I work full time..... is a doggie possible???

jeannieblue

I've been 'dogless' now for two years and I really hate it.

My son and I co own a house, but we both work full time now and it would be so cruel and selfish to get a dog to then leave it.

I've heard of dog sitters - is this viable? Kind? Expensive? Stupid?

Sola

I wouldn't, personally, if you're not there to care for it yourself.

Tigsteroonie

Hubby and I both work full-time, and our 10yo LabX has never complained about being left during the day - he has the cats for company and for entertainment. But then he is a bit of a couch potato. I guess it depends on the dog!

Charlie1986

Do you and your son both work at the same times? I still live with my mum and we both work full time but different times of the day, it works out the the dog is left for a maximum of 2 hours on his own, if at all.

jeannieblue

Sadly Charlie, we both work days, although son does have a day off mid week as works Saurdays.

I'm just being selfish really, gone all my life - and I'm getting on a bit now, and have always had a dog or two.

I couldn't get one and leave it.... that would seem cruel, although my Old English seemed ok when I went back to work full time, but its not really fair - and i did dash home at lunchtimes - and to be honest it nearly killed me - what with indigestion and everything and the worry and stress of being late back!

i've heard of walkers and wondered if could get sitters - but think could be a costly idea!

pboae

If you are willing to put the time and money in, yes it's possible, although not ideal. The most important thing is to find the right dog. It would be completely inappropriate for a puppy, and probably inappropriate for a young dog (say under 3 years, depending on the dog). But with an older, calmer dog, that is happy to spend time alone, with a dog walker or sitter coming in, and you spending lots of quality time with it in the evenings and weekends, then it can work. The other option is doggy daycare, which some kennels offer, it depends where you live, but it is generally very expensive, and probably only worth it for young active dogs who need a lot of stimulation, or dogs with seperation anxiety. It's unlikely you'd be in a position to rehome either of those type of dogs anyway.

So with that in mind, how many hours a day would the dog be alone? (Full time can mean being out of the house, 12+ hours a day or less than 8).
Are you usually at home weekends and evenings?
Are you willing to get up earlier, or stay up later, so your dog has time with you before and after work.

One breed that can do well in this situation is retired racing greyhounds, (e.g. http://www.lurcher.org.uk/) although again it depends on the individual dog. But they are generally used to being left alone for considerable periods, without human contact. They like their exercise in short sharp bursts, so a dog walker coming in twice a day can easily tire them out if they get a good run around. Whereas some breeds (like gun dogs for example) typically need long steady walks to tire them out, and won't usually do so well with several short hectic runs.

Although I can't stress enough, these are generalisations based on breed, and the character of the individual dog is far more important.

You could also consider an oldie, who are far more likely to be happy snoozing on the sofa during the day, http://www.oldies.org.uk/ The Oldies Club is the best place to start for that, and a quick glance threw up the rather gorgeous http://www.oldies.org.uk/?p=3240 Roxy, she would probably be fine with a dog walker to break the day up for her. Or Toby http://www.oldies.org.uk/?p=3173 if you've got the nerve for a terrier.

Not all rescues will consider rehoming to full time workers, but if you do your homework first, find a potential dog walker, look for the right dog, and show you've really it thought it through, many of the smaller rescues will consider you.

mutley_muppet

I agree with Pboae, a greyhound or an old dog might be ok - with a pet sitter/ friend / neighbour popping in during the day for a quick walk/ wee break for the dog.

I have a 10 year old greyhound & a 3 year old lurcher - they have 2 walks a day but once they have had their funny five minutes running round they crash out and sleep all day!!! They are REALLY lazy!!:p

Some rescues might not home a dog with you if you are out all day. I home check for greyhound rescue and recently approved a home where the lady was at work all day BUT she was paying for a dog walker to come in daily (and we will check to make sure this happens!)

The other option is to volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust: http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/

Not the same as having your own dog, but you could help out an elderly neighbour with their dog?

Good luck,
MM. x

jeannieblue

Very very interesting ideas from you both.

I get up at 6.30 - but don't leave work until 8.20. Son gets home at 5.45 I get in around 6.15 to 6.30. I still wouldn't want to leave a dog all those hours, however lazy it is!

A doggie creche does sound like an expensive idea! My doggies were getting on abit when I had to go back to work full time and as said, did the lunchtime dash. I don't know of any sitters/walkers in area - not sure how one would find someone.

I'll have a look at those links - and no doubt fall in love with all of them!

jeannieblue

Oh lordie - I've just fallen for Toby - I love teddies too......

mutley_muppet

jeannieblue wrote: »

I get up at 6.30 - but don't leave work until 8.20. Son gets home at 5.45 I get in around 6.15 to 6.30. I still wouldn't want to leave a dog all those hours, however lazy it is!

I agree it's too long to expect any dog to cross it's legs, lazy or not!

I've always worked part time (and been skint!) to care for my dogs OR I was lucky enough once to live right next to my place of work so I could come home for an hour at lunchtime everyday.

Maybe you could ask your local vets if they know of a local pet sitter/walker?

MM. x

jeannieblue

Its an idea...... Aw that Toby is so cute - big brown eyes. he'd love sleeping on my bed every night. Ooops - yep, I spoil the beggars.

My Old English (and the one before) had the attitude of, well if you sit on sofa so can I etc. Indulged her terribly but boy was she the best of dogs and all of my dogs were the best of dogs.

If I bought a motorhome....... could take dog to work with me....

Guess thats going a tad too far............:D