Working hours and puppy

emmamav

I have been wanting to get a puppy for my whole life and finally I have a house with a garden. I have wanted this particular breed for over twenty years(I was around 11 when I first met a dog of this breed and started asking my parents for one) and have bought every book over the years to learn about them. The whole reason I bought this particular house was because of the size of the garden and close proximity to work would suit a dog.

I researched good breeders who do health testing and contacted one. I gave an outline of myself and my routine. I work from 8.30 - 3.30 4 days a week and 8.30 - 1 on the other day. I am a teacher so would be off during the summer. I said that I live 5 minutes from work and can come home during a break to let the dog out. The breeder got back to me and said my working hours are too long.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. There is no point in contacting another breeder if my routine is not suitable for a dog.

What does everyone else do? Do good breeders only allow unemployed people to buy puppies?

jellybear

Doggy day care and pet sitters/walkers who call in during your work hours are very popular. You could also see if any relative, friend or neighbour might be interested in doing this.

ted1

Do you want a puppy or a dog, because puppies only lasts few months. Then you have a dog for the next 15+ years

SEPT 23 1989

Energetic bored dogs and nice gardens don't mix

emmamav

ted1 wrote: »

Do you want a puppy or a dog, because puppies only lasts few months. Then you have a dog for the next 15+ years

I understand the concept of ageing, thanks

emmamav

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

Energetic bored dogs and nice gardens don't mix

How do people that work have dogs? My hours are shorter than most.

cocker5

emmamav wrote: »

How do people that work have dogs? My hours are shorter than most.

As posted above... many use services such as doggie day care, dog walkers etc..

Getting a puppy and leaving them all alone for long periods isn’t ideal and will lead to destruction

cocker5

emmamav wrote: »

I have been wanting to get a puppy for my whole life and finally I have a house with a garden. I have wanted this particular breed for over twenty years(I was around 11 when I first met a dog of this breed and started asking my parents for one) and have bought every book over the years to learn about them. The whole reason I bought this particular house was because of the size of the garden and close proximity to work would suit a dog.

I researched good breeders who do health testing and contacted one. I gave an outline of myself and my routine. I work from 8.30 - 3.30 4 days a week and 8.30 - 1 on the other day. I am a teacher so would be off during the summer. I said that I live 5 minutes from work and can come home during a break to let the dog out. The breeder got back to me and said my working hours are too long.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. There is no point in contacting another breeder if my routine is not suitable for a dog.

What does everyone else do? Do good breeders only allow unemployed people to buy puppies?

Just wanted to say I’m glad the breeder came back and said no ... sounds like a responsible breeder who cares and wants the best life for the pups .. but that’s just me!

unkel

@emmamav - welcome to boards

You sound like a responsible person and it is fine to leave dogs, even puppies, on their own for a few hours. Dogs will just sleep for most of that, they sleep for at least several hours more per day than humans.

Go home for lunch yourself on those 4 longer days and plan to have someone (yourself / neighbour / dog sitter) come in for a few minutes every morning mid morning, at least for a few months and take it from there

Pity you didn't decide a few months ago when you got off school because of COVID. Your puppy would have been nearly adult by the time you are back in work!

deadlybuzzman

I've worked much longer hours and just used doggy day care. It solved 2 problems in 1 go, the dog got both exercised and more importantly socialised.

emmamav

cocker5 wrote: »

Just wanted to say I’m glad the breeder came back and said no ... sounds like a responsible breeder who cares and wants the best life for the pups .. but that’s just me!

Yes, that's why I want to get a dog from a breeder that cares. I was just very disappointed initially. I have never had a dog and read that they shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours, so I felt that coming home during the day would have been enough, but clearly not.

unkel wrote: »

@emmamav - welcome to boards

You sound like a responsible person and it is fine to leave dogs, even puppies, on their own for a few hours. Dogs will just sleep for most of that, they sleep for at least several hours more per day than humans.

Go home for lunch yourself on those 4 longer days and plan to have someone (yourself / neighbour / dog sitter) come in for a few minutes every morning mid morning, at least for a few months and take it from there

Pity you didn't decide a few months ago when you got off school because of COVID. Your puppy would have been nearly adult by the time you are back in work!

