Should I own a dog?

Question

Hi,
I have never owned a dog in my life. But I really want to own one. I was looking to own a maltese. I am at work 9-5 and come home around 6 every day. I'm home during day time on the weekends. What all should I consider before I make this decision. I would love to hear from some maltese owners to see how much work and cost is involved in owning a dog like this.

After reading all the responses unfortunately it might not be a good idea for me to own a dog period. I was actually exaggeratting when I said get home at 6. It is usually later than that. sometimes 7 ... 7:30 depends on how much work load I have and what kind of deadline I need to meet. Anyways thanks for all the help.

Hard to believe that all dog owners are home 9-5 but then again like everyone said it might just depend on the type of dog we are talking about.

Answer 1

Well, you're starting off on the right foot! The only concern I have is that your schedule is not fitting for the proper care and training of a puppy.

Honestly, and without even the slightest tinge of sarcasm, you might want to consider an older dog for your first dog. It would be better for you and for the dog.

If you go to a local shelter, run by an organization such as the Humane Society or the like, you can tell them all about yourself, your schedule, your likes and dislikes, and they will help you find a dog that fits that perfectly. It sounds complicated, but really, it isn't. And you can come home with a dog that is already somewhat accustomed to your way of life, and chances are, already housetrained.

Try http://www.petfinder.com . There, you can search for shelters in your area and also see dogs that are up for adoption. You can search by breed, too.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

In addition to the obvious expenses of owning a dog, (i.e - food, toys, leashes, collars, balls, etc...) there are some things you should also consider:

First of all, hire a dog walker if your going to be at work all day. Your dog will appreciate it and its a very inexpensive way to avoid coming home to a mess and a overly hyper dog everyday. (The average dog walker charges $10 for a half hour walk)

Malteses need to be groomed regularly (once every six to eight weeks) The grooming shop I work at charges around $40 for a standard haircut on a Maltese.

For vaccinations, try getting some information from Petco - they have a low-cost vaccination clinic once a week at most stores and its A LOT cheaper than going to the vet's office for vaccinations. (For the rabies vaccination alone, you'll save about $40)

Malteses are very cute, mild tempered dogs - if I got another dog it would probably be a maltese.

Answer 3

You need to consider if you are going to have enough time for your Maltese. Because you work 9-5 and get home around 6 and when you get home the dog it probably going to want to get out the house but you might be tired or stressed from work to walk the dog. You are going to have to have a lot of energy to take care of your Maltese. If you get one good luck.

Answer 4

Hi! I can't help you with the breed, but I have had several dogs. So here goes. Consider what you would do with him while you are at work. Do you have a nice yard (fenced in) for him to play in? We have a nice garage and it is heated in winter. So they are comfortable in winter and in summer the garage stays cool. Sometimes an older dog (maybe 4-?) might be a thought. Then you pass on the puppy stage. Good luck. And I hope you find a dog that fits your needs. They can be so much company and lots of fun!!

Answer 5

i dont really think you should because you arent home for most of the time and dogs get pretty lonely if theyre alone and can even become destructive or depressed i think if you could aford a dog sitter or something like that than maybe you can , and since malteses are pretty small i dont think theyll be a burden to take care of

Answer 6

WELL, ALREADY YOU KNOW THAT HE WILL REQUIRE A LOT OF GROOMING. ALSO, I WOULD SUGGEST GETTING AN ADULT, AS HE WILL BE EASIER TO TRAIN AND NEED A LITTLE LESS ATTENTION THAN A PUPPY WOULD. BUT I DONT THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO GET A DOG IF YOUR GONE FOR MORE THAN HALF THE DAY, UNLESS YOU ARE PLANNING TO GET A DOG WALKER OR IF SOME ONE WILL BE HOME TO KEEP YOUR DOG COMPANY.

Answer 7

If you're going to get a dog just think about the training. Puppies need constant attention. If they don't get it they'll never learn to stop "going" in your house. My dog does really well by himself at home while I'm at work, but I put in years of training with him. Plus I have a cat he can socialize with while I'm gone. :)

Answer 8

Please do yourself AND the dog a favour and DO NOT get a dog if you're away all the time.
Maltese are very high-strung and will not appreciate being alone all the time, and you're not likely to appreciate that nervous dog chewing up your leather couch while it's waiting for you.

Answer 9

NO! Dogs adore company, they are pack animals and it is sheer cruelty to expect them to be alone 9-6. Anyway, it would probably pee+poo everywhere and rip up your favourite things.

Answer 10

I think the best thing to think about is weather or not your going to have time to take care of him. If you plan on getting a puppy, they need lots of attention. Small dogs I think need a lot of attention, puppies too. It all up to you.