I'm an associate at a law firm, hours can be unexpected. Some have told me that it would be good to adopt a young or adult dog, and not a puppy. Can I adopt a dog while giving it a good home, even though I'm not home most of the day?
2007-06-08 05:15:45 · 13 answers · asked by grlpwr777 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
In my opinion no. I found this out the hard way. I had a yorkie about a yr ago and thought my life had finally calmed down enough for a dog. I was way wrong. I was home more than you say you are and it just was not enough time for the little guy. He suffered really badly for separation anxiety and I just could bare to see his face everytime I left home. I knew that I was in a way abusing him...and that what it is when you dont have enough time to play and love you dog. I provided him with plenty of food and water and toy but he still lack the social part. And dog are very social animals. My advice is to not get a dog unless you can give it your full attention it is like having a kid. You could always consider putting it in doggie day care while you are gone but still think long and hard about what is best for the dog not just you.
2007-06-08 05:42:14 · answer #1 · answered by angelgirlie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go with a young adult dog, you should have no problem being a good "dog parent." I recently adopted a 2 1/2 year old bulldog through a rescue, and Manny is the light of my life. Until just a few weeks ago, I worked very long hours- 7:30-4:30 at my day job, and then 5:00-8:30 at my second job a few nights a week, and my boyfriend was gone until at least 6:00 every weeknight as well, but since Manny was already housebroken and trained not to chew furniture, shoes, etc. he is just fine during the day. I would also suggest getting a breed of dog that doesn't require constant exercise and attention. My dog is a natural born couch potato, so to him, snoring on the couch is just the greatest way to spend a day, so he seems to be really happy staying home alone all day. However, your more high-strung types, such as Jack Russell terriers and Labs are way more energetic and can suffer from anxiety and depression when left home alone too long. Just keep that in mind when looking for a dog, and also please try to adopt your pet from a shelter or rescue program instead of buying one at a pet store. Animals who really need the good homes tend to make the best pets, in my experience!
2007-06-08 05:26:55 · answer #2 · answered by fizzygurrl1980 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can provide a good, loving home to a dog, even though you work long/odd hours.
I agree, a young adult dog or older puppy would be the best bet for you. You also need to get a petsitter to come in once or twice a day to walk the dog, potty it, and give it extra loving. Even if they just come once a day, it will help. You can also enroll your pet in Doggie Daycare, which works basically the same way, except you take the dog to them. If you go the doggie daycare route, you'll have to make sure you get a bordetella shot, as well as the basic others. That will help with preventing pneumonia from kennel cough.
My mom works as a psychologist, has very weird hours, and owns 2 german shepherds and a pomeranian. One of the shepherds and the pom she raised from puppies. The other is a rescue. She was working two jobs at once, and even found time to take in a couple of foster dogs!
IMHO (In My Humble Opinion), you should look into getting a rescue animal from petfinder.com, or google "(breed) rescue in (city, state)", substituting whatever breed you like and what city you live in. i.e. "poodle rescue in Dallas, TX".
Good luck on finding the dog of your dreams!
2007-06-08 05:30:49 · answer #3 · answered by Andraya M 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd say no... I'm in a similar situation, I'd love a dog but a big part of being a good pet owner/animal lover is knowing your limitations. in my situation right now it would be unfair to bring a dog into my life and I'd rather not be an owner than be a bad one.
but if you're totally committed, you have space (i don't, i have a tiny apartment) than it can be done. an older dog is a good idea. talk to your local shelter. see what's their, they may have just the dog for you.
Have you considered cats? I know a lot of dog people don't like cats, i've owned both and i know they're not the same, but two cats will keep each other company when you're away and be excited to see you when you come home. That's what i have and it's great.
good luck
2007-06-08 06:27:19 · answer #4 · answered by Tom C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well...they have ppl that will come and walk dogs while u are not at home....so if u can get a trusted place/person then yeah...why not? there are also doggy day cares...lol not where i'm at but....i'm sure they are costly. it would be best to get a dog that is house broken already. and get lots of fun toys...like kongs or one that will dispence food thoughout the day. that way the dog does not become bored....or maybe there is a pair of dogs that need to go together...nothing better then having a doggy play mate.
if u think u can fit training in for the new dog, have someone come and walk the dog if ur going to be at work till 7 or later. then go save a life...if u don't think u can do this then go and help out at the local shelter most are always looking for volenteers.
2007-06-08 05:31:08 · answer #5 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry, but I think you are away from home too much. It would not be fair to the dog to be home alone so much. Someone above mentioned crating; crating a dog for that long of a period of time is, in my opinion, cruel.
However, if you are willing to hire a dog walker to come to your home to walk and play with the dog in the middle of the day -- or better yet, twice per day -- then I think you may be able to make it work. Another option is sending your dog to doggie daycare during the day. Both of these options can get quite expensive, so that is something to consider.
2007-06-08 05:26:09 · answer #6 · answered by manatee 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You sure can. Hubby and & have 2 dogs; we're gone 10 hrs a day and they are very loved. They have each other for company plus 2 cats to chase when we're not there. We spend a lot of time with them and go for lots of walks. The older dog was about 8 when we got the puppy and they are great friends. They play a game of chase every night and the pup usually hides between my feet and my feet do get trampled on once in a while. They have a blast.
We also leave the radio on so it doesn't seem quite so lonely for them. Not only that I read that a potential burglar may think twice if he hears a radio or tv on. Good luck.
2007-06-08 05:25:36 · answer #7 · answered by J.E.B. 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This does not seem like a good time to have a dog in your life.
Have you thought of volunteering to walk dogs at your local shelter for a "doggie fix"?
Or maybe just going to your local dog park and meeting folks there and playing with other people's dogs.
2007-06-08 05:22:17 · answer #8 · answered by Alfheim 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it'd be fair to have a dog when your work hours are so long & unpredictable, not only will it get lonely, but it will also get bored. Bored dogs can be very destructive. Also, it will end up peeing & pooing in your house, do you really want to come home from work to clean up dog mess?
2007-06-08 05:27:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can!!! I would definitely get a young adult dog instead of a pupp. Get it on a Friday when you can spend the first couple days with him. And if anything, use it as a reason to not work so much!
2007-06-08 05:26:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