Getting a dog while working f/t?

Fittle

I put a thread up asking this question earlier in the year, but I thought I'd ask again as we are really, really keen to get a dog and I'd genuinely appreciate some advice.

So as the title says, I work f/t - leave the house about 8.30am and am home by 6 (usually have to go back out at that point for an hour a few nights a week, but could bring the dog with us). I have a 9yr old son and there's just the two of us in our house. House is small enough, 2 bed but with a front and back garden. I always had a dog as a kid and loved them - my little fella is just dying for a dog. I have explained to him many times, that it would be unfair on a dog to leave it home alone all day while we are in work/at the childminders....The lady who minds him got a dog recently, and while their intentions are good, they don't seem to treat the dog very well. It's out the back all day every day and isn't allowed in the house or out the front to play with the kids - no walks etc. This really upsets my lad and when they get fed up with the dog, (the minder and her hubby) they regularly say they're 'bringing it back' and my lad keeps asking me if we cant take it...:(

Anyway, aside from that, I think pets are so good for children.

I get home from work about 3 on fridays, and spend most weekends locally or around the house - we seldom travel so getting the dog looked after if we were away wouldn't be an issue.

So my question really is...Is it better to get a dog and leave it home alone during the day, but shower it with love when you get home in the evenings and at weekends, than to leave one in a dogs home getting none of the above????

toadfly

I work full time and have three dogs. When I got Tilly as a puppy I was in college/working pt so she was an adult by the time I was working ft. Other two dogs are rescues.

I think it wouldn't be fair on a puppy but an adult dog that doesn't have separation issues would be fine on it's own. Your local rescue would be able to match you with the right dog. What county are you in?

Leave the dog with filled kongs and chew toys and they will be fine.

falabo

if you can afford a dog walker half way through the day there should be no issue.

A short walk in the morning before you go to work, dog walker half way through the day and a walk in the evening and your dog will be very happy. well, it works for mine (2 cocker spaniels)

cocker5

fittle...

unless your are getting two dogs or can provide some form of other activity on one or two days per week i.e. dog walker or doggie day care then i would say no.... 8.30am to 6pm is far too long five days per week ... dogs can suffer from terrible seperation aniexity.... honestly a puppy would become very destructive being left alone all day... believe me i know from experience!

however if you can organise some form of activity possible two days per week then your dog would be ok....it would break the week up for your dog.... I've been using a dog walker two days per week for around 18 months... costing €20 per day... she is now leaving the country so my dog will be going to doggie day care two days per week at €18 per day.... so if you feel you can provide this then def go for it.... but if your dog / puppy would be alone 5 days per week 8.30am to 6pm then def not its too cruel on the dog :cool:

I know your son would really like a dog but you must think of the dog feelings first in this case.

Best of luck with your decision

seefin

I've often thought that it would be great idea if 2 dog owners living near by paired up and arranged for their dogs to keep each other company during day.I'm sure a lot of people are in similar position as you. Would local animal rescue be able to put your details on their site or put you in touch with someone. Most rescues are happy enough to rehome an adult dog where it wil have another dog as company during the day.

Fittle

Thanks alot for the replies guys, its really appreciated.

Firstly, theres's not a hope I could afford to employ the services of a dog walker - big mortage and big childcare costs, I'll say no more;)

Secondly, I wouldn't have any intention of getting a puppy - I'd love a house dog, an older type of dog who could just ramble around the house all day and wait for us to come home...in my ideal world!

I had hoped that once the minder got her dog, my lad would have the experience of playing and caring for it...but it seems like that dog (which is a jack russel pup and very excitable) won't be giving him that type of experience.

Ideally, I would love 2 dogs who would keep each other company while we're out - but one dog would be enough for us to be honest (cost being a factor here also).

I stuck another thread up recently, about volunteering for the elderly in my area (a befriending type situation) - maybe if I can figure that one out, that person/people might have dogs and he'll get to experience how valuable dogs are...

WalterMitty

Fittle wrote: »

Thanks alot for the replies guys, its really appreciated.

