Do you think its ok for me to get a dog?

alexa5x5

Hi,
[FONT=Times New Roman]I’ve wanted a dog for years, but because I live in a duplex (no garden) I told myself I’d wait till I’m living in a house with a garden. Lately all I can think about is getting a dog and really don’t wont to wait any more, but I’m put off by the idea that it wouldn’t be fair to the dog. [/FONT]

Like I said, I live in a duplex that is quite large. I’m usually out of the house from 8-6pm (average), so the dog would be home by itself for 10hours. I’ve spoken to a few people that don’t see a problem with this, but I don’t know….

I should add that I have had a dog before, I loved him to bits and we had a very happy 12 years together. Losing him was devastating, and it’s only now (6 years later) that I can even consider getting another.
Also the dog I’m thinking of getting is a Yorkshire terrier.

Thank you for your input

NoDice

IMO it's fine!

I lived in an apartment with my JRT Cavalier x and I worked from 8 - 5. What I did was walk her before work and walk her when I got back too. I had a section on tiles for her with a litter tray type thing lined with lots of newspaper and this is what I trained her to go on whenever she needed to so as not to make her stress out.

She was delighted!

You obviously have experience with dogs and love them and I say if you want one and can take the time to look after one go for it. It's a yorkie, they're small and jsut make sure to train him to go in one place. It's easy enough to train them to go on a particular substance!

Hope you get one and best of luck!!!!

Glowing

Unless you had someone who could call in for an hour *every day* letting the dog out to pee and for walks, I would strongly advise against getting one. Its just not fair, and you'll end up with a very bored, lonely, possibly distructive little dog.

You also need to consider those evenings when you'd like to do some late night shopping or head out for a beer after work, do you have someone to look after him then?

NoDice

Ooh on another note it'd be important to not make the dog feel confined, otherwise they'll get bored and not only destroy the place but they'll become so anxious in themselves.

I gave Leela free roam of my apartment, keeping everything dangerous or whatever out of her reach. She also has a toy box filled with everything from kong toys to bones so she didn't get bored. Anyway she mostly slept whilst we were out.

I've moved to a house now as I wanted to get another dog (I wasn't socialising her enough with other dogs) so we now have a garden.

But I really do think it's ok to have a small dog in a place without a garden. Just make sure he/she is not bored and still gets walkies!

portgirl123

have u thought about a older dog? id imagine been out of house that long everyday would be very hard on a puppy with no one to play, toilet train it etc.
id imagine that a older maybe rescue dog would sleep a good bit but id still see a problem with the dog need ing to go to the toilet, though maybe a dog walker, neighbour, family could come in to bring dog on a toilet break and give it some company

cocker5

Have to be very honest with you 10 hours five days per week to leave a puppy/ dog confined in a dulplex is not ideal... ten s hours is far too long... the dog would be very lonley etc.. to be honest unless you have someone who can pop in each day or if you can organisse a dog walker 2-3 times per week then i think its highly unfair to get a dog (i know you really want one) and the to leave it for soo long 5 days per week... dogs are pack animals they dont like to be alone for large periods of time... plus if you get a puppy leaving them in the duplex for 10 hours unattended 5 days per week, they will destroy the place with boredom...

i do understand that you want a dog, but it would be very selfish to go ahead and get on and then lock him/her inside for 10 per day... :eek:

sorry.. but i think you know deep down it would be unfair on the dog....

tulipi

I would say that if you can get home at lunch for and take the dog out, or if there's a doggy daycare in your area that you can use, or hire a dog walker then definitely go for it. Otherwise it's not an ideal situation I'm afraid.

portgirl123

Also there will be times when u may have to work late, get held up in traffic, works do etc. what will u do with dog then.
I really think now is not ideal for you. Have you thought about maybe helping out at a local rescue, pound, where you could bring dogs out for walks etc. i know its not the same but you would be doing a great thing by helping

alexa5x5

cocker5 wrote: »

Have to be very honest with you 10 hours five days per week to leave a puppy/ dog confined in a dulplex is not ideal... ten s hours is far too long... the dog would be very lonley etc.. to be honest unless you have someone who can pop in each day or if you can organisse a dog walker 2-3 times per week then i think its highly unfair to get a dog (i know you really want one) and the to leave it for soo long 5 days per week... dogs are pack animals they dont like to be alone for large periods of time... plus if you get a puppy leaving them in the duplex for 10 hours unattended 5 days per week, they will destroy the place with boredom...

i do understand that you want a dog, but it would be very selfish to go ahead and get on and then lock him/her inside for 10 per day... :eek:

sorry.. but i think you know deep down it would be unfair on the dog....

