Leave a Schnauzer alone for 8 hours?

by Simone
(Denmark)

We are considering a miniature schnauzer as a pet, but would it be possible for it to be home alone for sometimes up to 8 hours?

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Jul 05, 2017
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Leave Schnauzer alone for 8 hours
by: Anonymous

I have a schnauzer mix (Schnoodle) I rescued 4 years ago from animal control and who I absolutely love. He has all the characteristics of a Schnauzer. Saying to wait until you can be home full time is ridiculous. I have a dog walker that comes every day at lunch plus I take him out every morning and evening. He is so loved and very happy. Fortunately my dog is used to his lifestyle. He sleeps in my bed and pretty much gets undivided attention when I'm home. I live alone and he is a great companion. Who know where he would be if I hadn't rescued him.

Jul 10, 2012
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try litter training?
by: daniel

you can actually litter train a puppy/full grown dog if trained from puppy age. of course the dog wont bury it, but if you keep at it and train to use litter instead of outside every potty break I'm sure the pup will figure it out. litter=dirt=poop=good. lol im gonna be getting my mini schnauzer soon i'll let you guys know how that goes. i unfortunately have to work 10 hours daily. will have time to come home and hang out for a few minutes, every break and lunch being i live down the street from work. but i still choose to litter train if in case I ever have to leave at inconvenient times.

Jan 23, 2012
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I think you can!
by: Anonymous

I have a mini who is almost 5 yrs old and if my boyfriend and i both work he has no choice to stay by himself for 8 hours....he does just fine! Just give him lots of love and attention when you are with him and he will grow into a healthy dog! I would if he is a puppy until he can hold his bladder try and make it home once in the day for a potty break and some love! Good luck!

Jan 23, 2012
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Thanks!
by: Simone

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I found some royal canin food, called miniature schnauzer 25, and it helps prevent bladder stones and weight problems! sounds perfect:)

Jan 23, 2012
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Thanks!
by: Simone

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I found some royal canin food, called miniature schnauzer 25, and it helps prevent bladder stones and weight problems! sounds perfect:)

Jan 23, 2012
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Thanks!
by: Simone

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I found some royal canin food, called miniature schnauzer 25, and it helps prevent bladder stones and weight problems! sounds perfect:)

Jan 23, 2012
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Alone for 8 hours.. !!
by: Michele

Ok to come home after 4 hours and take him out.. have a bite to eat with him then you can eat your lunch.. he'll probably ask for a morsel, anyway & with those pleading eyes you won't be able to resist giving him a little taste..
Enjoy your Schnauzer... and give him plenty of love, but don't spoil him... you will be rewarded... I know I am..and have been as I have had 3 minis .. and hope to acquire a puppy later in the year..but won't know till my breeder has mated her bitch..

Jan 23, 2012
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Reply
by: Simone

I could come home after 4 hors, take him out for five mins and leave again? would just have trouble finding time to eat lunch lol. anyone tried kong genious?

Jan 22, 2012
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Schnauzer left alone
by: Michele

Plenty of Good and sensible toys.. Konks are excellent, but fill them with your schnauzer's favourite food that take ages to get out and this will keep him occupied for hours..As for the potty training.. a plastic swimming pool that you buy from toy shops, and add the play sand.. he will dig and probably use it as a litter tray.. it maybe worth a try, even though I have not tried that myself .. there was always someone at home when I went out, but now being on my own I only leave my boys for the most 5 hours.. and they are fine..

Jan 22, 2012
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edit
by: Simone

With food, water, and fun toys too:) any experiences with kongs?

Jan 22, 2012
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Answer
by: Simone

Ok, so alot of negative and positive feedback.. I wouldnt be leaving him in a crate, dont like crates. he would be in my room where his bed would be too. and its only 8 hours once or twice a week. Any suggestions on how to fix the potty situation? because i know its not healthy. And when I get home he will get a long walk in the forest:) ofcourse a walk before leaving too. so, the potty thing? any ideas?