Firstly, theres's not a hope I could afford to employ the services of a dog walker - big mortage and big childcare costs, I'll say no more;)

Secondly, I wouldn't have any intention of getting a puppy - I'd love a house dog, an older type of dog who could just ramble around the house all day and wait for us to come home...in my ideal world!

I had hoped that once the minder got her dog, my lad would have the experience of playing and caring for it...but it seems like that dog (which is a jack russel pup and very excitable) won't be giving him that type of experience.

Ideally, I would love 2 dogs who would keep each other company while we're out - but one dog would be enough for us to be honest (cost being a factor here also).

I stuck another thread up recently, about volunteering for the elderly in my area (a befriending type situation) - maybe if I can figure that one out, that person/people might have dogs and he'll get to experience how valuable dogs are...

Yeah a well tempered adult rescue dog sounds the most suitable . Make sure to exercise her/him a lot in evenings so doesnt get destructive during day when alone. two small dogs that can keep each other company out the back is another option, and they can be similar costs to one large dog.

Fittle

WalterMitty wrote: »

Yeah a well tempered adult rescue dog sounds the most suitable . Make sure to exercise her/him a lot in evenings so doesnt get destructive during day when alone. two small dogs that can keep each other company out the back is another option, and they can be similar costs to one large dog.

Are two small dogs not double the cost of one dog?

Zulu

I work full time & have a dog. No problem. That said, my wife was "between jobs" when we got her at 8weeks of age. I would advise against getting a puppy, unless you can be home.
My dog was about 5/6months of age when she started being left at home. She'd naturally prefer if we were home, but there you go.

You can not, not walk if you are going to be away during the day. Our dog gets a minimum of an hours walk every week day, and longer walks the weekend. She got walked this week, during the floods. Unless you are prepared to walk, don't do it. She also sleeps inside, and shares the living room with us until bedtime. She puts herself to bed around 8/9pm when she gets too tired.

It can be done, but you're going to have to work a little harder.

toadfly

Fittle wrote: »

Are two small dogs not double the cost of one dog?

Pet insurance, yearly vacinations etc are all double but you wont spend as much on two small dogs for food than you will for bigger dogs. I have two yorkies & a staffie. The staff eats twice what the yorkies eat combined per day. Also if you are putting them into kennels its very rarely twice the price for two dogs. Two of my dogs are going into kennels this weekend, its €36 for one dog or €50 for two.

cyrusdvirus

i echo Zulu's comments.

I have 2 rescues, one was about 2 when i got him, and there was 2 of us living in the house at that time, so he was never alone for more than 4 hours at a time.

The relationship broke up and the dog stayed with me, so i got a 2nd, to keep him company, with my parents who live near by to drop in once or twice per week.

They both get about 30/45 minute walk in the morning before i go to work, then fed and left in the garden during the day. They have a big kennel that they share, but i'm considering getting a second one as the pup is growing up!

In the evenings i come home and we go out for an hour/90 minute walk most evenings. That's not always possible but there is at least a 30 minute walk every night.

Then a long weekend off lead walk along the canal.

In terms of time impact, i'm up at 5:50am, out for a walk at 6:00am, back home and out the door for work about 7:00am/7:15am.
Home about 5:30 pm, get changed, then out for a walk. Normally home from that around 7:00pm/7:30pm. Then feed them and make dinner for myself. Sitting down to relax after cleaning up everything about 9:00pm

It makes for a long enough day.

Clare Bear

To be honest I'd much rather see a dog go to a good home to someone like you and your little boy than have them put to sleep in a pound or taken by someone who won't care for them properly. If you walk the dog in the morning (this is the hardest part but it has to be done) before you go to work and when you come home in the evening and get plenty of chew toys, kongs etc then I don't see why you working full time is a problem. People need to be realistic, most people have to work full time to put dinner on the table. It sounds like you've really thought it through and your little boy sounds like he wouldn't just give up on the dog either. I say go for it, just choose wisely and like you said, get an older dog who is happy to sleep/take it easy during the day but that will get loads of attention when you get home. Best of luck, I hope you find the dog you're looking for!

westies4ever

OP you sound really nice and I hope you figure out a way to get a dog but once thing to add - if you do get an older dog, they can have weaker bladders so its a long time to leave the dog without being able to get out to do its business - this would be distressing for the dog and you could be coming home to puddles etc! Even if you had a nieighbour or family member with a key that could call in for 10 mins at lunchtime to let the dog out and say hello - I think then you'd be sorted. I would never leave a dog any longer than 8 hours.