Yep I do agree Ive took care of my friends puppy for a few days over the last month and I think that sparked something in me that took over all my reason and common sense.
I don't have anyone that could drop in and walk it so yes, he/she would be their all day alone... I think the only thing that would be acceptable would be to get 2puppies at the same time so there company for each other. And bring them for walks before and after work. The only problem with that is my boyfriend will only agree to one dog :(
I guess Ill just have to wait till my situation changes so....:(

Thank you all for your comments

alexa5x5

portgirl123 wrote: »

Also there will be times when u may have to work late, get held up in traffic, works do etc. what will u do with dog then.
I really think now is not ideal for you. Have you thought about maybe helping out at a local rescue, pound, where you could bring dogs out for walks etc. i know its not the same but you would be doing a great thing by helping

I actually thought of that since their is a dog pound very close to where I work that needs dog walkers. But tbh Im such a huge softy I don't know if I could take seeing those poor dogs locked up in cages, it would break my heart! I'd probably end up running away with as many as I could carry then my boyfriend would kick me out for having a pack of dogs living in our duplex.

shell10

i don't think its a good idea to leave a dog on its own for that long especially if your gettin a puppy! your heart will be broke !! we have a boxer thats a year old and he's only in the house on his own from half 8 in the mornin til 1 and even at that he's still dyin to go to the toilet at that stage so the lenght of time u'll be leavin ur new pup wouldn't be fair!!
and also it will become distructive as we also got a dose of that! leeather couch, remotes u name it has all been eaten even the straightner. i know hes probably a much larger dog then ur thinkin but even small dogs become distructive when not given enugh attention!!

and i kniw exactly how it feels to have puppy fever but sometimes u need to think of the doggy first!!

toadfly

I think an older dog that is used to being alone during the day would be fine. As long as you committed to all the exercise s/he needs before and after work and you left a kong, bones etc to keep him occupied during the day.

I have two Yorkies (2 and 6 years old), they sleep all day. At the weekends by late afternoon they have to go for a nap because they are so used to sleeping all day and are wrecked from following us around!

A pup is definately out of the question IMO. Wouldnt be fair at all.

cocker5

alexa5x5,

i know its heart breaking to really want a dog etc...

when i first got my cocker we worked full time 9-5, so he was alone 8 hours per day, and when i say he wrecked the place its an understatament... not only did he destroy our ktichen presses, skirting boards etc he ate light blubs etc... the he re-planted our whole garden and not in a good way.. he even started to eat bits off our deck.... we got a trainer in and she said anything over 4 hours per day for one dog, just inst fair and it often leads to destruction and seperation problems... our guy had both... now with training and lots of exercie, we have a dog walker every thursday and tuesday, my hubbys parents take him on mondays, so he is only alone two days per week and its only for 6 hours tops... now he is the best guy in the world, but looking back on his first 12 months with us, he must have been sooo lonely and upset... it actually breaks my heart thinking about him sitting there all day waiting for us to get back...

you mentioned you dont have anyone to call in... why not get a dog walker?? its a great investment..

two puppies would be a receipe for disaster "Double trouble"... trust me they will totally destroy your place... its not recommended anyone get two puppies at the same time... maybe after a dog is over a year but not together etc... honestly you would end up resenting the dogs for destroying the place and may even end up trying to rehome them etc...

if i were you and i was dead set at wanting a dog i would see if i could organise a dog walker / pet sitter 2/3 times per week and i wouild adopt a dog, maybe sstill at the puppy stage ie 1 years of age etc but not a new puppy its too unfair on them ... if i couldnt organise a dog walker / pet sitter etc then i wouldnt get a dog, its way to unfair on them to be locked up for 10 hours 5 days per week.. they would go demented...

