Was it wrong to get a puppy?

Question

My boyfriend and I have wanted a puppy for many months and last night decided to purchase a gorgeous labrador/alaskan malamute cross. I understand that puppies cry loads when left alone and we want to teach him to cope with being on his own as we both work full time.
I have been in tears all morning as I am now wondering how WE are going to cope and if we made the right decision. He gets very upset when we leave and feel he will be a nightmare when left during the day.
I think I know deep down that we shouldnt have got him and that is what is making me upset - so my question is, do we stick it out, hoping he will adjust to being on his own - or try to take him back to who we purchased him from or rehoming centre- or any other suggestions?
Please only genuine answers.

I would like to thank everyone for their answers and to let you know that we took the pup back to the sellers. She was more than happy to take him back as she had got quite attached to him and is going to keep him herself, which works out better for the pup as he will stay with his mum.
Yes it was wrong to get him, even after months of careful planning we were still unprepared - but a lesson has been learnt. Thanks again everyone. xx

Answer 1

probably wrong to get a puppy.

I got a dog that was advertised in the paper she was 2 years old - so didnt need as much attention as a puppy does - still a lot but not as much. - She was okay on her own, had the run of the house and a dog flap so they can get used to it. Although she was only a Westie, think smaller dogs are easier if you work full time.

Dont feel bad - its one of lifes lessons, I'm sure your puppy enjoyed the time you had him.
x

Answer 2

Puppies takes lots of time and love. If you are both working full time it will be difficult to e able to find that time. Also the puppy should not be left alone for 9+ hours a day. It's just a baby and that it far to long, even for an adult dog that is a push.

You also need to put in many hours of training to get a well behaved family member not an obnoxious misbehaved dog.

Remember that puppies that don't get the proper activation and attention from their owners will find their own entertainment. Like eating your shoes, barking excessively etc.

I think you and your boyfriend needs to have a long discussion on whether you will be able to give this dog the attention it deserves and how you want to proceed is really up to you.

Answer 3

Malamutes and huskies are notoriously vocal; definitely not apartment dogs! They are also pack-animals, they need their people around them and they need to know where they are in the pack-order. They need firm, kind obedience training because they are very intelligent, physically strong and social, but also wilful! You may have made the wrong choice of breed for your lifestyle; there's no shame in admitting that. Do some research, talk to a vet or shelter volunteer, and find a quieter, more laid-back breed that might not suffer so much from separation anxiety.
The best time to get a puppy is when you can spend time with it and get it used to its new home, and your ways, like say when you have a couple of weeks or more of vacation. I would recommend you return the puppy you have, if possible, or find a home for it, and try again when you can give it the time and attention it deserves. Remember, when you adopt any animal, whether it be a dog, cat or hamster, you are making a promise: you're promising to love and care for that animal for the rest of its life. We're the ones who choose to adopt an animal and take it home, so we owe them the best treatment poss. I'm not saying you mistreat the poor furry, but if it isn't happy and you're not happy, maybe you should rethink and start again.

Answer 4

so many people get pupies and don't realise the work that has to go into looking after them... I certainly didn't. having children(if you ever do) brings all the problems and more that a puppy brings but looking after something 24 hours a day is a massive responsibility and to be honest I don't think the benefits a dog can offer you are worth all the hassle.Send it to a home where someone can look after it all day and you enjoy your free time with your BF before the children come and you have no time for each other at all then maybe get one when you don't work full time.

Answer 5

No, it won't be fair to you to have to deal with that and it definitely won't be fair to the dog. My neighbors are never home...ever. And their stupid dog just sits in the yard, tied to a tree, barking and howlingnon-stop...24/7. You don't want your dog to be like that. Do the right thing: Find it a good home where it will get the attention it needs.
Then go to your local animal shelter and instead adopt a cat. They do JUST FINE alone, but are always happy to see you at the end of the day. They are also cleaner, quieter, and make better pets. Just make sure you make kitty an indoor kitty....once they become outdoor cats they gain more independence and they aren't as affectionate. Besides, the average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is HALF that of an indoor cat. The world is a dangerous place...

Answer 6

Oh you poor thing.

I was exactly the same when I bought my puppy as we both work full time as well.

I took a week off work when we got our puppy so that she could get used to her surroundings.

After that I left her until lunchtime when i went back to work and she was absolutely fine. I did also have my mother-in-law come round mid-morning to check that she was OK.

Seriously, you will be fine when you leave him and so will he.

He will get used to you going out but it does take time.

My dog is now just over twelve months old and she just sleeps all day when we are out and looks rather put out when I go home for lunch!

As far as I can recall, it took a good six months for her to understand that I was going out but I would be coming home.

Best of luck.x.

Answer 7

arw
dont be silly we have 3 dogs and 1 is a puppy and she used to cry loads when left alone for the first week or so but now she is fine!
she doesnt even notice we have gone but we get lots of licks when we get home, we put the crying down to missing her mum, because they were with other dogs for about 8 weeks (ish) and then to be taken away they have to get used to new surroundings - he will be fine soon!
we just put some toys and food on the kitchen floor and she wasshut in there and she had such a whale of a time! also she wasnt around our other dogs at first - so her being ok had nothing to do with her staying with my other dogs! also he is a puppy and just needs love but needless to say he is getting lots! and he will be fine! honestly
good luck xx

Answer 8

In my experience, they get better as they get older. The dog is also a little confused right now because it is getting used to a new environment, so that may exemplify his behavior. My advice is to just make sure he always gets enough exercise and human interaction. Without that, any of its bad habits or unwanted behavior will get worse. And if you figure out that you can't provide enough of the above, then decide what you should do. I've had to swallow my pride and get rid of dogs before because I didn't have the time to give them what they needed, but it was definately better for the dog.
Good Luck!

Answer 9

I would take him back, I feel it's unfair to leave any dog all day when you both work full-time, especially a puppy. They need loads of attention when they're that young. It would be better to put him back now as it would only get harder as time goes by when you get even more attached.
Good luck whatever you decide.

Answer 10

You should never leave a dog on its own all day, especially a puppy. It's cruel and the dog will chew your furniture to bits. It was selfish of you to consider this.Take it back to the seller and hope they will take the puppy back and find a good home for it.