Fittle

OH lord....early morning walks (no hope of that I'm afraid...I'm up at 7 to get myself and himself out the door for 8.30 as it is, honestly can't see him getting out of bed earlier than 7). Weak bladders on older dogs...oh lord. I had thought this through and I'm glad I came here, because these are things I would never have thought of before.

But...for example..Tillygirl..you're paying 50e for a weekend for kennels to mind your dogs...are there any schemes where someone like me and my son could do that type of service for free? We could have all our 'stock' (pet food or kennel) in place and mind the odd dog or two for free...am I being completely naive here? I know there's the adoption scheme that some of the pet rescue organisations do, but from what I've read, that seems to be more long-term.

Zapperzy

Fittle wrote: »

OH lord....early morning walks (no hope of that I'm afraid...I'm up at 7 to get myself and himself out the door for 8.30 as it is, honestly can't see him getting out of bed earlier than 7). Weak bladders on older dogs...oh lord. I had thought this through and I'm glad I came here, because these are things I would never have thought of before.

But...for example..Tillygirl..you're paying 50e for a weekend for kennels to mind your dogs...are there any schemes where someone like me and my son could do that type of service for free? We could have all our 'stock' (pet food or kennel) in place and mind the odd dog or two for free...am I being completely naive here? I know there's the adoption scheme that some of the pet rescue organisations do, but from what I've read, that seems to be more long-term.

You mean fostering a dog from a rescue shelter? Talk to your local (or further afield, most shelters are crying out for fosterers) shelter about it and see what they say.

As already said avoid puppys and pick something at least 1 year+. Do your research on different breeds but don't become too focused on any particular breed, individual dogs vary within a breed so you can't generalise too much but it'l give you a rough idea.

softmee

TillyGirl wrote: »

I work full time and have three dogs. When I got Tilly as a puppy I was in college/working pt so she was an adult by the time I was working ft. Other two dogs are rescues.

I think it wouldn't be fair on a puppy but an adult dog that doesn't have separation issues would be fine on it's own. Your local rescue would be able to match you with the right dog. What county are you in?

Leave the dog with filled kongs and chew toys and they will be fine.

According to popular dogs rescue it is not right and they prefer to keep dog in the shelter rather to give somebody who would leave it for 6 hours.
I think this is CRAZY I was refused to adopt dog twice and the same rescue never helped me with stray dog when I called them because they said they were full. I also gave the same organization shop about 50 brand new DVD's just watched ones) and brand new puma shoes.
I still can't get over it and because of them I bought my dog who is the best in the world, but I wanted to rescue one so much.
Every time when I hear them saying how much they need help and how full of dogs is their shelter it makes me soooo angry!!!
Also I called them and said I have some spare food (3 15kg bags) and I dont need it so they can collect when they want -never heard anything back -they were just not interested. :mad:

westies4ever

softmee wrote: »

According to popular dogs rescue it is not right and they prefer to keep dog in the shelter rather to give somebody who would leave it for 6 hours.
I think this is CRAZY I was refused to adopt dog twice and the same rescue never helped me with stray dog when I called them because they said they were full. I also gave the same organization shop about 50 brand new DVD's just watched ones) and brand new puma shoes.
I still can't get over it and because of them I bought my dog who is the best in the world, but I wanted to rescue one so much.
Every time when I hear them saying how much they need help and how full of dogs is their shelter it makes me soooo angry!!!
Also I called them and said I have some spare food (3 15kg bags) and I dont need it so they can collect when they want -never heard anything back -they were just not interested. :mad:

the vast majority of rescue centres are voluntary - they cant help every stray dog - when they are full they are full. They were probably too busy to collect the food themselves as well - why not drop it to them? And you cant expect them to let you adopt a dog purely because you gave them stuff? I'm sure they were very appreciative of what you gave them (though unsure what they would do with it). I dont know any rescue that will let someone adopt a dog if they are going to be left alone all day.