alexa5x5

cocker5 wrote: »

alexa5x5,

i know its heart breaking to really want a dog etc...

when i first got my cocker we worked full time 9-5, so he was alone 8 hours per day, and when i say he wrecked the place its an understatament... not only did he destroy our ktichen presses, skirting boards etc he ate light blubs etc... the he re-planted our whole garden and not in a good way.. he even started to eat bits off our deck.... we got a trainer in and she said anything over 4 hours per day for one dog, just inst fair and it often leads to destruction and seperation problems... our guy had both... now with training and lots of exercie, we have a dog walker every thursday and tuesday, my hubbys parents take him on mondays, so he is only alone two days per week and its only for 6 hours tops... now he is the best guy in the world, but looking back on his first 12 months with us, he must have been sooo lonely and upset... it actually breaks my heart thinking about him sitting there all day waiting for us to get back...

you mentioned you dont have anyone to call in... why not get a dog walker?? its a great investment..

two puppies would be a receipe for disaster "Double trouble"... trust me they will totally destroy your place... its not recommended anyone get two puppies at the same time... maybe after a dog is over a year but not together etc... honestly you would end up resenting the dogs for destroying the place and may even end up trying to rehome them etc...

if i were you and i was dead set at wanting a dog i would see if i could organise a dog walker / pet sitter 2/3 times per week and i wouild adopt a dog, maybe sstill at the puppy stage ie 1 years of age etc but not a new puppy its too unfair on them ... if i couldnt organise a dog walker / pet sitter etc then i wouldnt get a dog, its way to unfair on them to be locked up for 10 hours 5 days per week.. they would go demented...

Ok Im glad I posted this question.....I've been looking at adverts for dogs over the last few day, and was so overcome with puppy fever that I actually pretty much decided that I was going to do it. But at the back of my mind I had a niggling feeling that it wasnt the right time.
Thanks for the comments everyone

Whispered

Would you consider a pair of greyhounds. STOP LAUGHING !! They are perfect for duplex life. They adore lounging around and, especially if ex-racers, they tend to do well if left for longer periods as they would have had a life where they spent a lot of time without human interaction. They need a short sharp burst of exercise and ex racers tend to be great on the lead. They're an easy breed, some of the easiest dogs I've ever come into contact with have been greyhounds. This is my opinion on them, perhaps someone who knows more about them could comment to let me know if I've gotten it horribly wrong.

It might be something to consider.

Cherry Blossom

OP, you seem to have a very good head on your shoulders and determined not to let your heart rule your head. Appologises if I have this wrong but you seem to have decided it's one young yorkie pup or nothing, would you not compromise with youself a bit? Is there any reason you wouldn't take on 2 post puppyhood dogs that could keep each other entertained, I'm sure your OH would understand that 2 older dogs = a lot less hassell, work and mess than 1 young pup!

Glowing

Whispered wrote: »

Would you consider a pair of greyhounds. STOP LAUGHING !! They are perfect for duplex life. They adore lounging around and, especially if ex-racers, they tend to do well if left for longer periods as they would have had a life where they spent a lot of time without human interaction. They need a short sharp burst of exercise and ex racers tend to be great on the lead. They're an easy breed, some of the easiest dogs I've ever come into contact with have been greyhounds. This is my opinion on them, perhaps someone who knows more about them could comment to let me know if I've gotten it horribly wrong.

It might be something to consider.

You know, these are the only dogs which id say would be happy in this situation, they're fantastic pets and love to nap all day! I didn't dare suggest it as the OP was first considering a yorkie ..

Discodog

I would never of considered a Greyhound until, by chance, I got one. Now I would not be without one - wonderful dogs & so easy to keep.

Glowing

aye ..the hardest thing about walking a greyhound is getting him off the couch

WWW.paws.ie

TooManyDogs

Whispered wrote: »

Would you consider a pair of greyhounds. STOP LAUGHING !! They are perfect for duplex life. They adore lounging around and, especially if ex-racers, they tend to do well if left for longer periods as they would have had a life where they spent a lot of time without human interaction. They need a short sharp burst of exercise and ex racers tend to be great on the lead. They're an easy breed, some of the easiest dogs I've ever come into contact with have been greyhounds. This is my opinion on them, perhaps someone who knows more about them could comment to let me know if I've gotten it horribly wrong.

