Rachel Rodgers, an award-winning dog trainer and behaviourist at Napo Pet Insurance, has urged people to be "realistic" about their ability to meet a dog's needs. As more individuals are expected to return to full-time office work, those who adopted dogs during lockdown may face a predicament.
If you're slated to spend eight hours in the office with an hour commute each way, owning a dog might not be fair or appropriate, though there are exceptions. "Leaving a dog home alone for 10 hours a day, without a toilet break or companionship, would not meet their needs," Rachel told Express.co.uk.
However, if you can "find a reliable dog walker to visit during the day", your dog will have the chance to stretch its legs, enjoy some fresh air, and take a comfort break. "Office workers have owned dogs for as long as we can remember - so no, returning to the office doesn't mean you can't have a dog," Rachel stated.
But if you're often away from home, you need to be able to afford dog daycare. "It's important to factor in the cost and consider your plans outside of work," Rachel advised. "For example, if you plan to go to the gym or attend other activities for two hours after work, this could mean your dog is left alone for even longer - potentially leading to boredom or mischief.", reports the Express.
Rachel emphasised: "Dogs need attention, exercise, and love, and it's essential that owners are in a position to meet all of their needs.". So, how long can a dog be left for?. Rachel stated: "In an ideal world, dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than four hours. Like us, they need a break to go to the loo and enjoy some enrichment or entertainment.".
