... we all work different schedules and so it works out, someone is home with the dogs pretty much 24/7. And if we vacation for a few days, we ask one of our friends who's known Moro since she was a puppy (i.e. someone she likes and trusts) to come stay at our house while we're gone...sometimes we'll ask one person to do it one day and another to do it the next, etc... they're free during that time to eat our food, watch our cable tv, etc. and we have pretty awesome friends so we've never had a problem finding a dog-sitter.
But Moro would probably have more issues with being left alone than a different type of dog. I have a friend that works 2 jobs and only gets a few hours at home a day, and her beagle/lab mix gets the run of the house during work, and she's a perfect angel... it's her cat that destroys stuff while she's at work So in my opinion it's an individual thing. I wouldn't want to start leaving Moro alone for long periods, because she's used to having someone there...and I wouldn't blame her at all if she got left alone for longer than usual for some reason, and destroyed something or ransacked the garbage, I would actually kind of expect it
I don't really know how it would be with Moro or Midas...they are almost never left alone. No more than 2-3 hours if everyone is gone for some reason. But either myself, my husband, or our roommate/his girlfriend are always there... we all work different schedules and so it works out, someone is home with the dogs pretty much 24/7. And if we vacation for a few days, we ask one of our friends who's known Moro since she was a puppy (i.e. someone she likes and trusts) to come stay at our house while we're gone...sometimes we'll ask one person to do it one day and another to do it the next, etc... they're free during that time to eat our food, watch our cable tv, etc. and we have pretty awesome friends so we've never had a problem finding a dog-sitter.
But Moro would probably have more issues with being left alone than a different type of dog. I have a friend that works 2 jobs and only gets a few hours at home a day, and her beagle/lab mix gets the run of the house during work, and she's a perfect angel... it's her cat that destroys stuff while she's at work
So in my opinion it's an individual thing. I wouldn't want to start leaving Moro alone for long periods, because she's used to having someone there...and I wouldn't blame her at all if she got left alone for longer than usual for some reason, and destroyed something or ransacked the garbage, I would actually kind of expect it
I don't doubt people do the best they can - but the fact is, when is their best just not good enough?
When does it become acceptable - JUST because they have no other option?
That does not make it right, or justifiable..
If I don't have the means to look after a dog, should I have one, and just "do my best"?
When does it become acceptable - JUST because they have no other option?
That does not make it right, or justifiable..
If I don't have the means to look after a dog, should I have one, and just "do my best"?
Personally I think it reflects alot about they way you feel about your dog, I feel that my dogs are my children... It is well known that it is unethical and illegal to confine children in boxes.. Therefore it is the same standard for dogs in my opinion. They aren't "Just dogs" they are my family, and much as i'd like to at times, i'd never crate one of my "real" family members so it works the same for my dogs!!
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I am going to have to say that YES, I DO have a problem with regularly leaving your dog alone for several hours a day.
Why would you WANT to do that? It's my opinion that if you are going to get a dog, you should be 100% commited to that dog, and do whatever it is you need to do to be a great dog owner.
Owning a dog is a COMMITMENT. Dogs NEED companionship...cat don't give a crap! As long as they have food, they don't care if you never come back! Hahahaa :lol-sign:
I find the leaving a dog alone problem especially true with puppies. I get so angry when someone gets a new puppy, and is gone 10 hours a day, and they wonder why the puppy has behavioral issues!
It sounds like many of you on this forum are very responsable, and you know what you're doing, and you know the needs of your dogs, and you take care of them. High five to you!!!
But, there are some who are so incredibly irresponsable and should never own dogs. In some situations, I feel that it IS cruel to leave a dog alone for many hours at a time.
However, if you already had a dog, and your work situation changed, then that's a different story.
But, if you work 10 hour days, and you get a dog/puppy, that's not right because you already know you won't have a lot of time for the dog.
Why would you WANT to do that? It's my opinion that if you are going to get a dog, you should be 100% commited to that dog, and do whatever it is you need to do to be a great dog owner.
Owning a dog is a COMMITMENT. Dogs NEED companionship...cat don't give a crap! As long as they have food, they don't care if you never come back! Hahahaa :lol-sign:
I find the leaving a dog alone problem especially true with puppies. I get so angry when someone gets a new puppy, and is gone 10 hours a day, and they wonder why the puppy has behavioral issues!
