Should I get a doggie?

Should I get a dog--be honest. I live in Manhattan in a pretty sizable 1 bedroom. My STBX didn't want a dog, I did so now I actually have the chance to have one.

I work full-time but would definitely get a dog walker but the dog would be alone most of the day. I know that it will be a lot of work having one (and money) but I truly believe that a dog improves one's life.

Some people (including my parents) say its horrible to leave a dog in an apartment all day (my parents have the luxury of bringing their dog to work each day so she's never alone)--so should I not get one? Or is it better to be with me in an apartment alone for most of the day than possibly not having a home at all?

Should I get a doggie?

You are very right- a dog does improve one's life. My dog can make me feel better than any person in this world when I'm upset.
How many hours are you out per day? If you had a dog walker come mid day you should be okay. When I work during the year our puppy is home for about 7 hours by himself. I feel bad but I'm pretty sure he sleeps most of the day.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

I have a dog and live in an apartment. He is smaller and his breed is naturally lazy, so he doesnt require too much exercise (although he gets it, begrudgingly). Some dogs are just more hyper and need a lot more attention, I happened to luck out. Also, it's harder, though not impossible, to find apartments that accept dogs- it just limits your options.

Also, when we first got him, I was living with my ex who wasnt working full time so he was able to be home with him and train him for the first few months. They need a lot of attention as puppies, and they have tiny bladders. My ex took him for tons of walks throughout the day, and went he went out, we left a wee wee pad in the kitchen for him. We kept him in the kitchen when out and he chewed up my wooden table legs, and everything else in sight.

Just a few things to think about. Would you be able to take time off from work if you did get a puppy? How about considering an "older", more trained dog? What would you do with him if you wanted to go on vacation?

Hope I dont sound all negative, I couldnt imagine my life without my dog, I just hate to see people get a dog and then realize after the fact how much work goes into it and have to give him up! Breaks my heart!

Should I get a doggie?

If only people that didn't have jobs could have dogs there would be a lot more puppies without homes. I say get a dog!! They really do make such a difference in your life. My dog is usually happier to see me than DH!!

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Would you consider a cat?

I always had dogs in my life. Then after living on my own for awhile, I was presented with the option to rescue a cat. So I agreed because he was adorable and I couldn't bear with him going to a shelter and then potentially being euthanized.

As much as I have loved dogs all my life, my cat was a perfect fit.

I work long hours parts of the year and also like to travel. And he is able to be alone a lot. I do have someone take care of him when I am away.

Message edited 7/19/2012 5:20:46 PM.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

I guess it depends on your lifestyle. I know everyone thinks about what to do with the dog while they were at work, but what about if you want to go out at night. That's the only thing that really limits me. For instance, this weekend DH will be in AC for a bach. party. My bff's birthday was Tuesday so we are going out Friday around her area and she suggested I crash at her place. It makes sense for money and convenience, but I can't because it's not fair to the dogs. Same thing goes for vacation, though I'm very lucky that my younger sister jumps at the chance to stay at my place and watch the dogs while we are away.

If you're willing to commit though, go for it. There's nothing in the world like the love of a dog.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

My husband has always been a dog lover. He had 2 growing up... and while we were dating he spoke about how he would like to have a dog again one day. When I told him how much I wanted a cat, he told me how much he didn't! Well... just a few months after getting engaged, we got Penny. Fast forward to now and we have 4 cats and my dh said he would be happy if we never have a dog!! As a former dog lover, he just LOVES cats now and always says how great it is that it's so much love and affection with less responsibility. All we do is change the litter box and feed them......... it's SO easy.. and you could leave for a few days at a time provided they have enough litter in the box and food/water. Two of my cats even play fetch!! (I had no idea a cat could do that until I had them).

I would definitely consider adding two little kittens to your apartment. Having 2 is not much more work at all than having one..... and they would have each other during the day to jump around. Even if you're strongly thinking of a dog... definitely check out kittens/cats. You may be surprised by how quickly you fall in love

Message edited 7/19/2012 1:18:24 PM.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

I have always wanted a dog. And finally adopted one in November and it was the best decision ever.

good luck in what you decide!

