Chicken Little needs some encouragement!

New to the site and have been searching for some information, words of encouragment for a worried doggie mom.

Had dogs of all kinds all my life. Now have two dachshunds; Gunther is 2 and Buddy will be 2 soon. These were rescues and both came to me under 1 year of age.

Throughout my single life, I've had family members, neighbors, friends, or a job that was close and I would come home during the day to let my furry friends out.

Circumstances have now changed and for the first time, I will have to leave these boys alone for long periods of time. I am an ER nurse and work a minimum of three 12+ hour shifts per week. Sometimes those are spread out over 2 wks (3 shifts per wk) other times they are condensed (4 one week and 2 the next)

At this time I am working on affording a pet sitter, but until then, I'd like some support/information/alternatives to help a very anxious, worried, doggie mom.

They were not crate trained and are secluded to one average sized room with a radio, blankets (they chew up dog beds) and food, water.

Thanks for your help!
Jane

Hmm, how have they been doing so far? They'll probably sleep a lot while you are gone. Any neighbor kids that could come and walk them mid-shift for a dollar or so? And I hope they have plenty of toys with them, right? A frozen Kong filled with peanut butter is a good occupier of time ...

The longest they have gone w/out being let out is 5 -6 hrs and had a few accidents (which I can live with) The neighbor that was helping has moved and she was the only one I really trusted. I've got kong's for them but I've never thought of putting pnut butter inside or freezing it. I'll certainly give it a try! They'll wear themselves out licking it. Guess I am the one that has the problem with it...putting humanistic thoughts into their wee lil' heads...Ceasar would get me for that huh?

Thanks for the suggestions! :)

You're welcome! Hope they enjoy! ;) They also make roly-cubes that you put kibble inside and as they play with it kibble falls out - that might occupy some time as well! Is there a church or synagogue or school in the neighborhood that might be able to reccomend someone trustworthy? Just a thought ...

Hi, i think it also might help to walk them extensively before you have to leave them alone. They are both pretty young and probably full of energy, so i think they will enjoy walking, running, playing outside for a longer period and then they can enjoy their rest at home as well.
But it depends on your opportunities of course.
Just a suggestion, hope it helps!
All the best from Vienna,
Michael

Wondering if it would help to set out some wee wee pads. I've never used them, but they are for this type situation.