Daily Dog Question #36 12/5/07?

Question

This one is going to be a bit controversial:

What do you think of people owning dogs who work? I see questions and/or answers that are amazingly critical of people owning dogs that work full time. Why is this? Do you agree? Disagree? Let's hear both sides of this one.

As always, let's be nice to one another on this question. While you may not agree with the person, or their opinion may make you angry, let's try not to give thumbs down. Let's have a civilized debate. =)

Thank you for answering.

OK! UNCLE I phrased the question poorly. I'm AT WORK JUGGLING the Phone and YA and someone in my office. Geesh...

What do you think of people who work (full or part time) owning dogs?

Does that make everyone happy? Goodness!

Answer 1

My fiance and I both work full-time. Since his schedule is slightly flexible, the dogs are alone for 6 - 9 hours. Because of this, none are crated. The two youngest are in playpens, and the oldest gets the remainder of that room with the door closed.

Answer 2

I don't have a problem with it. I have three dogs currently and I used to work full time. I would crate my dogs while I was gone and I think it was O.K. If they had been out (which we tried for a while) they would get into too much stuff not matter how hard we dog proofed the house. Leaving them outside is not an option in Texas. It can get way too hot many days. Now I am a stay at home mom and the dogs are out most the time. (unless I am running an errand) Honestly most of the day they sleep anyway. I was a TA at a middle school and I would work 8 hours. I had a very short commute so they were always crated less than 9 hours. It seems like a lot, but it really was for their own good.

Once while I was working we decided to try having them stay out of their crates. My mini dashie got into trash that we thought was secure. Well, when I came home it was all over the house. A day or two later, he was in the hospital with an infection that he got when he ate something in the trash. We almost lost him, but he was treated in time. From that time on, our dogs have been crated while we are away.

I think it only a problem if you would extra long hours. My husband can sometimes work 12 hours or more. If he were single and owned dogs then I would think there would be a problem.

Answer 3

I have no problem with someone who owns a dog and holds a job.

I do, however, have a problem with people who make excuses for not bringing their dogs out because "they were tired when they got home from work," or "after eight hours, they deserve a break".

If one knew that the dog was going to be a full-time job when they got the dog, they probably should have been prepared to deal with two hour walks after an eight hour work day.

With that being said, I completely respect anyone who can juggling caring for a dog in addition to holding a full time job. I happen to know a lovely lady who rescues dogs and has a full time job. She works over the internet, which is a huge plus, but never make excuses like "I've just done too much today." When she's done doing her online work, she knows she has forty dogs waiting for basic care.

This is, obviously, a very extreme example. This lady also has a few volunteers that help her out. BUT that does not mean she doesn't work her butt off to enjoy these animals.

If you have a dog, you might as well take the time to enjoy it. Otherwise, what is the point in having a dog?

Haha- the question is worded completely wrong. Cute. "...people own dogs who work?".

I have no problem with my dog working full time either. Whatever pays the bills!

It is a full time job keeping the family in check. She does a great job at it though.

EDIT: Sorry, no offenses! I thought the error was cute! My dog should be working! Earning her keep! Herding all the dog park doggies! You know?

Answer 4

I'm one of the lucky people who has always been a stay at home mum or Part-time worker so neither my kids or dog's have ever been left for long periods. Even now I work 8 hours a day it's split into 3 shifts, morning, tea time and depending on what time the boss wants to go to bed, late at night and the dog is usually with me on the last visit! I only work 4 days and both my hubby and son work irregular hours so it's rare for my dog to be alone longer than 3 hours. as long as we could cover the basics we've never hankered fpr things others can't seem to live without , like fancy holidays. I live in the best part of the Uk anyway, It's part of the Lake District and has everything I could want!
As I say though I am lucky!
I have nothing against working people having dogs, I even admire most I know! They get up really early (no thanks) spend time in the evenings when I'm able to watch TV exercising, playing and training, and still meet up with me for the late night walk! Most of my friends who work have two or more dogs and several have dog walkers. I don't think their pets suffer for it! I know people who stay home all day and the poor dog is left outside and virtually ignored and they are the ones who suffer.
I think most dogs adapt to a working owners life style and it's a far better life than being stuck in a kennel 24/7. However I do think that working owners need to be very careful of the breeds they choose. Leaving a lazy couch potato like a Greyhound is one thing, confining a Border Collie for 8 or 9 hours is cruelty!

Bad ownership isn't confined to working people so ownership shouldn't be denied the 'good ones'

Answer 5

I work full time and have four dogs in my house - 2 are mine, 2 are fosters. How in the world can I be expected to pay for food and veterinary care of them if I don't work?

When I'm home with them all day on a Sunday, they spend the whole time snoozing. So what's the difference between that and them snoozing while I'm at work?

All four dogs get a 1-3 mile walk on weekdays and a 5-10 mile walk on the weekends. Granted, there are some days when we're out walking at 10 o'clock at night, but that's just the way it works sometimes.

We also play games both indoors and outdoors, and one of them is in flyball class.

If I have a particularly busy week and feel they're being neglected, I may cancel something and spend the time with the dogs.

Like so many things, it's not always the QUANTITY of time you spend with them, it's the QUALITY of the time you spend with them.

