What Dog to get

Milk_Tray

Hi Guys

Looking to get a medium/large dog in the new year but cant decide on the breed. I would have loved to head along to the pet expo and speak to specialist in different breeds. Is there any suggestions on similar events coming up early 2017? Would it be beneficial heading to a dog show? I am trying to get the right dog to fit our lifestyle / maintenance required etc. Thanks

aonb

Are you looking to get a puppy?
Are you interested in a rescue dog/puppy?
If the latter, it would be worth your while in the new year, to visit some shelters/rescues and talk to them. See what dog 'grabs' you.
If interested in a puppy, lists of breeders can be found from IKC.
Do some research online, then go and visit breeders or rescues, talk to dog owners, there will be dog shows too, all worth looking at. At the end of the day though, there is a chemistry between you and your dog, breeds I would dislike are the soul-dogs of another person! I met two young lurcher crosses in our shelter today. One is in huge demand from future adopters, the second, who is incredible similar in looks, is attracting zero interest - reason? their temperament/personality!

If getting a dog from a breeder, sure the breed matters to the extent of what the dog looks like, but the personality/temperament of a dog will be determined by the breeders attitude/stud dog & bitchs temperament and the environment the dog has been bred and reared in. If you are going to buy from a breeder I would suggest that seeing the environment the dog has been bred in is paramount. Is the dog well socialized/in a family environment from day 1 etc, will make for a happier dog.

Do your research - if going for a breed that can have health issues, you need to ensure that your puppy/dog has been checked (and bred) for these issues.

Also, if you have not owned a dog before, do be aware that some breeds may require a bit of expertise from an owners point of view! Good luck in your quest - having a dog in your life is so worthwhile and enriching!

One_Of_Shanks

Milk_Tray wrote: »

I am trying to get the right dog to fit our lifestyle / maintenance required etc. Thanks

Not trying to be funny but if you gave some info about your lifestyle then it would help people here give you advice

I wouldn't expect to learn a great deal from expo's that you can't learn from asking fellow dog owners on here.

Either way, besta luck

Milk_Tray

Thanks aonb, great reply. Thank you! Puppy ideally tbh.

One_of_Shanks - you're right, we are looking for a dog that, ideally that can manage being on their own(indoors) That doesnt shed too much( again aware all dogs shed to some extent) but I am not a fan of leaving dogs outdoors personally.

We just bought a new house(with all new furniture lol), plan to have children in the next few years as well so needs to be taken into account. Unfortunately we do work 9-5 each weekday so it would be alone for this time(I know a touchy subject but this is a circumstance I cant change) I would be very interested in doing proper training from the get go(8 weeks) & socialisation and would have course walk it/play as much as possible. Dogs I am looking at that i am trying to do more research on and would be great to get advice from owners would be,
Bullmastiff
Akita
Rottie
American Staff

From a shedding perspective, all seem to be fairly ok and bearable, I had questions around the akita, I know they blow their coat, but generally day to day shedding iv heard is pretty tame unlike a GSD, would love to get opinions on that. I have a friend who owns a bullmastiff & spoke to owners and they handle being alone pretty well,'in general' , but Id love to know regarding the other breeds. The last thing I want is an unhappy destructive dog.

I dont think the decision lightly and dont want to rush into it, hence trying to do homework and get opinions. Thanks

Rommie

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Thanks aonb, great reply. Thank you! Puppy ideally tbh.

One_of_Shanks - you're right, we are looking for a dog that, ideally that can manage being on their own(indoors) That doesnt shed too much( again aware all dogs shed to some extent) but I am not a fan of leaving dogs outdoors personally.

