I work and own dogs, am I a bad person?????

Question

Why do so many people think that only stay at home moms can have a family dog? I dont get it. My kids are home all day in the summer. So they are at home with my dogs. My Bassett hound sleeps on my sofa all day. My Lab plays with the cat and naps the rest of the day. Do they sound mistreated?? I dont get the pious pet owners out there. Can someone help them get a life?Oh yes in the winter they have to hold it about 7 or 8 hours. That is about 3 hours less than they sleep at night.

My dogs were puppys once, and they stayed home by themselves. I got them crates to keep them safe. They are great dogs

Answer 1

no you are not a bad person. you are a person with a normal life like most of us. i am a stay at home mom and i have 4 dogs and they are fine. i also leave them for about 5-6 hrs a day to go do all my mom things and there is nothing wrong with them. you just keep doing what you are doing and as long as they are happy with the family routine then don't worry about what everyone else thinks of you.

Answer 2

It's important that your dogs get a fair amount of exercise. So, no matter how long they are laying around, make sure they get out for more than just a few minutes a day. Also, ask yourself why you have these animals. Are they for some sense of security for your kids? Realize that they are very rewarding beings with souls. You get out what you put in.If you truly love your pets, you'll want them to live as long as possible. An active dog will stay healthier longer. They are also great for teaching your kid many responsibilities. If you like reading, check out "How to be your dogs best Friend" by The Monks of New Skete. I think if you give your dog enough attention on a regular basis you won't feel bad when you have to leave them.
Also consider: The older the dog the more they should have the opportunity to go out.
And maybe someone in the neighborhood who can let them out. Could be a kid or a "stay at home mom" or there are people who make a living doing daycare for dogs.
As far as cats go - let's not go there.

Answer 3

I agree with you. If you work and there is no one home with the puppy it is not such a bad thing, just like humans they need there alone time to relax and enjoy the fact that "no parents" are home. As long as you give them love and exercise then there is no reason not to have a family dog. some people only have pets and no children they are all in the same. You dont treat them any differently. A puppy or dog can hold it for much longer than people think. and if they happen to have an accident, well thats okay once in a while, but chances are they wont have one because they have been trained and they are raised in the home envoriment and they have a daily routine just the same as you and I. So I agree you are NOT abad person in any why.

Answer 4

My dog gets left home all day long, he seems very well adjusted.

When I get home we go for a walk around the block, he gets plenty of potty time in the morning before we leave for work.

On the weekends he will sleep all day long and keeps to the same schedule as a weekday. Except when we go to the dog park or pet store to get treats.

If those who worked didn't have dogs, where would they go? The shelter locked in a cage or put down. That doesn't sound like a very good life for a dog.

Instead we give them a home and most importantly love.

Answer 5

The original question was about someone leaving a *puppy* for 10 hours at a time... You do see the difference, don't you?

Edit: Oh, I'm not arguing with you! I agree that you can keep them at home for 7 or 8 hours and still be a great puppy parent! But 10 hours, 5 days a week is a *bit* much...

I *do* stay home with my dogs, but I haven't always... I used to leave mine for 6 to 7 hours, too! For a puppy, there is a huge difference between 7 or 8 hours and 10 hours. Can you agree?

Answer 6

No, you are not a bad person. I too work a full time job and have 10 dogs. I also have a roomate who is home during the day. Nevertheless, your dogs sound fine. They will let you know in their own way that they need you more. Do they have accidents when your gone? Do they chew the furniture or your belongings? Do they have "special needs" for any illness? If theydon't I think they are fine. I don't know about you, but I love coming home to my dogs who shower me with affection each and everytime I come home!

Answer 7

Just ignore what other people are saying about you. They are not worth your time to even think about those complaints. Your dogs are not even mistreated. Mistreating a dog means: no love and care, no food, no clean water, no contact between the owner, and so on. It seems to me that your dogs are very happy. So just go on with your life as it has before.

Answer 8

The dogs sound fine to me tell them to mind their own f**** business. I work 40 hours a week and have two big dogs in the house all day. They aren't mistreated unless they don't have food, water, and shelter.

Answer 9

I also have two dogs and work as well. My dogs like to lounge around the house and play fight all day. (I have two Pitt mixes pittbull and Labrador, and pittbull and boxer). When I get home they are always ready to play and run around. Are you a bad person....no. Your just a person with a life and have two great dogs in it. keep up the good work.

Answer 10

I have had dogs all my professional life. They are very adaptable creatures and feel secure in a rountine. Remember: A dog has not reference when it comes to time. You can leave and come back 5 minutes later. Or come back 5 hours later. It won't know the difference except that he/she thinks you are cream cheese on his/her bagel when you come home!