I would like to get an american staffordshire (female) and I live in a large condo. There is no yard, but plenty of parks and sidewalks to run and excercise in nearby.
I plan on walk/running the dog before work and then again when I get home after the gym. Dog would be home alone from 8am until roughly 6:30 when my fiance get home. I would get back around 7. Is this too much time alone? I suspect it is and I do not want to crate the dog that long. I imagine Dog daycare costs a bundle in the Hartford, ct area.
Ideas?
2006-08-03 07:12:38 · 2 answers · asked by Morty 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
That is far too long to leave a puppy home alone (crated or not). It will be next to impossible to house train him or her.
If I were you, I'd get an adult dog. They would be able to hold their bladder for that long (but barely). You might consider hiring a dog walker to come in once a day. That shouldn't be too much.
The other thing I'd worry about, is the dog becoming destructive when left alone for that long. It will be less of a problem in an older dog, but may still be an issue. If you have a room that you don't care about, or could rig baby gates so the dog is confined to the kitchen or some other easy to clean room, that would work well. That's what I did with my dog.
I love staffies; they are such cool dogs. Just two things to watch out for. Because they are considered pit bulls, they are banned in some communities,and treated as dangerous dogs in others. You might want to check your local rules. Also, they have a tendency to be aggressive to other dogs. Early socialization can correct that, or you can find an adult dog without any dog aggression issues.
Hope this helps!
2006-08-03 07:26:12 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well my idea was already said (by you) - doggy daycare. I think it would be worth it in your situation, for a happy, well-socialized dog.
2006-08-03 07:23:17 · answer #2 · answered by ontario ashley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