We just bought a new house(with all new furniture lol), plan to have children in the next few years as well so needs to be taken into account. Unfortunately we do work 9-5 each weekday so it would be alone for this time(I know a touchy subject but this is a circumstance I cant change) I would be very interested in doing proper training from the get go(8 weeks) & socialisation and would have course walk it/play as much as possible. Dogs I am looking at that i am trying to do more research on and would be great to get advice from owners would be,
Bullmastiff
Akita
Rottie
American Staff

From a shedding perspective, all seem to be fairly ok and bearable, I had questions around the akita, I know they blow their coat, but generally day to day shedding iv heard is pretty tame unlike a GSD, would love to get opinions on that. I have a friend who owns a bullmastiff & spoke to owners and they handle being alone pretty well,'in general' , but Id love to know regarding the other breeds. The last thing I want is an unhappy destructive dog.

I dont think the decision lightly and dont want to rush into it, hence trying to do homework and get opinions. Thanks

The bolded part op, whoever told you that must be having a laugh :P I have an akita and the hair never ends! Because our weather is so topsyturvy, they pretty much start blowing the whole coat in february, might stop in may, then start again in June. Then you add in the central heating when they're indoors and it's pretty much year round. If shedding is an issue, i would very much recommend against an akita, the hair gets everywhere. They also get bored very easily and can be extremely destructive.

Bullmastiffs are lovely dogs, though they do tend to drool quite a bit so not for the house proud :P

All of the breeds you'd listed I would definitely not consider good as first time dogs, have you had a dog before? They are all also restricted breeds who will have to be muzzled in public. Some people aren't bothered by this, but it can be a deal breaker as it means being extremely limited in giving any off leash time (though off leash in an open area with an akita is not something anyone should do anyway, their prey drive is extremely high)

One_Of_Shanks

Fair play to you, it's great that you're doing your research first. Always a good sign that the wee dog will get a good home.

One red flag and be ready for a few people giving you grief over it, is the alone time. You work 9-5, does that mean you leave at 8 and get home at 6 or whatever?
That's a long time for a dog to be alone daily.
Some will say don't get a dog etc but chances are you've already made your mind up anyhow so main thing is to focus on how to get the dog enough stimulation during the day.
You have a garden, yeah? Get a dog flap so that the dog can go out for pee's and explore a bit. That's vital.

Think it through because you said you want a big dog. So when the dog is fully grown can he/she get through a flap in your back door?
You can't leave a large dog in the house for 8/9 hours daily without being able to go outside.

Mad as it sounds, get a medium/small dog if it means the difference between him/her being able to access outdoors via a flap.

Also, is your house semi-detached/terraced? If it is then if the dog is left alone for long periods he/she might get bored and bark their head off and you'll have the neighbours around.

It would make a world of a difference if you could find someone locally to walk the dog for an hour during your working day.

I don't know anything about the breeds you mentioned. We have a maltichon and she doesn't shed. Plus she's great with kids and can potter around and fit through a flap etc. Barks a hell of a lot though.

Good luck anyway. Just be careful about the alone time. Dogs need a hell of a lot of attention.

Milk_Tray

Rommie wrote: »

The bolded part op, whoever told you that must be having a laugh :P I have an akita and the hair never ends! Because our weather is so topsyturvy, they pretty much start blowing the whole coat in february, might stop in may, then start again in June. Then you add in the central heating when they're indoors and it's pretty much year round. If shedding is an issue, i would very much recommend against an akita, the hair gets everywhere. They also get bored very easily and can be extremely destructive.

Bullmastiffs are lovely dogs, though they do tend to drool quite a bit so not for the house proud :P

All of the breeds you'd listed I would definitely not consider good as first time dogs, have you had a dog before? They are all also restricted breeds who will have to be muzzled in public. Some people aren't bothered by this, but it can be a deal breaker as it means being extremely limited in giving any off leash time (though off leash in an open area with an akita is not something anyone should do anyway, their prey drive is extremely high)

Lol thats great advice, thanks! as mentioned i heard they only blow their hair twice a year but what you are saying I dont think that would be a situation I would like to be in lol so I might move away from that breed. Lovely dogs though. Muzzel doesnt bother me too much. Have always had dogs throughout my life growing up, albeit small dogs. I always said when I bought my house I would get a medium/large dog

fret_wimp2

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Thanks aonb, great reply. Thank you! Puppy ideally tbh.