I know, it would have been good as I had been working from home for so long but I think any good breeder has a waiting list of 1+ years anyway!

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

I've worked much longer hours and just used doggy day care. It solved 2 problems in 1 go, the dog got both exercised and more importantly socialised.

Thank you and to the others that suggested dog daycare. I didn't think there was any near me, but one opened last year!

cocker5

emmamav wrote: »

Yes, that's why I want to get a dog from a breeder that cares. I was just very disappointed initially. I have never had a dog and read that they shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours, so I felt that coming home during the day would have been enough, but clearly not.



I know, it would have been good as I had been working from home for so long but I think any good breeder has a waiting list of 1+ years anyway!



Thank you and to the others that suggested dog daycare. I didn't think there was any near me, but one opened last year!

With the right things in place of course it’s possible to have a puppy / dog

We lost our cocker last year after 14 years and decided to rescue in January.. from the outset I told the rescue we both work full time but we would be using doggie day care etc and we were experienced spaniel dog owners .. do lots of hiking each day and at the weekends so Suit the dog we applied for .. they were fine about it!

Next breeder u contact explain you’ll be using doggie care day and coming home at lunchtime and hopefully they are ok with this. Also maybe ask a relative to pop in one / two dats per week (again explain to breeder)

With some work and organising there’s a happy medium and it can be done!

Best of luck

DBB

I wouldn't fall out with you over your working hours op Especially if you could nip home for a little while on the longer days, and if you could possibly time the arrival of pup at the start of the summer hols... I see no reason why it's not entirely do-able. Is the breed you're looking for one of the rarer ones that it's hard to find a reputable breeder? I hope not
One thing I will say, and I may be shot down in flames for this, but I am not a fan of big doggy daycares. I think that most dogs in the bigger daycares are experiencing some level of stress while they're there. It takes a certain kind of dog to actively enjoy the atmosphere, and I feel that dogs can learn quite bad habits in them too.
Give me either a small daycare, or a dog walker any day of the week!

pinktoe

Maybe the breeder is more concerned with you becoming a first time dog owner, possibly bad past experiences. Would the dog be high maintenance?

DBB wrote: »

One thing I will say, and I may be shot down in flames for this, but I am not a fan of big doggy daycares. I think that most dogs in the bigger daycares are experiencing some level of stress while they're there. It takes a certain kind of dog to actively enjoy the atmosphere, and I feel that dogs can learn quite bad habits in them too.
Give me either a small daycare, or a dog walker any day of the week!

I completely agree with you.

aonb

I think its very positive that the breeder wants such a good home/environment for their puppies to go to. Dont be put off/take it personally OP - I would give the breeder a call back - tell them that you are impressed with their attitude - and what can you do that would help them change their mind about your taking one of their puppies...
I agree you should consider waiting until next year, when you will have a long summer holiday to get your puppy - you need to bond and train your dog, so you are in an excellent position with the summer off to do that.
If you are close by, and can commit to going home every day at lunchtime to take your dog out for a little trot, and have lunch at home with him/her that would be a big commitment, but should also make all the difference
Maybe you have a neighbour or a friend close by who can fill the gaps, and might let your dog out for a few minutes during the day if you cant get home?

charlietheminxx

What kind of dog were you looking for? Some breeds need of companionship than others, is this perhaps a breed specific thing?

I adopted a dog from a rescue last year, we both work full time but I come home at lunch. It wasn't a problem for the rescue as the dog would never be alone for more than a 4 hour stretch and we found a dog who is suited to that, but I know there are some dogs who would be so distressed that they'd completely rip a house apart if they were left alone that long. I'd imagine reputable breeders would be trying to make the same judgement call based on what the know of the dog's temperment.

bertiebomber

The best solution is actually to get 2 dogs they play together keep each other company and then there is no pining for you or misery. I have 3 and work 40 hours but like you i come home for lunch and they get 45 mins outside. 2 dogs are easier than 1 believe me no body seems to get this but its soo true.

sillysmiles

bertiebomber wrote: »

. 2 dogs are easier than 1 believe me no body seems to get this but its soo true.

2 dogs may be easier than one, but it is not recommended to get two pups together.

