leaving dogs home alone all day

Question
I just adopted 2 4 month old border collie/lab mix puppies.Is it ok to leave them home alone while we go to work-10 hours? We keep them out on our 10ft.by 20ft. porch that has a couch on it for them to lay on and we keep the door leading out to the fenced in yard open so they can come in and go out.We also keep a big pan of water outside for them and leave their toys out on the porch. I am concerned with winter coming and the very cold weather. I am really having seconds thoughts about keeping them because of this.

Answer
Hi Carol,

Thank you for writing to me about your puppies.  There is a perfectly wonderful solution to your puppy concerns and therefore no reason to give them away.  Think about the years of joy they will bring to you and your family and puppies grow up oh too quickly, just like children!

I see no reason why you couldn't install a doggie door so that the pups can go outside when needed and come back inside where you can put together an area where they can't get to the rest of the house but will have access to the porch and yard.  Go to J-B Wholesale supplies.  They have what's known as X-pens, which are flexible, portable, lightweight fences that you can set up around the doggie door.  This will give the pups access to the outdoors and still prevent them from roaming your home.  Put down a waterproof tarp so even if they have an accident it will not penetrate to your floor or carpet.  This will allow them to relieve themselves, get exercise and still have the warmth and safety of your home, without the possibility of destruction or harm.  You can give them a couple of mats to sleep on, their water and some safe toys.  It's a win/win solution!

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis