I have a full time job and am considering buying a shih tzu. I do plan on staying home with him for a week after purchasing. Then leaving him with a close friend while I am at work until I feel comfortabe leaving him alone.
2007-01-02 10:12:46 · 14 answers · asked by Jamella G 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think that it is a wonderful idea. You seem to have all of your bases covered. Shih Tzus are wonderful dogs. They require a moderate amount of excerise so leaving them alone for several hours why you are at work would be fine. I raise and breed Shih Tzus, and I think that it would be a perfect fit for you.
2007-01-02 10:27:35 · answer #1 · answered by Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually from a seperation anxiety point of view it is better to get a dog when you work full time... thats what I did and it really turns out for the better. Most people get a pup and then spend every minute of every day with it, then when they have to work and get a job the dog doesnt know what is going on and develops separation anxiety because they arent used to being left alone. I got my pup when I was working full time, like you I spent a week with him (luckily I could bring him to work) when I first got him and then when he was used to things I went back to work and left him home with toys etc I made sure to come home at lunch and let him out etc and he is now 3 and has no separation anxiety at all... he has never destroyed furniture or shoes etc because he learned that it was OK to be alone and that I would always come back... It is dogs who's owners stay with them always, bring them everywhere for the first year or two and then when situations change and the dog has to be left alone separation anxiety rears its ugly head. I think you will do just fine raising a dog while working because I know I did and I always get to brag about how my dog never chewed anything when he was a pup except his toys, and can be left alone all day without any problems because he is used to it!!!
2007-01-02 10:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you read as much as you can about Shih Tzus to make sure that this breed is suitable for you life style. And see if you can have someone stop by to take the dog out while you are at work, and make sure you leave plenty of water for it. Most dogs will learn to sleep most of the time their owners are away. Just make sure that after a long day at work you are ready to walk the dog, play with it, train it, etc.
Good luck.
2007-01-02 10:26:56 · answer #3 · answered by Earth vs Soup 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you've got a great plan already! This is really the perfect way to do it, having a friend or family member who can take them for the day or go by and let them outside a few times is essential for puppies. After they are vaccinated Doggy Day Care is also an alternative.
2007-01-02 10:18:14 · answer #4 · answered by jungles_fury 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, of course it's possible. I would strongly recommend not getting a puppy, though. It will take much longer than a week to train the puppy. Otherwise, you're leaving the training up to your friend, and that's a lot to ask of a friend.
2007-01-02 14:08:17 · answer #5 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not? Just get a few things handy. Baby gate to confine in one room (u won't want to come back and find all your magazines in bits)
Plan out your feeding time. puppy needs 3 to 4 meals a day, Yogurt will help.
Read all you can on puppy toliet training.
Plan out your walk time too.
2007-01-02 16:51:10 · answer #6 · answered by chicken_mayonnaise_sandwich 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If people didn't work, they wouldn't be able to afford health care, supplies, food, training etc for their pets. Make sure you do some homework and learn how to dog-proof your home and to keep your dog out of trouble while someone can't be with him.
Good luck.
2007-01-02 10:19:04 · answer #7 · answered by Ginbail © 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have to get a puppy? My dog was a little over a year when we got him. It makes a difference with bladder control. Crate training is great until you know your dog/he knows you. I would watch out for separation anxiety. Your pup may become dependent on your friend watching him/her.
2007-01-02 10:24:45 · answer #8 · answered by Jodi C 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have done it along with everyone else I know. Its very rewarding to come home to them after a stressful day at work.
2007-01-02 10:15:00 · answer #9 · answered by KMRP 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some dogs like mastiffs for example are lazy dogs. They can spend the whole day inside. They are huge dogs though.
2007-01-02 10:22:09 · answer #10 · answered by Chloe W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