Just being selfish?

[Beanmistriss]

I have always had dogs and since I have moved I REALLY miss my dogs at home (my old boy died last year). I am considering getting a dog but I need some advice. At home there is me, my bloke and my step son (15 so not little). I work shifts, my bloke does office hours and the boy goes to school. There is no one I can ask to let it out when there is no one here but if I had to go away for the day I could leave it with my blokes mum who lives just up the road. I thought on days when there is no one here for quite a while I could pay for one of those dog walking services to come and take it out for a while. This said it would still at times have to be on its own for a few hours at a time. With this in mind I think im probably being selfish but I miss having a dog around so much. I think I just need to hear someone else say its not a good idea then I can forget about it. Unless of course anyone thinks it would be ok, then I'd be delighted to hear from you! :)

[pmjblue]

I would not like to think someone had a dog to leave it all day, but people do, However you couldnt have a puppy as it would need feeding three/four times a day depending on how old it is when you have it, and then you need to be there to house train it. Having said that, if you can take a dog out before you go to work and when you return, and you are thinking of taking in a rescue dog, that may be facing a death sentence, it would be a nice thing to do, and you could all benefit if you enjoy dogs - Especially if you are prepared to get someone in during the times you are at work to take it out. Good luck !

[lankeela]

How about an ex racing greyhound, they are house trained (well kennel trained, but usually clean indoors!) and are used to sleeping most of the day. They are usually friendly and walk well on the lead. They don't need much exercise, just a couple of short walks a day - only downside is they tend to help themselves to any food left lying around, until you learn to put it out of their way.

Provided you are not planning to leave a dog for too many hours at a time then I don't see a problem, unless as said before you get a puppy that needs a lot of attentionf or the first few months (or even years!).

[fairkatrina]

Most dog owners work in the day; animals are great at entertaining themselves. Your main problem would be feeding (if it is a very young dog) and house training. Until it was trained it would probably be best to keep it in a cage, unless you don't mind chewed furniture and little "presents". This does sound cruel, but any animal will get used to its environment very quickly, so within a week it will have settled into your routine, and which is crueler, being kept in a cage for a few hours a day, or all day every day in a dog's home? Leaving the radio on during the day will help, as will providing it with lots of toys etc of different textures.

[pmjblue]

looks like we all think you should get another dog then, albeit not a puppy - if you have a favourite breed you could always go to breed rescue as most of them have some dogs that need re homing - and as they are presently probably living in a kennel, one to one in a house where it is loved is a bonus. You could even have two dogs and they would keep each other company when you are not at home!!!!!!!

[k8bailey]

my mum works all day, and when me and my brother left home she worried about her lakeland terrier Alfie being lonely so she got another dog for him as company and employed a cleaner once or twice a week who's duties also include walking the dogs! I agree with whats already been said, lots of people have a full time job and a dog!

[xx marti xx]

I work shifts too and my partner works during the day but I have a very happy little jack russel who seems quite happy to be at home on her own for several hours during the day.But saying that ,I have fitted a dog flap in the back door so she she can come and go in the garden as she pleases,and believe me she seems to do alot of going for a small dog !!!!!!!! :)

[Solarjunkie]

What about a part time dog? There's an organisation called Borrowadog that gets people together who are not able to have a dog full time but would like to spend time, eg walking the dog. There's also the Cinammon Trust, which was set up to help older people keep their pets - they are always looking for people to assist when someone goes into hospital or can't walk a dog as often as they need.

A laid back greyhound type dog is great for a family where there is not someone available most of the time, but with your lifestyle, perhaps one of thos organisations may be able to give you your doggy fix but not worry your conscience by having a lonely dog at home alone often.
Good luck.

[pmorley]

I, like Marti, also have a jack russel that is left alone during the day, and also have put in a dog flap for him. Maybe its something about the breed, we never have chewed furniture (we leave plenty of bones and hide) and we always make sure he has a long walk when we get home. At first we only let him have the run of the kitchen and back room where the flap was as he was toilet training, but he has been fantastic. Get a jack russel

[Beanmistriss]

Thanks everyone for your replies, lots of good advice and ideas. I'm all excited now!! :) xx