It sounds like many of you on this forum are very responsable, and you know what you're doing, and you know the needs of your dogs, and you take care of them. High five to you!!!
But, there are some who are so incredibly irresponsable and should never own dogs. In some situations, I feel that it IS cruel to leave a dog alone for many hours at a time.
However, if you already had a dog, and your work situation changed, then that's a different story.
But, if you work 10 hour days, and you get a dog/puppy, that's not right because you already know you won't have a lot of time for the dog.
I think those that have extremely unstable lifestyles or are *never* home need to evaluate why they have a dog in the first place. So yes Dizzy in that aspect I agree with you.
However, someone who works 9 to 5 and spends their "home time" with their dog is still okay in my book. Yes, the dog is alone most of the time but if it's given things to do (chew toys, doggie movies on TV for tube-goobs like my Dakota, etc) and given exercise and mental stimulation, and close interaction when its owner is home, I really don't see why that would be an unfit life for a dog. Would you rather see dogs wasting away in shelters than living with someone who gives them love and care when they are home, and a warm bed to be in when they are gone?
JMO
However, someone who works 9 to 5 and spends their "home time" with their dog is still okay in my book. Yes, the dog is alone most of the time but if it's given things to do (chew toys, doggie movies on TV for tube-goobs like my Dakota, etc) and given exercise and mental stimulation, and close interaction when its owner is home, I really don't see why that would be an unfit life for a dog. Would you rather see dogs wasting away in shelters than living with someone who gives them love and care when they are home, and a warm bed to be in when they are gone?
JMO
I think those that have extremely unstable lifestyles or are *never* home need to evaluate why they have a dog in the first place. So yes Dizzy in that aspect I agree with you.
However, someone who works 9 to 5 and spends their "home time" with their dog is still okay in my book. Yes, the dog is alone most of the time but if it's given things to do (chew toys, doggie movies on TV for tube-goobs like my Dakota, etc) and given exercise and mental stimulation, and close interaction when its owner is home, I really don't see why that would be an unfit life for a dog. Would you rather see dogs wasting away in shelters than living with someone who gives them love and care when they are home, and a warm bed to be in when they are gone?
JMO
However, someone who works 9 to 5 and spends their "home time" with their dog is still okay in my book. Yes, the dog is alone most of the time but if it's given things to do (chew toys, doggie movies on TV for tube-goobs like my Dakota, etc) and given exercise and mental stimulation, and close interaction when its owner is home, I really don't see why that would be an unfit life for a dog. Would you rather see dogs wasting away in shelters than living with someone who gives them love and care when they are home, and a warm bed to be in when they are gone?
JMO
I have not expressed an issue with people working NORMAL hours (8 hours or so)..
It is being CRATED for that period I find rather cruel. These aren't hamsters, or rabbits... Even rabbits should have access to a run!!
I think those that have extremely unstable lifestyles or are *never* home need to evaluate why they have a dog in the first place. So yes Dizzy in that aspect I agree with you.
However, someone who works 9 to 5 and spends their "home time" with their dog is still okay in my book. Yes, the dog is alone most of the time but if it's given things to do (chew toys, doggie movies on TV for tube-goobs like my Dakota, etc) and given exercise and mental stimulation, and close interaction when its owner is home, I really don't see why that would be an unfit life for a dog. Would you rather see dogs wasting away in shelters than living with someone who gives them love and care when they are home, and a warm bed to be in when they are gone?
JMO
However, someone who works 9 to 5 and spends their "home time" with their dog is still okay in my book. Yes, the dog is alone most of the time but if it's given things to do (chew toys, doggie movies on TV for tube-goobs like my Dakota, etc) and given exercise and mental stimulation, and close interaction when its owner is home, I really don't see why that would be an unfit life for a dog. Would you rather see dogs wasting away in shelters than living with someone who gives them love and care when they are home, and a warm bed to be in when they are gone?
JMO
Agree 1000%
The sad fact is that forums like Chaz represent a TINY proportion of the dog owning world.
If even Chaz owners find crating acceptable, and I would HOPE that most people here interact with their dogs on some level - that gives the message out that it is OK to do.
And I bet you a MILLION quid (or dollars) that 99% of the rest of people don't.