DBB

Having 2 dogs is, in many respects, easier than one. But, there are disadvantages to it too. You need twice the stuff, at least twice the training effort, you need twice the moolah for walkers, daycare, routine vet fees, food, toys, equipment etc. Depending on their size, you may need a bigger car. Realistically it is harder to get two minded if you're going away. Twice the hair if they're moulters, twice the muddy footprints and tail wall art. As already stated, if the suggestion is to get a pair of littermates, unless you've a lot of training and dog-management experience, can go quite wrong on you... although there is a bit of leeway depending on breed and individual temperament too.

MissShihTzu

emmamav wrote: »

How do people that work have dogs? My hours are shorter than most.

We used a doggy day care for ours. €60 a week if I worked all week. Worth every penny, as our boy got lots of attention, doggy friends to play with, and the owner loved him. He also used to board him if we had to go away. Get recommendations from the folks on here.

MissShihTzu

DBB wrote: »

Having 2 dogs is, in many respects, easier than one. But, there are disadvantages to it too. You need twice the stuff, at least twice the training effort, you need twice the moolah for walkers, daycare, routine vet fees, food, toys, equipment etc. Depending on their size, you may need a bigger car. Realistically it is harder to get two minded if you're going away. Twice the hair if they're moulters, twice the muddy footprints and tail wall art. As already stated, if the suggestion is to get a pair of littermates, unless you've a lot of training and dog-management experience, can go quite wrong on you... although there is a bit of leeway depending on breed and individual temperament too.

Sorry to take this off-topic a little, but I found your answer interesting DBB, and wanted to comment further.
We had a Shih Tzu which we sadly lost at the start of lockdown. I've commented on threads on here many times before under my old username ABajaninCork. We're planning to get 2 Shih Tzu and are on wait lists with IKC breeders here, but do not plan to get littermates as they would be much harder to train. I'm WFH for the foreseeable, so hopefully, we will be able to train the new friends at home. I have a doggy day care lined up, and training sorted. My plan is once they are toilet and puppy trained, then send them to the day care once a week to get them used to it if I have to return to the office.
What do you think?

MFPM

emmamav wrote: »

I have been wanting to get a puppy for my whole life and finally I have a house with a garden. I have wanted this particular breed for over twenty years(I was around 11 when I first met a dog of this breed and started asking my parents for one) and have bought every book over the years to learn about them. The whole reason I bought this particular house was because of the size of the garden and close proximity to work would suit a dog.

I researched good breeders who do health testing and contacted one. I gave an outline of myself and my routine. I work from 8.30 - 3.30 4 days a week and 8.30 - 1 on the other day. I am a teacher so would be off during the summer. I said that I live 5 minutes from work and can come home during a break to let the dog out. The breeder got back to me and said my working hours are too long.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. There is no point in contacting another breeder if my routine is not suitable for a dog.

What does everyone else do? Do good breeders only allow unemployed people to buy puppies?

I'm sure it's disappointing for you but it's great that a breeder is taking such an interest in where the dogs will be homed, if more did that we wouldn't have so many stories of cruelty and neglect (I'm not suggesting for a moment you wouldn't care for your dog).

There are also many people who work from home and people involved in caring responsibilities who would be home a lot so no I dare say they don't only sell to the 'unemployed'.

As others have said - a dog sitter/walker would be your way around this issue.

emmamav

Hi, thank you for all the replies.

I don't want to be too specific about the breed as there seems to be few good breeders of this breed in Ireland. I don't want to completely burn my bridges if the breeder sees this thread and might take offence. But, the breed is small and not one that I have heard of not being recommended for first time owners. They are very popular in mixed dogs at the moment and any I have come across in recent years have been mixed breed versions. Many of my friends have cross breeds with this breed being one of the parents. It would be much easier to get a mixed variety as there seems to be so many around, but I have my heart set on a well bred pure breed from a very good breeder that does all the necessary testing.

I don't want to get two dogs as I would want to take the dog out with me anytime possible (like eating outside at a restaurant etc.) and feel it would be easier with one.

