Should I get a dog?

Question

I preferably want a lab or a golden retreiver but I wont be home for around 6 hours every week day. Would that be unfair on a dog?
But I have a big house and a large garden. And I can take the dog on an our long walk every day.

Are goldens or labs the right dog for me?

Also, how much excercise should an average lab or golden get. And how much do they shed. (I know they shed alot but how much in detail?)

Answer 1

Alot of people have pets that are at work 6 -8 hrs a day and the dogs cope well, you have to be aware of separation anxiety and pent up energy during the day and the posibility of holes in the backyard from bordem. I find with my dogs that taking them for a walk in the morning or when ever you have to leave for a long period of time to take them for a quick walk (eg 20 mins) and then when you get home a long walk and spend lots of time with your dog.

The choice is yours reguarding which breed you wish to have, remembering with GR they do need a bit of work on the grooming side (such as daily brushing and the occasional trip to the groomers for a clip, unless you can do that yourself)

As long as you can provide the dog with the love and affection the dog deserves when your home and he/she gets their daily exercise the dog will be fine.

Labs tend to need walks more often to release energy as the do tend to get bored easily, so while u are gone during the day make sure you do provide them with mental stimulation, and they need regular brushing paying attention to their undercoats to decrease matting and reduce the amount of shedding.

http://www.thelabradorclub.com/standard/officialstandard.html


As i mentioned before the GR needs DAILY brushing and have a double coat, they do tend to be prone to skin alergys so have to watch out for certain things such as shampoos u may use. As long as they get daily exersice they can survive in apartments, but do better in a medium to large yard, so that works for you

http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100128/

So maybe keep on researching untill u know the breeds inside out and then the choice of which breed will become easier to make

All the best

(",)

Answer 2

Hi Peppa
First off - don't get too upset by everyone saying you can't have a dog if you are gone 6 hours a day. That is far less than most people are gone for the average work day and they have dogs. Until recently when I began training full time, I worked a normal 8-5 job and have always had dogs, have raised them puppy to adult, housetrained, etc. It's what you do with them when you are home that counts!!!

Labs and Goldens are active dogs, you need to train, walk, actively play, get involved in some doggie activities. I have trained, competed with my Dobermans in obedience and agility, they do pet therapy, etc. They are not neglected. They are better behaved and probably get more attention than most children I know! I train and play ball with them before work each day and then when I came home - plenty of activity and attention.
BUT, there are several things you need to consider first:
1. If you get a puppy - 6 hours is too long to leave it at first while you are trying to house train it. You'll need to come home on your lunch break or get a friend or family member to help. If this isn't an option - you might want to consider a rescue - you can find a young dog or middle age that has some housetraining already done. That petfinder site is really good - most of the foster parents do a lot of work with them.
2. what is your home situation - house, apartment. It's easier with a bigger dog to have a fenced yard to play ball, go potty, etc. If you are always taking for a walk on a leash, it's hard to play and work off that energy. A small dog can play hard inside in most instances.
3. The committment - it should be for the life of the dog - a bigger dog - think 10-12 years, a small dog 15 and up. Please read all these posts on yahoo with all the crazy questions, lack of knowledge and make sure you have the time and money. If your dog gets sick - can you pay for the vet?

I think all dogs should be inside. We have had Labs and they were wonderful inside, just needed training like all of our other dogs from mix breeds, cocker spaniel, to Doberman. Labs and Goldens do shed quite a bit. Visit one and see so you are prepared
Good luck!

Answer 3

It would be a bit unfair to the dog if it's left alone for 6 hours each weekday, especially when it's a puppy. If you wanted a dog but you had to be away for 6 hours, maybe get two puppies? You should leave them outside when they're older (when you aren't home) or else they might have to 'relieve' themself in your home.

Labrador's do not shed AS much as Goldens (obviously) but they do shed a lot. They need a minimum of TWO walks PER DAY. When they're young, just one long walk but when they get older and more energetic, they will need either two LONG walks (40 mins + 1 hr) or 3 shorter walks (3x 30 mins). Labrador's are equally as smart, loving and loyal as the Golden Retriever. You should buy one from a REPUTABLE breeder (which can cost you anywhere from $600-$1600) to make sure they have their hip/elbow scores and a heart certificate.

The Golden Retriever sheds a LOT more fur during Spring and Autumn. You should also buy the Golden from a reputable breeder (which can cost anywhere from $650-$2400). They have just as many health problems as the Labrador.
Their fur needs daily brushing to prevent matts. You need to constantly check for ticks and fleas through their fur.
Golden's have very sensitive skin so you need to try and prevent fleas for as long as possible. The Golden is a little more active and will need atleast two LONG walks (50 mins + 1 hr) or three shorter walks (45 mins + 1 hr + 20 mins).

They are both very beautiful breeds and have an almost-the-same personality. Goodluck choosing the best breed for you :)

Answer 4

Hi Peppa

Having a dog is a wonderful thing, seeing that you are away from home 6 hours a day I would certainly not recommend a puppy. There are plenty of older Labradors or Goldens out there that are already housebroken that are looking for good homes such as yours. You may want to consider adopting a dog that is alittle bit older. Good Luck to you.

Answer 5

Both breeds can be pretty destructive if left alone for long periods. They will chew ANYTHING, including table legs and sofas. They also (this depends on the individual dog) shed hair all year round, you may well need to get a more powerful vacuum cleaner to cope. If you can find a way around these little probs, you sound like a very good potential dog owner!

Answer 6

If your'e ready for the commitment, go for it. Maybe you should offer to watch someone elses dog for a week or so before you get your own to see if you are ready for it. Getting a dog is a big responsibility, especially if you live in a big city.

I don't have experience with Golden Retrievers but Labradors need company and I think they would get lonely if left alone for so long.

Do you have someone who would watch the dog for you when you go on holiday?

Answer 7

yes you should get a dog,a dog is a mans best friend,it keeps you happy.as long as you give the dog love,and talk the dog out when you can,always make sure if leaving the dog in doors(its got something to play with and keep music on,then the dog dont feel so along,will be fine being along untill you get back

Answer 8

Owning a dog requires the more committment than having a child - your life needs to adjust to accommodate it. You wouldn't leave a child at home alone all day and you shouldn't with a dog - they are also susceptible to psychological problems associated with separation. You have to clean up after a dog as you do with a baby, but a child grows up and takes care of him/herself but a dog doesn't. A child grows up and leaves home but a dog doesn't.

Get a cat!

Answer 9

I say definitely get one. There's so many dogs and cats out there wanting a good home. In fact, get two so they can play with each other when you're not around. Just make sure they always have fresh water and food every day. I like labs and boxers. You might want a cat too. They can be really cool too.

Answer 10

Would you be better with an older dog, something that is steadier,doesnt need 3 or 4 feeds a day and youll be helping take on a needy dog.
Not all rescues are naughty hyper dogs.