Dog from Dogs Trust

kayl

My daughters have nagged me for years about getting a dog, and I have made various excuses, the main one being that there are days when it would have to be at home until 4pm on its own.

We have been looking after a friends dog for the last couple of months, and now it has gone home, I am really missing it, and would really like us to get one! My eldest daughter has left school and has a part time job, and for at least the next 6 months the dog would only have to be left for about 3 or 4 hours a day during the week, and not at all during school holidays

Whilst the dog we were looking after was fine with being left, would it be totally unfair to bring a dog into our house on this basis?

If it would be ok, has anyone any tips for looking at dogs from a rescue centre?

lil_miss_17

I think a puppy would need someone around more than that, but there's no reason why an older (over 1 yr) dog couldn't be left for a few hours. We leave our 3 year old dog all day on some occasions when my shifts don't match my husband's.
When getting a dog, decide what it is you want size-wise. Then if you want a particular breed (bear in mind that pedigree dogs do not generally live as long and may have more health issues than your tough mongrel) think about that too. Some breeds need more exercise than others, some need more grooming etc etc so you need to think how often you would groom and exercise it. Get some idea of how much vaccinations, insurance (essential for a dog), food etc cost and details of any local dog training schools so when you go to the rescue centre you look prepared.

When you visit the centre, don't judge a dog on what it's like when it's cooped up in a cage. Some dogs get depressed, some go loopy. In either case, they are not a true reflection of what they would be like in a home, the loopy dog might be perfectly calm. If you're not fussed on the breed, just choose the one with the right temperament, not necessarily the prettiest etc.

I got my border collie 18 months ago from a special collie rescue centre as I wanted a collie specifically (we already had a cat and thought a farm dog would be used to cats, which was correct). He was VERY damaged (although not all rescue dogs are by any means) but now is the most loving loyal dog in the world, and it is so much more rewarding than just getting a pampered puppy from a breeder.

Wobblydeb

Some dogs will happily stay home alone for that length of time (we had one who was most unhappy when we got him a companion).

You will need to find a charity who understands that, and have assessed their dogs thoroughly to be able to tell you in advance they are okay being left.

You will probably (although each dog is individual) find yourself with a non-working, non-lapdog breed. The working dogs get bored and the lapdogs get lonely Hounds are pretty good at switching off and sleeping in the house, but greyhounds for instance are known for being prone to separate anxiety.

Fosterdog

I know I say it all the time on here but try to find a rescue that uses foster homes, the dogs live in someones home where they are assessed as much as possible, how they cope with being left, tested with other dogs, kids, cats, water, how they walk etc.

Their basic training is also usually started while there. You have more chance of finding a dog suitable to your own circumstances and you know a lot more about it than if it's just come from kennels.

pawsies

Dogs Trust will be happy to answer all your questions about their dogs, they know them best so can advise you best

Pop along to a centre.

big5

My brother got a 5 year dog from the Dogs Trust who was house trained and used to being left for a few hours every day. We got a young dog from our local rescue centre who'd had no training (including house training) and we had to build up the time she was left alone - we got her in July and she's now fine to be left for 4 or 5 hours as long as she's had a decent walk first (I work from home, so she's not left alone very often).

At Dogs Trust centres they like you to fill in a questionaire about your lifestyle (including how long a dog is likely to be left alone during the day, how much exercise you can give it, etc) so they can match you up with a suitable dog. So our dog, for instance, probably wouldn't have been right for you to begin with but my brother's dog would.

zaksmum

I'm not all that happy about a dog being left alone all day. I just think they need company.

A few hours is fine but from say 8am till 4 pm is a bit too much.

analyst_2

lil_miss_17 wrote: »

I got my border collie 18 months ago from a special collie rescue centre as I wanted a collie specifically

I was following a 4x4 the other day, and on the rear spare wheel cover was a BC pic and it read, "if its not a Border Collie its just a dog" and I just smiled and nodded.

Merry_Wanderer

As has been said, tell Dogs Trust your lifestyle as some dogs do get bad seperation anxiety, and they can match you with one that can be left for a few hours. We got an oldie rescue dog in the past and didn't leave him alone at all for the first 2 months, he was so insecure and would show symptoms. We built up leaving him, but 3 hours was the maximum, usually it was only an hour or so.

I have been looking at dogs again on dogs trust website, and I notice a few say they can be left longer and are quite happy. So, discussing it with them is the best bet.

hethmar

You will be asked all the relevant questions and then they will suggest a suitable dog for you - they will have assessed the dog and may know his background and how long he can be left alone.

Personally a few hours is the most you can really kindly leave a dog in my opinion. There may be the odd time when you are out longer but not on a regular basis. (We were at a wedding on Saturday - OH came home to let the boys out and give them a fuss after we had been there 3 hours )

ian103

zaksmum wrote: »

I'm not all that happy about a dog being left alone all day. I just think they need company.

A few hours is fine but from say 8am till 4 pm is a bit too much.

When we first had a dog, we checked with a vet if it was cruel to leave a dog all day on its own, he suggested that as long as a routine was established then it is better for them to be in a loving home than being in a dogs home etc.

Our first dog moved in and was happy because other than when we were at work he was with us all the time, if we were off work and at home monday to friday he would take himself off to his bed and would get up at 5pm (ie when we would normally be home), but if we went away he would be with us all day. He used to get a walk before and after work.

Our next dog was also ok with being left but would also be happy if we were at home. we then had a second dog and she was fine with being left.

However when we moved to Cornwall the dogs became used to us being at home and the younger of the two dogs does not like being left now and if we go out she barks etc. we have recently had the old dog PTS due to old age / ill health (17) and I think we had about an extra year with him as we are around the house most of the time.

I definitely think its kinder to leave a dog at home all day rather than leave them in a dogs home. We tried to rescue a 3rd dog about 6 months ago as a playmate to the 2nd dog and the rescue centre wouldn't even consider us as we had other dogs. The dog we were interested in back then is still at the rescue kennels - I would guess he will be a very difficult dog for someone to adopt now - such a shame.