I want a dog but there's a few flaws in my plan.?

Question

I really want a dog, our backyard is pretty big I'd call it somewhere between medium and large, we have pretty good fencing, I'm going to work on it so it cant get out, I can pay for the dog food easy, I'm willing to walk it everyday or more, I'm also willing to groom it about once or twice a week, more if needed, and I'd get it another dog to play with when I'm gone also I've heard pups sleep alot ....
but here are the flaws, I still go to school about 6 hours a day and im not sure if it would be ok by itself for that amount of time well its the only flaw that I can think of, but please tell me if I could still get a dog

I still ive with my parents but im not moving out anytime soon, im still in primary school, yes I know you must be thinking I cant look after it now but I really try hard with animals, my sister goes to this horse riding place and the owner has dogs, they follow me around everywhere, they absolutely adore me, I wont be doing that much homework, it takes me about 10 minutes, if the pup was to get sick my parents said they would pay for it and I'd spend my money on it aswell, as for the part where the pup would have to be let out, I have housemates that are home most of the day and when they go I'm usually just walking in the drive

So you say I would need a dog/pup that could look after itself easier than a toy poodle or something, what would that be?, I'm trying so hard to get this perfect

Answer 1

its just six hours, you dont need to be with the dog every waken moment, just make sure you have lots of toys food water and spend time with the dog, afterwards, walk him or take him to the dog park for a bit, the dog will be fine. I got my first dog about a year and a half ago and i worked 8 hrs, got her lots of toys and walked her when i got home, now shes has a new friend and it makes things a whole lot easier but your fine, GO FOR IT!
Make sure you can do it though they are a huge responibiliti.

Answer 2

You could get a dog, but not a puppy. Puppies need potty breaks every 2 hours or so in the beginning, and can't be left without food or water for 6 hours, therefore it would be eating, drinking, and pooping inside it's crate/pen. Not good.

I suggest you adopt a young adult, 1-2 years, who is already housebroken. Choose a breed that is not terribly needy- as in, definitely no toy breeds. Try a hunting or terrier breed. Many shelters and rescues have pairs of dogs that were turned in by their owner, or taken after an owner died, and they want to place the dogs in the same home. That would be a great thing for you to look for- the dogs would already be bonded friends, and they would keep each other great company when you were at school.

Answer 3

If you are willing to do what you have stated above, walk the dog everyday, and give it a loving home, I am sure a dog will be OK. Pups do sleep alot in the beginning, but as they get older you will need to leave things in the yard to keep them occupied, like toys and bones to chew on.
I work 8 hours a day, and my 7 month old puppy is fine, I walk him in the morning, and that tires him out a little. When I leave for work I give him raw chicken wings or a nice big bone, and that gives him something to chew on for a few hours, and then he has all his balls and other toys, which will keep him occupied until I get home and then I can walk him again or play with him.
It sounds like you have thought long and hard about getting a dog, and as long as you stick to your plan, I don't think you will have any problems. Good luck.

Answer 4

please please please consider adopting an adult dog from a local shelter. You would be saving a life, and wouldn't have to go through all the hassles of training a puppy. Most people that have dogs work 8+ hour days. The dog will adjust very soon to your schedule. It will sleep through the day when you are gone, and once you come home, he/she will come to life! Just make sure you can walk him/her every night. Be prepared to take him out in the morning before you leave,and again as soon as you get back in. 6 hours is not that long for a dog to hold his bladder. I work 9 hour days and my dog never has an accident. When you are off on weekends though, you should take him to the park and spend quality time with him. Also keep in mind that you will have that responsibily of going home right after work/ school to let him out and spend time with him. If you cannot commit to this, consider a cat. In either case, consider the fact that you will need to pay for the occasional vet bill, food, toys, chewies,etc. Can you afford this? Good luck with your decision and please adopt a dog don't buy from a breeder. Save a life and adopt. I did and I got the best dog in the world.

Answer 5

Well..you sound like you are pretty busy with school...but if you think you would have the time for a dog...letting a dog go for 6 hours isn't too long. If you get a puppy...you may want to find someone who could take your dog outside while you're at school. But after a while...6 hours isn't too long to leave a dog. However...look at your extra curricular activities...will they get in the way of attention and care of a dog? I really don't recommend a college student getting a dog. it's best to wait until you have a lifestyle that can guarantee the dog will get adequate attention. It's only fair to the dog.

Answer 6

You can still get a dog. If there is no one who can let it out at least once during the day, then consider an older dog and not a puppy. A puppy would need to got out about every 2-3 hours.
If possible, come home between classes or a lunch to let it out. You could hire someone to come let the dog out, like a dog walker. Doggy Day Care could be another option.
If you have to leave it alone, then leave it in a confined space such as a bathroom or kitchen or a kennel.

Answer 7

6 hours a day is a very long stretch, especially for a puppy. You might want to look into adopting an older dog from a shelter (which is awesome, by the way, older dogs know whats up and have tons of love to give without all of the new responsibility of training a puppy). You wouldn't want to get two new dogs right away.

If you walk it before you go to school and are willing to walk it afterwards and can give a dogs lots of love and attention you'll be fine. But if you have six hours of school and then another four hours of homework, you really shouldn't do that to a dog.

It's your call.

Answer 8

Forgive me, but are you still a minor at home with parents? If so- you need to make sure your family wants a dog, too. If you're under 18, an adult needs to be financially and legally responsible for the dog (who will pay for vet bills if the dog gets hurt or sick?). Also, if you're going to go to college- the dog will likely still be around and you'll have a hard time taking it with you....your parents need to be willing to care for a pet just the same as you are.

Otherwise, you should probably look at getting an older dog. Puppies need a lot of attention and supervision, and need to go to the bathroom about every 2-3 hrs, whereas an adult dog may already be housebroken and trained, just needing a home. Also, I hope you aren't considering leaving the dog outside all the time.....dogs are social animals and need to be "part of the family"....not left outside by themselves all the time.

Answer 9

Most dog owners work 8 hour days. I don't see a problem.
You may want to consider what breed you are looking for, you wouldn't want one that might attack children or the post man.
I like Labrador retrievers, they are wonderful dogs and love to play in the water.
I'm uncertain what part of the country you live in, hopefully you have a beach or a lake near by.
Good Luck
Dogs make good companions and can live with you for many years. There will be a bond:~)

Answer 10

If you have to be away that long just make sure the puppy is contained to a small area with no carpetting,(like a bathroom area) and get "Puppy Training Pads" They have a scent to attract the puppy to use the bathroom on it, place a few of those out while you are going to be gone, and have food and water out as well, and just clean up the messes and play with the puppy when you get home. I raised a dog like that, she was 5 weeks when I got her, and I was 15 and going to school. She's 9 years old now, and she turned out just fine, just be sure there's toys for the puppy to entertain itself and get appropriate sized rawhide bone. Hope that helped.