One_of_Shanks - you're right, we are looking for a dog that, ideally that can manage being on their own(indoors) That doesnt shed too much( again aware all dogs shed to some extent) but I am not a fan of leaving dogs outdoors personally.

We just bought a new house(with all new furniture lol), plan to have children in the next few years as well so needs to be taken into account. Unfortunately we do work 9-5 each weekday so it would be alone for this time(I know a touchy subject but this is a circumstance I cant change) I would be very interested in doing proper training from the get go(8 weeks) & socialisation and would have course walk it/play as much as possible. Dogs I am looking at that i am trying to do more research on and would be great to get advice from owners would be,
Bullmastiff
Akita
Rottie
American Staff

From a shedding perspective, all seem to be fairly ok and bearable, I had questions around the akita, I know they blow their coat, but generally day to day shedding iv heard is pretty tame unlike a GSD, would love to get opinions on that. I have a friend who owns a bullmastiff & spoke to owners and they handle being alone pretty well,'in general' , but Id love to know regarding the other breeds. The last thing I want is an unhappy destructive dog.

I dont think the decision lightly and dont want to rush into it, hence trying to do homework and get opinions. Thanks

First thing, a dog wont slot directly into your life without issue, be prepared to make adjustments and compromises. e.g. lots of nice new furniture and floors in a new house wont stay pristine.

Secondly, you notice that the dog being alone for a large portion of the day is a potential issue, but then shrug it off. It is a big deal and shouldnt be just dismissed. Dogs are social as it gets in the animal world, and need companionship and also need to be kept stimulated.

If you lock a dog inside, particularly a puppy or young dog for 8 hours, i guarantee you will have furniture chewed on, lumps taken out of the sofa and all other kinds of mischief. Leaving them inside with a few toys wont cut it. know its comming and be ready, dont use it as an excuse to get rid of the dog as it doesnt suit your lifestyle.

We had a puppy who if left alone for even an hour or two would eat the lino, the foam out of the couches and anything else he could grab. it was partly down to boredom, partly anxiety of being alone.That was a failing on our part, not the dog, and we made arrangements to make him more comfortable, which resolved the issue.

If it has to be alone all day, why not get 2 dogs, in my experience they will behave a lot better than one on its own as they provide companionship for eachother.

If compromise is out of the question and the dog has to slot neatly into your life, then really consider that a dog might not be best placed in your home, thats no failing on your part, its a mature decision that saves everyone a lot of heartache.

FixitFelix

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Hi Guys

Looking to get a medium/large dog in the new year but cant decide on the breed. I would have loved to head along to the pet expo and speak to specialist in different breeds. Is there any suggestions on similar events coming up early 2017? Would it be beneficial heading to a dog show? I am trying to get the right dog to fit our lifestyle / maintenance required etc. Thanks

Get yourself a staffie you'll never look back. Incredible dogs, also if you can I'd rescue a dog rather than buy

Rommie

I'm mad to get a staff myself next time I'm getting a dog, I love their personalities. I'll be honest, I love my big old bear, but he was a serious handful when he was a pup! Chewed on anything that came within reach, including windowsills :P

For the length of time you'll be gone during the day, I wouldn't recommend a pup either. Especially as they are all big breeds you've been talking about. An older dog would be better in that situation, but even better would be if you could get a dog walker in or drop the dog to doggy daycare.

Milk_Tray

One_Of_Shanks wrote: »

Fair play to you, it's great that you're doing your research first. Always a good sign that the wee dog will get a good home.

One red flag and be ready for a few people giving you grief over it, is the alone time. You work 9-5, does that mean you leave at 8 and get home at 6 or whatever?
That's a long time for a dog to be alone daily.
Some will say don't get a dog etc but chances are you've already made your mind up anyhow so main thing is to focus on how to get the dog enough stimulation during the day.
You have a garden, yeah? Get a dog flap so that the dog can go out for pee's and explore a bit. That's vital.