DBB

Nice to know you're still about!:)
On the not getting littermates thing, and maybe I'm picking you up wrong, but if you want to avoid so-called "littermate syndrome", then you need to avoid getting any two pups at the same time, even if they're not related. A bit of an age gap, or time one spends with you before the second pup arrives, is what to aim for. Perhaps this is what you meant?
As for daycare, I'm not a fan of places that have lots of dogs. I think they're quite stressful for many dogs, and I feel that there's a large subset of dogs that, no matter how much socialising you do with them, just don't enjoy being in big crowds of other dogs, particularly if their owner isn't with them. It's a temperament thing, and we can't do much to change that. It's perfectly understandable really, there are lots of humans the same!
No matter how careful they are, big daycares are noisy and distracting. I'm not a fan of how "down time" is practised in them (I don't feel it's really quality "down time" for most dogs at all), and I've just seen too many dogs pick up too many bad habits from having too many inappropriate interactions or experiences in the larger daycare setting. Some daycares are careful to do this already, but any that allow small dogs (and puppies) to mix freely and in a free-for-all way with big dogs are, in my opinion, an absolute non-runner.
I would prefer, if possible, to get pups into good puppy socialisation classes, graduating on to basic obedience classes, as these are great opportunities for controlled and safe access to other dogs.
In the absence of a smaller daycare, I would opt for a good dog walker who brings small groups of dogs out for group walks in safe places for days I'm not going to be home

MissShihTzu wrote: »

Sorry to take this off-topic a little, but I found your answer interesting DBB, and wanted to comment further.
We had a Shih Tzu which we sadly lost at the start of lockdown. I've commented on threads on here many times before under my old username ABajaninCork. We're planning to get 2 Shih Tzu and are on wait lists with IKC breeders here, but do not plan to get littermates as they would be much harder to train. I'm WFH for the foreseeable, so hopefully, we will be able to train the new friends at home. I have a doggy day care lined up, and training sorted. My plan is once they are toilet and puppy trained, then send them to the day care once a week to get them used to it if I have to return to the office.
What do you think?

ToTheSea

Plenty of dogs and puppies in rescues centres around the country that would only love their forever home.

Would you not consider this rather than handing over a few hundred quid to a breeder?

I got a 7-week old puppy from a rescue when I was a child. Ended up having him for 16 years and he absolutely made my childhood. Don't totally discount a rescue dog in favour of a pure breed, visit your local rescue centre, you never know you might totally fall for one of its residents and want to give them a home.

emmamav

ToTheSea wrote: »

Plenty of dogs and puppies in rescues centres around the country that would only love their forever home.

Would you not consider this rather than handing over a few hundred quid to a breeder?

I got a 7-week old puppy from a rescue when I was a child. Ended up having him for 16 years and he absolutely made my childhood. Don't totally discount a rescue dog in favour of a pure breed, visit your local rescue centre, you never know you might totally fall for one of its residents and want to give them a home.

I do want a specific breed as it suits my needs.

I looked at my local rescue website in the past and they state that someone must be at home most of the day..so it's the same issue.

tk123

OP would you maybe suss out a local dog walker and see if you can arrange something in advance pending you getting the pup.. Then get back to the breeder to show you’re serious and have organised something?

I’m waiting for a pup atm too!

MissShihTzu

ToTheSea wrote: »

Plenty of dogs and puppies in rescues centres around the country that would only love their forever home.

Would you not consider this rather than handing over a few hundred quid to a breeder?

I got a 7-week old puppy from a rescue when I was a child. Ended up having him for 16 years and he absolutely made my childhood. Don't totally discount a rescue dog in favour of a pure breed, visit your local rescue centre, you never know you might totally fall for one of its residents and want to give them a home.

No.

mp3guy

There's day time care but also night time, young pups will need to be let out to go toilet in the middle of the night for a while. So if you're living alone you'll be wrecked, they're like babies except mobile with no nappies and you can't really take them everywhere. And depending on the pup they'll chew everything to bits if unsupervised.

MissShihTzu

DBB wrote: »

Nice to know you're still about!:)
On the not getting littermates thing, and maybe I'm picking you up wrong, but if you want to avoid so-called "littermate syndrome", then you need to avoid getting any two pups at the same time, even if they're not related. A bit of an age gap, or time one spends with you before the second pup arrives, is what to aim for. Perhaps this is what you meant?

