Lillynix Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 Hey everyone, just a question! We are thinking about introducing a new (whippet) puppy to our family, we also have a roughly 8yo grey x whippet (pound puppy), she adores other dogs and is still playful and full of energy, so she's not an issue. However, my question is, I'm just about to transition into (part-time) work after being at home raising our human children, is it irresponsible to introduce a new puppy when there isn't always going to be someone home during the day? Naturally we'd still go for walks like we do with our current dog, and training is a must. But my Husband is unsure about getting a puppy when there will be days where no one is home during working hours. What is the general consensus on this issue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 it's a pretty normal thing :) Some discussion in THIS THREAD for you to mull over . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lillynix Posted November 15, 2016 Author Share Posted November 15, 2016 Thank you, will have a read! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozzie Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 I have a new puupy (16 weeks), a 18 month dog and go to work. No dramas. They are inside by themselves for 7 hours a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 As long as your prepared to have the dogs separate whilst your at work until safe to leave together then its workable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lillynix Posted November 15, 2016 Author Share Posted November 15, 2016 Absolutely, showdog, chances are we'd crate train the pup until we felt comfortable letting them roam the house, just like we did our current dog. I was just unsure how it would all unfold with toilet training really, if we're out all day, but I suppose it all just works out in the end...right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 (edited) Are you able to set up an exercise area as opposed to crating for hours? It gives the pup more options to move around, do things and expend the energy a growing pup has. Not sure of your setup but as an example, I put together a pen with chicken wire, cable ties and star pickets which let pup go down one side of the house then half way under our verandah. I had as much as I could think for a pup to keep busy in there. A large meaty bone regularly (nothing she could chew off), tub of balls which I'd throw treats in,a small cardboard box taped up with treats inside, a tub of damp sand for digging or lying in, a container of dry leaves, a plank on bricks, a container near it she could jump on to and then off again, a kids pool with an inch of water and floating balls, a tug toy tied off the clothes line, a kids tunnel with a tarp across the top, a small kong stuffed with dry food and another frozen with stock, vegies and dry food in it etc. This meant she was separate from my other dog but had access to sunshine, grass and shelter which I think is important to a young animal. At times she would run completely mental through everything including throwing herself at the side of the tunnel and bouncing off which was hilarious. I increased her time alone from day one but separation anxiety was never an issue because she had so much to do I doubt she realised I was gone! When I was happy letting both dogs stay together through the day she came and went from the house with our other dog via our sliding door bolted open just wide enough to let them through (lucky we have two small dogs). The older Frenchie has to suck her gut in a little to get through but it doesn't stop her doing it at a run lol . Toilet training was never an issue as she could always access outside and I took her out through the night too. Anyway, food for though and good luck with your new pup! Edited November 15, 2016 by Roova Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 What an amazing enriched environment for a puppy, Roova! You are a rockstar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 Crates are great when you are home :) When away though, pup needs to be able to toilet well away from food/sleeping area..so a play pen ..dog run is a good plan :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 Yep Roova is a rockstar - just ask her about her dog beds!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 Don't start me on the Orvis bed's Westiemum!! :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 Don't start me on the Orvis bed's Westiemum!! :laugh: Mine still look like new!! And as Sarah gets older I bless their waterproof zip off covers over the foam inserts. The only problem is they both prefer the lounger - might have to buy another one eventually... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roova Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 I keep an eye on the site for sales because I'd love to buy another! Even just to look at something different to the current bed which just keeps going and going lol. (Sorry for going off topic Lillynix). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubiton Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 Agree on setting up somewhere not in a crate for 8 hours during the day. We started from day one (well close to) set up an area on the laundry inside the puppy play pen (which fills most of laundry) she had toys, water, small food ball blanket and fake grass. Early on the puppy pads but they turned into a chew toy within a few weeks so we didnt even finish one pack and have another unopened! Two piece of fake grass so they can be changed over and washed and laundry can be washed too. As soon as we are home puppy is out with other dog (not that the other dog would even acknowledge her for a month) and puppy play pen is great while they cant be trusted given greater freedom or if you have to answer the front door etc. Mind you there was one day where she not only pushed the puppy playpen into the corridor but made a right hand turn and headed off down the corridor a little way. DIdnt even touch or mark the walls (so had to push forward to wal thenpush the other playpen panels to move down the corridor). OLder dog as far as we know ignores her and stays elsewhere in house during the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 BUMPITY BUMP! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabel964 Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 (edited) I've used two play pens set up in the family room joined together. It has a donut bed, a crate with door open and bed inside, a really solid water bowl the puppy can't spill easily, and a grass tray with real grass from potty plant. I also got a NetCam from JB HiFi and I can open an app I. My iPhone and see my puppy any time I want - it's peace of mind that they are safe, sleeping, playing. My puppy was home alone only two half days a week but this set up works well. I did gave puppy pads in there but they ended up messy and totally shredded. Proving a goood solid none to chew, or treat toys that take a while to get through are good. Dogs need mental stimulation. You can also buy automatic feeders that open a section of food at preset times. Edited December 4, 2016 by Isabel964 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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