It might be something to consider.

Would totally agree with you, greyhounds are the ultimate couch potato which surprises most people. I mind a greyhound and you literally can't get her out of bed for a wee until lunchtime!!!

On the other hand people are also surprised to hear JRT need tons of exercise and that they're a working dog packed into a small body. So I'd suggest looking at older dog/pair of older dogs/greyhound/other breed that don't need much exercise

shinikins

OP, at the risk of being totally off base here(and completely off topic) but have you considered a cat???

Easy to keep, take to litter training naturally, very clean, and once they're given loads of affection they are just as affectionate as a dog. They also don't require the same level of exercise that a dog would, and enjoy periods of solitude. Apologies if i'm totally wrong, but your lifestyle would seem to be more suitable to keeping a cat than a dog at the moment.

crally

hi. i have two dogs. i did the puppy thing n never again! i got a 3 year old rescue, female, neutered, housetrained....super. i think the breed of dog is very important. yorkies are dogs that need attention..leavin them alone all day, not a great idea. my advice 2 rescue dogs. my two dogs get on great, play, and are great company for each other. i look at rescue sites n they often have 2 dogs that they do not want to seperate. often they are given by their owners who cannot manage them. i was in MADRA one day and saw 2 yorkies that had to be homed together. my house still has the marks of puppy stage, eaten couch, stairs. Or give up the job!! joking

alexa5x5

shinikins wrote: »

OP, at the risk of being totally off base here(and completely off topic) but have you considered a cat???

Easy to keep, take to litter training naturally, very clean, and once they're given loads of affection they are just as affectionate as a dog. They also don't require the same level of exercise that a dog would, and enjoy periods of solitude. Apologies if i'm totally wrong, but your lifestyle would seem to be more suitable to keeping a cat than a dog at the moment.

Thanks for the reply but tbh I'm a 100% dog person, no offence to anyone who loves cats but I would never have one. I think people are either dog or cat people, and I’m definitely a dog person

alexa5x5

Whispered wrote: »

Would you consider a pair of greyhounds. STOP LAUGHING !! They are perfect for duplex life. They adore lounging around and, especially if ex-racers, they tend to do well if left for longer periods as they would have had a life where they spent a lot of time without human interaction. They need a short sharp burst of exercise and ex racers tend to be great on the lead. They're an easy breed, some of the easiest dogs I've ever come into contact with have been greyhounds. This is my opinion on them, perhaps someone who knows more about them could comment to let me know if I've gotten it horribly wrong.

It might be something to consider.

Thank you for the suggestion but I’ve decided that I not going to be selfish and get a dog. I know myself that the next 5 months are going to be extremely busy for me and getting a dog just wouldn’t be fair. I have heard fantastic things about greyhounds though and I love the idea of making a home for an ex racer. It definitely is something I will strongly think about when the time is right in the future.

Discodog

Glowing wrote: »

aye ..the hardest thing about walking a greyhound is getting him off the couch

WWW.paws.ie

Ha more like off my lap

sionnaic

Definitely don't get puppies - it would be terribly unfair on them and very likely to lead to all sorts of psychological problems. When we first looked into getting a dog we (naively) didn't realise this but were soon set straight by Remi and Helena from ASH! Once we did our research we realised the only way it was going to work was a secure garden, two older dogs not puppies and a lot (and I mean A LOT) of sacrifices regarding our social life and free time. No more work do's, trips to cinema, after work shopping or drinks on a Friday night after a hard week's work. Now when we're not stuck in work the dogs are our top priority. No more working late either - if we need to work extra hours then it has to be done from home - luckily we both work in IT so it can be done.

They're worth it though!

I've heard great reports on what fantastic pets greyhounds make, especially when it comes to adapting to our busy modern lifestyles. Lazy, friendly, affectionate, gentle, placid and generally great with kids is what I've heard. I'd definitely consider one next time we have to think about adopting again.