Should I get a doggie?

Having a dog is an amazing experience BUT it is a ton of work. In addition to money it involves a HUGE time commitment. My dog walks about three miles a day even in the winter. He is very high energy and needs to get out and play. DH and I spend at least two hours (combined) a day playing and walking him. In addition to that time we also work on training (obedience and agility) him a few days a week.As for leaving a dog home all day I think it is fine but if you feel guilty you could look into doggie day care. I use to feel terrible leaving my dog home all day until I worked from home writing a proposal for six weeks. He spent most of his time sleeping and playing with his toys.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

I think you would be a wonderful pet mom!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a dog being alone during working hours. Honestly whether I'm home or not Darwin and Huxley sleep all day anyway! Before we got Huxley, Darwin was alone for 10 hours a day. And when Randy works from home on Mondays & Fridays Darwin actually seems kind of annoyed that his 10 hour nap is being disturbed and goes upstairs to sleep in the guestroom so no one will bother him.

I think it's MUCH MUCH better to give a dog a home than for them to stay at a pound and never be adopted. So many people have dogs who are home by themselves for extended periods of time. Sure as pet owners we feel guilty but really they're fine. In the beginning just make sure to get a crate until you know the dog's habits and make sure they're housebroken. Some people don't like crates but god forbid your pup chew something while you're out and gets hurt. This keeps the pup and your stuff safe. And then just find a dog walker you trust, we are using one of my brother's friends who goes to the college near our house, I've known him since he was in first grade but before we hired him I was calling around and getting referrals for other people.

Yes dogs are a lot of work but it has to be one of the most rewarding experiences. There is nothing better than when Darwin decides to snuggle me at night or when he wants a lap and comes over to me to make himself comfy... Huxley is another story because he's a giant disaster of a puppy right now so I leave his big feet, face and slobber for DH.

I say go for it!

Re: Should I get a doggie?

We have two large dogs in a not so large condo... It is very do able if you're willing to put in the work it takes.

I got them as puppies, but was able to leave 2x a day to go home and let them out (I work 4 min from where I live)... but once they were older and trained, they spend about 7 hours at home alone. We walk them alot when we are home, and frequent the dog parks by us 2 - 3 times a week for exercise.

If you have the time commitment (after your work hours), then absolutely get a dog! It is NOT horrible if the dog is home while you are at work and a dog does improve your life a thousand fold... IMO.

I would suggest not getting a puppy unless you have the time in the beginning to house train and let it out every few hours - but an older dog.. a 1 or 2 year old maybe.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Thank you for all the responses!

As for age, I wouldn't get a puppy. I would get a rescue dog that is probably already trained, I wish I could take off and train a puppy (not that I would know how but would read up on it) but I just can't.

My hours are not great but are okay. I know that if I have to work late, I could depend on friends in the area who I've helped out--I've walked their dogs when they couldn't get home in time.

As for going out, I'm over it. Not that I never go out but would be willing to come home when I need to.

As for a cat, I WISH I could, it would be so much easier. Unfortunately I have too many family members with very bad allergies to cats and it just wouldn't work.

So I am definitely going to start figuring out what kind of breed I can get and probably start scoping out the shelters. Thanks everyone!

Re: Should I get a doggie?

I was going to say, I got my shih tzu when I lived in NYC,but I got him as a puppy and I litter box trained him b/c I too was not home during the day. But, I saw you want a rescue and not a puppy. I will say, my dog has been my best friend, thru a divorce as well. He was a constant source of happiness for me and has been by my side thru the good times and bad. He never let me cry, he always keeps me smiling and laughing.

