[uclachady]

The first two years of my current pup's life I was pretty much home 24/7 and left him alone for a maximum time of maybe 2-3 hours (long dull explanation for that)

But in his third and fourth year I had to be away sometimes as much as 8 to 12 hours. SO fortunately had a period of time before so started leaving him alone 4 hours. Told him I had to go to work with a sad face. Don't know if for his benefit or mine but it seemed like he understood I wasn't happy about leaving him either.

Then I would give him a knuckle bone and go. No problems.

Worked up to about 6 hours.

If I am going to be gone over 8 I have his "babysitter" come and walk him or hang out for an hour, if raining. (I pay $10.00 an hour) Try to place walk about 5-6 hours and then have babysitter give him the knuckle bone.

he pretty much only gets the knuckle bone treat when I am going top be gone. OR we had a hard day and its my fault. So he seems to know what to expect when he gets the bone (also cuz wearing non dog clothes) and so far so good. Also my being sorta sad and then thrilled to see him when I get home and we play as long as he wants, helps at least one of us.

Another option when I forget to have a bone ready. -- new toy. I buy them at Ross on sale, baby bath terry cloth toys that have few or no seams (so no pulling and swallowing stuffing) and nothing on the outside -- eyes etc. that would harm if swallowed, last WAY longer than dog toys with seams at least with my sweetie.

Good luck. Max's mom