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Hubby and I live in an apartment condo. which means no grass. Loads of walkways and areas in immediate area outside of building. We are gone to work from 7-6. Is that too much pressure to put on a dog? No children. We are quiet people. We are both loving, responsible and financially able to have a pet. Now might be the time. I'm concerned about housetraining and leaving the pet alone that long

2007-08-05 03:11:44 · 12 answers · asked by blanchardchristina 1 in Pets Dogs

I'm allergic to cats. I'd like to thank everyone who gave intelligent and polite answers. I had pretty much decided that a pet is not for us at this time.... Childless and pet free it is.

2007-08-05 17:15:58 · update #1

12 answers

It is possible to own a dog with the living circumstances you have described (how do all you people who think that 8 hours a day is too long for a dog to not have their people around earn enough money to care for a dog?) especially if one of you could come home during lunch to let the dog out (or hire a dog walker to take the dog out a couple days a week for some exercise while you are at work). For your situation though, I would strongly recommend getting an adult dog rather than a puppy. Puppies take a LOT of time to raise properly (they really should be pottied every 2-3 hours at least) and it is extremely difficult to do so if you are gone for most of the day. Adult dogs are usually already housetrained, are physically capable of holding it for longer periods of time if no one is available to come by and let the dog out in the middle of the day. Not having a yard shouldn't be a concern as long as you walk the dog EVERY day at least once, preferably two or three times, a day. Often dogs that live in apartments or other housing arrangements with no yard area better off than those with a large fenced yard because their owners spend more time exercising/walking/training them.

2007-08-05 03:26:55 · answer #1 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 1 1

I would say that is a very long time to leave a dog, which is likely to get frustrated and start tearing things up and barking when you leave, bugging the neighbors. Since all the dogs I have lived with were big and taken care of by the wife, I will defer to those with small dogs as to whether they can be paper trained. A cat with a litter box might be a better choice.
Ask why you want the dog. You are going to have to take the dog out for exercise when you come home at night. If you expect to sit quietly watching TV after work while petting the dog, you are more likely to have a hyperactive animal that wants to PLAY!!!!!

2007-08-05 03:19:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 1 0

I would advise against it for several reasons. First off, the fact the dog wouldn't have regular access for excersize, potty space and it would be cooped up most of the time, not to mention that many dogs are very destructive and will leave many "surprises" when left alone for long periods. It wouldn't be fair to the dog to have to live like that.Also consider that while you are away, the dog will probably whine and bark a lot, thus creating a new problem with neighbors, etc. Believe me, I know how you feel, but please keep in mind the needs of the dog. Perhaps you might consider a cat instead, as they require far less direct care.

2007-08-05 03:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by Marty 3 · 0 0

That is a long time to be away from a dog. Maybe you should get a cat. You won't be able to train a puppy without a midday pottie break. Do you know a dog lover you could pay to give the dog some company and take it for a walk? The dog should not be alone for all that time.

2007-08-05 03:46:56 · answer #4 · answered by lebeez3 2 · 0 0

Yeah, I think the amount of time that you're gone would be too much on the dog. Dogs like people. And when you get home from work, you're probably tired and don't want to have to play with the dog for an hour.
I'd say if you're not allergic to cats, get a cat. They don't mind being alone for long periods.

2007-08-05 03:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by ~Rattitak~ 4 · 0 0

Why do you need a dog, if you are never there? Its unfair to keep a dog cooped up in an apartment for all of those hours on its own. Please, I am not being unkind, but It is not a responsible or fair thing to do. The dog will make a mess on the floor if left for that length of time and will possibly chew your home to pieces through boredom. They need stimulation and company. How about another kind of pet which maybe sleeps all day and plays at night, like a rat or a chinchilla or something.

2007-08-05 03:20:14 · answer #6 · answered by DJJD 6 · 0 1

I dont think now is the best time
11 hours is a lot of time alone so if you do get a dog get one that copes well on its own.Also dogs need to run around so
on weekends and in the evenings bring him to a feild or park if you have no grass.If u live in an amartment i would not get a big dog.Anyways i do not think you should get a dog at the moment because of the time it will be left alone but its up yo you good luck!!

2007-08-05 03:54:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

ainawgsd-

I guess what you are trying to say is, sure get a dog and never be home its okay. Just have someone walk it 2-3 times a day. Oh, and an adult dog can hold it longer so they are more likely to be able to withstand the abuse. So thats okay too.

Give me a break. You are one of the reasons there should be a test or something before you can post on a forum.

2007-08-05 03:45:50 · answer #8 · answered by Sowhat 3 · 0 0

Everyone defines the word "responsible" in their own way.
For most people the definition is whatever supports their decision. If by "responsible" you mean purchasing another piece of property so the animal can enjoy it's life or paying someone to be a companion for the animal while you're away then I would say yes. But you must define what you mean by "responsible" .
Also the size of the animal is a major consideration.

2007-08-05 03:24:58 · answer #9 · answered by hoovarted 7 · 0 1

It would not be ideal for the dog; but there are "dog walkers" in most communities who walk your dog when you are at work.
It would definitely be best to get a small dog and a breed that isn't prone to barking. Another solution is to get two dogs; they are company for each other. Try and get two dogs from the same litter. Miniature Dachshunds would be an excellent choice in this situation. Good luck from a Dog-Lover.

2007-08-05 03:19:46 · answer #10 · answered by nan4six 2 · 0 1

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