OP if it makes you feel better, I WFH all day with my pets and they nap all day, barely even look up if I walk through the room. I promise you they'll be fine.

OP do you have kids ?

I understand. Definitely first step is either using doggie daycare once or twice a week, or getting a daily midday dog walker. We often told our dog walker that walking was less important than letting our dog run around and play fetch in the backyard, basically to have fun and get the energy out.

We also make a point of spending quality time in the morning and again after work and in the evenings that includes our dog. Don't go out to eat unless it has a dog-friendly patio, take the dog to kids' sports practices and then take a walk nearby. We try to maximize our quality time when we are together so that he is happy to sleep while we're gone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Adult dogs need to sleep 16 hrs out of every 24 but I get it, OP!!

Really? That seems like it might describe a cat, not a dog.

Sounds like my dog!! When he’s not sleeping, he’s sniffing around outside hoping to find a good snack, or standing beside us hoping to get a morsel of food.

Obviously he’s a lab.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Adult dogs need to sleep 16 hrs out of every 24 but I get it, OP!!

Really? That seems like it might describe a cat, not a dog.

NP- yes dogs sleep a lot! I thought it was about 14 hours a day, but they generally sleep a good portion of the time when left alone.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm a puppy owner and have extreme stress over this, to the extent i've done a terrible job getting my 6 month old used to being alone. I don't want to take over this thread, but if anyone has advice - i would appreciate it.

Anonymous wrote:Adult dogs need to sleep 16 hrs out of every 24 but I get it, OP!!

Really? That seems like it might describe a cat, not a dog.