I think it is cruel on the level alone of leaving a dog confined, but imagine the poor dog that is let out to the young family, who are busy cooking, then homework, then relaxing watching TV.. then oooop - no walk - back in the crate for another 8 hours till morning.. then 30mins out, then back in while we work.
Sick.
If even Chaz owners find crating acceptable, and I would HOPE that most people here interact with their dogs on some level - that gives the message out that it is OK to do.
And I bet you a MILLION quid (or dollars) that 99% of the rest of people don't.
I think it is cruel on the level alone of leaving a dog confined, but imagine the poor dog that is let out to the young family, who are busy cooking, then homework, then relaxing watching TV.. then oooop - no walk - back in the crate for another 8 hours till morning.. then 30mins out, then back in while we work.
Sick.
I have windows, and my dogs are Dobermans - they are constantly on the alert. Sound travels, and I live in a city... there are bound to be strange noises.
We're going to have to agree to disagree. My dogs are not crated 8+ hours a day, but they are crated daily. Ilsa is crated because she lieks it, Ronin is crated because he craves it.
I leave my dogs alone every day (imagine that, I'm a student and I have a job) but they're fine with it. The rest of the time, we're out training, playing, hiking, having fun, going to schools and events for breed PR, etc. They sleep in my bed - except Ronin prefers his crate... less hassle from the Queen Bee Ilsa.
I don't believe that people who crate their dogs or leave them alone for hours at a time are bad owners - I think it really depends on how the owner spends the time *available* with the dog.
Which is better - an owner who is home 24-7 and never crates but ignores their dog, never takes it anywhere, and doesn't do anything other than feed it... or a dog that is crated and left alone every day, but when the owner comes home it's PLAYTIIIIME... training, hiking, showing, titling, socializing, etc.? It's all situational if you ask me.
We're going to have to agree to disagree. My dogs are not crated 8+ hours a day, but they are crated daily. Ilsa is crated because she lieks it, Ronin is crated because he craves it.
I leave my dogs alone every day (imagine that, I'm a student and I have a job) but they're fine with it. The rest of the time, we're out training, playing, hiking, having fun, going to schools and events for breed PR, etc. They sleep in my bed - except Ronin prefers his crate... less hassle from the Queen Bee Ilsa.
I don't believe that people who crate their dogs or leave them alone for hours at a time are bad owners - I think it really depends on how the owner spends the time *available* with the dog.
Which is better - an owner who is home 24-7 and never crates but ignores their dog, never takes it anywhere, and doesn't do anything other than feed it... or a dog that is crated and left alone every day, but when the owner comes home it's PLAYTIIIIME... training, hiking, showing, titling, socializing, etc.? It's all situational if you ask me.
I'm mixed on the crating issue. I've never crated the boys more than 4 hours (except at night), but what do you do when you have a dog that isn't reliable alone and you work 8 hours? I agree with puppy-proofing, but it's hard to do sometimes - and unless the room is empty, I don't think it can be 100% puppy-proof (I don't know about your dogs, but mine have always found things to destroy in our puppy-proof room... even if it was the wall). That, and I don't think you can compare baby-proofing with puppy-proofing - I'm quite sure a toddler could get in a lot of trouble even in a baby-proof room if left alone 8 hours.
Mental stimulation and exercise are great, but if you're not there to give them, your dog might just get bored anyway - my dogs don't take 8 hours to recuperate after a long walk.
So I'm with RD... I think that 8 hours in a BIG crate is ok, if there isn't any better solution. My boys stopped being crated at 7ish months, but it's really because I don't really care if they eat the walls, some pieces of the chairs etc... The bedroom and living room are off-limits though.
Mental stimulation and exercise are great, but if you're not there to give them, your dog might just get bored anyway - my dogs don't take 8 hours to recuperate after a long walk.
So I'm with RD... I think that 8 hours in a BIG crate is ok, if there isn't any better solution. My boys stopped being crated at 7ish months, but it's really because I don't really care if they eat the walls, some pieces of the chairs etc... The bedroom and living room are off-limits though.
As I stated in the other thread where crating was mentioned, at this point in time I truly feel that I am protecting Morrie while I am gone by crating him. I am going to have to agree to disagree with you, Dizzy, lol. I am not going to apologize for being gone from the house ten hours a day to feed my family, though.
