I have two cats and a little dog whom I love with all my heart. I have to go back to work full time unexpectedly and am so worried about what to do with my dog as I know that dogs should not be left home alone for long periods of time. Should I get another dog?
2007-04-08 05:14:46 · 17 answers · asked by Shannon M 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thank you to all the kind people who took the time to respond to my question. My lil dog is my best friend and I really appreciate that other people are out there, just a click away to help out with so many cool ideas
2007-04-08 06:27:05 · update #1
If you know that dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time, why would you subject another dog to this? Get your current dog into doggie day care during the day and stick with just him.
2007-04-08 05:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
how old is the dog? how long will you be leaving it? No dogs shouldn't be left alone. Sometimes having another dogs helps. Instead, could you look at something like doggie day care. Even if it's just two or three times a week, and the dog is alone the other days, it can help! Also, in my area there are ppl you can hire to come visit your dog in the middle of the day, they will take it on a walk and play with it. Idk if any of this is an option, but I'd try this route before getting another dog that you'll have to leave. Some dogs bond well with each other, and each others company is enough, but some dogs don't. If thats the case, then you'll have two dogs that aren't getting enough attention!!
2007-04-08 12:23:01 · answer #2 · answered by timesdragonfly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do your animals get along? Are they left alone together during the day? If the answer is yes, then I wouldn't get another dog. I know lots of dog/cat companions, although my own dogs and cats are generally separate and have separate social systems (and all mutually dislike each other).
If the cats and dog are always separate, and the new dog will not be able to chase and intimidate the cats or vice versa, then you could consider it.
Don't forget that all the animals will have to work out relationships, and without supervision this can get ugly. Also, the additional dog is an additional expense, there isn't just food but also shots and medical issues.
Good luck!
2007-04-08 12:21:53 · answer #3 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no doubt dogs love company, but leaving them to their own devices can have catastrophic events in your home, especially if you get another one that you know virtually nothing about.. The other animals may just hate it, it could be a real bully and your not there to know one way or the other and they ain't gonna tell yu. You will need to consider how long will you be away from your place? will it be 5 days 7 days a week? 10hrs or 14hrs per day? Do you live in flat or do you have a secure yard? If inside the whole time, be prepared for mine field of poo and pee and it could well be in your bed, your shoes on your kitchen benches, or they could be little angels. Animals seem to have an ability for payback if they are not too happy with you. and they can be good at it. Be careful what breed you get, some cope better than others. The pro's and con's are endless.
2007-04-08 12:45:50 · answer #4 · answered by shazzach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a weird and confusing question. First of all, you say you are going to work full time and you are concerned about leaving your dog at home, and then you ask if you should get another dog. Maybe you mean as a companion, but leaving a dog alone can be destructive. If you get another, would't that just double the problem?
Bottom Line: NO
2007-04-08 12:21:58 · answer #5 · answered by Dressage Girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no. With your new job, you will be busy adjusting as it is without dealing with a new dog as well. See if a friend or neighboor will look in on your dog during your work hours. Maybe you could hire someone to walk it now and then. I know that may be a rich persons solution. Do you know a child who would do it for some for a bit of money? I hope you and your dog can work it out. Good luck!
2007-04-08 12:27:44 · answer #6 · answered by jerry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest NO, if you don't have much time for one you will have even less time for a second. besides he has the cats as companions during the day. and no dogs shouldn't be left alone for long times but an 8 hour day is ok, just make sure that you come home and play play play cause the pup will be so overjoyed to see you.
2007-04-08 12:19:16 · answer #7 · answered by Labrdogs Canine Kids 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are gone long periods of time when you have one dog, the only thing that will be different if you get a 2nd dog is you will be leaving 2 dogs home along for long periods of time. I would say, wait to get a 2nd dog when you are spending more time at home.
2007-04-08 12:31:47 · answer #8 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so because it's a waste of money and you already have enough pets:2 cats and a dog. That's enough or just get rid of the 2 cats and get a dog.
2007-04-08 12:51:56 · answer #9 · answered by Adrianek 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puppies need someone to be home a lot for the first part of their life. They need proper socialization too. If you planning on getting an adult dog this should be a big problem. I say get an adult dog. =D
2007-04-08 12:18:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