Any ideas, please?

10_66

I'm really more of a cat person (having had 3, but none at present) than a dog person, but it's been recommended to me by a couple of people that it would possibly help me if I had a dog. I have a lot of issues going on in my life, and one or two people have said to me that they don't know how they'd cope if they hadn't got their dogs.

I'm not an impulsive person and have been giving it a lot of thought. I absolutely realise the commitment that's needed, and if I had a dog it would be left on it's own during working hours (which I'm not sure would be kind to it?). Anyway, if I did decide to have one, I know nothing about dogs, and wondered what breed to choose. I couldn't have a large dog (ie Labrador etc) and although I like welsh collies I would imagine they'd need more exercise than most, as they're basically a working dog. I suppose what I'm asking is, is there a dog that's temperament is more suitable to being left on it's own during the day. I realise that it may just be down to a particular dog's own personality, but knowing a bit about cats, I know that some breeds have particular traits.

Sorry if this sounds a bit of daft post, but I'd be interested to know people's ideas.

Many thanks.

hethmar

Im pleased you are actually putting thought into this because I dont think it would be wise for you to adopt a dog. BUT what I would suggest is you contact local rescues/dog homes and offer to be a dog walker or dog socialiser. It would be unfair to take on a dog especially when you say you arent really a dog person - and then leave him alone all day. Its really not kind. I understand what your friends are saying, when you are down, your dogs can help you tremendously face the world every day but thats when you already have your dogs and are home to be comforted by them. Im sure you can see it would be wrong to take in a dog just to use as a comforter when you choose.

But helping dogs by meeting them and taking them out of their runs at a rescue would be good for you and the dogs you walk/stroke/play with.

Bailey_Bear_2

We have both Cats and dogs in our household, though I would consider the cats more mine, and the dogs as belonging to my OH. I love them all very much, but as a cat person, there are things about the dogs that I find difficult to appreciate.

Dogs need to know who's boss. Constantly. You can give them love, but it's not the love you can give to a cat. You need to always be 'on top' with a dog, where as (if you're like me) your cat can be completely over indulged and no worse for it.

Leaving a dog on there own for eight hours a day is begging for trouble. There will be a bored and lonely dog when you get home, who has probably indulged in destructive behaviour and left you some 'presents' to clean up

Is there a reason why you aren't considering a cat?

hethmar

Im making a wild guess you may be in Sussex?

Have a look at this rescue. Im sure they would be happy to have volunteers helping with the dogs waiting for homes.

http://www.allsortsdogrescue.org.uk/

If not, just have a google and Im sure you will find a local rescue. Good luck

Fire_Fox

Cats are just as beneficial as dogs for those who have mental health issues (this includes stress), my mood definitely suffered when I was 'between cats' for a couple of months recently and I am far from alone in that. Given that you are more of a cat person why don't you offer to foster for a local cat rescue? If that is not rewarding enough you could then try fostering a dog, or volunteering as a dog walker for people with mobility problems. If you have a full time job, it's not kind to leave a dog alone all day and in fact most rescues and many reputable breeders would not entertain letting you take one of theirs on.

Whichever you decide to go for, I'd strongly recommend adopting an adult rescue dog or cat that has been in a foster home (not cattery or kennels) for some time so their personality is known. Don't be afraid to specify traits you want - a lap cat or dog that likes cats for example - some experienced homecheckers even prefer to short list for you, which can be very successful. Of course quite a few fosterers fail by letting one of their 'temporary' charges get their paws well and truly under the table. :rotfl:

10_66

Mahri wrote: »

We have both Cats and dogs in our household, though I would consider the cats more mine, and the dogs as belonging to my OH. I love them all very much, but as a cat person, there are things about the dogs that I find difficult to appreciate.

Dogs need to know who's boss. Constantly. You can give them love, but it's not the love you can give to a cat. You need to always be 'on top' with a dog, where as (if you're like me) your cat can be completely over indulged and no worse for it.

Leaving a dog on there own for eight hours a day is begging for trouble. There will be a bored and lonely dog when you get home, who has probably indulged in destructive behaviour and left you some 'presents' to clean up

Is there a reason why you aren't considering a cat?