Think it through because you said you want a big dog. So when the dog is fully grown can he/she get through a flap in your back door?
You can't leave a large dog in the house for 8/9 hours daily without being able to go outside.

Mad as it sounds, get a medium/small dog if it means the difference between him/her being able to access outdoors via a flap.

Also, is your house semi-detached/terraced? If it is then if the dog is left alone for long periods he/she might get bored and bark their head off and you'll have the neighbours around.

It would make a world of a difference if you could find someone locally to walk the dog for an hour during your working day.

I don't know anything about the breeds you mentioned. We have a maltichon and she doesn't shed. Plus she's great with kids and can potter around and fit through a flap etc. Barks a hell of a lot though.

Good luck anyway. Just be careful about the alone time. Dogs need a hell of a lot of attention.

You're right, I know it doesnt get a good reaction, but this is my situation & if i could change it i would but cant. I could leave the dog outside to roam the back garden (medium/ small sized) but just not a fan of putting a dog outside either you know. Its a Semi D house. Off course the last thing Id want is issues hence trying to get the right dog within what I would like. A flap on the door wouldnt be possible (glass sliding doors). I could get a house out the back and leave it out during the day if required to have space and fresh air but the human in me would rather it be inside. I know folks who are in the same boat with medium/large dogs and its fine once trained and stimulating toys to keep them busy but Im sure youll hear horror stories too

njs030

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Lol thats great advice, thanks! as mentioned i heard they only blow their hair twice a year but what you are saying I dont think that would be a situation I would like to be in lol so I might move away from that breed. Lovely dogs though. Muzzel doesnt bother me too much. Have always had dogs throughout my life growing up, albeit small dogs. I always said when I bought my house I would get a medium/large dog

I was also going to say they aren't good choices for a first time owner. By that I mean you as the owner and fully responsible rather than someone who lives in the house with them op.
The breeds you mentioned are all very strong minded, strong willed dogs. Why have you chosen them in particular?

Very few dog breeds will be happy left alone all day. Almost all of your choices are high energy and will need quite a lot of exercise.
Are you prepared to build up to an hours walk minimum before and after work as well as playtime? Keeping them tired and well stimulated is essential in stopping your smart and strong dog becoming bored and destructive in the loooooong hours you plan on leaving him/her alone. What are you going to do to stop a puppy destroying your home?

I'd be looking into dog walkers or doggy day care if you're determined to go down this path but find out a lot more about these breeds before committing!

ShaShaBear

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Lol thats great advice, thanks! as mentioned i heard they only blow their hair twice a year but what you are saying I dont think that would be a situation I would like to be in lol so I might move away from that breed. Lovely dogs though. Muzzel doesnt bother me too much. Have always had dogs throughout my life growing up, albeit small dogs. I always said when I bought my house I would get a medium/large dog

There are many medium/large breed dogs out there, is there any particular thing drawing you to the bully breeds?
Keeping in mind that absolutely no dog breed can be left alone indoors for that length of time as a puppy while you are at work without something breaking up the day. Be it doggy daycare, a dog walker or a friend/relative. You'll get absolutely nowhere with toilet training a puppy when they're spending 8-9 hours of the day doing their business inside and then (especially with such a powerful breed) you could be letting yourself in for untold destruction in the house if they develop separation anxiety or simply get bored!
Your only real hope would be to adopt an adult who might be happy to sit alone at home with a Kong (most reputable rescues will have dogs in foster homes so you are getting an accurate description of their personality) and will already have been socialised with children. Breed clubs might even have a list of dogs needing homes if you wanted to try that route.
Unfortunately, no reputable breeder or rescue is going to give you an 8 week old puppy if they know it's going to be alone almost half the day