My dog is content watching Bravo all day long, used a litter box during the day and was self sufficient during 9-5. I never had more fun then I did when i had him in NYC. I lived on the UES and we would be at the dog run every weekend and had a blast...and you will meet a lot of single guys there, it is like a meat market :) Now that I live on LI, my dog is hysterical, he is not used to grass and bucks it up, he was only used to walks on concrete not a backyard. I say go for it. You will have so much fun.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

It's going to be really hard to train a dog if you're working full time but I do agree that they're amazing companions and it will help you emotionally to have such a loving fuzzy friend around. If you feel that you're ready for the responsibility then I say get one. A dog walker is a great idea and maybe some day care 1-2 days a week if you can swing that financially. I always feel bad for dogs that are home alone but in reality they just sleep the whole day anyway.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Having a pet changes your life. How long would your dog be alone? 8 hours? Since you said that your dog would be alone all day, I would suggest getting an older dog so you dont have to worry about potty training and taking your dog out every 2 hours. Also getting a dog walker is a great idea, if you could afford it there are doggy daycare centers you can drop your dog off and have him/her blow off some energy. I use to do that with our dog and he slept like a baby when we got home.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Having my dog is the best, I love him more than anything, he is my child. He knows how to cheer me up by just cuddling with me.

It definitely helps having him as I'm going through my divorced now, luckily my dog is attached to me and STBX doesn't want him

Should I get a doggie?

I got a dog about a week after i split with my ex-h. i was moving into the city, but wasn't even there yet. when i did get an apt, i got it across the street from my job, so i was able to walk him throughout the day. it was great for me. i do think he was a bit lonely, though. I solved that a year later and got a second dog. I know this is strange advice, but I think for people who work long hours, dogs do really well in pairs. they have each other during the day, they get walked regulary by you or a dog walker, and have you at night. My second pup never seemed lonely and was more well adjusted than my first.

Should I get a doggie?

Absolutely get a dog. I live in an apartment and had a Cocker Spaniel. They can make you feel so much better and put a smile on your face. They really have unconditional love. I miss having a dog.

You live in the city and there are tons of great dog walkers. Your doggie will be fine. Not to mention dogs are a great way to meet people. When you are ready to start dating it doesn't hurt that a lot of doggies have cute single daddies

Message edited 7/20/2012 12:13:46 PM.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

We leave our dog home about 12hrs a day and he's fine. He sleeps all day. We got a 2 yr old mutt from the north shore animal league and it was a great decision. Just make sure that you dont get a hyperactive dog such as a terrier as they really don't take well to being home for long periods of time alone.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Bless you for wanting a shelter dog! Nycacc is a kill shelter, save a life

Should I get a doggie?

A rescue dog will have a better life with you than in a shelter, even if he is home alone for a good part of the day. This was pointed out to me when I was living in the city and considering getting a dog.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Message edited 7/20/2012 10:27:10 PM.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Posted by Goobster

Posted by Sherwood

A rescue dog will have a better life with you than in a shelter, even if he is home alone for a good part of the day. This was pointed out to me when I was living in the city and considering getting a dog.

I would def suggest getting an older dog that is clearly able to be alone and does not have attachment issues. And do not get a dog known for needing a lot of exercise.

I have to say I do not think the OP should get a puppy. Puppies whine and bark and need a LOT of attention. They are like babies. They need and crave alot of time with their owners.

I don't find it fair for a pup to be alone all day, they are a lot of work PLUS they may whine/bark and it may annoy neighbors. I would suggest an older dog, and doing good research to what breeds or dog might do well being alone a long day.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

Getting my 2 fur babies changed my life. It made me have to leave the house when I didn't want to. They give me so much unconditional love. No matter how sick i was they had to come first. I have two rescues. I told the shelter my schedule. I had a dog walker at first and then DH and I were able to adjust our schedules to save the money.

Re: Should I get a doggie?

I think your idea to rescue an older dog from a shelter is a wonderful idea for your situation as well. It will save a dog's life, bring him into a loving home, and he will have a stronger bladder and be out of the puppy stage and more likely to be okay with being left alone all day. Just be careful as some rescues could have issues with separation anxiety. Good luck! I can't imagine my life with my dog.