dog at home on his own

[Cheekystar]

Dilemma dilemma
My partner and I would love to resuce a small dog, but both of us work during the day, would it be cruel to get a dog?
I have had dogs all my life and would love to be around them again, as would my partner... ideas please
Some people have said we're wrong to want one.

[Nemarino]

I guess it depends. I think to ask a young dog to stay on it's own all day with no stimulation is asking an awful lot.

However, there are lots of older dogs in rescues that are a bit more laid back and possibly used to beign left that could cope a little better - this said, they would still need to be let out during the day - maybe you could pop home at lunchtime, or get a dog walker - or both!

I work odd hours and have 2 dogs - they have a dog flap and have constant access to the outdoors - they also have each other - which makes a huge difference - you may want to consider getting 2 - it really is no more hassle than having one! Again, rescues do have pairs of dogs that have come in together.

But, most rescues will not rehome to a household where there will be no one in all day. But, if you want one badly enough and can make the required compromises then some of the smaller ones may consider you. You will need a home check first etc, and will have the support of the rescue to get you through any teething problems.

Try having a look here - both my dogs came via this site:

www.dogpages.org.uk

Good luck

[RATTER15]

I wouldn't think it fair on any dog to leave it at home like that for long periods, why not get a cat that can at least be out and about when you are away, I don't think any rescue centre would allow you to have a dog under such circumstances.

[Andyvon]

A dog is almost like a child in that they need someone with them all the time. Cats and birds and other pets are different as they can be left. But dogs are very social and shouldn't be left alone, certainly not all day every day. That wouldn't be fair. If you were at home all day fine, but don't get a dog to leave it by itself all day. You wouldn't do it to a child so don't do it to a dog.

[robotics]

I so agree with the posts already, I would never get a dog and then leave it on its own all day, especially a rescue because the've already had the stress at the kennels


www.mygermanshepherd.co.uk

[snodhutch]

I have 2 shih tzus (which I bought from a breeder) who are left alone for 7 hours a day (except for school hols when I'm at home all the time) and they are fine as they keep each other company and look forward to me coming home to take them out to play. When I first got them as puppies I used to come home and see them at lunchtime too. I am very wary of rescue centres as I had a very bad experience with a dog we had to return because it proved to be vicious and attempted to bite everyone except my husband and a very well known rescue centre recently let one of my neighbours have a cat which had to be returned because that too proved to be vicious and not house trained even though the centre insisted it was. In short I would say if you really want a dog two would be better to keep each other company and be very wary of rescue centres

[Nemarino]

Both my dogs are rescues - and I could not have asked for sweeter natured dogs!!
There are a lot of lovely dogs in rescues with absolutely no issues - honest!
One of mine is an ex death-row pound dog - he was due to be PTS - and he is the sweetest little chap you could hope to meet - I figure being left at home for a while each day, with a warm bed, access to the garden, his best mate and the run fo the house, is infinitely better than the alternative that he would have been facing!!