Yes - that's exactly what we're aiming for

DBB wrote: »

As for daycare, I'm not a fan of places that have lots of dogs. I think they're quite stressful for many dogs, and I feel that there's a large subset of dogs that, no matter how much socialising you do with them, just don't enjoy being in big crowds of other dogs, particularly if their owner isn't with them. It's a temperament thing, and we can't do much to change that. It's perfectly understandable really, there are lots of humans the same!
No matter how careful they are, big daycares are noisy and distracting. I'm not a fan of how "down time" is practised in them (I don't feel it's really quality "down time" for most dogs at all), and I've just seen too many dogs pick up too many bad habits from having too many inappropriate interactions or experiences in the larger daycare setting. Some daycares are careful to do this already, but any that allow small dogs (and puppies) to mix freely and in a free-for-all way with big dogs are, in my opinion, an absolute non-runner.

Yes - the daycare our boy went to before is small and very reliable. We've been burned a few times by flaky dog-walkers and one well-known company in particular that just took our money and did nothing for it. The daycare owner also boards and was also very good with our boy. He has indicated he would be more than happy to take on our friends when we get them, and we're very comfortable with him.

DBB wrote: »

I would prefer, if possible, to get pups into good puppy socialisation classes, graduating on to basic obedience classes, as these are great opportunities for controlled and safe access to other dogs.
In the absence of a smaller daycare, I would opt for a good dog walker who brings small groups of dogs out for group walks in safe places for days I'm not going to be home

I agree, and don't really like the 'training classes' as such. We much prefer the socialisation and training through play approach which worked well for our boy, and wanted the same for the new ones. Creedon's in Cork offer this as well as 4Paws in Douglas, so will go with either one of those when the time comes.


Thank you for your help and comments

ToTheSea

emmamav wrote: »

I do want a specific breed as it suits my needs.

I looked at my local rescue website in the past and they state that someone must be at home most of the day..so it's the same issue.

If you look around a bit there is probably a chance that you could breed you want in a rescue centre. Not all rescue centres would have the same policy

MissShihTzu wrote: »

No.

and what exactly is wrong with a rescue dog?

its attitudes like that, that has the rescues centres full.

MissShihTzu

ToTheSea wrote: »

and what exactly is wrong with a rescue dog?

its attitudes like that, that has the rescues centres full.

Nothing wrong with that, if that's what you want. Lots of my friends here in and in the UK where I am from, have done and do that. With all due respect. We don't want that, and do not see the need to justify our decision to you or anybody.

ToTheSea

MissShihTzu wrote: »

Nothing wrong with that, if that's what you want. Lots of my friends here in and in the UK where I am from, have done and do that. With all due respect. We don't want that, and do not see the need to justify our decision to you or anybody.

You clearly see something wrong with taking rescue dogs considering how dismissive you were at the mere suggestion of it.

MissShihTzu

ToTheSea wrote: »

You clearly see something wrong with taking rescue dogs considering how dismissive you were at the mere suggestion of it.

I'm not interested in what you think, nor do I care. MYOB!

I'm out. To the OP? Stick to your guns, and hopefully, you will soon have a little friend to share your life with! Good luck!

Cherry Blossom

ToTheSea, welcome to the Boards Animals and Pet Issues forum. Please note that this is not a rescue forum and while we value your opinion, pushing a rescue agenda continually where it is not wanted is not tolerated here. Please keep this in mind and I would appreciate it if you would bow out of this thread before the argument escalates any further.

Thanks,
CB.

bertiebomber

why not rescue an older dog and then get your puppy the rescue will teach the puppy behaviour & manners too !

I am saddened by the need for all the pedigree dogs this is fully caused by the influencers on instagram like the kardashians etc.

Having a dog like a celebrity does not make you like them people are so effing thick. there are loads of pedigrees in rescue centres as they out live their usefulness after 20 snap on insta.
I wish all celebs were banned from showing their dogs at all then there would not be soo many in the rescues. Remember these so called heros have a string of nannies to pick up **** and groom and walk the dog they only use the dogs for the shot. Never really live in reality and realise the dog is a sentient being.
Sorry if i am a bit of topic but i get angry about animal abuse and breeders making huge profits.

emmamav

bertiebomber wrote: »

why not rescue an older dog and then get your puppy the rescue will teach the puppy behaviour & manners too !