Personally, I think the people who don't think you can have a dog and work are selfish individuals. They just don't want to give up any of their time to devote it to a dog. People who are willing to make the time and effort for their dogs have no problems balancing dogs and work.

Many people are very happy to take their dogs to daycare a couple days a week. Or have a pet sitter come in to check on the dogs. They are willing to take the responsibility and pay for their dogs to be cared for.

What about people who have babies and then leave them at a daycare all day long while they're at work? Is that wrong too?

Answer 6

Smart a** answer: All my dogs are working breed dogs who actually do work. I do not require my dogs to work all the time (there needs to be some time to chase around in the yard) but I'd say most of the time they work fulltime. I'm the beneficiary of all their hard work, even if they don't bring home a paycheck.

Now I'll answer what I think you're asking: I think it really depends on the situation. For most people, not working is not an option... choosing a breed or a specific dog who can deal with work-limited time/attention IS an option.

I believe that most breeds of dogs were bred to DO something and being left home 10 hours a day and then having an owner who demands 8 hours of sleep only leaves 6 hours for doing DOGGIE stuff... then the blasted owner wants dinner, a shower and maybe to watch a bit of TV, thus leaving very little DOGGIE time... this is UNFAIR.

However, luckily most dogs are incredibly adaptable and deal with the fact humans are generally not completely focused on doggy happiness quite well. So most are quite able to adjust to a lack of time.

It would be wonderful if people would consider the activity level of the dog they bring into their home. *I* know I cannot provide sufficient activity for a Border Collie. However, I dedicate most of my evening to doggy things and I usually have at least one of my dogs with me all day.

Answer 7

I own a dog and work full time. I guess in order to be able to afford the vet bills i have to. I think its fine. I make sure i take my dog out in the morning before work to the park (trust me getting up at 6 am is not my favorite part of dog ownership but it has to be done). she runs around for half an hour and we come home. during the day i arranged for my very friendly neighbor to come it and take her out to potty and play with her, if he can't i drive home for lunch. When i get home we go for a nice long walk. Is my dog unhappy? i don't think so. I know people who sit on their a$$ all day and don't do anything with their dogs. i think it comes down 2 what are you willing to invest time wise into your pet. if you know what you are getting yourself into either way is fine.

reading some of the responses, what i wonder is how you feel about having children when you work? sounds like all moms should stay home to care for their children. doesn't seem realistic does it.

Ciara_Prince please don't pretend to be a vet, or at least spell check your questions and answers. Also i doubt a vet would be asking if milk is good for a 4 month old puppy.

Answer 8

My husband and I personally own 4 dogs (8 y.o. Rottweiler, 7 y.o. Border Collie, 1 1/2 y.o. Australian Shepherd and 5 month old Rottweiler) and are away from the house approximately 10 hours per day. When we get home, we take care of the dogs FIRST! We take them outside, potty, play, train, etc. People have commented that our dogs are the happiest dogs they have seen. I believe there are certain people who, no matter how much time they have, should not own dogs. I have seen many people who are stay-at-home dog owners who do not care for their dogs well at all. Yet, some people will say that they are a better owner because they spend more time with their dog. These people also forget about QUALITY of time vs. Quantity of time. If I am home all day, but ignore my dogs-does that make me a better owner than someone who is gone 10 hours but spends all their time at home playing and caring for their dogs?

Answer 9

Well, well, well what a mighty "question". My parents both work full time, and my brother and I are at school all day. (7:30-2:30) And my parents (8:15-4:45) so the dog is home for a while. My dog is probably one of the happiest dogs on Earth and we walk her and let her off leash when we're home, and on the weekends she is out basking in the sun all day. She is 5, but a very "puppy-like" dog. She is loveable, and enjoys her beautiful days. She cherishes every day, every minute, every second. She loves life and is more joyful than anything. So my dog is perfectly fine and she is a medium sized, loving fluff ball!

Answer 10

I work full time and have two large dogs. We make it work. I walk them at least an hour everyday (rain, cold or killer heat, we walk no exceptions!) and then we come home and have play time in the yard. When I am home they go most everywhere with me. They go with me to friends houses, to visit my parents, to parks, etc. They stay in a fenced yard during the day and play well with each other. They are well-mannered, happy go-lucky boys. They don't have any major behavior problems that might signal me to any separation anxiety, boredom or stress. I think that they are well-adjusted. Just as someone else said, it is a commitment on MY part to make sure that they receive from me what they need, even if I have less than 24 hours a day to provide it. And just as an after-thought... on weekends when I am home, they sleep almost the ENTIRE day and save all their energy for 5-11pm when I am home with them and we are playing during the work week. They maintain our schedule whether I am there or not!!!

Answer 11

I work full-time and I own two large dogs. I think its fine. I'm amazed by the number of critical and downright hostile people on this subject. But I also volunteer with a humane society. If we used this as a screening criteria, we'd hardly ever get a dog adopted.

I have two dogs for a reason - they keep each other company when we are not here. They get lots of exercise, attention, training, and love. They have an organized play date one work day a week. They are with us when we are home. We make time for them.

It's harder when you work full time and you have to be committed because you have less time to do all the things that need to be done. And no living situation is perfectly perfect. But it can be done successfully. I believe my dogs are happy with their lives.