Leaving an American Eskimo dog at home regularly

Question

I am thinking of getting an American Eskimo dog (most likely toy size). I live in an apartment (in Stuyvesant Town, New York City, New York, U.S.A.).

In the usual weekday, all 4 people in the family go to work or to school. The earliest leaves at 6:45 a.m. (or, will, next school year), and the latest leaves at 7:50 a.m. The earliest comes back around 3:00 to 3:40, with the latest coming back later than 7:30 p.m.

This means that the dog would most likely be alone for 7 hours a day, and would only be walked twice a day [at 6:30 am and 6:30 p.m.] for half an hour at a time (the hour a day part seems ok for this breed by what I've read). Is this ok for an American Eskimo? If not, why not, and if not, is there any easy way for me to make this better without letting an outside person become attached to the dog?

I read somewhere that if a dog (no matter what breed) is used to a schedule like this from puppyhood, then it will do fine. Is this true?

Edit: If I leave my dog in dog daycare or training for 8 hours, how attached will the dog become to the people there?

Answer 1

Many dogs adapt well to two meals and two walks a day, especially in an active family environment.

• Mix in family outings where the dog joins your family. Consider longer walks, hikes, day trips, overnight camping, trips to the dog park. Weekend activities that include everybody will support stronger bonds.
• Amp up some of the walks with jogging/running.
• Spend time training the dog to behave, based on your families needs, on a regular basis. Training should include healthy dog/human games. Fetch and frisbee activities help satisfy the dogs exercise needs. Some games, like "Tug of War", may be too agressive for younger children.
• Teach your children to care for the dog and help them understand the dog's commands. It's important that they learn how to control the dog if you are not there. And it's equally important that the dog knows to obey those commands, even if the children are giving those commands. Naturally, you need to gauge this with age appropriate expectations.
• I have no doubts that you would provide proper Veteranarian care.

How do you picture your families life with a dog?
What decision make sense for you?

Note: I understand that Toy, Miniature, and Standard sized breeds have different needs. Please adjust my suggestions according the size, energy levels, and needs of your (future) dog.