Only because having a dog would mean that I would take it for walks and so would help me in that way, also meeting people when taking it for walks?

hethmar wrote: »

Im making a wild guess you may be in Sussex?

Have a look at this rescue. Im sure they would be happy to have volunteers helping with the dogs waiting for homes.

http://www.allsortsdogrescue.org.uk/

If not, just have a google and Im sure you will find a local rescue. Good luck

I don't live in Sussex, but do live in a rural area. The closest rescue home for me is some 30 miles away, and so it's too cost prohibitive (fuel wise) making a 60 mile round trip to volunteer for walking their dogs.

rising_from_the_ashes

I'm afraid I'm going to agree - there are very few dogs who can be left (and be happy, content etc) a whole day by themselves. You are right that collie's are working dogs and they would go literally nuts cooped up by themselves all day with no stimulation.

At a minimum, you would have to get a dog walker to come in and take the dog out/exercise it every day - this costs £12/dog in our area (for an hour) so it's a significant cost.

That's on top of other "doggy" costs - they, generally, cost a lot more to keep than cats so not sure if you've factored in these costs either?

If dog walking for a rescue is out (I know how this feels, my "local" cat rescue where I wanted to volunteer is around the same distance and unfortunately not feasible to do on a regular basis), why not ask around the locality and see if there's an older person who may appreciate some help walking their dog, say after work?

I know a few people who do this - everyone wins, the older person can keep their dog, the dog has company all day and then gets a lovely walk in the evening!:D

Bailey_Bear_2

Could you borrow a friends dog for a week or two? It might help you to have hands on experience without making a long term commitment. I second fire fox's opinion of and adult animal, not only will personality traits be well established, but you can avoid the problems of toilet training and chewing.

tizerbelle

I would echo the opinion that getting a dog to help you with your issues is NOT the way to go. If you get a dog it has to be because you want a dog for what it is and what you can offer it, not for what it could do for you.

Depending on your issues, getting a dog could actually make things worse for you - putting extra pressure/responsibilities on you when you are not in a position to cope with that right now.

So you need/want to get out more and meet people in a relaxed manner - have you checked out your local groups - there may be a local walking/rambling group that has regular meets for a walk - some do gentle short walks as well as longer more difficult ones and often you can just turn up on the day and there is no expectation that you will go on each and every walk - they'll be happy to see you even if you only do a few a year.

Fire_Fox

tizerbelle wrote: »

I would echo the opinion that getting a dog to help you with your issues is NOT the way to go. If you get a dog it has to be because you want a dog for what it is and what you can offer it, not for what it could do for you.

Depending on your issues, getting a dog could actually make things worse for you - putting extra pressure/responsibilities on you when you are not in a position to cope with that right now.

I don't see what the problem is with considering this from both perspectives; very very few people adopt a cat, dog or have a child for purely selfless reasons. The OP has experience of taking responsibility for the welfare of living creatures and is clearly considering this. There are many many people with mental health problems - even to the point of being homeless with drug or alcohol issues - who care for a dog very well. The OP is holding down a job which would rather suggest they are not completely incapacitated by their life stresses.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?entry_id=92954
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/apr/22/support-dogs-mental-health-problems

Caroline_a

I wouldnt be without my 2 dogs, in fact I don't think I'd ever be without a dog on a permanent basis unless i was totally incapacitated. However, if you're intending leaving a dog for a full day on it's own I think you might be setting yourself up for some grief. Yes you could use dog walkers, but that's an hour a day, and some dogs need more than that. You'll have to go through the teenage period which is somewhat testing to say the least.

Please don't get a dog thinking that it will be all walks and cuddles, it's damn hard work for a long long time. Yes, very rewarding in the end, but if you are suffering from issues then a naughty adolescent pup won't help at all. Plus you'll be on tenterhooks if you get held up at work to get back to the pooch.

Obviously I have no idea what your issues are, but do consider carefully. Read some of the threads on here about people's dog issues and ask yourself how you would react.

Good luck with whatever you decide