We had great plans and immovable criteria for selecting a dog that would suit us...and then went to the shelter and it all got thrown straight out the window when we met Obi and he basically wrapped himself around me we were goners! Didn't stand a chance he could have been set to grow into a horse and it wouldn't have mattered. So I think there's a lot if truth to the wisdom that your dog chooses you and not the other way around. It was the same with Roly - we weren't that keen on the idea of a purebred basset but one meeting with him and that was that

Best of luck to you no matter what you decide. It sounds like you really care so hopefully you'll get the chance to give someone a great home.

sionnaic

And just because I can't resist showing them off....these will either tempt you further or put you off

Roly...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVzJfciTAx4

Obi...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbTGLDiMCV0

boomerang

It's far from ideal OP but it's not impossible.

There aren't many dogs that could cope with that kind of lengthy isolation five days a week, unless perhaps you adopted a bonded pair of older dogs who are happy to snooze most of the time.

I think your biggest problem is going to be house training. There's no dog that can hold pee and poop for ten hours, and for that reason alone, a puppy's definitely out of the question.

Also every time the dog wants to go to the toilet you're going to have to take her out, and that is going to be a long-term hassle for you, especially on wet or cold nights or first thing in the morning when you're tired and in your peejays!

Discodog

boomerang wrote: »

There's no dog that can hold pee and poop for ten hours

My pup 8 months has to pee every 4 hours (roughly). My greyhound will happily go for 8/9 hours & she won't rush for the door when I get in.

My older Dog will go 12 hours without a pee :eek:. If they are walked at 8am & then I get in at 5.30pm. The other two will go straight out for a pee but incredibly she won't. Instead she will wait for her walk at about 7.30pm.
So much depends on routine & what they get used to.

The key to any of this is timing. If you were going to get a dog or preferably two then you would need to plan so that you could progressively leave them more each day & take time to build up to a full day.

Space is irrelevant. I bet that my place is no bigger than yours. When I am here all day the dogs sleep, apart from when the pup gets bored or it's dinner time. I would invest a bit of time, get to know your local rescue & more importantly let them get to know you.

alexa5x5

Discodog wrote: »

Ha more like off my lap

aaaawww what a beautie!! and such a sweet picture, I'm very jealous!

alexa5x5

sionnaic wrote: »

And just because I can't resist showing them off....these will either tempt you further or put you off

Roly...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVzJfciTAx4

Obi...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbTGLDiMCV0

your pictures didn't post, please try again I'd love to see them!

sionnaic

alexa5x5 wrote: »

your pictures didn't post, please try again I'd love to see them!

Oops! I'll try that one again

The Nibbler aka. Roly Poly the Basset Hound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVzJfciTAx4

Obi and Roly and the first snowfall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbTGLDiMCV0

Playing in the snow...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_MLs7tO8A

Discodog

I saw her get hit by a car in Galway then she hobbled off & I lost sight of her. Then luckily I saw her in Shop Street, of all places !. I ended up having to take my belt off to catch her with it. The GSPCA had no transport so I took her to the Vet & the rest is history.

Now here is a confession. I had never found Greyhounds to be in the least bit appealing. She won me over in about 20 mins !. I have since met lots & they are all adorable. But don't be fooled by the butter wouldn't melt look. She can be really playful & gives the pup one heck of a run around.

hondasam

alexa5x5 wrote: »

Hi,
[FONT=Times New Roman]I’ve wanted a dog for years, but because I live in a duplex (no garden) I told myself I’d wait till I’m living in a house with a garden. Lately all I can think about is getting a dog and really don’t wont to wait any more, but I’m put off by the idea that it wouldn’t be fair to the dog. [/FONT]

Like I said, I live in a duplex that is quite large. I’m usually out of the house from 8-6pm (average), so the dog would be home by itself for 10hours. I’ve spoken to a few people that don’t see a problem with this, but I don’t know….

I should add that I have had a dog before, I loved him to bits and we had a very happy 12 years together. Losing him was devastating, and it’s only now (6 years later) that I can even consider getting another.
Also the dog I’m thinking of getting is a Yorkshire terrier.

Thank you for your input

Op I have a yorkie and the are just loveable, There is no problem leaving them alone. lots of people work and have animals. you should get a minature one.

