Question:
My dog always sleeps on the couch, waiting for my mom to come home from work. He looks miserable and I feel bad for him. Sleeping that much can't be healthy...
Is there anything I can do? Nobody is here in the morning to take him outside...


Answer:
What about doggie daycare?


Answer:
No-one is there in the morning to take him outside? How long is he left alone each day?


Answer:
Doesn't he have to pee?!

Get him some toys...or turn on the TV or something...try doggy daycare..or get a dog walker that can come take the dog out when nobody's home.


Answer:
We take him out first thing in the morning, but he's stuck inside until someone comes home (around 3:00). He's left alone for about 6-8 hours on weekdays. On weekends, he's fine. There's always someone home on weekends.

Do you think he would be happier if we left him outside in the backyard? The problem is that he's a small dog (Bichon Frise) and he always manages to crawl under the fence and run away. Maybe I could set up a small plastic fense and make a little area for him in the backyard. It could only be on nice days because I doubt he can handle cold weather very well.

I would also be a little worried about him getting attacked or something. Like what if some cat came into the backyard and attacked my dog? Or some thug decides to kill him or something? I don't know...is it a good idea to leave a small dog outside?

It's really frustrating sometimes because it seems that I'm the only one in this family who see's that my dogs lifestyle is depressing and unhealthy.


Answer:
Leaving him outside unattended is NOT a good idea. I have 2 small dogs who are left alone most days longer than your dog. They sleep alot.. even though they have cats & each other to play with. As long as your dog has lots of toys & chewies to keep him busy, I think he's just fine.
If your dog is truly bored, he would be occupying his time chewing up things he knows he shouldn't, barking his head off just to hear himself (and annoying all your neighbours)..
Doggie Daycare can be expensive or not even available depending where you live.. If you are still really concerned, I would hire a neighbour you trust really well to stop by at noon each day & take your dog for another walk.