Jan 22, 2012
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Thumbs up Bill and Lily
by: Anonymous

I totally agree. Most people work. It is easier if you have two dogs so they can keep each other company but as long as any dog is well trained and you provide them with everything they need leaving them alone is not cruel. Ideally we would all love to stay at home and take care of our home, children and pets but anyone who works full time can still have a well trained dog if you dedicate good quality time once you get home from work (the 16 hours a day outside of work).

Jan 21, 2012
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Yeah you can
by: Bill & Lily

Now first of people have become way to sensitive when it comes to dogs. Yeah sure a dog should be loved, but people need to understand it is just a dog. He won't die if you leave him alone he won't develop bad behavioral traits if you train him properly. There is nothing cruel about leaving a dog alone especially if you have provided it with everything it needs. You can't expect to be able to leave it in a crate for 8 hrs- that would be cruel. Even your dog develops bad traits there is nothing a little pinch on the nose wont fix. They love their masters and as long as you can maintain the master, pet relationship anything can be accomplished. Never forget they are a pet and not equal to you, you are always the master!

Jan 21, 2012
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you can make it work
by: Anonymous

I have a 12 week old and she is doing great. There are 2 ways during the week where we have to leave her alone for about 10 hrs a day. For the first few weeks we had her we made sure that she always had somebody with her and we gradually taught her to stay longer periods of time alone. For the first few days she would cry but it's only normal for a baby to cry when it's missing it's parents. Now when I leave her alone for those periods of time I make sure the lights are on, that she has her food in check and that she has plenty of toys to keep her busy. She is also 100% potty trained. Good luck, think about what best suits you and your puppy.

Jan 21, 2012
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Alone for 8 hours.. !! DON'T Buy a dog..
by: Michele

Betsy is right .. before considering buying a dog, whether it be a Schnauzer or another breed.. leaving any dog ALONE for those many hours is not only inconsiderate it's CRUEL, unless you have the complete trust of one of your friends that can be with him whilst you are not there..
WAIT until you are able to be with him FULL TIME .. enjoying one another's company and love..

Jan 21, 2012
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Please reconsider and wait to get a dog
by: Betsy, alpharetta, ga

8 hours alone is 8 hours alone. Whether he is walked before or after is immaterial.

Think of it from a dog's perspective. 8 hours alone, 8 hours while the household sleeps. Not much of a life, is it?

Also, it is very difficult for some dogs to hold their bladder for 8 hours. It is not fair to ask them to do this. And, if you get a puppy makes it impossible to house train properly.

Please don't get a dog and ask it to sit home alone for this amount of time on a frequent basis.
My husband and I worked for many years and put off getting our dog until I retired and was home to care properly for the dog.

During the years we were unable to have our own dog, we made it know in our neighborhoods that we loved dogs and were happy to care for them when owners took vacations, etc. We made many friends this way as well as found many dogs to love while we waited for our own dog.

Jan 21, 2012
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Leaving your Schnauzer ALONE !!!
by: Michele

NO, NO, NO definitely NOT .. Schnauzers NEED companionship and company.. as they are VERY sociable dogs.. leaving him alone for 8 hours will cause so many problems later , as he'd turn out to be aggressive towards other dogs and rather than play he may become nervous.. Why not see if there is a Doggy Day Centre in your part of the world, or get a friend to stay in your home for the hours that you are away, to walk him and play with him.. the most I leave my 2 boys are for 3 to 4 hours, but they have had a good walk before and also have tired themselves out running around. If you leave him alone for that amount of time he may also become destructive and bored..and also do his toilet in the house...

Jan 21, 2012
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Dont leave a dog alone for 8 hours :(
by: Joe

Hi I dont really think it is fair to get a dog then leave it alone for 8 hours a day minis are like velcro dogs and need human company they like to be in amongst the family all the time and hate being alone!! Mine follows me from room to room and is always at our feet! I hope this helps think on the dog he would hate it hop this helps you!

Jan 20, 2012
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EDIT
by: Simone

If we walk him plenty every day, a bit in the morning, a half to an hour in the afternoon, and maybe some in the evening?

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