One_Of_Shanks

Milk_Tray wrote: »

You're right, I know it doesnt get a good reaction, but this is my situation & if i could change it i would but cant. I could leave the dog outside to roam the back garden (medium/ small sized) but just not a fan of putting a dog outside either you know. Its a Semi D house. Off course the last thing Id want is issues hence trying to get the right dog within what I would like. A flap on the door wouldnt be possible (glass sliding doors). I could get a house out the back and leave it out during the day if required to have space and fresh air but the human in me would rather it be inside. I know folks who are in the same boat with medium/large dogs and its fine once trained and stimulating toys to keep them busy but Im sure youll hear horror stories too

Oh the glass doors is unfortunate. So are we basically saying the dog will be locked indoors from let's say 8.30-5.30 Mon-Fri?

Jesus, that's not ideal. Would you not consider replacing the doors to give the dog a chance to have access to the garden?

TBH if you don't, it could end up with your furniture getting chewed to bits from boredom and lots of barking to impress the neighbours.

Be careful!

jellybear

You can get dog doors inserted into glass doors. Cornelscourt Glass based in Dublin 18 do it. It's pricey but doable

Rainman16

Whatever you do don't get a border collie. They are grand as puppies but turn into a complete ****ing disaster. They are not pets, they are working dogs and if you don't work them out, they will get board, then vicious, it will only end in tears

Cherry Blossom

aonb wrote: »

If interested in a puppy, lists of breeders can be found from IKC.

I'm not sure why people keep saying this. I was advised the same thing when looking for my Westie and its not actually true. The IKC is only a registry. They don't have lists of breeders. They have a list of breed clubs on their website, that's all. The OP will need to contact breed clubs who may or may not give him a few names depending on the club.

VonVix

I love that you're asking this question now, before making a decision, all too many people jump in head first without the prior research, I have met so many clients who have made this mistake.

I found this list of questions a while ago, which I think a REALLY good questions to think about and consider, before getting a dog. If you answer them, it may help give both you and us a better idea of what may be suitable. Sorry, it's pretty long.

Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
Describe your ideal dog.
What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?
How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?
What size dog are you looking for?
How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your garden? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?
Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
Do you rent or plan to rent a home in the future?

aonb

The fact that you have moved into a new house (congratulations!) and are planning a baby, and working full time, I would respectfully suggest that you wait until you have more free time for a dog. The combo of working f/t, new baby, new dog means something will probably fall through the cracks - and probably the dog. The breeds you listed, as everyone on here has mentioned can be more effort than other smaller etc. dogs. Its awful the number of surrendered dogs in pounds and rescues because a new baby arrived... granted an emotional and hectic time for a new parent, and the breeds you mentioned can be harder to rehome because of their size and sometimes (perceived/undeserved) bad rep. So just basically think it all through very carefully (as you seem to be)

ShaShaBear

Rainman16 wrote: »

Whatever you do don't get a border collie. They are grand as puppies but turn into a complete ****ing disaster. They are not pets, they are working dogs and if you don't work them out, they will get board, then vicious, it will only end in tears

For the record, I've kept two border collies as pups and neither ended up "vicious". I certainly wouldn't recommend them for a first-timer or an inexperienced owner but when they are looked after properly they are lovely dogs.

One_Of_Shanks

ShaShaBear wrote: »

For the record, I've kept two border collies as pups and neither ended up "vicious". I certainly wouldn't recommend them for a first-timer or an inexperienced owner but when they are looked after properly they are lovely dogs.

