I am a single guy who works 10 hours a day, 4 days a week. I would like to have a dog but I am wondering if it is possible own a dog and train it to be left alone for such long periods of time.
2007-12-19 20:36:10 · 11 answers · asked by road_dawg_style 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Realistically? It's not an ideal situation, but it IS doable. Here'd be my tips to make it successful.
Don't get a puppy. Don't even get a teenaged dog. Get an adult- at least 2 years and preferably between 3-5. Pick breeds that are no more than moderately active, or go with a shelter dog with a known personality. Even if you're very active- hiking, biking- on yoru days off, it's going to be easier to condition an inactive dog to keep up some of the time, than keep an active dog from being bored while you're gone.
You might look into retired racing greyhounds. Some middle-aged labs and goldens might suit well, too, or some chows or chow mixes, if you're willing to put in the grooming time.
One big concern I wuold have is if you work late- or stop for a bite to eat on the way home with a buddy. 10 hours is pretty close to the outside edge of how long a dog can hold it, which doesn't leave you a lot of wiggle room to make it home in time to be fair to the dog. If you're willing to pay for a dogwalker daily or doggy day care 3-4 days a week, you've got more options about the breed/age o dog, but it'd still be tough. Realistically, a cat might be a better choice for your life at this point.
2007-12-19 21:14:59 · answer #1 · answered by Cait 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you intend to be crating your dog (a generally accepted method of housebreaking and sit-and-stay training) whilst you're out during the day, and crating it overnight, that's at least 18 hours, if not more, for which your dog will be confined to a small crate. Is that fair? Will you be spending every evening and all weekend with your dog, or will socialising, dating and other obligations mean you have to leave your dog alone further? I've yet to meet any dog owner who did not want to socialise.
A puppy is out of the question - a puppy simply cannot hold it's bladder or bowels for ten hours a day, and your schedule gives you no time or consistency for even vital toilet training and basic obedience training. Therefore an older dog, and all the problems that may come with taking on an established adult dog, needs to be considered. You may consider hiring a dog walker or dog sitter, but a walker or sitter will do exactly what it says on the tin - walk or sit your dog. They will not, unless also a qualified trainer, attempt to train or socialise your pet.
Personally, I would not home a dog with someone who was out more than they were in. You'd likely have difficulty convincing a shelter that you were a suitable adoptive owner. Dogs are social animals and bond very closely with their owners, looking to them for both leadership and companionship. Not being there to provide either for such extended and continuous periods of time is only asking for socialisation and behavioural problems.
2007-12-19 20:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by La Comtesse DeSpair 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are great to have around, really good companions, but they love attention and need looking after like a small child say. I don't think you would be able to give it the life it deserves. 10 hours for 4 days a week is a long time to leave a dog a one specially if you are just building up a relationship with the dog, you have to earns the dogs trust and respect.
2007-12-19 20:52:47 · answer #3 · answered by Bfree 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd go for it. However, I'd do one of two things though. Either get an older dog who has less demands for exercise or plan to use either a pet sitter or doggie day care (or both) while I was working.
Dogs can be very rewarding, especially when you're single. They encourage you to get out to parks and places where who knows, you might meet the lady of your dreams. ;P
However, I'd only consider getting a young one if I knew I had the money to be able to do a dog daycare a few days a week while I'm at work. Most of them run between 17 and 25 dollars a day.
Also, be sure to research your breed pretty carefully so that it matches your lifestyle.
2007-12-20 01:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by Leanna G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a long time to be out, but if you are willing to get a dog sitter/dog walker to beak up the time you are out, it will be doable. Everything will take longer, and when you are with your dog you will have to give it endless attention.
I would consider rehoming a dog that is used to being left for certain periods of the day. It is unfair to leave a puppy for so long, it will not understand that you will be coming back, all it will know is that it no longer has his litter, and now this one person who is around no longer is. also training it will be so hard etc.
2007-12-19 21:00:45 · answer #5 · answered by LISA B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure concerning the legal guidelines or if there are any, however a canine must be in heat to be pregnant. How historical used to be the other dog and used to be she even in heat? I do not consider you should have to pay for the dog to get spayed. Vets do not quite often wish to spay puppies in warmth anyway. So it's unlikely that if the canine was once in warmness that it could be getting spayed day after today. Before you do pay for the spay get some more data.
2016-08-06 12:37:22 · answer #6 · answered by heimann 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should get a dog if you're away for so long. Maybe a cat? If you REALLY want to get a dog, I suggest you get 2 of them so they can keep eachother company when you're gone. Atleast, it's only 4 days a week.
Another option is getting a pet sitter.
2007-12-19 21:04:42 · answer #7 · answered by ♥gσρρєя♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not it's not. (I'm not just saying that to be mean). You wouldn't leave a child alone for that long, it's the same for a dog. The dog would end up with serious behavioral issues and problems that you wouldn't be there to correct. If I were you, I'd wait until you can give more attention to someting that lives for years and years.
2007-12-19 20:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by Christina A 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
even though i dont think thats a good idea - perhaps you could get an older dog, one that is calm and quiet and housetrained.
you may manage one , but remember - a dog gets lonely - it is not tolerant to sleep all day and if so, it will be lonely - spend lots of time with it - keep it happy
2007-12-20 00:33:41 · answer #9 · answered by muzic~life 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs can be trained if you want to. Train them any way you want to or contact a local hostel or crche for dogs. If that is not available, the best way would be to get one dog and love it unconditionally whenever you get time.
I formly believe in doing things that your heart wants to do. So just go ahead with all your determination and commitment!
2007-12-19 21:14:21 · answer #10 · answered by Royal Horse 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