I also have a german shepherd who is fine at home all day. Make sure you leave some toys for playing with.

The yorkies just love to sleep all day.

Cherry Blossom

hondasam wrote: »

Op I have a yorkie and the are just loveable, There is no problem leaving them alone. lots of people work and have animals. you should get a minature one.

I also have a german shepherd who is fine at home all day. Make sure you leave some toys for playing with.

The yorkies just love to sleep all day.

Standard Yorkies are tiny enough without the whole host of medical and health issues arising from continually breeding the runts together to create minature or teacup dogs

hondasam

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Standard Yorkies are tiny enough without the whole host of medical and health issues arising from continually breeding the runts together to create minature or teacup dogs

ya but the are so cute !

dvet

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Standard Yorkies are tiny enough without the whole host of medical and health issues arising from continually breeding the runts together to create minature or teacup dogs

hondasam wrote: »

ya but the are so cute !

No disrespect intended, but that's exactly the problem for some breeds of dog... people look at them and think "hmmm, those dogs sure are unhealthy, but they're so cute.. let's breed them anyway!!" :rolleyes:

hondasam

dvet wrote: »

No disrespect intended, but that's exactly the problem for some breeds of dog... people look at them and think "hmmm, those dogs sure are unhealthy, but they're so cute.. let's breed them anyway!!" :rolleyes:

I know a few people with minature yorkies and the are happy healthy dogs. I know what you are saying but not all minature dogs are unhealthy.

dvet

hondasam wrote: »

I know a few people with minature yorkies and the are happy healthy dogs. I know what you are saying but not all minature dogs are unhealthy.

Oh yeah, totally agreed that they're not all unhealthy. And this is thanks to the responsible breeders out there, that go to great pains to make sure they breed healthy dogs!

I wasn't talking about mini yorkies in particularly at all though, there are unfortunately loads of examples out there... the pugs who struggle to breathe all day long, the labs who have multiple joint problems at 2 years old, etc etc.. and all lovely dogs they are (and they are cute!), but such a pity for them!

hondasam

dvet wrote: »

Oh yeah, totally agreed that they're not all unhealthy. And this is thanks to the responsible breeders out there, that go to great pains to make sure they breed healthy dogs!

I wasn't talking about mini yorkies in particularly at all though, there are unfortunately loads of examples out there... the pugs who struggle to breathe all day long, the labs who have multiple joint problems at 2 years old, etc etc.. and all lovely dogs they are (and they are cute!), but such a pity for them!

yes I agree but I was only talking about yorkies. I dont know enough about other breeds to comment.

dvet

p.s. I didn't really mean to direct it at you hondasam, i know you were only saying that they are cute, which they totally are! I'm more directing it at any irresponsible breeders, of all breeds, out there (of which there are too many!)

alexa5x5

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Standard Yorkies are tiny enough without the whole host of medical and health issues arising from continually breeding the runts together to create minature or teacup dogs

Oh they are so cute I agree. But one of my relatives has one and as cute as she is, she is almost too small, its impossible to hear her walk around! :eek: And worst of all she can't bark, she's about 4 now and she can't make a sound. My relative was told by her dogs vet that because of the in-breathing to get her to that size she probably wont ever will. I just think that is so sad.

alexa5x5

sionnaic wrote: »

Oops! I'll try that one again

The Nibbler aka. Roly Poly the Basset Hound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVzJfciTAx4

Obi and Roly and the first snowfall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbTGLDiMCV0

Playing in the snow...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_MLs7tO8A

aaaaaawwwww! So cute, thank you for posting your little beauties!

EGAR

alexa5x5 wrote: »

My relative was told by her dogs vet that because of the in-breathing to get her to that size she probably wont ever will. I just think that is so sad.

Hi, it's called inbreeding or close breeding.

alexa5x5

EGAR wrote: »

Hi, it's called inbreeding or close breeding.

thanks for the spell check, I think you got the idea anyway :rolleyes:

EGAR

Sigh, it has nothing to do with spell checking, many people read here who do not post or are aware of the implications of inbreeding. They would not get very far googling in-breathing in relation to genetic diseases and their implications.