Anyway - this is off topic so I'll leave it at that.

Cutie18Ireland

What about an older dog? We adopted a 14 yr old westie, he sleeps all day. Older dogs would be used to being left alone. Dont need as much exercise etc

softmee

westies4ever wrote: »

the vast majority of rescue centres are voluntary - they cant help every stray dog - when they are full they are full. They were probably too busy to collect the food themselves as well - why not drop it to them? And you cant expect them to let you adopt a dog purely because you gave them stuff? I'm sure they were very appreciative of what you gave them (though unsure what they would do with it). I dont know any rescue that will let someone adopt a dog if they are going to be left alone all day.

Anyway - this is off topic so I'll leave it at that.

-you must be kidding! 6 hours is all day?

-they have shop and they sell stuff, thats why I gave them what I could sell for about 200 all together.

It is strange that you dont see anything wrong it it. They wont give somebody a dog for stupid reasons (my dog is really happy one ) but they complain they are full! This is ridiculous.

cocker5

Cutie18Ireland wrote: »

What about an older dog? We adopted a 14 yr old westie, he sleeps all day. Older dogs would be used to being left alone. Dont need as much exercise etc

have to agree with the above post a dog over 5 may suit you better as they tend to sleep all day... my cocker who is nearly 7 sleeps 20 hours a day.... even at the weekends he wrecked as we keep him awake all day

westies4ever

No I dont, I'm glad that the rescue are being responsible - and I've reported you - I've seen your rant on the 'puppy farm programme' thread. I wont be arguing with you anymore.

As I've said - this is off topic.

Whispered

Dare I suggest......



The perfect couch potato dog, ex racers are used to being alone a lot, very clean and very friendly.

cocker5

softmee wrote: »

-you must be kidding! 6 hours is all day?

-they have shop and they sell stuff, thats why I gave them what I could sell for about 200 all together.

It is strange that you dont see anything wrong it it. They wont give somebody a dog for stupid reasons (my dog is really happy one ) but they complain they are full! This is ridiculous.

dogs who are left all day would be far more than six hours... I leave at the lastest 7am.... i dont get home until well after 7pm each day and somedays its worse so thats 12 hours... 6 hours is a half day in fairness...

due to my ****ty hours i have a dog walker / doggie day care etc.... anything longer than 4 hours per day isnt far on the poor dog. and thats the rules of nearly all rescues and shelters

cocker5

Whispered wrote: »

Dare I suggest......



The perfect couch potato dog, ex racers are used to being alone a lot, very clean and very friendly.

what a gorgeous fella loving the tilted head!!!

softmee

westies4ever wrote: »

No I dont, I'm glad that the rescue are being responsible - and I've reported you - I've seen your rant on the 'puppy farm programme' thread. I wont be arguing with you anymore.

As I've said - this is off topic.

:rolleyes: poor you

softmee

cocker5 wrote: »

dogs who are left all day would be far more than six hours... I leave at the lastest 7am.... i dont get home until well after 7pm each day and somedays its worse so thats 12 hours... 6 hours is a half day in fairness...

due to my ****ty hours i have a dog walker / doggie day care etc.... anything longer than 4 hours per day isnt far on the poor dog. and thats the rules of nearly all rescues and shelters

So you they prefer to sit in a shelter cage or be put to sleep yes???

Whispered

softmee wrote: »

:rolleyes: poor you

Maybe they told you it was because of you hours but it was really because of another reason they didn't want to go into with you. Like a bad attitude. Shelter dogs rarely sit in cages - they are usually in very good foster homes and are better off there until the right home comes up, not just any home.

