Working during daytime w/Golden Retriever Puppy

Question
My husband and I will be adopting a Golden Retriever puppy in about 4 weeks.  I've read where its not good to leave them along for extended periods of time.  Other than working during the daytime(my husband gets home around 3:30 pm every day) and occassionally going out on the weekend - would that be okay for the puppy?  Thanks so much!

Answer
Although it exceeds the standard guidelines, we have had good luck leaving puppies as young as 7 weeks for 4-5 hours.  At that age, they still need a third, mid day meal.  I hate to see even an older dog left much longer than that.  If neither of you can make it back mid day to give the puppy a break, try to find a neighbor or professional dog walker.  If none of that will work, perhaps you need to rethink getting a puppy.  

There are plenty of older dogs around needing homes.  One of the best sources for dogs with a predictable personality is the rescue dogs.  These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them.  You may find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm  The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year.  They don't do as careful matching the dog and home, but you can check www.petfinders.org too.  

While I don't like to see an older dog left all day be itself, you have the additional option of doggy day care after the dog is 6 months old or more.