Yeah we had a border collie yonks back when I was a kid. More my parents dog than mine. And jesus I don't think he could ever be vicious no matter what happened. He was the most placid dog you'd ever meet. Is'nt in their nature to turn vicious.
But they do need a huge amount of exercise and freedom.

pilly

I like others definitely wouldn't recommend a puppy unless you're home all day. No way will you be able to train it. On the other hand I disagree that an older dog can't be left indoors. Mine is a 13 year old springer, walked morning and evening and happy to lie around otherwise. Terrible shedder though but I'm not too houseproud so used to it by now. Often see older staffies in shelters and they struggle to find owners for them.

pilly

Best dog I ever had was a mix between chocolate labrador and a terrier. Wasn't a big shedder because of the terrier hair. Imagine it'd be hard to find another like him though. Female labradors are fabulous. Black and brown don't seem to shed as much or maybe you just can't see the hair as much.

peasant

Milk_Tray wrote: »

We just bought a new house(with all new furniture lol)
we do work 9-5 each weekday so it would be alone for this time

Dogs I am looking at
Bullmastiff
Akita
Rottie
American Staff

Not to beat about the bush ...don't get too attached to that new furniture.

You're looking at big, strong and strong willed dogs and are planning on leaving them on their own for 8+ hours during their puppy and teenage phase ...good luck.


Only saying:

One_Of_Shanks

^^^ It was like that before he got there

ShaShaBear

One_Of_Shanks wrote: »

^^^ It was like that before he got there

Shabby chic

Broken Hearted Road

Rommie wrote: »

I'm mad to get a staff myself next time I'm getting a dog, I love their personalities. I'll be honest, I love my big old bear, but he was a serious handful when he was a pup! Chewed on anything that came within reach, including windowsills :P

For the length of time you'll be gone during the day, I wouldn't recommend a pup either. Especially as they are all big breeds you've been talking about. An older dog would be better in that situation, but even better would be if you could get a dog walker in or drop the dog to doggy daycare.

Chewing on windowsills is so funny.

I have a staffy myself and I love her to bits. 12 years old this winter she is. Git her when she was a puppy. Recently diagnosed with arthritis but she's doing good. She's on meds every day and prancing around with ease. She likes to harass cows but I'm no better myself - I like to point to cows and say 'look at the moo moos'. Drives her nuts. She's looking so much like an old hag every day. I love her.

Staffies get a lot of bad press in the news which is such a pity. In my opinion they are only dangerous if you are allergic to licks. I've often been licked by stranger staffies in town when I see a staffy and say hello. One of my neighbours has mongrel dogs and they are nasty little pricks. The lot of them running around in a pack intimidating anyone that passes by. No muzzles on them. Off topic a little but yeah, Staffordshire bull terriers are beautiful, loyal, friendly dogs. My one is loved so much.

deadlybuzzman

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Thanks aonb, great reply. Thank you! Puppy ideally tbh.

One_of_Shanks - you're right, we are looking for a dog that, ideally that can manage being on their own(indoors) That doesnt shed too much( again aware all dogs shed to some extent) but I am not a fan of leaving dogs outdoors personally.

We just bought a new house(with all new furniture lol), plan to have children in the next few years as well so needs to be taken into account. Unfortunately we do work 9-5 each weekday so it would be alone for this time(I know a touchy subject but this is a circumstance I cant change) I would be very interested in doing proper training from the get go(8 weeks) & socialisation and would have course walk it/play as much as possible. Dogs I am looking at that i am trying to do more research on and would be great to get advice from owners would be,
Bullmastiff
Akita
Rottie
American Staff

From a shedding perspective, all seem to be fairly ok and bearable, I had questions around the akita, I know they blow their coat, but generally day to day shedding iv heard is pretty tame unlike a GSD, would love to get opinions on that. I have a friend who owns a bullmastiff & spoke to owners and they handle being alone pretty well,'in general' , but Id love to know regarding the other breeds. The last thing I want is an unhappy destructive dog.