Cocker5 the pic is just a random pic from online. But isn't he lovely.

softmee

Whispered wrote: »

Maybe they told you it was because of you hours but it was really because of another reason they didn't want to go into with you. Like a bad attitude. Shelter dogs rarely sit in cages - they are usually in very good foster homes and are better off there until the right home comes up, not just any home.

Cocker5 the pic is just a random pic from online. But isn't he lovely.

YOU ARE JUST AN IDIOT

BUNCH OF IDIOTS

westies4ever

Whispered wrote: »

Maybe they told you it was because of you hours but it was really because of another reason they didn't want to go into with you. Like a bad attitude. Shelter dogs rarely sit in cages - they are usually in very good foster homes and are better off there until the right home comes up, not just any home.

Cocker5 the pic is just a random pic from online. But isn't he lovely.

dared to say what i was thinking :P

Whispered

softmee wrote: »

YOU ARE JUST AN IDIOT

BUNCH OF IDIOTS

An idiot who can get/pass a home visit

softmee

Look at the picture of my dog in the thread with pictures and think again what are you talking about people!!!! :mad:

Whispered

ooooooooh OP you thanked my pic of the greyhound! Does that mean you might consider one?

They are one of the easiest dogs I've ever dealt with, due to their past they tend to do well alone for longer periods than some other breeds, they are gentle dogs and very loving.

They do need somewhere to have a burst of a run, so a large enclosed space close to you is necessary.

They are the ultimate couch potato though.

softmee

Whispered wrote: »

An idiot who can pass a home visit

-I never had any home visit- I was told no on the phone!

FueledByAisling

I know you're not supposed to leave your dog alone for long but I think it varies from dog to dog. I've had Rusty for 12 years and everyone would be out of the house by 7:50 and home by 4:30 and he'd be fine! But we do have a good size garden and he is a small dog so that might be a part of it. Only in recent years now that my older brother and sister have graduated from college would there be someone around during the day although it hasn't changed him at all.

I think it's actually good for the dog because he'll see you in the morning for his walk and breakfast, and then for the whole evening and another walk. The dog needs his own time to run around be crazy and be a dog rather than sitting in his basket inside. Plus if both of his owners are dog lovers then it's not as if he'll be lacking in the affection/attention is it?

One thing I'd advise though unless you can get a friend to babysit the dog for the first few weeks then don't get a puppy! Get a dog who is potty-trained! already!

here's Rusty! He looks depressed in this though as he caught kennel cough in the pound when he got out one day!

Whispered

softmee wrote: »

-I never had any home visit- I was told no on the phone!

Ok I amended my post to suit you then.

OP if you are considering a greyhound, have a look here http://www.orchardgreyhoundsanctuary.com/ you'll get loads of info and an honest answer as to whether a grey is suitable for you and your circumstances.

softmee

Whispered wrote: »

Ok I amended my post to suit you then.

-do you really think this is funny or fair when thousand of dogs are put to sleep here? Seriously think twice.

Whispered

softmee wrote: »

-do you really think this is funny or fair when thousand of dogs are put to sleep here? Seriously think twice.

You don't need to tell me about the dogs softmee, I also don't need to be told how difficult people can be to deal with when trying to re-home a dog. Rescues are totally entitled to their rules and if you couldn't find one to rehome to you for being gone 6 hours a day then you didn't look hard enough as there are some who do. If you so badly wanted to rescue why not go to the pound? Do you really need to drag the OP's thread so far off topic? Why not start one and you can have a proper conversation?

Hellrazer

softmee wrote: »

YOU ARE JUST AN IDIOT

BUNCH OF IDIOTS

Banned.

Fittle

I would absolutely consider a greyhound:D In fact, I don't have a fancy to any particular breed at all...
We see a greyhound with longish hair almost every day on our route to school and himself loves it and is dying to get out of the car and rub him...so yep, a greyhound, if we suited him, would definitely be an option for us.

Fittle

Oh lord, are any of ye watching Animal Clinic on RTE at the moment where the dog got stuck down the badger hole??? I've a tear in my eye:(