Are Coton de Tulear puppies okay on their own for extended periods of time?

by H
(Toronto, Canada)

I have a full-time job that requires some commuting (about 2 hr commute each day), so I am away from home for 10-12 hours each day. Will the puppy be okay on its own during this time?

What do I do about housebreaking them? I prefer to teach him to pee/poo outside as opposed to pee pads, is that doable given the length of time I am away from the house?

I have also heard that Cotons are more prone to separation anxiety and barking, is that true? I live in an apartment and this may be a problem for my neighbors.

Any information/advice would be appreciated.

thanks,
H

Comments for Are Coton de Tulear puppies okay on their own for extended periods of time?

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Dec 02, 2011
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Litter box train/grass mat/pee pads
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

I think all has been covered for ur extended periods from home. I hope if u get an older dog u still let it have an opportunity to relieve itself while ur gone. Wheather it is pee pads, a litter box, or one of the AKC grass mats u can purchase. The period of 10-12 hrs. is to long for any animal to not have the chance to relieve itself. Remember they also deserve a walk every day before or after work. Good luck I know it is hard when u really would enjoy the comfort of a pet.

Dec 02, 2011
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H have you decided on a puppy?
by: Iris Miller

I imagine all this advice and commentary must be overwhelming and somewhat discouraging. I know the feelings, I grew up with dogs, raised my family with dogs, and heartfelt, truly wanted and needed another dog( for years) before I found my Coton Tuffy.
Tuffy is my sweetheart, my companion. It has not always been easy, both of us have gone through rough times. Two years ago Tuffy had a bout of very painful Lyme disease, He was on antibiotics for a month (also a big Vet fee). In three years he had to be shaved to the skin three times because in spite of careful grooming his hair became suddenly and badly matted,The shaving was extremely traumatic for my dog and me. He travels everywhere with me, my frequent flyer dog. It's not easy.
I think the best advice is for you to follow your heart to find the dog for you, and be sure you have a backup caregiver, family, friend or neighbor. Love will see you through.
many blessings,
Tuffy's mom

Dec 02, 2011
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Leaving your dog for extended periods of time
by: Cathy

Before you take that leap of faith and get a dog no matter which breed, you have to ask yourself are you willing to invest the time it requires? Taking care of a dog is like taking care of a baby, you have to spent time with the dog, yes you can work, but once you are home you need to show that dog love and LOTS of attention. I work second shift and most nights I get home after 1 am, I would love to go right to sleep, but I don't. I stay up sometimes 2 hours and play and cuddle with Jasmine. In the mornings she doesn't care what time we go to sleep, once she is up and going she wants me to get out of bed. Once you bring that dog home, its not fair to return after a few months because you can't handle the responsibility.

Dec 01, 2011
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kindnesss of Coton family
by: Iris Miller

Dear Kathy and cute little Triscuit, thanks for you kind thoughts. It is going to be a long recovery and Tuffy is right here beside me and not letting me out of his sight for a moment.Tuffy understands I cannot take him out and is resigned to the fact that the pee pads are his only recourse unless someone can take him out(before and after work). Our neighbor's dog, a black toy poodle. was run over and killed a few months ago.He was Tuffy's best friend. The neighbor just got another puppy for her birthday. She brought him over to play with Tuffy and it was a joyful day for us.
We are blessed to know kind people like you,
love, Iris and Tuffy

Dec 01, 2011
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LEAVING PUP ALONE
by: KATHY AND TRISCUIT

IRIS AND TUFFY
SORRY YOUR TRIP ENDED WITH YOU BREAKING YOUR ANKLE..HOPE YOU HEAL QUICKLY...I AM SURE THAT TUFFY WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU... BEST WISHES FROM KATHY AND TRISCUIT IN PA..(FORMERLY FROM OLD LYME CT.)

