Maltese being left alone for 5 hours one day a week - bad idea?

Sorbet

Considering a Maltese puppy for our family. Researching now so that we can start our search after Covid19 next year. Never had a dog before. Would be able to make arrangements for the first six months or so but then would need to leave the dog at home alone for 5 hours on one or max two days a week.
Everything I've read suggests that this breed can suffer separation anxiety and I don't want to make a bad choice that means dog suffers. Is this level of home alone time too much for this breed after six months? Thanks

DBB

Absolutely no reason why it should become a problem op, as long as you use those first months to gradually get pup used to tiny absences at first, gradually extending those absences until you can head off to the shops for an hour, then 2, and so on. You're in an ideal position to do this with the buffer period you have!
I'd suggest getting a puppy playpen, and setting up a den for puppy to get used to spending safe time alone in. Some great info here... https://www.dogstardaily.com/training/ch-2-raising-puppy

Good on you for doing your research now, it'll really stand to you I think Maltese are smashing little dogs!

Sorbet

Great news, thanks for that and for sharing the additional information. Much appreciated.

retro:electro

I have a Maltese and have often had to leave him alone for four or five hours and he’s been grand. He usually just falls asleep until I get back. From my experience they are a very social dog but are also grand with the odd alone time and adapt well to change. They’re a gorgeous dog op! Good choice

Sorbet

Brilliant stuff. Ticked all the boxes for us in our research to date but wasn't sure what constituted too much alone time from the websites. Thanks.

alroley

I have a maltese and he is fine with being left alone for a few hours. He just goes to sleep or lays in his bed.

Sorbet

Thanks a million.

puppieperson1

Walk him on that day hes going to be left alone then he'll be tired