I am saddened by the need for all the pedigree dogs this is fully caused by the influencers on instagram like the kardashians etc.

Having a dog like a celebrity does not make you like them people are so effing thick. there are loads of pedigrees in rescue centres as they out live their usefulness after 20 snap on insta.
I wish all celebs were banned from showing their dogs at all then there would not be soo many in the rescues. Remember these so called heros have a string of nannies to pick up **** and groom and walk the dog they only use the dogs for the shot. Never really live in reality and realise the dog is a sentient being.
Sorry if i am a bit of topic but i get angry about animal abuse and breeders making huge profits.

Umm, okay....

I already stated I only wanted one dog.

I don't think I even implied my choice of breed was because of any celebrity or social media.
People wanted pedigree dogs long before the Kardashians or Instagram.
I have wanted this breed of dog since I was a child...and that was definitely before there was "influencers". Most of what I see on social media is not pedigree dogs...it's designer dogs like maltipoo, cockapoo, Goldendoodle and so on....

I know people feel strongly about rescues, but shaming and ridiculing people who want a well bred pedigree dog is not the way to go to promote rescuing. In fact, it's made me consider it less.

tk123

bertiebomber wrote: »

why not rescue an older dog and then get your puppy the rescue will teach the puppy behaviour & manners too !

I am saddened by the need for all the pedigree dogs this is fully caused by the influencers on instagram like the kardashians etc.

Having a dog like a celebrity does not make you like them people are so effing thick. there are loads of pedigrees in rescue centres as they out live their usefulness after 20 snap on insta.
I wish all celebs were banned from showing their dogs at all then there would not be soo many in the rescues. Remember these so called heros have a string of nannies to pick up **** and groom and walk the dog they only use the dogs for the shot. Never really live in reality and realise the dog is a sentient being.
Sorry if i am a bit of topic but i get angry about animal abuse and breeders making huge profits.

The OP hasn’t said what breed they want or if they’re an influencer and I think it’s safe to say they’re not going to abuse their pet then they’re asking advice on daycares and dog walkers!? The breeder has already turned them down so it’s safe to say they’re not a breeder making huge profits handing out puppies to the highest bidder.

Cherry Blossom

OK guys, both the potential puppy buyers on this thread have expressed that they are not interested in hearing about rescuing. Please respect their choice. Let's have no more soapboxing about rescuing on this thread. I'll remind everyone that soapboxing is a breach of the forum charter here.

Thanks,
CB.

emmamav

Thanks to all who have offered advice. I started the thread a few days ago when I was initially very upset and surprised that my chosen breeder had rejected my enquiry about getting a puppy from them. That initial disappointment has worn off now and I can see the situation more clearly.

I am very happy that the breeder only wants the absolute best for their puppies, and if they can have them go to homes where someone is at home most of the time then I don't blame them for only picking those homes. It is good to know that there are breeders that care so much. I know there are many that give breeders a bad name.

I want to give a dog the best life possible, and I can see that will require more planning on my part. I genuinely thought that my plan of going home at lunch was good enough.
I am going to step back and reevaluate the situation. I like the suggestion of dog daycare, but as it's a small breed I would worry about mixing with very large dogs. I think I will try and see if my Dad would mind the dog during the day or find a service/person that minds a small number of dogs during the day.

I'll try get a better plan sorted on what to do during the day and will contact that breeder again or contact another one.

Thanks again!

Cherry Blossom

OP, please keep in mind that there is still a terrible thirst for puppies at the minute and folks have been bombarded with requests to buy pups from them. The fact that you got an answer at all is a positive and anyone looking to place pups at the minute will likely have their pick of homes to send them to. When I was looking for my dog I was turned down by a breeder that came very highly recommended because he did not know me and he said his pups went only to people he knew. Try not to be too disheartened by one experience. The right dog is out there for you and if the experience has made you examine your circumstances more thoroughly that is only a good thing. The right dog will not pass you by.