Morrie is at such a highly destructive level right now (and is still very much a puppy, so this isn't consigned to ANXIETY or BOREDOM), that you cannot even begin to predict WHAT he is going to choose as acceptable "fodder" for chewing. Things up on shelves are not even safe from our dogs -- I sincerely believe that our CATS are working in kahoots with them and knocking things out of cupboards. We have an extremely limited amount of storage space in this home, and a full house. One day Morrie decided to dig into a bag of ink pens that we had purchased for Shay for school. They were UP and out of reach but he SOMEHOW got them down and proceeded to chew the sh*t out of them. Tell me how guilty I would feel if I came home from work and found Morrie with half a chewed up pen RAMMED DOWN HIS THROAT and puncturing his esophogas because he had been left unsupervised for several hours?
I do feel that my dogs spend more time than they ought to in their crates, but at this point in time there is nothing I can do about it. We train for agility several times a week, have a 1 1/2hr class once a week, and when I am home (and not in bed), my dogs are out of their crates and with me - be it inside watching tv or outside, roaming on 60 acres of land, or in the barn helping me clean stalls. I don't feel for a second like I am being cruel to my dogs or "only getting them out of the cupboard to play and then putting them away"... get what I mean??
For safety and transportation issues, I am EXTREMELY GLAD that my dogs are crate trained, and wish I had thought to crate train our danes. I think it's important that my dogs know about crates now so in the future, if, god forbid, they NEED to be confined, they don't go stir crazy for having to be locked up. In the future, if Morrie is able to control his.. uh... stomach and cravings for non-food related fodder, he will certainly be allowed out of his crate while I am sleeping, to sleep in my bed with me. Because my Sarah won't be around forever and when she's gone I'll need a new bed buddy.
Morrie is at such a highly destructive level right now (and is still very much a puppy, so this isn't consigned to ANXIETY or BOREDOM), that you cannot even begin to predict WHAT he is going to choose as acceptable "fodder" for chewing. Things up on shelves are not even safe from our dogs -- I sincerely believe that our CATS are working in kahoots with them and knocking things out of cupboards. We have an extremely limited amount of storage space in this home, and a full house. One day Morrie decided to dig into a bag of ink pens that we had purchased for Shay for school. They were UP and out of reach but he SOMEHOW got them down and proceeded to chew the sh*t out of them. Tell me how guilty I would feel if I came home from work and found Morrie with half a chewed up pen RAMMED DOWN HIS THROAT and puncturing his esophogas because he had been left unsupervised for several hours?
I do feel that my dogs spend more time than they ought to in their crates, but at this point in time there is nothing I can do about it. We train for agility several times a week, have a 1 1/2hr class once a week, and when I am home (and not in bed), my dogs are out of their crates and with me - be it inside watching tv or outside, roaming on 60 acres of land, or in the barn helping me clean stalls. I don't feel for a second like I am being cruel to my dogs or "only getting them out of the cupboard to play and then putting them away"... get what I mean??
For safety and transportation issues, I am EXTREMELY GLAD that my dogs are crate trained, and wish I had thought to crate train our danes. I think it's important that my dogs know about crates now so in the future, if, god forbid, they NEED to be confined, they don't go stir crazy for having to be locked up. In the future, if Morrie is able to control his.. uh... stomach and cravings for non-food related fodder, he will certainly be allowed out of his crate while I am sleeping, to sleep in my bed with me.
Because my Sarah won't be around forever and when she's gone I'll need a new bed buddy.Ripley is a Papillon (5lbs) and no, it isn't daily. I'm 16 and have no job yet, so he isn't confined that much. However, I do have a life and sometimes I go out all day and can't bring my dog. I crate him then and he's usually fast asleep when I come home. If I won't be home to let him out (he usually needs to go every 4 hours or so) I put his litter box in the crate or pen. He has food in there, a bunch of toys in there and two different beds - one with a cooling pad in case he gets hot, and one with a fleece pad in case he wants to snuggle up in something.
This crate is about 4x5 feet. The dog is about 10" long. It's confinement, yes, but he isn't cramped up in a box. If he wants to move around he can. I've even seen him doing mini-zoomies in that crate.
I fail to see how that's "wrong". Sorry.
This crate is about 4x5 feet. The dog is about 10" long. It's confinement, yes, but he isn't cramped up in a box. If he wants to move around he can. I've even seen him doing mini-zoomies in that crate.
I fail to see how that's "wrong". Sorry.