Is it fair for a young professional to have a dog? If I am working a forty hour work week out of necessity is it fair to bring a dog into that environment? I have been researching breeds for the past year and I am thinking a toy breed is out of the question, but the breeds I am most attracted to currently are Westies, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers and Boston Terriers. I would do everything I could to alleviate stress with crate training, possibly doggie daycare two days a week, long walks, toys left for play, a sincere effort to come home for lunch breaks....but sometimes life happens and I can't get home....would a dog be okay and adapt to a routine like that? I am a homebody, and would be home or taking my dog with me most everywhere....I just want your opinions. I am single, in a new city and desperately seeking the companionship of a dog. Also, which breeds are better suited for being left alone at times? Should I rescue? or get a puppy that can grow into a routine? Thanks!
2006-12-30 06:51:47 · 13 answers · asked by J P 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is very responsible of you to consider the happiness of your future dog. I would recommend that you read the book "Paws to Consider," which provides unbiased pros and cons to many dog breeds and contains a section of "nine-to-five" breeds that are particularly suited to a lifestyle like yours.
If you make a sincere effort to provide stimulation for your dog, as you have described, and if you choose an appropriate breed (the ones you listed are good, and so would be a Cavalier King Spaniel or a French Bulldog -- breeds not created to run and work all day), I see no reason you can't have a dog. Many dogs whose owners are home all day are under-exercised and understimulated, and if you give your dog attention when you're home, good training, and daily exercise, he or she will be happy.
Although you may have to wait awhile to find just the right adult dog, I don't suggest you get a puppy. Puppies require a tremendous amount of supervision and training, and all puppies require a lot of exercise. In addition, some individuals of a breed may be atypical; by choosing an adult, you will be getting a more "confirmed" dog who is more likely to be happy with your situation.
If I were getting a dog in your situation, I would consider a retired racing Greyhound. These dogs are adults and already trained, and they are surprisingly calm indoors. Greyhounds are happy with surprisingly little exercise; many arte perfectly happy with one long walks or a couple of runs per day. Greyhounds also come with the benefit of being straightforward to groom, which will save you endless hours of brushing and combing.
Good luck!
2006-12-30 07:11:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs can adapt to any routine. If you are looking for a dog for companionship and you work full time, what you need to do, is make sure that the type of dog that you get would work for you.
What I am saying is, you need a dog that needs a minimum amount of exercise, is fairly intelligent, and easily trained. If you get a dog that needs a lot of exercise, you would not be doing it justice by not being around. By being fairly intelligent and easy to train, you will be able to house break it and teach it it's boundaries quickly with the limited time you will have together.
Westies are not easily trained and they need a lot of exercise, so this might not be the best choice. The Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier can be trained, but they are sometimes stubborn, and they only need moderate exercise. This dog needs a lot of grooming, but if the dog is going to doggy daycare once or twice a week, that should be no problem. Finally, the Boston Terrier is very intelligent and needs only moderate exercise. This dog has a short coat, so grooming is limited, but it will shed.
I would think, out of the three breeds you listed I would go with the Boston Terrier.
Good Luck!
2006-12-30 07:12:34 · answer #2 · answered by Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It;s good that you have been doing research. I have a lot of respect for you because you are trying to be informed and considering the animal and not just your own wants and needs.
I am a full time college student and I work. I have a 1 year old shih-tzu. I hate leaving her home any. I take her to work with me. I work at a vet school in the small animal hospital. She's not only getting really well socialized, but she's great for the clients. When people are crying because their dog is dying I normally walk out into the waiting room and let them pet and hold her, it helps them. Plus the discount and freebies I can get are very helpful to me, since I am an undergrad. She stays crated while I'm in class, wich is normally for no more than a couple hours at a time. Brina (my dog) fits into my life rather well. My dog is a shih-tzu. she's great for an apartment, but the breed doesn;t handel being left alone for long hours well.
In your situation, you are willing to do your research and give up your time for the dog. I think, you're ready. I definitely don't think a puppy is for you, they require hourly walking and constant supervision. try a dog that's at least 3 years old. They've mostly grown out of the puppy phase. Also a smaller breeder is best. terriers can be a little high energy and high strung to be left alone, they may become destructive.