Dec 01, 2011
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Coton at home
by: Anonymous

When I purchased my Coton, the breeder did not want to sell to me because I work. I convinced her, since my husband worked from home 2 days/week and I had a pet sitter lined up to come in 2x/day. I found out later that she purchased the Coton she was breeding to keep her other dog company, because her and her husband both worked! The point is, we all want what is best for our previous babies, but in this economy the reality is that most folks work outside the home. My solution has been a dog walker and multiple pets (2 costs and 2 dogs). I am a big believer that pets need another of their species to play with, even if someone is home all day. My dogs are very happy, and often even when we are home they are upstairs playing. The thoughtful person that wrote this question sounds like she would make a very wonderful pet owner and I feel badly that everyone is making her feel guilty and discouraging her. I'm sure I will get blasted for this response but that is how I feel about it.

Dec 01, 2011
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it takes time but
by: Kathy

I got my first Coton about 6 years ago. I already had an older dog and they got along well. I kept the puppy in a small space until she was housebroken. If I had to be gone for extended periods (more than 4 hours) then I left a pee pad in her space. I worked close to home so I could come home for lunch and let the dogs out.

Now I work the same schedule that you described. A 45 min commute (one way) with a 10 hour workday. So I am gone almost 12 hours each day. The older dogs were fine BUT . . .

Just this year I decided to get 2 new Coton puppies ( I L O V E these dogs). Anyway I got my puppies in May -- I have a friend who was able to be here for several hours each day -- the 4 days that I work. They have adjusted well. They are now 9 months old. Unfortunately my friend is no longer able to drop in (she moved away); it works ok, but does require that I spend most weekday evenings devoted to dinner, dogs (playing and grooming). Recently I lost my oldest dog (16 yrs old). My 3 small dogs stay in my laundry room with a pee pad, dry food and clean water with a couple of soft beds for them. They haven't used the pad in the 6 weeks since my friend moved away. They go outside in the morning (first thing) then get to run around either outside or in the large kitchen area. I do the same in the evening when I get home.

If you decide to go this route, be aware -- 2 puppies are a lot of work! I had forgotten in 6 years (and my schedule then was much more forgiving).

Dec 01, 2011
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puppy anxiety
by: sherry - cotton

Hi H,

Some of these comments may seem a little harsh but having a
coton myself, I have to agree. Cotons are not like your normal
standard dog. They are extremely devoted, need alot of attention and would be totally miserable if left alone the time you will be gone. I am glad you have inquired about this breed but please --- re-consider at this time in getting one. They are magic little
creatures that tear at your heart when left out of anything. I hope you do not think we are all crazy dog people, we just own them and know how they are.
TOTALLY NEED TO BE WITH THEIR FAMILY!!

Sorry if we appear angry but no puppy should be left alone all those hours, especially a coton.

Dec 01, 2011
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Dogs and jobs
by: Gale

Well this post seems to have touched a nerve. I thought I’d throw my two cents in since I’ve struggled with this issue as well since I work full time. I can’t imagine my life without pets and I work outside the home so there’s always a balancing dance going on trying to juggle my time. When Luc was a puppy, I was able to come home for lunch and also had friends and family come over and care for him during the day. As he got older I also used pet sitters and doggy daycare which worked out really well, but was a pretty significant financial impact.

It’s much easier now that he’s older since he sleeps much of the day and I’m also fortunate to be able to work from home when I want to. On days when I can’t get home at a reasonable hour he definitely lets me know he’s not happy. He can be very naughty when he wants to let me know that I’ve screwed up :)

I agree with the others that unless you have some kind of support (family, friends, neighbors, doggy daycare, etc) you should probably consider another breed. Cotons (and many other small dogs) are companion dogs and thrive around their people. And puppies especially need more care and attention than older dogs.

I volunteer at a local animal shelter so I know that there are many dogs who would benefit from someone like you who can give them a good loving home. Have you considered an adult rescue dog? In a perfect world they would all get homes with people available for them 24/7. But the reality is that most people DO have to work and giving a good home to a dog living in a cage every day is a much more humane option. Just a thought.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision. Unfortunately too many dogs are adopted impulsively without truly understanding the logistics of the day to day care required. I commend you for doing your research and for your concern about the welfare of the dog BEFORE just plunging in.

