I'm a teacher, so somewhat flexible to be at home, and miss the companionship of a dog. Would it be fair to get a dog? I would have loads of time when school is out during holidays and half terms.
2006-08-08 20:41:39 · 24 answers · asked by snowfoxx71 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am a teacher and had 2 cats. Getting a dog was the best thing I could ever have chosen to do. In fact, it was so much fun, I got another a couple of months later (not such a good idea)! I read lots of books first to get ready and studied up on breeds. Then went to a shelter and found a fun dog who opened a new world away from stresses of school. She (my Aussie), is so much more attentive than my students, and such a willing student. Teaching dogs and teaching kids are so very similar, but actually it's faster and easier to teach the dog! She is a pick me up at the end of the day. I come home tired and think, "no walk today," but then I find myself throwing a frisbee and joining in her enthusiasm, and I'm revived. I socialized her so well, she is welcomed and enjoyed by my inner city kids at school sometimes, and I use her to help teach kindness, as well. (My dogs and their tricks help get parents to afterschool events. The kids make them come!)
2006-08-08 21:04:33 · answer #1 · answered by dogfrenzied 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think your schedule is that bad for a dog, but you do need to remember that it is a great deal more than just time - there are effort and economic issues too.
A dog need more than just you being there, it need to be trained, exercised (both physically and mentally) every day, not only during holidays, and as for the economy - there are food, vet. bills, insurance etc.
Also remember that this is a choice for the next 10-15 years - and that you need to find out what to do if you are going on vacation, weekend get-away, extended course as in further education....
But if you make a choice with your eyes open for all this, and do your research about breed etc then I can only wish you good luck
btw look in at clickertraining.com - a great way of teaching dogs all they need to know. Works with kids too
2006-08-08 20:55:42 · answer #2 · answered by snowwings 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since you now have the long summer holidays it would be a good time to get a puppy.
but consider how much time you will get with the dog when work starts again.
it may be worthwhile looking at an older dog in a rescue centre. You need to look at how much time you will have during school terms and how long the dog will have to be left on its own for.
Good luck x x
2006-08-08 21:49:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog will not know when half term or scholl holidays arrive, it would be totally unreasonable to have a dog for if and when it fits in with you.
Dogs need people they are living creatures and should be walked, talked to and treated with respect at all times. I would have assumed that as a teacher you would know the meaning of respect the only way you should have a dog is if you are able to be totally commited to own one ...... perhaps you should retire first!
2006-08-09 03:47:19 · answer #4 · answered by Drfoot 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, if you want to get a dog, get one. You will have to leave it alone for long periods of time, so you MUST hire a dog sitter or walker to look after it for at least half an hour every day. It is also advisable to get a older dog, because then you won't have to go through training, and puppy's need more attention than older dogs.
I would be really pleased to see how you get along, so please feel free to email me,
Eleanor x
2006-08-09 06:18:48 · answer #5 · answered by Eleanor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have time every day to walk for about 30 minutes there are lots of breeds that aren't very attention needy...but it will be really hard to house break a puppy if you don't have serious time to invest...and you will end up frustrated because your house smells bad and you are constantly cleaning up accidents...in the end the poor dog will either end up tied up outside all the time to avoid the accidents or will be given away to someone else who will find that they don't have time and eventually end up at the pound.
Do you have time to adopt a child? Puppies are like babies and need to be trained in order to become happy family members.
Cats are really not needy and don't need to be trained...and you should never have to deal with large bugs or mice if you adopt one from the pound.
2006-08-08 21:38:04 · answer #6 · answered by alexajbully 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a dog breeds book and see what kind of dogs are suited to spending time alone. Some breeds are more suited to it than others, although no dog should be left alone all day. Are you able to pop in during lunch to give him some company?
Make sure you know what you're letting yourself in for.
2006-08-09 01:00:56 · answer #7 · answered by Cazza 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should, If you have a school schule, then you will have pleny of time for a dog, The dog will only be alone for 8 hours, which is fine. and if you want companionship, get a small dog, like a shitz-tuz.
2006-08-08 20:49:52 · answer #8 · answered by Gina G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can give a dog the attention and care that it needs get one cause they are just cracking but best of all when you come home at night they are always so happy to see you and they never hog the remote control like my wife does.
2006-08-09 03:33:10 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you would have no problems getting a dog. If you have had them in the past you know what you are getting into. If you know that you are going to be late or short on time on occasion see if there is someone in your neighborhood that could walk your dog for you.
2006-08-08 23:08:45 · answer #10 · answered by dipydoda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