Should we get a dog?

Question

I'd love to get a dog to add to our family but the problem is that if we did it would be alone in the house from 8am until about 4.30. Would it be unfair to a dog to do this??

Also we wouldn't be getting a puppy - it would be an adult dog from the rescue age 18mths +???

Answer 1

There is much to take into consideration here. If you are getting a dog from a rescue,you really need to be home with him/her for a while. It would be very unfair to take this dog into your home one day,then disappear on a daily basis without spending time getting to know the dogs character,habits,and so on. The dog will need time to get to know his new surroundings,and learn from you,what is acceptable in the house and what isn't. He/she is bound to be nervous,and will need your guidance and love to help him/her gain confidence.At 18 months,it would still be very young,and still trainable. The more time spent with the dog,the greater the chance of a sucessful rehoming. I'm sure you are aware of the work involved in a new dog? There WILL be problems which will NEED you to commit time,patience,and above all understanding. I would advise caution. A lot of thought needs to be given to this,to be fair to the dog and yourselves. It would be disastrous for you all,should it not work out and the poor dog finds itself back in rescue.Its VERY important that you are able to be with the dog for a while,find out if he/she would be happy left alone daily? Will it bark continually? Will it be destructive? Another thing to consider. A dog inside all day,with no company,will need exercising in the evening,not just a quick 5 minute walk, but GOOD exercise,plus he/she will expect your company,fuss,playtime in the evening,when you will probably want a quiet time after working all day. Please think very carefully about this.

Answer 2

I work at home at the minute and my 2 just sleep all day. When i had a normal job, our two were on there own from about 8 till 5. My first came from a dogs home and never had a problem being left on her own. My Second, (First ones Pup), did some serious damage to the house at first, but soon got over it.
As long as you are willing to accept the damage, are going to give it a loving home and take good care of it then why not?

Be prepared for your house to smell of dogs, go out walking in snow and thunderstorms and have to hoover twice as often.
What will you do with the dog when you go on holiday?

A dog is a bigger responsibility than you may realise. Too many people take them on without thinking it through, which is why so many poor dogs end up on the street.

Mine are part of the family and I'd never be without them.

Answer 3

You're going to get a million people saying 'no way' and another million saying 'no problem'! I think the bottom line is that whether the dog actually suffers, or just doesn't enjoy life, is irrelevant. It's not an ideal situation, and one way or another it's going to end in tears. You'll find that the dog becomes very difficult to live with at all times - sort of like a child with ADS... Also, you'll be buying no end of shoes, bags, coats, furniture, etc., to replace the ones chewed by the dog whiling away those long daytime hours. My advice to anyone thinking of getting a dog is: think twice, and then think once more. In your situation I'd say get a less high-maintenance pet, for your sake and the dog's.

Answer 4

Don't let working 40 hours a day stop you from getting a dog. A lot of people have those hours and are able to keep a happy puppy. Make sure to have lots of toys to entertain him while your away, or your furniture may bare the brunt of his boredom. If you can, come hom at lunch and walk him and spend some time with him. If you can't, see if you can hire a dog walker, or maybe even someone in the neighborhood that can help you out. Good luck!

Answer 5

I'd personally say no. Leaving a dog in the house alone for long periods of time can cause all sorts of behavioral problems from antisocial howling and barking, chewing up furniture, defecating in the house etc etc.
Dogs are pack animals and crave company. The best thing to do if you insist on having a dog is to either get two dogs (they can actas playmates for eah other) Or if you MUST leave your dog alone- leave the television or radio on so that there are voices in the house and the dog feels less lonely.
The choice is yours!

Answer 6

I think it would be unfair. Most breeders would not allow you to have a dog if you worked full time, the same goes for most reputable rescue kennels.

Is there anyone who could maybe take the dog out for you through the day?

If you bought a pup they do really need feeding 3-4 times a day when they are still very young, you would have to think about feeding etc.

Maybe you should think of an alternative pet.

Good luck

Answer 7

It will be like being in a prison for the dog. It's not really fair for it to be there, just so when you come home you play with it as a toy when it suits you. Most people come home from work tired, so even taking their dog for a walk can be a big effort which eventually fizzles outs.

Then even when people are home in the evening, it doesn't mean they spend ALL that time with the dog, so apart from the odd bit of storking, walking, even in the evening the dog will be confined to lying on the floor waiting for something to happen.

If you are going to get a dog though, for people who spend a lot of the day out at work i would recommend a small dog. Big dogs like Alsations etc need LOTS of REGULAR exercise and will could be destructive if left alone with all that unburnt energy.

Please don't let me spoil your mood about getting a dog, i'm just trying to show what it's like for the dog.

Answer 8

At the end of the day this decision lies with you - a dog is very adaptable, as long as they have have all their basic needs covered - food - water - comfy warm bed - plenty of one to one time with you for playing and exercise, then I'm sure you will have a very happy dog, definitely gota be a better life for him/her to have a family who can give all the love that's needed - than living in rescue. Good luck I'm sure you will make the right decision in the end! :-)

Answer 9

Yes, imagine if someone left you shut in a house with no toilet and nothing to do for 8.5 hours a day. Add to that the fact that if it did have an 'accident' it would probably get told off and it wouldn't be the dog's fault! I think this would be cruel to the dog.

Answer 10

I'm sure you wouldn't be leaving the dog alone like that seven day's a week, and if so train the dog to go to bed in a cage while you are out, but make sure the dog goes out before you leave, and comes out to play when you get home. I worked 3rd shift and my sandy went to bed when I went to work. She's 10 yrs. old now, and still sleeps in a carrier.