Am i ready for a dog?

Question

Ok, here are some details about me. I really want a dog, i am thinking a lab. I had a dog previously (well, it was my roommates), that was about 3 years ago. I miss the companion. I am in my mid 20s, have a serious boyfriend. I live in a single family home and have a small to medium sized yard. I do work 5 days a week, 8-6ish, but close enough to go home for lunch. I travel occasionally for vacations, and maybe ever 2-3 months for work for the day. Financially, i can definitely handle the responsibility, I am just curious as to what other people think given some of the details i provided for me getting a new little addition to my home. I do believe in crate training, and would plan on doing so. Any thoughts or feedback?

Answer 1

Go for it!!!

Answer 2

I think you are, and you sound like you've put a lot of thought into it. I suggest obedience training for all animals, and do not believe in crating a dog all day long so if that is your plan, figure something else out. I wouldn't want to sit in a box half the size of my bathroom all day and would never submit an animal to that.

This is all assuming you own your home, if you are a renter, take a real hard look at your local renters market. Lots of areas don't have many rentals available to dogs. As much of a dog lover as I am, I never allow dogs in my rentals because I've had so many problems with the dogs owners (not you, of course).

Answer 3

I say trust your instinct. You know the responsibility of having a dog from previous experiences, the time that comes into play, as well as the patience and money needed for vet bills. So you should really trust your insticts and remember that taking on a dog is a 12-15 year responsbility.


My opinion is that I think having a dog is definately worth it. My first dog was a stray (senior dog) and I was in high school. At that time my future was definately kind of crazy. I moved to two states, three apartments, and I had two boyfriends (one i'm stilly with). I remember having to make scrafices for her to pay for her food, her vet bills, and rearranging my scheudle so that she wasn't alone for long periods of time. She just recently passed away due to old age and I look back and say all throughout my crazy life this past 2 1/2 years she was definately worth having.

My second dog is a puppy and I look @ the 2 months we've been together and I know she's worth having too. I am willing to train her as well as myself to make sure she lives a good healthy lifestyle. My life is still unpredictable and changes a lot, but I know that I'm willing to make the necessary changes and scrafices to have a dog.

So trust your instincts. You have a good home to provide, willing to come home during lunch to be there for the dog. Everyone needs a vacation so you can have him/her looked over by a friend, your boyfriend, or family member (when I was on vacation for a week I had my boyfriend look after his dog, by then she loved going to his place and had his dog to keep her company).

Good Luck with whichever you decide.

Answer 4

Sounds wonderful. Just remember that Labs generally don't "grow up" until 2-3 years of age. Sure, you can housebreak right away, but the puppy antics (behavior) will continue for the first 2-3 years.

I think you have a level head on your shoulders and deserve a dog. Ignore the folks that say it's cruel to leave them alone that long. For a puppy, yes, but not an adult. My dogs are alone from 8am-3pm every day and they have each other to keep company. (No need for crates anymore).

Good luck!

Answer 5

lots of people who work during the day own dogs. my only advice would be to get an older dog. there are lots and lots of lab crosses in shelters. you dont want to bring a 'baby' into the house unless you can be there all day. too messy and you would not be able to train it the way you want to. if you do decide to save a life just ask for a couple of days off of work so you can spend a bit of time with the new dog before leaving it alone.
i think you sound very ready just because you are concerned about it. most people run out and buy a dog without thinking. good for you.
good luck

Answer 6

I think it would be fine as long as you are willing to come home during lunches to let the dog out. When you are away on work trips, just make sure that you have someone reliable to watch the dog or find a good boarding facility.

You may try finding an older dog at the local shelter. They would actually do better being left home alone than a puppy would. And, with luck, you'll find one that's already house broken!

Good luck!

Answer 7

I think you are ready. I have a lab and they are wonderful dogs and a great companion however they are a lot of work and require a lot of patience. They LOVE to chew and dig. You have to be willing to walk the puppy morning and evening and give it tons of attention and affection! If this is the route you want to go you must be willing to do a lot of work for the dogs first 2 years because they are very energetic dogs and the puppy stage lasts about that long or longer.

Answer 8

fwiw,

we have two dogs, fenced yard, and get home at lunch.. Work 8-5, When the dogs were new to the house we crate trained for about 6-8 months, (and more when they did naughty things..)

Now they are both 5 years old and crash on my daughter's bed during the day so they can look out the front window.

Don't allow them to self feed if you can't get home, you'll wind up cleaning up piles of poo.

Answer 9

Sounds like you're ready for a dog. I would suggest you do as much research as possible on various breeds before you make your final decision.

A few notes about labs:

Labs are quite prone to separation anxiety. That is not to say yours is not a workable situation, but you can expect alot of effort in that regard. Labs are also vocal dogs. If you have neighbours who will not be tolerant while you work through any potential separation issues, you may want to consider another breed.

Some things to consider in regards to breed selection incase you already haven't done so are:

energy level
temperment
breed specific genetic deficiencies
allergies and types of fur
grooming requirements
temperment in regards to children (some breeds are better suited to adult lifestyle)
specific breed attributes (ie. do you want a dog to guard and protect?)
size
puppy or rescue

I would also suggest you do as much research as possible about dog training, obedience and psychology prior to getting your dog. It is much easier to create the behaviour you want, when establishing your relationship, rather then to correct your issues after the fact.

Good luck to you, I'm sure you will find dog ownership to be one of the greatest experiences life has to offer.

Answer 10

I would say that you are ready for a dog, however, I would really stress that you should research the breed before you make a decision. Labs are very popular, but also very active and high strung. So a lab may not be the best choice. I would also urge you to go to your local humane society and look at the dogs there. They may be able to steer your toward a dog that would be a perfect match.

Answer 11

You are probably ready, but I would suggest going to your local shelter or any breed rescue before buying a puppy. Pups need a lot of stability and consistency. An older dog will most likely already be house trained. I would also research the breed before committing to a Lab. They are beautiful and smart, but also need a lot of exercise. You might want to start with a smaller, lower maintenance type of dog.