Dec 01, 2011
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alternate choices
by: iris Miller

Instead of making the terrible mistake I did ignorantly doing exactly what you are considering,, how about volunteering at a shelter as a puppy parent on your days off work? They need dog walkers and loving play until they get adopted. i adopted a 6 week old Coton who came from a breeder with a houseful of little children and both Coton parent, the breeder assured me he would be fine with me in my little apartment, no yard, and me working full time. I stayed home from work a few days to bond with him.I had a large handicap size bathroom that I made into a kennel for Tuffy, a toy basket, pee pad, food and water a small kennel(he feared going in). I left the light on, the door open with see through gate. I gave him a treat and play and went away to work for 10 to 12 hours. I would come home at night and find him curled up in a ball behind the bathroom door. I had no clue that he was exhausted from lonely crying and depressed. We played, ran around the apartment hallways and explored outdoors.

Not until I moved three months later did my next door neighbor tell me my dog barked and cried constantly. It still breaks my heart to think of it. I had asked her many times if my dog barked, and she always said, no i don't hear anything. That is why my dog has issues, such as severe separation anxiety. Since Tuffy was four months old I am retired, living with other family members. I love Tuffy with all my heart (read all my previous postings see photos) and we are inseparable companions, always together.

We have recently gone through another traumatic experience, on a visit cross country to my daughter's home in CA, I broke my ankle and ended up having surgery and being hospitalized fir two weeks.Tuffy was in the care of family, but was not familiar with the new environment and people rules. We were sad without each other. Tuffy rode around on my lap at the airports and stayed in my arms all the way back to CT from CA. Now Tuffy has become my nurse and fiercely protective. He seemed to know just what I need to do with the wheel chair and walker and guides me with this equipment. Tuffy is in bed with me, staying right next to my casted broken ankle, healing and protecting me.

I think all of us need to seriously consider the what if's because they do happen. love and blessings,
Iris and Tuffy Coton
ps I have a friend who takes her small dog to work and every where with her,

Dec 01, 2011
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not a good idea
by: Anonymous

Puppies are babies... thus require constant care. 10-12 hrs a day alone for a pup is not only not healthy for him/her, its neglect!

Dec 01, 2011
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Leaving your dog
by: Anonymous

In my opinion if you work long hours each day I would consider not getting a puppy. A puppy requires a lot of attention and being confide to an area of the home while at work isn't fair to the puppy especially a coton de tulear. They are companion dogs who are lovable and want to please. Although they can adjust to any lifestyle it isn't fair that they are left alone for long hours.
The coton de tulear can develop separation anixiety especially when they are left alone long hours every day. I understand you've hesitated getting a dog because you don't want to be selfish & have to work long hours. If you decide to get a puppy I would check out doggy day care in your area however I think these type of day cares the dog has to be a certain age you might check this out. good luck

Dec 01, 2011
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Leaving your coton de tulear for long periods of time!
by: Suzan Mesquite NV

I feel if you are going to have a puppy you need to be responsible and know what your getting yourself into before you get a puppy. A puppy is a priority and a person needs to know their life isn't going to be the same and can't make plans or pick up and go. You need to have your puppy come first. If a person works 10 to 12 hrs a day & doesn't live close to home to look in on the dog during a lunch break should make arrangements for a pet sitter or family member to check in twice a day and stay an hour each time. A puppy has a small bladder and can't hold it that long. A puppy can't be cooped up so many hour's. They need to burn up energy and play this is also the time you and your dog should bond and be trained properly. You need to invest time with your new puppy get familiar to a routine. This is what a person needs to ask themselves before getting a puppy. It won't be fair to the dog or yourself if you can't give the time they need at this stage. When I read your question about leaving 10 to 12 hrs while you worked the first thing I thought how can anyone even think to ask a question like this. Let me ask you can you hold it in for 12hrs? Of course not so what makes you think a puppy can and be cooped up for long hours. To me this is a form of animal abuse. I really hate to judge but I am. This upsets me because a person gets a pup & then realizes it's more then they thought and the only one who suffers is the innocent dog. A coton de tulear is a special rare and loving breed they will bring you happiness and love which should be given back in return. I have two coton de tulears they give me a lot of love and happiness and have grown to be wonderful adult dogs.
Suzan
Mesquite, NV

