:'( Best dog breed for lonely girl?

Question

I have just ended a bad relationship and had to move back home, I'm getting a flat soon but am unsure about getting a companion dog as I can get very very lonely.

I work mostly night shifts 10-6 3 days a week and will be spending the rest of my time with my dog and family so it will not be lonely.

I know a small dog is best but dose anyone know of the best breed?

and would it be a better idea to get two dogs or a dog and a cat for when i'm not home?

Thanks :D

CJ xx

Answer 1

Sorry about your situation, but it seems you have a plan and that's inspiring. I have no doubt you will be back to loving life again real soon and wish you all the best.

The best companions are those that need you to most. Please do a rescue adoption from a shelter. You often don't get to be as selective, but mixed breed mutts are often better tempered that pure breds anyway. It can be an emotional thing to go to a shelter and see all the homeless dogs, so bring some strength and a good friend to hold your hand.

You said "flat" so I assume you are in an urban environ, so that would indicate smaller dog. I have three: a Maltese mix, a pure bred Bichon and a small wire terrier mix. All are great dogs with different personalities and are part of the family.

Answer 2

I have to agree with the many before me, a lab would not be the best answer for you.

And agreeing with someone else, a Boxer is a fantastic companion, a little silly but not dumb like some larger breeds. However, boxers do not have a long life. My 11 year old was considered ancient, so 8-10 years is all you should expect. And, skin problems are very common in the Boxer breed, along with heart problems (a condition actually called boxer something or other).
A great protector, and smart companion, is an American Eskimo. About 25-30 pounds. Longer life span, good health. Work with the dog on the barking early. This breed will die for its master, and very playful.

I hope this helps

Answer 3

You don't want something like a Jack Russell Terrier or a Lab because they're very high energy and need a lot of exercise.

Personally. I'd go look at some of the animal shelters or ASPCAs near you. Give an otherwise homeless pet a new life and I think mixed breeds often make healthier pets - purebreds are more often than not inbred and therefore the "bad" traits (health issues, etc.) come out more. Case in point: my boss had a purebred Golden Retriever. He had to have a double hip replacement before he was two years old due to genetic hip displasia. THEN at five years old developed epliepsy that couldn't be maintained by medication, or any other treatment they tried, so she had to put him down.

As for more than one pet at a time - they can be good company for each other (I have two cats that are siblings.) but it depends on the indivdual circumstance. If you get two littermates, that might work, but if you adopt two dogs, or a dog and a cat, they may not get along. Animal World War at 3am is NOT fun.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

I would first think about the time that you will not be able to spend with the dog. If you work nights, then the dog will be asleep while you are at work, and awake when you are in the bed. This is stressful for a dog (lesser companionship). If you get a puppy, hte problems double becuase of his potty training, etc. I would think about adopting a kitty. They can use the litterbox while you are gone, and will nap when no one is around, so you guys can play together when you get home. If you want a cat that will really act as a friend, try looking for a maine Coon. They are one of the larger breeds of cats, and come in a few colors. Thier fur is quite thick, but needs little maintainace because of it's hygene. No baths, no training, just love!! I had a Maine Coon among other cats and she lives to be a ripe 13 and was most assuredly my best friend. Good luck, and please think about getting an animal that can deal with your schedule!

Answer 5

Start with 1 pet, dog or cat. Decide what your needs and schedule are. What happens when you start dating again? Who will help train the animal when you're at work? Are there any other pets in the house to consider? Have you looked at the option of adopting an adult dog? If you get a rescue dog, they have already been altered, socialized, had shots & worming and except for kennel cough, they are healthy. If there are just adults in the house, chihuahuas are great small dogs. The best small family dog I've ever seen is the American Cocker spaniel. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also a great indoor pet, but they cost about $1800.00 (mine did+shipping) Just research different breeds to see what will best fit into your life. Good luck!

Answer 6

Be careful...most of your replies are based on the individuals breed preference. You have to consider that in a flat with no garden you will need to devote a lot of time to actually going out for a walk to exercise the dog, and allow it to go to the toilet. Some breeds require a lot more physical exercise and mental stimulation than others do. Small dogs tend to be far more active than larger ones. Working dogs, Labs, German shepherds etc. need a lot of mental stimulation. They are not happy with just lying around all day. Bored dogs can become destructive dogs. Puppies need a lot of teaching...canine manners, what is acceptable behaviour, toilet training. REMEMBER, they are canines not humans in furry coats, and will behave like canines. This is where teaching acceptable behaviour comes in.
If you can devote the time to going out with your dog every time they need the toilet or to exercise then how about considering a greyhound? They require little exercise, one good run a day and a couple of shorter walks are all that's needed. They are sprinting dogs not endurance dogs. Real couch potatoes in-between walks! There are many ex-racers that need loving homes, check out your local Greyhound Rescue.

Answer 7

Basic Training of the Puppy - Read here https://tr.im/dupnI

The new puppy is certainly one of the most adorable and cuddly creatures that has ever been created. It is the most natural thing in the world to shower it with love and affection. However, at the same time it is important to realize that if you want to have a well trained adult dog, you need to begin the training process right away. The dog, like its related ancestor, the wolf, is a pack animal. One of the features of a pack is that it has a single dominant leader. Your new puppy is going to want that leader to be you, but if you do not assume that role from the very beginning, the puppy’s instincts will push him to become the leader.

The most important thing to remember about training the puppy during its first six months of life is that it must see you as the leader of the family pack. The essential thing is gaining the trust and the respect of the puppy from the beginning. You will not do this by allowing the puppy to do whatever it wants to do whenever it wants to do it. On the other hand, a certain amount of patience is required. Most people err in their early training by going to extremes one way or the other. Although you need to begin the basic training process at once, you can not expect your dog to do too much at first. Basic obedience training is fine and should include simple commands like sit, stay, and come. Remember that trying to teach the dog advanced obedience techniques when it is a puppy is much like trying to teach a five year old child algebra.

It is also important to restrain from cruel or abusive treatment of the puppy. You can not beat obedience into your dog, and it certainly is not going to engender feeling of respect and trust. House breaking is an area where this usually becomes a problem because of the anger that is triggered when the puppy fails and creates a mess inside the home. Although this issue must be addressed without anger, it most be addressed. If you allow the puppy to eliminate inside the house, it will continue to do so as an adult dog. The same thing is true of other destructive or dangerous behavior such as chewing and biting. Do not expect the puppy to grow out of it. You are going to need to train the puppy out of it, but you should do so firmly but with a sense of play and fun using positive reinforcement and lots of love and praise for good behavior.

Answer 8

I'd go along with Karen S, maybe a cat would be better if you are out at work, being out all night is probably the worst time to leave a dog on its own anyway. However, I have always had a Lurcher (Greyhound X), and they are the most loving and affectionate and patient and loyal animals you will ever find. But they need a lot of love!!!

Answer 9

Dog is the best choice, also make sure its not a "new puppy", otherwise you'll have to constantly take it out or clean it up. About 7 month old puppy should resolve that problem. As for the breed, If you are an energetic person , love being outside, i would suggest a cairn terrier, as i myself have one, they are almost like cats, very independent, but mine is a joy to watch, she is a character! If your looking for a dog that likes to walk around with you, read a book wtih you, or just keep calm company, i would suggest a pug.

Answer 10

I suggest you go to the pound or the Humane Society and look at what they have there. I'm sure one of those dogs will pull at your heart strings.

However, if you are gone half the day, I'd consider getting a couple of cats. They can keep each other company and don't need to be walked. Dogs get awfully lonely and bored. Cats do too, but they will have fun with each other if you get two.