dogs and jobs

Almo

Thanks G-G. I would insist on a rescue dog or dogs.

Yes, that's certainly something we could do. At the back of the house there is a sunroom and we could have a dog flap fitted there. The back garden is very secure (it's already dog proof - the current owner leaves her dog out there).

I think getting all this written down has certainly highlighted to me that we really need to see what will happen to my work pattern. At the moment I work all day Thurs, Fri, Sat. OH is home Sat so any pet would be at home alone for 2 days a week. Having just looked at the price of dog walkers, we could pay for someone to pop in on Thurs and Fri. However, my hours are 90% likely to change in the next 2 months. One option is that I'll be working mornings only which is great for potential pets but not so hot for my job security, as it would mean a casual contract. The other option is likely to be that I work all day (finishing slightly earlier than the norm) which is not good for pet potential.

LillyJ

I think 2 days a week would not cause too much of a problem. I think it is mainly an issue if it is everyday, especially if you were aware of the issue and had a dog flap, left filled kongs etc, and especially if you had 2 dogs together that could keep each other company.

My dog sleeps all day too, whether we are in or not. He is a bit lazy He then goes like a nutter in the evenings before we take him for his evening walk.

We don't have a dog flap because I am worried about security cos he is a massive dog and a burgular could follow him in to the house even if it was one of those ones that only opens when the collar is near.

Bromley86

I don't know if they're any good, but a couple of websites that might help you cost dog walkers etc:

http://www.lonelypetsclub.com.au/Service.asp
http://www.dogzone.com.au/
http://www.ozdoggy.com.au/

Looks like $17/day for a 30 min walk. Combine that with your existing hours and that might be acceptable to you.

Or go the doggy creche route @ <$35 per day .

G-G_4

Well Almo, the fact that you are considering all these options makes me believe you would be a great home for any dog! Most dog in the street here never seem to get taken for a walk.. Ours go for 2 or 3 miles every day

Glad you could consider a dog flap. Our dogs are medium sized and I guess a toddler could get through the flap, just about.. so security is something you should bear in minf as LillyJ mentioned.. We have had ours 6 yrs tho and no problems yet, just makes life so much easier for us and the dogs..

catkins

Almo, I agree with G-G - you sound as though you would make a great dog owner.

I don't know what the situation in Australia is like but here there are so many dogs looking for homes and now people are getting rid of them because of the credit crunch things are going to get worse. If you could give a home to 1 or 2 dogs that otherwise will spend the rest of their days in kennels or, worse, be put to sleep, that has to be worthwhile. I hate to think of all the dogs (and other animals) in the rescue centres.

As I say, I am home with my dog most of the time but now he is older (7) he sleeps pretty much of the day. If you took on a dog or dogs that were say over 3 years the chances are they would do the same.

Also the idea of a doggy creche is a good one (sorry can't remember who suggested it). I really wish there was one near me. On the rare occasion that myself and OH go out we always have to try and find someone to look after our boy and a creche would be wonderful.

Obviously you are not going to rush into anything and it is good that you are looking at all the options and thinking things through. If you do decide to get a dog you will not regret it. My dog is such good company and although he is a bit of a tie and a big responsibility, there is no way I would be without him.

LittleTinker

Almo wrote: »

Really appreciate the input from you and all the others LittleTinker.

We would never have left him without anywhere to go to the toilet, or any way of going outside though so please don't worry. Edited to add: I don't mean that to sound defensive and nasty, just that we wouldn't do that to any animal, even if it was 'only' a hamster (well, he wouldn't have the run of the garden, but you know what I mean ).

Sure do...you wouldnt be asking if you didnt care

*onlyme*

If you really want a dog, then I would look into a rescue greyhound or 2 and a dogwalker for lunchtimes. They are very lazy animals, sleep all day and will have a few burst of energy which they could run off somewhere enclosed in the morning, lunchtime and evening.

I wouldn't landscape your new garden though with any dog...

There are some fab forums around and even if you live in Australia, try greyhound gap as they might have contacts overthere.

Jellicat

9-5 is one thing, but those extra couple of hours will be a loooong time for a dog. If you get a particularly lazy and sleepy breed of dog you might be alright but I wouldnt do it myself. Unless you can afford Doggie Daycare or at least someone to take the dog out at least once during the day? Or maybe an outdoor pen and two dogs to keep each other company?

Tigsteroonie

I know that, on the surface, it seems unfair to leave a dog at home for that long, but ...

Our dog (a rescue lab-x) is at home from 07:15am to 5:15pm from Monday to Friday. He isn't destructive, he doesn't make a mess. We did setup a video-cam once, and it seems he spends his day sleeping on sofa, on the floor, and on the bed - he has the run of the house. He gets a good walk before we leave and when we return, plus a late-night walk.

The only worry I would have is the dog getting bored. Our dog has 4 cats coming in-and-out all day, making a fuss of him (yes, our cats head-butt the dog), and being generally entertaining.

suki1964

See if you can find professional dog walker or perhaps you may get friendly with someone home all day in your neighbourhood who would love to help out. I know where I lived a couple of the older widows/widowers looked after neighbours dogs. It gave them the dog they wanted without the expense and worry of the keep.

Maybe right now isnt the time for you to be getting a dog but dont rule it out. My and hubby took two years between deciding we wanted on to getting everything in place. We had to get a walker for the first 18 months of our first dogs life, then he was mature enough to go into work every day with huuby