Nov 30, 2011
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Leaving dog alone
by: Anonymous

My husband and I both work outside the house 4 days/week. I had one Coton, and I had a pet sitter come in twice a day until she was about 7 months old, then once a day. I started to notice that she would look so sad when I left for work, so I talked my husband into getting a 2nd Coton (even tough we had 3 cats!). This has made all the difference. She wasn't too happy when I first brought him home, but now they are inseparable. Even when we are home sometimes we hear them upstairs playing. They play together all the time. I give them favorite treats when I leave in the morning, and they seem to look forward to me leaving so they can get their treat! They seem very happy and well adjusted. If I had it to do over I would get 2 at the same time so that they have company.

Nov 30, 2011
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Left alone
by: Anonymous

I can't even imagine leaving my Coton home for that long each day. Cotons are A very social, playful breed. It would be so unfair to leave them home alone for that long each day. I would question a breeder that would say that this was ok. When I was looking for my Coton most breeders wanted to know that I had a fenced in yard and was at home and not gone all day. There has been the odd time when I have had no choice but to leave my puppy but never for more than 6 hours.
Any more than that and I think you need to make arrangements for altnate care.

Nov 30, 2011
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Your new one
by: Anonymous

You might also research which breeds are better with being left alone for longer time periods. I really don't think my pup could handle it. However, I have friends who work full time and have dogs. Another option, after finding which breeds handle alone time better, perhaps have two pups. This way, they have a companion while you are gone.

Nov 30, 2011
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not recommended
by: Anonymous

10-12 hours is too long to be gone for any dog. a few months after I got my puppy and he was already potty trained, I was gone around 9 hours a day but I made sure to come home at lunch for a play/potty break. And if I couldn't make it home, I made sure someone else did. A dog might not be the right pet for you if you are gone that much. And especially a Coton, since they crave companionship.

Nov 30, 2011
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Your new puppy
by: Anonymous

I will not say whether you are good or bad, right or wrong about leaving your pup alone that long. I will say this: Your puppy's bladder is incapable of going that long without release. Never mind the house training, he/she is just not physically capable. You can train him or her to wait longer. My pup is 16 months. We are between 6 and 8 hours before he has to go. He lets me know if I haven't already offered it to him. Good Luck!

Nov 30, 2011
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genuinely looking for information
by: H

I have not purchased the puppy yet, I love dogs and have wanted a puppy for many years but always refrained because I thought my lifestyle may not be the most conducive to owning a dog. I am asking questions because I have been told by some dog owners that they leave their pets at home for 8-10hours a day while they are at work and the puppy is fine, happy, and well socialized. I also disclosed my schedule to the breeder and asked whether this would be a problem and well as what type of routine she is currently using with the puppy. The breeder similarly told me that she believed the puppy would be okay, provided I fed it and took it for a walk in the morning before work and then again in the evening when I got home. For the in-between hours, the breeder suggested blocking off an area of my apartment and setting down pee pads until he gets a little older.

I am genuinely torn because although I know I will love and care and spoil him when I am home in the evenings and weekends, I'm trying not to be selfish because I want the puppy to be happy and healthy. I can't imagine that only unemployed or persons with part-time jobs own dogs, so what do they do??

I've looked into dog walkers, puppy visits etc... but these services are not a permanent option, they are too expensive to maintain as part of a regular schedule.

Sooo....what do I do? Is it best to pass on this adorable little guy? :(

Nov 30, 2011
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extended periods of time...
by: Deborah

My first reply is incorrect. I wholeheartedly agree w/first reply below mine. You should not leave any animal that long alone....none.

Nov 30, 2011
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extended periods of time...
by: Anonymous

Have you already gotten a Coton de Tulear? I am surprised you have not discussed w/breeder. They are definitely COMPANION animals...and that many hours a day would be a difficulty for both you and a puppy, or a full grown/adult Coton. We have two males 3 & 2 years old...and the most we leave them together during any period of day time is four hours....Hopefully, you will find additional information on this breed which supports this knowledge.

Good luck!

Nov 30, 2011
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puppy
by: Anonymous

If you are gone that long everyday you don't need a dog.

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