Can I get a dog?

Our house will be ready to move into in about 6-8 weeks . I had planned on getting 1-2 cats all along, and still do, but would love to also get a dog. Thing is, DH and I both work in the city and I am concerned it is not fair to leave the dog alone for such long periods of time. We could get a doggy door put in so it could have access to the backyard, but is that just too long to leave a dog? We're talking like 12 hours.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Do you have anyone local that can let the dog out for you?

If you plan on getting a doggy door, I don't think it's too long. As long as they have access to get outside and run around and do their business, it should be ok.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Message edited 6/28/2007 10:18:38 AM.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Re: Can I get a dog?

QUOTE]

Yes, this is my concern, that the dog would get bored and lonely. I would adopting an older dog, not a puppy, but how would I know if he sleeps a lot?


I definitely would not get a puppy or young dog. Cats may be the better way to go. However, IMO, if you adopt an older dog that is just languishing at a shelter, you are saving a life. Even if he or she is home alone a lot, if you give them lots of love and attention on weekends and establish a routine, I think you would be doing a wonderful thing and saving a life. I would talk to a shelter worker about it because my major concern would be accidents in an older dog.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Can you get a dog walker or someone to come during the day? DH and I have been having the same debate. We have decided to take a few days off when we first get the puppy, and then hire a dog walker to come during the day when a puppy joins our family in the fall. That way the puppy will not be home alone for more than 4-5 hours at any time.

Re: Can I get a dog?

ita with the APs. Adopting an older dog, especially a shelter dog, sounds ideal. I am not a huge fan of doggie doors, and even though that can alleviate the dog's need to "go" it does present some safety issues, IMO.

Do some research & see what breed works best for your situation.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Thanks everyone.. I am going to start researching if there are breeds of dogs that are more laid back and ok with being alone for long periods of time. I know DH would be beside himself if we could get a dog!
I am also going to look into the pros and cons of doggie doors.
I guess it is true like a lot of you said - its better to give a dog a loving home than to let it waste away in a shelter, even if we can't be with it for as many hours as I would like!

Re: Can I get a dog?

my 2 cents as we are new parents to jack i was concerned abt jack being alone , but since dh & i work opp.shifts, there is someone home with jack most of the time. the only time he is alone is 2-6pm..we crate him at that time.....until get home. we opted for an older dog, jack is 1 yr old and 90% house trained, as we would not have time to devote to a puppy. but dont let that fool you, jack has ALOT of enerygy & just as lovable. so i think a older dog is a nice option.
hope it works our for you

Message edited 6/30/2007 1:52:48 AM.

Re: Can I get a dog?

I would recommend a larger dog, they can hold it longer. And I agree with the other's about getting an older dog, 10 or more hours is too much for a puppy.

We got Misty when she was 9 months old and we leave her for about 10-12 hours a day. She is fine, but she is also crated.
We don't put her back into her crate once we get home until the next day - she sleeps with us. We do give her alot of exercise too, she goes for a 45 minute to an hour walk in the morning and half of it is off leash so she can run around and the same at night. This way, she isn't edgy in the crate all day - she can sleep and we don't feel guilty.
We have had no behaviour problems with her besides the initial adjustments when we first got her.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Dogs need exercise, a lot of it!

Message edited 8/4/2007 3:39:31 AM.

Re: Can I get a dog?

I do think you could look into an older dog, but again, I would not even crate an older dog for 12 hours. Confine to one room, such as a kitchen but no crating more than 6 hours. Esp if its going to be a lifelong thing.

And crate them, they would be nervous wrecks from all the confined energy. So yes, do a lot of research.
It sounds like youare smart and are really concerned about the well being of the dog which it admirable IMO.

:)

Message edited 8/4/2007 3:38:46 AM.

Re: Can I get a dog?

Re: Can I get a dog?

Thanks! no I would not want to crate the dog all day. I am going to look into breeds that are not as energetic.


You can try breed specific rescue. I know Havanese Rescue currently has an older girl who is very laid back... I am sure they all do. We once saw an old hound at a shelter, and he was soooo sweet and the workers said he slept all day. Good luck and keep us posted

Re: Can I get a dog?

You can still use a crate if you want, but leave the door open. Put it in a confined space, like a kitchen or spare room, and allow the dog to have a den. This will help to let the deg feel secure if there is a loud noise or the mailman comes, etc. Try the Little Shelter. The adopting staff there spends a lot of time with the animals and can give you a GREAT assessment of a dog temperament.

Re: Can I get a dog?

i agree, it probably wouldn't be the best thing to get a puppy or a young dog. but i'm sure an adult dog who isn't too energetic would love a home! another thing to think about - maybe once your first dog is adjusted you can get him a companion dog to hang out with when you're not around.