Thread: Dog breed advice??

Fair enough and good on you for researching.

Personally (my dog isn't a hunting dog although he does come hunting with me, if that makes sense haha!) my guy is usually alone 6 hours a day at the least. Partner and I both work shifts so dog gets a little more attention I guess but when we are home, he just sleeps really. When we are not home...he also sleeps!

We get out (any weather) at least once a day for at least 15min exercise. This could be up to two hours, but 15min is our minimum. "Getting out" always includes training whether that is tracking, obedience or tricks; and also running, be it one of us running with him or hitting the ball for him to chase.

Back inside we do minimum half an hour training throughout the day but that is broken up into small sessions normally 5min each.

When the dog is inside, he always has access to fresh water, his crate and some safe toys but usually won't do anything but sleep if I'm not around. Pigs ears, Gorilla Kong stuffed with dried meat and peanut butter, knotted rags, empty milk bottles etc are in the toolbox of shit the dog can destroy. But like I say, he doesn't really touch them unless I'm home.

On the weekends/days off, dog will come out for a day long hunt and overnighters if I have the time.

Dog is a four year old German Shepherd cross, just shy of 30kg and lean and fit. He's regularly run 30km with my man friend and can get up to near 40kph next to a quad bike (not quite as fast as @Dundee 's dog Bolt!) but you get the idea - he's not a handbag dog but does just fine with being at home alone for an extended period of time on a regular basis.

Tip though - don't just go straight into leaving your puppy to his own ends in the house for 6 hours a day right off the bat