I just got my dog three months ago so I'm still learning, but am I overthinking this? Every time I leave for work and come back, I'm overwhelmed because I feel like it's cruel to let her be all alone throughout the day. Are dogs okay with being alone or sleeping all day? I feel like no one deserves this life but it's the best one I can give her :(. I immediately take her out and play with her but I constantly wish I could do better.

My recs:

1) get a camera you can also talk to your pet through
2) I echo the above on food puzzles, snuffle mats, and slow feeders
3) there are a ton of interactive toys on the market
4) expensive but I drop my dog at petsmart doggy day cam 1-2x a week. She is WORN out and well socialized. I have a high energy breed so that says a lot.
5) there are affordable options on fetch/similar apps to have someone walk your dog midway through the day. Shady, but a lot of these people will offer a cheaper rate when you don’t use the app.
6) my dogs do not watch TV, but my friend always leaves Bluey on when she leaves the house. My understanding is that the cartoon is in colors dogs can see.
7) when I lived in an apartment, the other dog parents rapidly became friends and we had a group chat and would share dog sitting, check-ins, etc, providing a lot do free coverage for each other.

That said- I’m sure you’re a good dog parent for being this concerned. Dogs are animals- not people, and their needs are different. You have to adapt to your realistic options and do your best- which it totally sounds like you are. 💕

Your feelings are totally reasonable and they mean that you love her ♥️ 😊!

As someone who’s spent a lot of time with dogs, I can tell you that your feelings are super relatable—and it shows how much you care about your pup! Dogs are social creatures, but many are also totally fine being alone during the day as long as their needs are met. It sounds like you’re already doing a great job by giving her love and attention when you’re home.

Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys can keep her mentally stimulated while you’re out. Also, if it’s in your budget, you can put her in doggie daycare even once or twice a week and it could break up her routine plus help her meet other dogs.

Most dogs sleep 50% if the day. Larger dogs sleep much longer than that. So that’s fine

As others have said, socialization is important. So you can take them to dog park or board some days

They sleep - a lot. When the pandemic started I remember seeing posts in this bowl from people asking if it was normal their dog slept so much. They had previously been unaware of what their dog did all day, until they worked from home.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-many-hours-does-dog-sleep-day

When I was dog sitting for my brother years ago and had to be in the office full time, I was super stressed about leaving her all day and rushed back to her every night, so I don't think it's weird, but because of that experience, I wouldn't get a dog if I had to leave them alone that much. My husband and I are both at home, and he doesn't have to travel for work (like I do), so one of us is usually at home.

I totally get it! My guy is pretty lazy and even when I am home will spend most of the day asleep. He has his toys that I know he can't destroy while I'm gone and a camera that I can talk to him through.

When in doubt, if occasional doggy daycare isn't in your budget, even a dog walker once a day might help you feel better about it.

I agree with most of the posts here and I’m with you OP. It’s totally understandable that you are feeling conflicted. Personally I am lucky I work from home the majority of the time, and, if that changes in the future I will look into some of the recommendations posted here. Dogs are social creatures and they should not be left alone for more than a few hrs at a time.

My dogs all day legit sleep.

Depends on the dog same as individual. What breed or category is dog. Are they puppy or adult? If you have the funds, doggy day care is great for all dogs. If not, daily drop-ins from rover or friends can be helpful. If you are stressed when you leave, dog will feel that stress.

My current dogs go to daycare twice a week and they love it! My last two dogs hated daycare and were much happier hanging out at home, one was crated and the other wasn’t, and having their dog walker come once during the day to take them for walks. They and I adored her. If daycare stops working out for my current dogs then I’ll call her again. Some dogs do ok at home by themselves but they generally prefer to be with people, specifically their people.

I turn the TV on for mine

Lots of great advice here. Is your dog a 5-6 month old puppy or an adult dog that you got 3 months ago? The age of the dog is one factor when figuring out how long they can be left alone.

I think the longest I’ve ever left my dogs alone (with each other) is about 5 hours. If I’ll be away longer than that I will drop them off at their sitter

If your dog is grown it probably won't mind being alone all day. The worst thing is when people get a puppy, then everyone goes to work or school all day leaving the puppy to be locked in a cage and or home alone for 8 to 10 hrs a day! Puppies are just like babies and require so much time and attention. When people leave them alone for so long I find it sad and cruel for the pup. People please dont leave your pup alone for hours upon hours . Have a beautiful day .

Please don’t do it. People here are super nice and don’t want to say it, but in most cases it is not ok to leave your dog alone all day.

Try to find a solution: can you get a second puppy? can you pay for dog care? can you find somebody in your building who works from home?

I do love dogs. But I live in a Duplex and my neighbors go out on weekends and leave their bull mastiff home alone and he Will bark non stop from the times he's left alone untill they return. Doesn't matter how many hours they've gone. He will not stop. 12 -14 _16 hours he Will bark the entire time at the front door. Or at the wall when he hears us on the staircase. He's a very vocal loud dog.

I felt the same when I first got my dog. Especially because she was a rescue. I felt as though I was letting her down because I was supposed to have saved her and then she was just stuck in a home all day while I worked.

But I learned to be more okay with it because she does her own thing while I’m gone. She missed me sometimes, but she did what she wanted while I was gone.

Dogs also typically need more sleep than humans anyway so that did help too. We also got her a friend to play with. I still feel awful sometimes leaving her alone, but I have to remember that she’s having a good time and she’s not sad anymore. She’s got a family and a good life.

And I believe you’re doing great with yours. (sorry for all the words lol. I hope this helped at least a little bit)

Hello I have 5 dog altogether n my 3 puppies are so bad when it comes to walking they like too pull the two males are scared of everything thing n they can walk n still go inthe house n pee n poop all time any advice

My dog suffers from separation anxiety, so when I go to work I leave him with the RADIO ON with SOFT MUSIC so he doesn't feel lonely. I talk to my dog and let know him that mom's is going to work. He uses a dipper when he's home alone, he doesn't pee around I trained the way that he feels secure, and he knows I have to leave.