Choc Chip

I hope the ideas for managing a pup work out for you op. I don't know what breed you're talking about, but if you love the breeder, I'd try and keep up the contact. I wonder if they'd give you advice on what might work.

Or (im hesitant to say this as I know you dont want to rescue so feel free to ignore) if the breeder has rehomed her older dogs before, that could be an option in future if you are desperate for one of her dogs and a puppy isnt looking like an option long term.

tk123

I’d hold off until things are semi normal - whatever the new normal is going to be. Right now breeders (and rescue centres I assume) are snowed under with requests from people who have decided that lockdown is the best time to get a puppy and haven’t planned for what they’ll do when they’re not home as much etc etc.
I would have been ready around now and I’m hopeful... but have accepted I could be waiting until the new year. I was offered an adult a few months ago like ChocChip mentions but it was just too soon. ... and I’d prefer to wait for a pup as I think it’s suit us all better.

If you want the dog get it during your summer holidays next year. You will have the few months to get it through the puppy stage before you go back to school.

Just tell whatever breeder you work from home. Theyll never know you dont.

Btw this nonsense that it's unfair to leave a dog at home is ridiculous. Plenty of humans in office cubicles or factory stations all day when I'm sure they'd like to be elsewhere and we are acting like a dog cant handle a bit of boredom at home.

mp3guy

[Deleted User] wrote: »

If you want the dog get it during your summer holidays next year. You will have the few months to get it through the puppy stage before you go back to school.

Just tell whatever breeder you work from home. Theyll never know you dont.

Btw this nonsense that it's unfair to leave a dog at home is ridiculous. Plenty of humans in office cubicles or factory stations all day when I'm sure they'd like to be elsewhere and we are acting like a dog cant handle a bit of boredom at home.

Whatever about potential social issues with dogs left alone for hours when still developing mentally, there's also the fact they'll wreak havoc in whatever way they can when young.

kg703

Hi OP,

I was in the same position as you a few years ago. Finally got our house, big garden specifically for dog. Went to a rescue and told them myself and my partners working hours (full time) and they were like.... hmmm not unless you have a plan in place for the dog during the day. We were heartbroken - we'd kept reptiles as we were in apts and had family dogs all our lives. Thinking to ourselves - but lots of people have dogs and work full time?!

Fast forward three years and plenty of research and they are totally right. Dogs do sleep during the day but they are lonely and its unfair to leave them for long periods of time. If there is a dog walker or day care than perfect - breaks up the day for the dog. Just make sure they are well socialised as a pup!

Following COVID both our employers told us we can work from home permanently now so we started the search (madness this year) - himself wanted a purebred bulldog puppy, I wanted a funny looking rescue. Fostered a few dogs (highly recommended if you can detach yourself after - really helped show us what is involved in looking after a dog) and ended up fostering a two year old female bulldog who we fell in love with and adopted. Best of both worlds!

There will definitely be options for you for doggy care, albeit expensive but so worth it when getting a snuggle and a kiss on the couch

Best of luck

sillysmiles

Hi emmamav, I think if you got a pup at the start of your summer holidays, by the time you are fully back in school in Sept the pup would be approx 5 months old and should be able to manage being on its own during the day, esp if someone was able to pop in at lunch time.
Personally if this is the breed you really want, I would go back to the breeder and talk to them some more, explain you are disappointed but agree with their decisions and ask them if they thought getting a pup in late May would give you enough time to get settled before going back to school. Essentially keep talking to them if you can.

Dubl07

Many really good breeders have waiting lists. Tell your prospective breeder that you're prepared to wait for a subsequent litter so that you will have things like a walker put into place, but you'd ideally want the pup at the start of your holidays.

And think outside the box... Can the puppy come into the classroom for any of the afternoons? Talk to your headmaster and see if that's an option. You don't say if you're a primary or secondary teacher. Primary would be easier in terms of numbers and educating them on how to deal with a very little dog, whereas secondary might have more responsible students. Either way, pup would need a playpen with a crate as his/her safe space that is off-limits to the pupils. We had class fish in one school, gerbils in another and my cocker pup was sometimes in with me for third year if my family weren't home. He was a velcro dog and would be glued to my ankle. I was just a pupil but it was tolerated if not really welcomed.

Good luck.