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31/01/2008, 1:15 PM stevenc76 Joined on 31/01/2008 Posts 1 Are we being cruel? My girlfriend and I have recently bought a six week old Shih Tzu puppy, who we both love and were assured from the breeder was ready to be taken away. However we both work and are out of the house all day.  My sister and my mum and dad are able to come into the house to see the puppy during the day, and my mum and dad are actually taking the puppy for most of the day. Having spoken to my elder brother who is a keen dog owner he has stated that we are cruel and have made a terrible choice in getting a small dog. Apart from working we are completely dedicated to ensuring that this little dog has the best life, as soon as its had its jags I will walk it in the morning and as soon as i come home. Any advice, as we are first time dog owners      Report

01/02/2008, 1:54 PM Wendy Joined on 30/11/2007 Posts 3 Re: Are we being cruel? Hi Steven, My husband and I both work and we have two dogs now, one of which is a 4 month old Hungarian Vizsla.  As long as you have got family/neighbours going in regularly to see to your puppy, then he or she should be fine.  Initially, we had a neighbour go round every 2 and a half hours, but have now extended that to every 3 hours and this is working out very well. You sound as though you will be a very considerate dog owners, so I wouldn't worry too much about what your brother says.  Just a quick note on the subject of walks - you must not exercise your dog too much when it is very young as it can affect its bone growth - 10 minutes for every month of its life is more than sufficient and it musn't climb stairs at all for at least the first 4 months. Good luck and enjoy your puppy! Regards, Wendy    Report

03/02/2008, 5:20 PM Tim Roe Joined on 31/10/2006 Posts 114 Re: Are we being cruel? I think you have a slight dilemma inasmuch as the puppy is very young and on its own for some periods?. If your parents are going in regularly then that helps but do appreciate that the pup needs a considerable amount of socializing in the first few months of your ownership and needs to learn the ropes in its own environment. I note that Mrs Visla has said things are ok but she does have two dogs and that gives a lot of extra help to the youngest. Of course you care! But think about the future as well-why not get another pup now to enable your new one to develop more effectively in a more sociable way. If this is not possible then at least consider getting pup its own cage where it can be kept safely ( and feel safe) during any periods on its own. Many new owners find this a considerable help in the early stages. Good luck    Report

30/05/2008, 11:57 PM Roxy Joined on 30/05/2008 Posts 2 Re: Are we being cruel? Hi Have you thought about doggy day care?  These are like creches for kids, but obviously for dogs.  I am just about to send my puppy to one, as i work shifts and wont leave her alone. They vary in cost, but the average is around £20 a day.  If you have one near to where you live, perhaps it might be worth going to have a look around.  Hope this helps.    Report

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