Having a pet and training questions

[MartianDestiny]

IMO, 8.5 hrs is really really pushing it for a shih tzu (or any other small breed dog) to hold it. Their bladders are just small. A house broken dog may be able to do it, but training a puppy probably won't go well.

If you are willing to go the puddle pad route (so she can go in a designated area in the house) then you may be able to work it out better. (I'm not a huge fan of this as a long term solution mainly because my only experience with it used as such led to dogs that pee everywhere in the house (BUT, this could be more of a training issue than an insurmountable flaw in the usage, but I do think it leads to more complicated training than just being able to take them out).

Being alone for long periods is not necessarily insurmountable in my mind, but you do need to select the type of dog and individual personality to suit this situation. I'd also STRONGLY encourage having multiple dogs in this situation as they'll keep each other company and busy.

Your biggest hurdle will be training while being gone for such long periods (and exercise, but that's not such a big deal for a shih tzu). You can't really expect training a puppy to go well under such circumstances. Finding an older dog (that doesn't necessarily mean old, mind you) that already has an understanding of basic potty rules and basic manners might be better for you. Finding a bonded pair (that's typically harder for a rescue to place) may be ideal for all involved.

[NbyNW]

I would guess that there may be a bit of an adjustment period getting her house-trained and all the rest, and you might not be able to stick to your ideal schedule. Your bike will wait patiently for you, but a dog won't.

In addition to what MartianDestiny wrote, if daycare is appropriate for your dog, then that might help with providing a lone pet with opportunities for socialization and exercise. We take our dog to daycare twice a week and it's been great for him. I don't have to spend a ton of time tiring him out on the days that I have him at home, and the people at daycare have done a great job of reinforcing good behavior. Another bonus is that they have a kennel-free overnight service, so if we are traveling we know we can leave him with people we trust, in an environment where he is comfortable.

I will emphasize that there was a bit of a process to find a daycare that was a good fit for our dog. For one thing, you may need to get some vaccines that are over and above what is required by your municipality, depending on where you are. Could mean time out of your schedule and $$ out of your wallet for extra trips to the vet.

We did trial days at two places that didn't work out. At the first one they kept the dogs at a high level of energy to tire them out, and Gordy was pretty depressed for several days after that experience. The second one, the owner wanted to observe him first in a kennel which he did NOT like, so he was distressed and barked for two hours straight (he's not much of a barker ordinarily) and she felt he was not a good fit for her other dogs.

Third time was a charm: they do a great job of managing the pack energy a la Cesar Milan, a couple of treadmills so that the dogs can get some exercise inside during the long winters here. It was a great fit from day one. But it really was a process of learning about our dog and what he needs, and that all of these different places had something different to offer.

[NbyNW]

oops! my connection kept timing out, I didn't realize it had posted! sorry.

[denny]

I a couple of treadmills so that the dogs can get some exercise inside during the long winters here. It was a great fit from day one. But it really was a process of learning about our dog and what he needs, and that all of these different places had something different to offer.

uhm.. am i understanding you right? Doggy treadmills.

[MartianDestiny]

uhm.. am i understanding you right? Doggy treadmills.

I own a "Texas Heeler" (cattle dog X border collie). Believe me, if I owned a treadmill she'd be on it (probably even without my assistance!!!)

[NbyNW]

uhm.. am i understanding you right? Doggy treadmills.

Yep! In this climate sometimes it's a bit too cold to get the ideal amount of time outside for exercise. Gordy loves the treadmill. He's a rotty/shepherd mix and has tons of energy, I wouldn't be able to keep up with him if he didn't get a little time on the treadmill each week.

[ginny]

I used to live 35 miles out of town and in addition to work, I had to run errands in town before going home. I felt bad for my dog (an adult boxer). In the summer he had a dog door and made a right nuisance of himself (but he's so lovable, no one minded). I moved in with my DBF and his lovely shepard dog, and ... my old guy has a new lease on life! I realize you are talking about a puppy and not a lonely adult dog, but I am completely and forever more sold on the idea of a two (not three) dog house. One of my dearest friends once gave me a good piece of advice: only have as many dogs as hands - so you can pet them all at once.