I dont think the decision lightly and dont want to rush into it, hence trying to do homework and get opinions. Thanks

You sound very similar to myself as regards your preferred breeds. Doggy daycare might have to be an absolute requirement if you don't want an utterly destroyed house or to torture the dog
in fairness what is a dog going when it's on its own for 8 hours a day? Course it's goin to eat the couch, you would too if you were sufficiently bored and you didn't have to pay for it.
As you're still in the research stage (fair play to you for being this considered and serious about it by the way!) I would consider volunteering at a dog rescue for a few hours here and there. You will get an insight on the needs of tons of different dogs really quickly. You'll also get to hang out with dogs right away instead of having to wait

Milk_Tray

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

You sound very similar to myself as regards your preferred breeds. Doggy daycare might have to be an absolute requirement if you don't want an utterly destroyed house or to torture the dog
in fairness what is a dog going when it's on its own for 8 hours a day? Course it's goin to eat the couch, you would too if you were sufficiently bored and you didn't have to pay for it.
As you're still in the research stage (fair play to you for being this considered and serious about it by the way!) I would consider volunteering at a dog rescue for a few hours here and there. You will get an insight on the needs of tons of different dogs really quickly. You'll also get to hang out with dogs right away instead of having to wait

Just signed up to do some volunteering with <snip>

I think you're right though doggy day care might be the only option, I would love to know though, I cannot be the only person in this situation? Does everyone put their dog into day care or have someone come over? So many people have pets and work 9-5 I do agree thought it is a long time and I would feel terrible anyway so day care seems a good shout

ShaShaBear

Milk_Tray wrote: »

Just signed up to do some volunteering with <snip>

I think you're right though doggy day care might be the only option, I would love to know though, I cannot be the only person in this situation? Does everyone put their dog into day care or have someone come over? So many people have pets and work 9-5 I do agree thought it is a long time and I would feel terrible anyway so day care seems a good shout

Of course you aren't the only one in this situation
Our old boy was an indoor dog from I got him at 6 weeks (12 years ago) and there was ALWAYS someone home. When myself and OH moved in together, we took him with us and there was a period where my OH was working and I was in college and Shadow would be alone at home from 8-6 daily. It wasn't ideal, but at that stage he was 9 years old and more than content to sleep on the couch all day waiting for us to arrive home. I would never have dreamed of keeping a pup with those hours though!
People in your situation getting a puppy are firstly not getting it from a reputable source, as no-one in their right mind would hand over a puppy to live a life of solitude (and as harsh as that sounds, that's exactly what it is) so the chances are they have not put much thought into what to do with it when they get it home. It becomes impossible to house-train because no-one is ever there to let it outside so it suddenly ends up outside all of the time. And no matter how big your garden is, a dog will not exercise itself. In fact, you can be pretty certain (like the rottweiler next door to me), it will spend the majority of the day asleep on or near the doorstep, waiting to be let back in. If you're very lucky, it wont be the kind of dog that barks and cries and howls all day until it gets back inside.

Some people live close to their work and will toddle home for lunch, breaking up the day nicely for a young dog who might only have to go from 8.30 till 1 and then from 2 till 5 or 6 and others will have someone call in around lunchtime for the same effect. Doggy daycare means the pupster is fully cared for while you are away, but in all honesty is there much point in making such a huge financial commitment (in the cost of the pup alone if you go breeder route) to have it spend 10+ hours a day, 5+ days a week with someone other than you?

Latatian

Milk_Tray wrote: »

l would love to know though, I cannot be the only person in this situation? Does everyone put their dog into day care or have someone come over? So many people have pets and work 9-5 I do agree thought it is a long time and I would feel terrible anyway so day care seems a good shout

My dog is 14. I have people come over most days to sit with her or let her out. Then when I come home she is with me a lot of the time as I arrange my life to make sure she gets proper care. So walks, yes, but when I go grocery shopping she comes with and goes for a walk afterwards, if I'm meeting up with friends I'll often arrange it so that she comes along, and whatever I do at home-cooking, tidying, reading, watching tv- she's beside me. I wouldn't dream of trying it with a puppy and I don't think it would be a good idea with an outside dog. If she was young again, say 5 or 6, it would be unfair to her to keep her like that. But at 14 she is much lower-maintenance and sleeps a lot more.