Getting ready to go back to work

[Rotti_love]

After reading through some of the recent posts, it got me thinking about what I am going to do when I go back to work.
I don't have to go back till April :( but I would like to be able to leave them out in the house.
Audrey is now almost 2 and I THINK I maybe able to trust her now. Rolffe is almost 1 and I have always been able to trust him. He just usually puts his back to a wall and has a nap.
I work very long days, but my husband is usually home by 3, but that is still 8 hours of being kenneled. Although they get walked early in the morning and an evening walk as well, I still don't like the idea of them being kenneled for so long. I most certainly will not leave them outside either, for their protection.
So, over the next couple of months I was thinking of leaving the home everyday and progessively making it longer. They are really not used to being kenneled that often as I have been home everyday.
What do you guys think? And thoughts or suggestions?
Also how do I make it easier on me, leaving my babies? Breaks my heart that I have to leave them. We have so much fun through the day together. Hide and Seek, walks, sleeping in after our walk. Honestly, I think I will be more tramatized than them. :D

Thanks
Jill

[TrishB]

Yes, you're right. Your dogs will probably deal with things much easier then you. ;)

You have options!

1) Get a dog walker to come in and walk them for you once a day. I do this and along with exercise, they get socialization too!
2) Install a doggy door so they can let themselves out.
3) Crate training until you can trust them.
4) Enclose them in one room so they have more space to move around but you can contain the possible mess.
5) Doggy day care.
6) Running home at lunch to walk them.

Do whatever works for you and your situation. Of course, ensure that your yard is secure if you install a doggy door. Interview any doggy walkers / doggy day care that makes you comfortable.

I'm sure you and your pups will adjust just fine. :)

[DoggGuy]

You have great idea right there leaving them at progressively longer intervals, will get them used to the idea that you will be away but also puts into thier heads that you will be back. I vary the amount of time i am gone and when i get home i walk throught the house and jst lok around Daz knos what im doing, lookingto see if hes done anything bad. he stands by the door waiting. and when I get throught he gets praised all to high heavens and then we go out and play at the park. He was bad at being alone he once destroyed my $600 handspring visor, in his boredom. I wouls say just kind of walk around the house see what they can get to and make sure there are things that are easier to get to and more fun. But most of all dont act like its a big deal when you leave, they will pick up on the anxiety in your voice and actions and they will then think that somethings wrong, and you dont want 2 nervous rotts alone anywhere. Dont sneak out of the house either, my doberman would go crazy trying to find me and it shot her nerves when she finally did realize she was alone. Slow and easy wins the race and saves your stuff.