I want to get a dog but everyone is out of the house for at least 7 hours a day. What should we do with the dog? we dont have a big garden. will it be okay to leave it alone for so long? HELP IM CONFUZZLED!
2006-11-14 02:59:46 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
firstly DONT get a puppy - you do not have enough time for a puppy... an older dog might be ok but watch what breed you get.. do not get an intelligent breed like Border Collie or any of the herding or working dogs - they will become too bored and destructive..
a less intelligent breed like Shih Tzu's are well adapted to being home alone for longer... but truely maybe a dog isnt right at all, a cat or two would be better
2006-11-14 03:11:50 · answer #1 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's okay for you to have a dog and be gone. Simply crate train the animal from day one. Crate training can be difficult at first, but it is best for the animal to a) potty train and b) help keep it safe and secure.
You can read a lot about crate training on many sites, but the one I prefer for all my dog training tips is http://www.leerburg.com. Ed Frawley does not humanize the dogs, he knows dogs are dogs and he knows what they need.
So, crate train. AND DO NOT teach your dog to go to the bathroom on pee-pads or newspaper or a litterbox. Dogs should eliminate outside and dogs require CONSISTENT training. The same thing everytime, or they get "confuzzled" themselves.
Try adopting a dog that isn't a puppy. Puppies bladders are smaller than an older dog and often they aren't capable of holding it for 7+ hours.
Mine are crated for 8hrs a day, but I am home to walk them during lunch.
Good luck and make sure you study up on your breed and the appropriate training BEFORE you get a dog. Also, while studying your breed, make sure you investigate any unique vetrinary needs the dog breed may be prone to and make sure you're prepared to pay for vaccinations, flea medication, licenses, spay/neuter, and anything else the dog may accidently get into.
In the first month I had my dogs, I spent a lot of money getting them properly vaccinated and spayed and my JRT took a bite of something a pine tree dropped on our walk and that ended up costing me another hundred dollars plus because I wasn't paying close enough attention to what she was playing with. Also, invest in a quality metal crate and comfy bedding. And lastly, GET GOOD DOG FOOD - like Artemis. Don't buy the junk at the grocery store or Petco.
Dogs are expensive, but they're worth it. Good luck.
2006-11-14 03:14:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
RasynGyrl gave you excellent advice. Follow it!
And ignore al the people telling you that you shouldn't get a dog if you're gone all day. Those people must have money just magically appearing in their accounts. If everyone who worked full time got rid of their dogs we would be euthanizing millions upon millions of dogs. Dogs are very versatile. They can adapt to your schedule. I wouldn't get a puppy, but maybe someone who's still young and already house broken. Keep the dog on a strict schedule that coincides with your work schedule.
Good luck!
2006-11-14 03:46:00 · answer #3 · answered by KJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if at all possible fence in any yard around the back door and put in a doggie door. If u rent you can change the door and when u move put the other one back up. But if not possible, get those absorbant pads or newspaper if u have to and teach the dog to use it. Take him out before u leave. Maybe someone could come home at lunch and let him out. I used to take mine to a sitter but that was a pain! If u use paper u could use a piece of carpet padding under it to absorb. and replace it as needed.
2006-11-14 03:13:30 · answer #4 · answered by anothersatniteandiaintgotno 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just shut off the rooms I don't want my dog going in and leave him. He is past that puppy chewing/house training stage so I don't have to worry about picking up shoes and stuff he would destroy. Be prepared for big yucky messes when you get home if he isn't trained to go outside to the bathroom.
2006-11-14 03:09:16 · answer #5 · answered by Corona 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to leave my dog free in the house, BIG MISTAKE. I learned the hard way that crate training was the greatest concept ever. The crate has more than enough space for her to walk around, play with her toys, whatever she wants, and she holds it until someone gets home. You should consider doing this.
2006-11-14 03:23:22 · answer #6 · answered by ambi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask on the animal safeguard. they could no longer have room for boarders yet they are going to understand of community boarding kennels. 5 days isn't a protracted time, dogs don't sense time passing the comparable as people do and he or she'll be greater desirable than happy to be sure you once you come so do no longer issue and purely get returned on your customary ordinary along with her once you come.
2016-10-03 23:05:27 · answer #7 · answered by lavinia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask a friend to stop by and take the dog for a walk each day. Or hire a dog-sitting service to do it. Don't leave it outside!
2006-11-14 03:02:17 · answer #8 · answered by BelindaLoo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Crate training is very effective. Dogs feel that this is their "cave" and don't want to mess in their "cave". The majority of dog owners work full time (including myself). Dogs are very versatile as far as scheduling goes.
2006-11-14 03:14:33 · answer #9 · answered by dph 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is tippy-toeing around this subject, but let's be fair to the animal here. A dog is not a suitable pet to choose if you are going to be out all day every day. This is just a fact of life, choose a different species.
2006-11-14 03:10:27 · answer #10 · answered by stienbabe 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