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Some advice please

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  • 26-12-2008 5:41pm
    #1
    corblimey
    Registered Users Posts: 4,475 ✭✭✭


    So I'm thinking of getting a dog, but I'm worried that I may not be suitable. I live alone and leave for work at around 9am each morning, getting back between 630 and 7pm. So that's 10 hours per day that I'd be out of the house. Plus I travel a bit with work (last year I did about 10 journeys total, in 2 or 3 day spats).

    So, I'm just concerned that I may not be around much for a dog. I looked into the possibility of taking in guide pups a while back and was told I wasn't suitable, but I understand there's more involvement with guide pups, so if I got a hardy dog, fitted a doggy flap on the back door (the back garden is enclosed) and let him run around outside and in the kitchen, would that work? Or is it just too much to lay on a dog?

    If I should go for it, can anyone recommend any particular breeds - I'd like to start small (not necessarily a pup, but something that's not going to eat me out of house and home inside a year) and where could I go in Cork?


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    #2
    andreac
    Registered Users Posts: 8,000 ✭✭✭andreac


    Im sorry but your lifestyle does not suit a dog. Dogs need company and being on their own for 10 hours a day is just not fair. It doesnt matter what breed it is, no dog likes to be left on its own for all that time.


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    #3
    corblimey
    Registered Users Posts: 4,475 ✭✭✭corblimey


    andreac wrote: »
    Im sorry but your lifestyle does not suit a dog. Dogs need company and being on their own for 10 hours a day is just not fair. It doesnt matter what breed it is, no dog likes to be left on its own for all that time.

    Yeah, that's what I figured. :(

    Might look at gerbils...


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    #4
    Spica
    Closed Accounts Posts: 25 ✭Spica


    It is not great but it's not a 'definitely no' situation. Some dogs likes sleeping all day and dogs also get into a routine very quickly so if they know that when you're at home you'll spend time with them they're happy to wait for you to return home. I wouldn't suggest a young dog, more an older dog that is likely to sleep all day. Or you can always opt for two dogs so they can keep each other company. And you can always have a dog walking service to visit the dog and bring him out during the day. Doggy day care is getting popular too.

    And if you are thinking about rescuing a dog, it is better for the dog to be with you where he can have all he needs when you are at work and the best quality time when you're at home, than being put to sleep in a pound.


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    #5
    Whispered
    Registered Users Posts: 14,772 ✭✭✭✭Whispered


    Could you organise a doggy day care thing or something, someone who could take the dog during the day and when you have to travel?


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    #6
    allthedoyles
    Registered Users Posts: 6,893 ✭✭✭allthedoyles


    If you live in an urban area and have small shed/backyard ........then I say NO don't get a dog


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    #7
    peasant
    Registered Users Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Spica wrote: »
    It is not great but it's not a 'definitely no' situation..

    Oh yes, it is !

    The OP lives on their own. Not only will the dog be alone for 10 hours every day due to work commitment, but I reckon the OP also wants to have some form of normal life outside work commitments.

    So to the 10 hours spent working and commuting add time spent on
    - shopping
    - socialising
    - peace and quiet with the feet up

    Further nearly every month a trip away for 2 - 3 days ...



    Sorry corblimey, but there is absolutely no room in your life for a dog. Neither of you would be happy.


    If you absolutely need a dog in your life, maybe you could ask around in the neighbourhood if there is a poor, bored dog that could do with an occasional walk every now and then when you can fit it in.


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    #8
    kerrysgold
    Closed Accounts Posts: 969 ✭✭✭kerrysgold


    Usually when people are working all the time it's recommended that they get a pair of adult dogs and also hire a dog walker to take them out for an hour in the middle of the day plus a short walk in the morning and a proper walk in the evening and out for a few hours on weekends, I think that can work. As peasant said adding socializing etc. time on to work time and seeing as you live alone there won't be anyone else there so the dogs could potentially be left alone for 15 hours or so? That's way too long really.

    You could still help dogs though, you could offer to foster? Dogs in danger in the pound would be happy for anywhere to sleep for a week or so I'm sure, to avoid being put down. If that's not an option you could always volunteer at an SPCA or sanctuary in your spare time, walking dogs etc.


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    #9
    Sigma Force
    Registered Users Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    Nothing wrong with working and having a dog but 10 hours and all the time you will be away as well is just too much.
    I don't agree with 2 dogs for company simply because both dogs still want their owner you could have 6 dogs but they still want their owner, and also need that contact so it may not be the best option for you atm.

    Certain pets may work like a pair of gerbils or a syrian hamster but they will also need time every day and will need someone to pop in and check them when you are away as hamsters are nocturnal they may suit your lifestyle.
    They still need time and regular handling and someone to pop in when you're not there but with a pair of same sex bonded gerbils they will happily hang around with each other and they sleep on and off so are usually running around at all times of the day and night so will be up and about at the times you're home.


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