As for where to get a dog, once you've decided on a breed, the best place is a rescue. Not only will you be helping an animal that really needs it, they normally have matching programs that will match the perfect dog to your lifestyle.
2006-12-30 07:04:54 · answer #3 · answered by Mouth_of_da_South 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is hard to say for sure but it sounds like you are more willing to care for a dog than most people. If you honestly will come home on lunch breaks and do the doggy daycare then it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'm sure some people on here will say if you are working then you shouldn't have a dog but that's a crock of ****. Most people work and their dogs are alone at times, so if you a willing to do everything you can it should work. You would probably be better off adopting an adult dog that is potty trained so hopefully you won't need to crate it all day. The crating all day is the only problem I see with your situation. It isn't fair to be locked up all day. Hope it works out for you. And please rescue a dog in need.
2006-12-30 06:58:55 · answer #4 · answered by talarlo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I too am a young professional working 40+ hours a week. I just rescued an Affenpincher (toy breed but big toy 10-15lbs). She is 3 or 4 and already housebroken which was a great help. On days when I can't make it home for lunch I have a neighbor take her out. If you can make the commitment to do as much as you can for the dog I don't see why you shouldn't get one. Rescue though please, there are too many wonderful animals out there looking for homes. Plus you can get exactly what you are looking for.
2006-12-30 08:33:11 · answer #5 · answered by keg1889 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's so nice of you to think of the dog's needs, and not just your own.
I think if you can swing the doggie daycare, make it home for lunch a few days a week, and maybe have a nice neighbor who might be willing to look in on your dog, yes, you can do it. I think you have a good grasp on the level of responsibility.
I think in your position, I would go with an adult rescue dog. Puppies come with such a high time requirement, they're like babies, really. An adult dog who's spent some time in a shelter is probably at least partially housetrained, and used to spending a bit of time alone.
Even with you working, that's much better than a shelter kennel. Good luck to you on finding the right dog.
2006-12-30 06:56:39 · answer #6 · answered by Emmy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many dogs can work for a working person's life, but one of the more important factors can be age. Young puppies need to be let out to use the bathroom every 2-4 hours. They require copious amounts of time, training and attention. For some dogs, their bladders do not grow enough for them to 'hold it' 8 hours until they are 2+ years old. Adopting an older dog usually works much better for a person with a busy schedule.
My (very unbiased) opinion is to suggest adopting a retired racing greyhound. Greyhounds retire between 2-5 years of age, are crate trained, leash trained and generally well behaved dogs. They have low energy needs - earning them the nickname of '45mph couch potatos'. Greys can sleep up to 22 hours per day. When in a home with a working family, they generally adjust their schedules to be awake when you are home, and asleep when you are out, and at night. Check out http://www.greyhoundpets.org for more information on retired racers or to find an adoption group near you.
2006-12-30 08:22:56 · answer #7 · answered by Greyt-mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would be best off with an older puppy or young dog who would be able to hold its pee for a longer period of time. You sound like you will be a great dog owner, so go ahead and start searching! Be aware though, terriers are high energy dogs, if you will be away for more than a few hours you may want to look into a more passive breed.
2006-12-30 06:55:29 · answer #8 · answered by dolly 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
From what your describing, it doesn't really sound like you're ready for one. In my mind, dogs are pack animals and long periods of solitude are not good for them. At the very least, I would get a pair so they at least would have some companionship. And, make sure they have enough space to run around and have some fun. There is also general training to consider.
Ultimately, if you can't make the dog part of your 'family'. Don't get one. They are not toys, but living, breathing, loving creatures that deserve our time and consideration.
It's a good, thoughtful question. Best of Luck on your decision.
2006-12-30 07:03:09 · answer #9 · answered by bionicbookworm 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a doggie that's less active? I have a Westie, he's really cute but a lil hyper active, so when it is bored / did not have enough run time... he releases his boredom by tearing my apartment apart.
Perhaps u can consider getting him a companion too :P. I have 2 dogs, they are best friends! I am glad they have each other's company, esp when i am at work too. They play with each other all the time!!
2006-12-30 07:35:09 · answer #10 · answered by Spiderweb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