Newbie Advice needed

Hi everyone. I'd like some advice. My husband and I are empty nesters and are seriously considering buying a Maltese. I have allergies so this seems to be the best choice for me. My concern is that we both work and the puppy will be left alone from 7:00-3:00 each day. I want to be responsible and am a little worried that is too long for a puppy to be left alone each day. I feel very torn in this decision!! I could really use the love of a dog right now, I am missing my kids terribly, but I want to make the right decision!! Any advice?

I think for an adult that's not too bad, but too long for a pup.

Any chance you could each take a few weeks off work or pay for dog daycare for the early times?

Hi,

I am afraid 8 hours is far too long to leave a puppy alone for. Puppies need company and while they can be left for short periods happily, no puppy will be happy being left for such a long period.

I would suggest a cat instead.

i work similar hours and have a pup but i come home for my dinner hour and my in laws lives next door and come round a few times a day to see him, even that isnt ideal really but its working.

When we got my dog seven years ago in September. He was left home alone while my sister and I were in school and while my parents were at work. We took him on a walk in the morning before everyone left and then again after everyone got him. It was fine for us, and I love my dog dearly, it was love at first sight.

Hiya!
I'm afraid 8 hours is too long for a puppy. My dog is 19months old and I feel guilty if I get held up at work and leave him 5hours. But a puppy needs lots of attention and stimulation, it will be like having a baby!
The pup would get very bored in that length of time and when you do return will be so excited it may make training difficult...especially housetraining as it will have to do it's business indoors. Is there friend or family who could help until it's old enough to be left? Or maybe doggy day care if Its affordable for you?pup will benefit from socialisation then too. Or would you consider a rescue Maltese or other "hypoallergenic" breed that is old enough to be left?

Or as suggested, maybe a cat... IMO you can't beat the welcome home a dog gives though!

Do let us know what you and husband decide to do

I work full time and have a dog. My current one 7.5 years of age, has travelled with me since 7 weeks. My previous one went to a puppy creche until she was 6 months old and then had a dogwalker at lunchtime when she was a year old she could manage a whole day.

A puppy needs regular toilet breaks like a toddler, housetraining will be a nightmare if you leave it that long.

Are there not any Maltese in rescue?

Maltese Club Welfare and Rescue
Mrs V Blore Liverpool 0151 525 6470
Carol Hemsley Surrey 01276 857786


Maltese Club of Scotland Rescue
Mrs B Miller 0147 5540510

Hey smokeybear!
She's in Ohio so not sure these numbers will be of much use.
But I definitely agree with everything you said x

I think we've decided to wait until spring. I am a teacher and will have the summer off work. Hopefully that will allow me time to train and be home with most of the puppy stage.
I did think about adopting an older dog. Something about that makes me a little nervous. I'm not sure.

We just lost our cat a few months ago. We were heartbroken and aren't ready for another kitty. I'm also allergic so we are avoiding that.

I so appreciate everyone's honest opinions. I guess in my heart I thought that waiting was probably the right answer. I would love to have a dog to cuddle with this winter, but I want to be responsible and raise a puppy lovingly!!

Thanks everyone!

I told you I was ill............