Why do some people not understand the commitment when getting a puppy?

Question

I see this question asked here all the time..."I have an 8-week old puppy that will be left alone all day. What do I do?". Why is it that people think it's OK to do this? I tell people they either need to get someone to take care of the dog during the day, or give the dog to someone who can take care of it properly. They usually don't like that answer, but it's the truth isn't it? Let me know what you think.

I really feel that a puppy should not be left alone for more than 4 hours. The line needs to be drawn somewhere. Vets will tell you the same thing. Someone who is thinking about getting a puppy needs to ask themselves if they can keep the line drawn at 4 hours or so. If not, they should reconsider. And if I were a breeder, I would ask a potential buyer if they knew the comitment they needed to make. (I was asked by the breeder and the vet)

Answer 1

LOL, I think it`s worst when they say, "hi, I can`t afford daycare for my kids and I work, what do I do "????? Same idea, with a pup!!Our society doesn`t have time for children, do you think puppies are any different???? Putting a pup in a crate is fine, to go shopping, or to swim in the pool for a couple of hours....but for ten hours a day?? And then you come home at night and are busy with dinner and the kids.....WHERE is there time for the pup?? My friend crates her puppy for 11 hrs a day....Where is that fair?? Do you want a companion or a novelty item??

Answer 2

I agree. I also hate seeing how many people on here want to breed their dogs "for fun". There are too many animals on the streets, in shelters, and not taken care of properly. My neighbor has a dog and leaves it in a crate in the garage all day for about 14-18 hours. Then he gets home, let's it out for an hour, puts it back in where it sleeps. Plus, it's in Alabama and it gets about 104 degrees some days. Poor dog. Anyways, I agree with you. People don't think about how much time, money, and affection dogs need.

Answer 3

They also blame the dog for any damage done to the home while they are gone. Like a puppy is supposed to understand automatically where to pee and what not to chew on.
Dogs can be crated and that is what they are for. With plenty of ecxcercise when you are home, being crated during the day is fine. But most people don't know this and just leave a dog loose in the house and then don't understand why their house is torn up.

Answer 4

Have any idea of how many dogs do just fine while everyone is gone to school/work. Last time I checked it was not a requirement to be unemployed in order to own a dog.
Yes it would be nice if someone was home all the time, but sorry to say it isn't realistic.

So asking questions about how a puppy should be cared for during the work day is a valid question, and should not be answered by telling them that they are to stupid to own a dog.

Answer 5

This is because most people don't understand that animals other than us have feelings and emotions as well. I use to help people find the perfect dog to adopt...they would take them home and a few days later I would get calls "She is peeing on the floor I'm bringing her back" or here's a good one after a year of having a dog a person called and said "I feel you were not telling me the full truth about this dogs personality and he is digging holes now...he just started last week...so I am bringing him back"

People are ignorant...they want a dog that doesn't poop, pee, shed, bark, and does everything they want them to at the exact time they want them to. It is very frusterating working in an animal shelter and dealing with humans...

I work and goto school full time...I come home on my lunch break and am if I'm not at work or school I'm here at home with my pit bull mix Molly. It takes effort...and most people aren't willing to put any effort into it...

I think these people should be euthanized...not the animals that they keep returning to shelters for their own stupidity.

I always try to tell people When you adopt a dog it's for life...you can't just return them at your convenience. They connect and bond with you...you become a prat of their pack and getting rid of them is very heartwrenching for them.


JR~ Obviously you haven't visited the animal shelter I have worked at. There are shelters out there that take the time and effort to socialize and give these animals tons of interaction time. When the sun is shining we have the dogs out...training, playing, socializing, swimming, you name it we do it! I love our dogs at the shelter like they were a part of my own fmaily...so there are shelters out there that don't allow animals to just sit in cages and wait to be euthanized (plus this is a no-kill shelter)

Answer 6

I hear ya! And not only the part about leaving them alone during the day, but taking time to train them and teach them how to behave.
One ex-friend of mine just HAD to get this Jack Russell b/c he was 'cute'. He never took any time with him, never used positive reinforcement to correct wrong behaviors....well....his dog totally does not know how to behave. It's sickening. I cannot stand to be in the same room with him b/c he doesn't listen. All he does is run, jump, lick and bark when company comes by. I stopped visiting for that very reason. Seriously. If people are not going to be consistent in making sure the dog knows how to behave, then they shouldn't get one!

Answer 7

Yes, commitment need to make before getting a puppy.
But, the people with full time job still entitle to have puppies.
They are doing their best to ensure the comfort and safety for their puppy.

Just like raising a kid. People have to go to work.
You can not tell people, if you can not stay home be a full time mom, then don't have baby. Send the baby to day care,
preschool, or leave home with nanny is the same as leave a puppy home with toys and water. Those full time mom can say, baby need mom's attention and love not nanny or day care people.

I am not saying it is good to leave the puppy at home alone. Just saying, those people who love dogs, and do as much as they can to ensure the safety and comfort for their dog are not deserved the scold.

Answer 8

NO THEY DON'T!!

Its not a child it can be crated. Yes I would prefer a homeless deathrow puppy to go to someone that is home but it is not a necessity. I have never stayed at home because I got a puppy. I have never stayed home with any litters I have rescued out from under a needle.

A crate is perfectly acceptable. I have crated newborns that were abandoned for a full 8 hours a day. They will survive. How much time do you think they get with people in a shelter. It is just fine for someone to care for them by crating during the day. Messy but as long as they are willing to accept cleanup duty its better than death.

Added:

Seth YES I would hope a breeder even a half assed breeder would be more apt to sell to someone that is home more. As I stated I would prefer it but its not a requirement. That is not the priority for someone to be home. It is an animal and has survived centuries with out humans. Mine have survived without me I am not a bad pet owner. Mine get NECESSARY vetting food shelter and toys. No I don't dress them and bathe them once a day or put pretty bows in the girls hair. (That would really scare people Lillie with bows) Nor do I "baby talk"to them I snap my fingersor whistle they are dogs. If I get treats out one runs straight to her crate. I don't even call her out anymore figure thats actually good. All will sit except one with bad hips I never make her do much. But even when I am home the day is just like Im not except they may get more outside time still away from me.

Answer 9

i soooooooooo agree so annoyin, people just c the cute bundul of fluff an there hearts melt they dont take in to consideration that that bundal of fluff wil need to b fed watered walked loved or the grubby task of cleanin up after accidents and dog hair,i hav 5 dogs who are loved cared for an only left alone wen nessecery, walked every day. people really need to think of the long term commitment needed wen gettin a dog.

Answer 10

I truly don't believe people realize how much work it is to owning a puppy. They don't realize they have to train it and walk it. People are stupid and think dogs come fully trained and house broken. For those people who work all day and have puppies there are dog walkers who come and walk your dog mid day so it does not have to sit in a crate all day. Sure it cost money but it all comes with dog ownership...we all have paid our dues