Both members of a couple work full time, is it selfish to get a dog?

Realistically you couldn't get a puppy, you don't have enough time to socialise, do basic training and house train one successfully, unless you have an income that would allow you do hire a dog walker/pet sitter on a daily basis for hours at a time.

A lot of rescues wouldn't entertain the idea of giving you a dog or a bonded pair of dogs, you or your partner would have to take a chunk of time off to help settle a dog into your home and allow you to bond with him/her, which isn't realistic for a lot of people.

If you have a physically or mentally draining job, would you be able to manage exercising/entertaining a dog? A lot of people are happy to go home and switch off. In my situation one of my dogs is a German Shepherd who is basically like a permanent 3 year old child, where I have to prevent him from accidentally injuring himself, keeping him entertained, fed and from accidentally breaking things in the house just because of his sheer curiosity and nosiness. My other half works full time, I work part time but heavily involved with dogs, my dogs can come to work with me if necessary.

Dogs are social animals, they thrive in the company of their humans. Behavioural issues can arise from a dog who is deprived of human interaction/exercise, digging, barking, trying to escape, playbiting, to name a few.

Not being funny... but would you consider a cat or pair of bonded cats instead?

No it's not, if you get the right dog. We both work full time and have a dog. He is inside during the day while we are at work. I notice on the occaisional day that I work from home that he sleeps/snores most of the day.

It's all about getting the right dog for your situation and being prepared to start day with a walk and end it with a walk and loads of contact time when you are there.

Is it selfish?
Yes, absolutely. Dogs are highly social animals, they are not meant to be alone.

Can it be done nonetheless?
Yes, apparently it can. These days plenty of people are absent most of the day and still have dogs. Some dogs cope fairly well, others don't.

Is it ideal?
Nope, definitely not. The dog could potentially be happier elsewhere and you could get a lot more out of the dog if you had more time for it.

Is life fair?
...sure isn't

zoe 3619 wrote: »

A bit harsh there perhaps?

Yes, intentionally so.

There are plenty of ways that you can convince yourself that somehow you're doing a poor dog a favour. It might even be true in some cases. Generally speaking though dogs are not built to be alone for prolonged periods of time every day...that's just a fact.
And if someone comes here, asking (with a semi-guilty conscience perhaps) if it is selfish to want a dog in these circumstances somebody has to stand up for the dog(s) and tell them that yes, first and foremost it is indeed selfish.

If that person then puts in the work to go out and find and rescue a poor dog that really is better off being alone for hours in a warm house every day than where it is now...fair play to them.

Not a lot of people do though.

Do keep in mind when making your decision that it’s not just about being away from home 9-5, add your travel time to & from work, evenings where you are meeting friends after work or going out together, the days you get home & must cook/clean or hobbies that take time after work etc so can’t give your full attention to your furry friend. There may be 2 of you but how realistic is it that one of you will always be able to go straight home & stay there? It didn’t work for me as the guilt was too much even after I got a 2nd dog for company. I cut down my working days & work from home a bit now too & have a dog walker calling when I must be in the office as it just wasn’t fair. Some animal shelters allow fostering at wkds if you were interested in that until it becomes easier to become a full time dog owner? Dogs just love company & leaving them alone for long periods of time can often result in behavioural issues. It’s good you are putting thought into your decision and sorry I’m not giving the answer you would probably like to hear!

It depends on your level of commitment OP.

We have a nearly 14 year old cocker spaniel, he arrived a bundle of terror at 8 weeks.. we both work full time – always have

BUT

My OH was able to work from home for the first 3-4 weeks – which helped a lot.

Once he was fully covered vaccination wise we paid for a local dog walker for 2 days per week (good for socialisation and his exercise) plus we walked him each night

We did puppy training classes with him one evening per week

Once doggie day care opened in our area we used this 2/3 days per week

HOWEVER looking back would I get a puppy again while working full time…

absolutely not they deserve more even though we did a huge amount with him and for him in terms of him not being alone for long period of time but it’s just not enough for a puppy IMO

BUT would I adopt an older dog?

Definitely – I would still use doggie day care 2/3 days per week as 10 hours a day alone for ANY dog isn’t fair and then the other 2 days they would mostly sleep anyway but with nice the proper routine in put in place it is doable IMO

This won't really be helpful but it amused me when I heard it. I was in the States many years ago and heard an "animal psychologist" on TV answering this same question. He advised getting an English Bulldog because they're so dense that by the time they've figured out you're missing, you'll be back again! I don't know any bulldogs or their owners so can't vouch for the advice but it was funny at the time

zoe 3619 wrote:

Would a greyhound or lurcher suit you? Great cappacity for dozing if given access to a sofa and a run twice a day.

I second this. I'm a recent greyhound adopter; we got a four year old retired racer. He is the most docile sofa surfer ever. I work shifts and my oh works 9-5. On my days in work, I get up at 6am and walk him for about 45mins before I leave for work. Oh leaves at 8.45am, my mam calls in during the day to let him stretch his legs in the garden but more often than not he won't get up off the couch! My oh gets in at about 5.30pm and brings him for a walk. On my days off, I get back from the school run at 9.15 and bring him for an hours walk. Outside of this, he pretty much sleeps round the clock!

If you're prepared to factor in the additional time required to make sure the right dog is exercised properly, then in can work. They're a great motivator, I've lost weight since getting my hound

I couldn't have a dog and leave it in the house all day on it's own I would feel too guilty.

At the weekends you will want to go out shopping or meet friends

We have our dog since he was a puppy and its only this last few years that we are leaving him on his own for short spells he is 8 now. We know his routine and that he will sleep but dosen't stop us rushing home

bilbot79 wrote: »

I think we live in an age where humans have gotten way too sensitive.

Dogs on the other hand have stayed the same and as always, it's a dog's life.

People underestimate a dog's ability to simply get used to things. There's many a dog being exposed to the full rigours of abusive, sadistic and torturing owners. To rescue such a dog and leave it alone for 8 hours or to leave a dog alone for 8 hours and love them when you get home is NOT cruel!

The exception would be breed specific separation anxiety. If it really is an issue get a greyhound, they will be too busy sleeping to notice you are gone.

I agree, though the ideal is to make sure dog isn’t left for prolonged periods this can be done with dog day care, dog walker or arranging someone to pop in.
When you look at dogs life on death row in the pound, or living prolonged periods at a no kill shelter it’s a no brainer that loving adoptions is the way forward.
I work full time, my dog has a traumatic history and as such is highly anxious - he will be on anxiety meds for life. When I adopted him I was clear to the shelter about my circumstances, I am lucky enough to have an amazing dog walker. Apart from taking some time to work from home in his first few weeks we’ve had no issues with separation anxiety.
I did adopt an older dog being mindful of this fact.

Admittedly I do overcompensate at the weekends/evenings.... most activities will involve him (live in UK so most public places/pubs are dog friendly).

I’d recommend speaking to local rescues/shelters explaining your circumstances and see if they can find a suitable match. Senior dogs are often overlooked and are so, so in need of loving sofas and hearts