Getting a dog

getcarter

Thanks for all your replies, I work for 5 hrs a day, would this be too long to leave a dog?

Carter

PS I also have 2 cats, that's why I was thinking of a puppy but again might have it wrong.

Dumyat

we waited until I had a five hour a day job before we got our little mutt.
my husband is a shift worker so she was only alone maybe two mornings a week. puppies are like babies - they do need a lot of attention at first.
my husband wasnt keen at first but he has turned in to such a dog lover.

paddy's_mum

Could you maybe 'borrow' a dog from a friend or neighbour, just for a couple of weeks worth of taking it walking, having it visit your home for an hour or two at a time to see how the cats react, how it feels for you to have it beside you in the garden etc.

At the end of that time, you might have a clearer idea of whether getting a dog of your own is a good idea at the present moment, or not.

If you do decided that you really want one, may I suggest that you speak to your local vet or animal shelter. Many smashing dogs get rehomed through absolutely no fault of their own - owner going into care or died, divorce, new baby on the way, job taking them abroad. Getting an older dog would mean you missed out on the adorable puppy stage but you would also avoid all the mess and disruption. An older dog is also more likely to respect your cats and your property's boundaries.

Becles

getcarter wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies, I work for 5 hrs a day, would this be too long to leave a dog?

That should be fine. If it's your first dog, I would go for a quieter breed that needs less exercise, than something like a border collie which will be bounding on you wanting attention the minute you walk in! Make sure the dog has plenty to do while you are out, as it's bored dogs that get destructive. Mine have their own toy box with dog toys in, and occasionally they get a long lasting treat like a Dentarask or a Jumbone (see pet shop for loads of choice!).

If you do get a puppy, I would recommend getting a crate to keep him/her in when you are out and at night. It's like a big cage which needs to have enough room for the puppy to move around in.

It sounds cruel, but it stops the puppy messing all over your home until they are house trained, and prevents them chewing anything hazardous like electric cables. Bob (in avatar) was in a crate until he was just over a year. Then I started trusting him on short trips, and once I knew he could behave, I got rid of the crate altogether.

Firefly

getcarter wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies, I work for 5 hrs a day, would this be too long to leave a dog?

.

Yes that is too long. How are you going to house train a dog that's left for that long? You can't expect a small pup to hold on for that length or time, or to occupy itself without getting into mischief. That's unfair.

Given the above statement, perhaps another cat would be a good idea. Have you thought about something like a pedigree ragdoll? A larger breed of cat who can have dog-like characteristics.

PS it is likely that no reputable breeder would allow you to have a pup given that it is likely to be left alone for that long. Would you really want to consider buying a dog from a breeder that didn't care what happened to their pups?

tiff

Too long for a puppy but fine for an adult dog.

Justie

as has been said, too long for a puppy really although you could get round that by hiring a dogwalker but that adds to the costs - for an adult dog that's probably ok presuming there's a minimal commute but it means you can't pop and do things on the way to and from work. As has been said breed is really important please don't get something like a collie unless you can give them the right amount of work to do or they'll drive themselves and you bonkers. If you get a rescue be prepared for them to be a nervous wreck for the first 3 months or so and be gentle with them - there are tips for helping them settle should you go down that route. Dogs like routine and are pretty good time keepers so if you can give them the structure they need to feel settled then you'll have a happy dog who with time you can then leave for a little longer occasionally etc.

We've had our dog for 2 1/2 years now and he's settled into a lovely calm boy but there were times early on when we were tearing our hair out. It really is like having a toddler sometimes.. complete with mess, plastic toys everywhere etc

Asher

I would think about the breed and size as well if you decide to go ahead. My sister had the best dog in the whole world. It was a female Boxer which she had neutered (had she not she would have earned a fortune because everyone that met this dog wanted one just like her). When she died aged 11 my sister refused to get another dog in case it did not measure up.

kr15snw

Hmm 5 hours is a bit long for a puppy, but we got around this problem when we got our two spingers. We got them the day that our summer holiday started. The whole family had 2 weeks off and we spent it at home with the puppies (yes we got 2 at the same time, mad i know. lol), and then once everyone went back to work me and my brother still had the next few weeks off for the summer holidays (hes a teacher im at uni).

I think you said you have kids? So will you be taking time off to look after them in the summer? Maybe you could get the puppy at this time? It then has a few weeks to get used to you all, and you can do the majority of the house training then (depends how quickly they learn). Then when you do return to work, they will be a bit older and ok to be left on their own.

Hope this helps

Eels100

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

labradors can cope with very little exercise and you being out a lot of the day

I completely agree with all of your post except the above, belfastgirl - Labradors are known for being completley over-the-top, boisterous, intelligent, and energetic dogs, but unfortunately because of their image as lazy, tolerant, family pets they are often homed into situations where they don't get enough exercise or stimulation. I'd go as far as saying their needs in those terms are in the same range as those of a collie! Labradors are probably even MORE efficient at eating furniture, come to think of it ... :eek:

getcarter, 5 hours is OK for an older dog but not for a puppy, housetraining really requires a few days of total, hourly committment. The cats may be an issue but I stand by my suggestion of a sighthound - many have been cat-tested and would be only too happy to keep your armchair warm while you work!
See, some of them are cat safe!