dog but work full time

Person_one

Sorry if I missed it, but why can't the dog be in the house while you're out?

Laconic

mikeandrach wrote: »

i did give a greyhoud a thought, but i am not sure it is what either of us would ideally like. i guess the perfect dog would be a german shepherd, bigger collie, springer spaniel, somehting of a fair size and ideally fur, neither of us are keen on the appearance of short fur on dogs. i must stress though if we met a dog like this and there was a 'click' it would definitley come down to personality of the dog. also, i guess most rescues like dogs trust probably wouldnt rehome to us due to work, which although i understand their position is frustrating

I like the thought you're putting into this, but the choice of breeds in question is the one thing that is perhaps a bit weak. Those are all relatively high-energy, interactive breeds of dog that can and do invent their own amusements. They could work out for your situation but shelters are full of them (add staffies, jack russells and mixes thereof and you've got 80% of the canine rescue population right there), leaving behind a trail of wrecked homes, dug gardens, fence-running, sleepless neighbours and the occasional bitten child. Rescues are wary of rehoming where people aren't home a lot of the time precisely because a lot of denizens have proven too much for those circumstances. I could see one of those examples working out once you have a good system in place, but maybe not to start.

A lower energy dog would more easily fit into your proposed lifestyles as it'd suit them not to be 'doing something', so long as they have regular interaction and excellent structure. If you have good fencing, dog experience and are good at laying down the rules, then the livestock guardian breeds -- particularly the less-extreme ones like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog -- could work out great. They're sweet but relatively independent (it's a poor guardian who couldn't be left alone with the flock all day). However, they *can* get territorial, which is where a firm hand comes in. A lot of the mastiff type breeds can be very laid back and less territorial (think Newfoundland for one).

But as you say, it does ultimately depend on the individual dog itself. Besides rescue organizations, you could also look for people looking for a new home directly. All caveats apply and you're basically stuck with the dog if it's not as advertised but it can be a very good way to find a companion.

Just a couple of thoughts, worth no more than you deem them. I wish you well and look forward to updates.

mikeandrach_2

hi, i agree the breeds we are ideally looking for may be an issue. we are open to any suggestions and will look at them all. there is a possibility the dog could stay indoors, my only worry would be if it couldnt hold off any toiletry needs! also, i would guess the garden would provide better stimulation than being stuck inside all day, although i understand for some dogs that may not be the case

andthethreebears

Do you really believe this is the optimal lifestyle to bring a dog into?
I can't believe you are considering letting the animal sPend the majority of it's time in the place most people keep mowers and half empty tins of paint.

If a rescue (who, let's face it, are crying out to rehome their dogs) won't accept you, doesnt that speak volumes?

Why not wait until you have the time / space?
Why not volunteer to pet sit / walk rescue dogs / walk friends dogs and get all the niceties in the mean time

I know you asked for 'no emotional responses' but I can't believe you have 100% pOsitive responses so far, sorry.

mikeandrach_2

i appreciate your views, and i also agree that i am actually surprised my repleis have all been positive! i do think thought hat there are certain dogs where it may be suitable. of course a lap dog would hate it, but an independent, restful dog may well be very happy

merlin68

Wouldn't the fumes from the cars be dangerous for the dog. Most dogs would howl for hours shut up in a garage. Collies and springers are very energetic dogs and wouldn't be suitable round young children especially collies as they tend to herd and nip.

spikeage

I have a rescue springer and the rescue will not home springers with young children so do not think this is the breed for you. I rescued an older dog as I work full time but I go home every lunchtime and he enjoys sleeping on the sofa (or my bed given half a chance!) while I am at work. While he enjoys the garden, he loves comfort and I would never leave him in a garage in winter, I leave the heating on in the house for him when it is very cold. I would also never leave him in the house for a full day as he needs a toilet break.

There are lots of springers in rescues that have been left by people who have had a baby and cannot cope with the demands of a springer or because the dog is jealous of the baby.

I would leave a dog in the house and pay a dog walker or neighbour to visit daily.

Soubrette

German Shepherds are very smart - if you don't keep them tired out both mentally and physically and they become bored - they will create their own amusement.

My GS cross could open doorhandles (even upside down ones - had to change to round ones in the end), open packets, regularly escaped, ate his way through a wall, countersurfed, waited until he was alone to sit on the sofa then moved when he heard people coming, absolutely smart as anything - he was wasted with us

Unfortunately I too got him when pregnant and never had enough time with him to train him properly or keep him occupied, this lead to him only being able to be walked by the OH which was never enough.

His life was good with us, but it could have been better if we had had more time for him.

Also for an older dog - think about health costs, insurance is likely to be expensive with an excess and if you choose to go without insurance then obviously healthwise they are going to be more frail.

That said we have an old greyhound now - several small walks a day and pretty much snoozes the rest of the day away and not smart enough to make mischief (though lovely ), I wouldn't recommend a greyhound in your situation though as they have very thin fur and not much fat so aren't very good at coping with the cold.

gettingready

I too - I am quite surprised at the amount of positive replies you are getting to a prospect of dog living in a garage most of his/her life.

Sorry but this is NOT the best life for any dog.

If you want to have a well behaved, well socialised dog - especially as you are expecting a child - the dog has to be in the house, with people most of the time. Not shut out outside.

Toilet issue - get a dog walker, regular dog walker who will take the dog out for an hour or so while you are at work.

Just having a garde/garage - what a boring, lonely life for a dog.

themull1

I would see how you are with the baby first, you underestimate how much work they are!! I personally wouldn't get a dog under your particular circiumstances, what if its jealous of the baby? what if it barks all day? keeping a dog when two people work full time isn't a good thing.