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Q:

Can dobermans be left alone for 7-8 hrs everyday?

Hi everyone,

I'm considering getting a Doberman as a pet, but I work a full-time job and I'm worried about leaving the dog alone for long periods of time. I typically work 7-8 hours a day and I'm wondering if a Doberman would be okay with being alone for that amount of time.

I really love the breed and I think they're beautiful, but I don't want to adopt a dog that won't be happy being by itself for most of the day. I also don't want to come home to a destroyed house or a dog that's anxious or unhappy.

I'm hoping some Doberman owners or experts can provide some insight into whether or not this is a feasible situation for a Doberman. And if it's not, what other breeds would be better suited to being left alone for longer periods of time?

Thank you in advance!

All Replies

tboyle

Hi all,

I have also owned a Doberman in the past and found that leaving them alone for 7-8 hours a day can be challenging. While they are an intelligent and independent breed, they still crave social interaction and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

One issue I faced when leaving my Doberman alone was that she would become bored and start to exhibit destructive behavior, like chewing on furniture or tearing up pillows. This is a common issue with Dobermans, as they are an energetic breed that needs plenty of exercise and attention.

In addition to taking your Doberman for walks or runs, you might consider getting them involved in dog sports or activities like obedience training, agility, or herding trials. This can help keep them engaged and stimulated while you're away, as well as improve their overall physical and mental health.

Lastly, hiring a pet sitter or dog walker can be a great option for owners who are away from home for long periods. This can help alleviate their boredom and give them the attention they crave. You can also look into doggy daycares or boarding facilities that offer exercise and socialization in a supervised environment.

Overall, leaving a Doberman by themselves for 7-8 hours a day is not ideal, but with some extra effort and planning, it can be made more manageable. Remember that Dobermans are a dedicated breed that requires a lot of love and attention, so be sure you're up for the challenge before committing to owning one.

saige.will

Hello everyone,

As someone who has owned a Doberman for several years, I can say that leaving them alone for long periods of time is not recommended. These dogs crave constant attention and companionship, and they are vulnerable to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

In my personal experience, if I left my Doberman alone for even just a few hours, he would get very anxious and agitated. When I returned, I would find things in disarray, like furniture knocked over, shoes chewed on or even holes dug in the backyard. This behavior was frustrating for me and also bad for my dog's well-being.

Fortunately, I found a solution that worked for me and my pet. I started taking my dog to doggy daycare, where he would socialize and play with other dogs while I was at work. This allowed him to get the attention he needed and allowed me to relax knowing that he was safe and happy.

I would recommend exploring options like doggy daycare, hiring a dog walker, or enlisting a family member or trusted friend to take care of your Doberman while you are away. In addition, it's crucial for Doberman owners to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation during the times you are together. Regular exercise, training, and playtime are important to keep your Doberman happy and healthy.

It's important to remember that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Do your research and take your time deciding if a Doberman is the right fit for your lifestyle before bringing one into your home. It's a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly.

gbalistreri

Hello,

In my experience, leaving a Doberman alone for 7-8 hours a day isn't a good idea. I tried it with my Doberman and it didn't work out well. He developed separation anxiety and mild aggression towards me when I got back from work.

This is because Dobermans are social animals and love to be around their owners. Leaving them for long periods can result in behavioral issues, making it difficult to train and socialize them. They can also become destructive and anxious, which isn't a good sign.

If you work full time and are looking for a low-maintenance dog, then a Doberman isn't the right breed for you. I would suggest looking into breeds that are more independent and don't require as much attention, like a Great Dane or a Shar Pei.

Alternatively, you could consider getting a second dog to keep your Doberman company. This can help alleviate some of their anxiety and boredom while you're away.

Whatever your decision, make sure you do your research and consider your lifestyle before getting a dog. It's important to give them the attention and care they need to live a happy and healthy life.

graham.delfina

Hello all,

I have owned several Dobermans over the years, and I can say that leaving them alone for extended periods can be problematic. However, with proper training and preparation, it is possible to keep them happy and healthy while you are away.

One approach that has worked well for me is crate training. When properly introduced and used, crates can create a safe and comfortable environment for your Doberman to rest and relax while you are away. Furthermore, it can help curb bad behaviors, such as chewing, digging, or barking. But as a pet owner, it's important to remember that crates should not be used as punishment and should be not be used to keep your dog in there for too long.

Another option I would like to suggest is providing your Doberman with puzzle toys to keep them engaged and mentally stimulated. These toys can dispense treats or require your dog to really work to get to the treats. This mental exercise can help reduce boredom and anxiety, which can lead to bad behavior in the house while you're away.

Lastly, one of the most effective methods is to provide them with lots of exercise prior to leaving. A visit to the dog park or long walk can help tire them out and reduce their anxiety level while you are away. This physical activity is not only important to keep them in good health but can also reduce destructive behavior.

Overall, leaving a Doberman alone for 7-8 hours a day is not ideal, but with proper preparation and consideration, you can make it work. It's essential to understand your pet and provide them with proper care and attention to ensure they are happy and healthy in your absence.

jackeline08

Hi there,

As a Doberman owner, I can tell you that leaving them alone for 7-8 hours a day is not ideal. However, it's doable as long as the dog is properly exercised before and after work and has adequate food and water.

When I first got my Doberman, I was working full-time and was worried about leaving him alone for extended periods of time. To ease my concerns, I made sure to take him for a long walk in the morning and then again when I got home from work. I also made sure to leave plenty of toys and interactive puzzles to keep him occupied while I was away.

Additionally, I hired a dog walker to come in mid-day to take him for a quick potty break and to play with him for about 30 minutes. This really helped him get through the day without getting too anxious or destructive.

That being said, it's important to note that every dog is different and some may have more difficulty being left alone than others. It's always best to research the breed and talk to breeders or rescue organizations to get a better understanding of their temperament and needs before adopting.

Hope this helps!

bgorczany

Hi there,

I'm a Doberman owner and I've had success with leaving my dog alone for 7-8 hours a day. However, it did take some effort and a few adjustments to make it work.

Firstly, it's important to properly train and socialize your Doberman from a young age. This can help prevent separation anxiety and other behavioral issues when you leave them alone. You should also make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied while you're away.

In my case, I found that hiring a dog walker to come in halfway through the day helped a lot. This gave my dog some exercise and a potty break, as well as some socialization with another person. I also make sure to take my Doberman for a long walk or run before and after work, to help burn off any extra energy.

It's worth noting that every dog is different, and some may have a harder time being left alone than others. Dobermans are a high-energy breed, so they do require a lot of attention and exercise. If you're unable to devote enough time and energy to your dog, then it may be best to look for a different breed or a different living situation.

Overall, I think it's possible to leave a Doberman alone for 7-8 hours a day, but it does take some work and dedication. If you're willing to put in the effort, then they can make wonderful pets that bring a lot of joy and love into your life.

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