should i get a dog

[bongovanman]

hi all..over the past year or so i have been dogsitting a collie the odd weekend and more recently a yorkie for for longer.ideal as i am away a lot of weekends in country and its helped some friends out.anyways thats all about to change .the yorkie(flo) was no probs and i found easy to look after as i do shifts.big question is would it be fair for me to get a dog full time?as i now live alone i do shifts but normaly only out for 5hrs at a time tho 1 week in 3 i am out of house for 7hrs...??and what type of dog would be suited many thanx in advance as i am not rushing into this dedcision. stevie

[20SilkCut]

Stevie, i really would'nt suggest getting a dog if you are out of the house for 5hrs / 7 hrs at a time. why cant you just continue looking after the yorkie and the collie when you do have the time - that way its the best of both worlds...helping out friends and allowing you the companionship of the dogs when you have quality time for them...only my thoughts.
Other option would be to get a cat - or two, so they could keep each other company when you are out!

[dizmouk2009]

Being a dog owner (my mothers dogs) I may come across as being very biased. I don't think there is a problem with owning a dog, but if you are going to be out of the house long periods of time I'd suggest owning 2 dogs and ensuring you walk them at least twice a day to keep them stimulated. Dogs are like humans, they require company, friendship and stimulation. Just a thought.

[bongovanman]

i'm not that keen on cats i watched the collie as older friend had hip replacement ,and they haved moved tho i see him now and then and the yorkie well ,split with the ex a while back and had flo when she was workin 24hr stints ,,flos been fine in house for 5 hrs but on longer shifts i have been going home at lunchtime..as i have become keen on having my own dog.as we both have to go seperate ways.mabye a walkers the answer.ta for prompt reply

[bongovanman]

hiu diz yes i have actually enjoyed the dog walkin and everything that goes with it ,i have motorhome and its became part of life and i wouldnt have said that few years ago

[bongovanman]

ps i am nightshift tonight around 5 hrs and took fo for an hr to park this morn a wee walk this savo and another hr at 9 before work,,thanks guys just tryin to do wots right

[20SilkCut]

Bongo....another option would be to visit your local animal shelter and volunteer there...they are always looking for people to walk the dogs and socialise with them....it would bring lots of animals great pleasure...and you too!!!

[curlytop58]

I would definitely not rcommend getting a single dog if you are out for that length of time. The longest we have left our dog for is 4 hours and he was very bored and we suffered the consequences - chewing things rather than messing in the house. Have you got a doggie day care near as that could be a solution for your long shifts but the dogs have to be well trained to go there.

[dizmouk2009]

Nice to hear, walking is extremely important for dogs, people also lol. I studied animal behaviour and animal psychology and have worked around animals (border dogs, border cats and stray dogs) for 4 years (not current work) so I have a fair idea of what is required in the treating of said animal. Like I said though if you are considering leaving a dog at home for long periods of time alone I would advise a second dog, or not dogs at all.

[dizmouk2009]

Different dogs do different things. I can leave my dogs for 13 hours at a time and they show absolutely no sign of being bored or unhappy. They are so well trained they will not mess in the house over that period of time. Although this does not happen very often I though it was worth mentioning. I've never owned just one dog therefor have never had to witness chewing up furniture firsthand.

[bongovanman]

well its a smaller flat i have now so mabye 2 smaller dogs would be best flo's old owner was out far longer on call and thats why we took her on..anyway as she will soon be gone i thought ad give myself a month to look into it and decide wots best

[dizmouk2009]

Obviously you know this but I'm going to say it anyway; don't rush into anything. Would you be considering a rescue dog?

[bongovanman]

rite....she only done toilet once and that was cos she was unwell bit of a burb u know...other than that she hasnt touched anything thats why i was thinking of another small terrier...she mixes with other dogs as much as poss and other people more so at weekends.which she loves the attention..i am new to this an thought it best to get advice as u hear that many horror stories these days

[bongovanman]

defo not rushin into anything diz.....i have had a look at dogs trust on websites..and would consider.dont fancy a big dog or the bull dog types ..

[bongovanman]

mabye as 20 silk cut says volunteer mabye for a month to help decide

[dizmouk2009]

I own a jack russel/terrier, a greyhound/lurcher/whippet and a staffordshire/english bull terrier. The jack russel cross is a pain the the elbow and although she doesn't mind being inside in the day she would rather be outside ratting and being mischevious lol. In my opinion I'd suggest keeping away from that breed (I may be wrong). Yorkshire terriers don't require too much time. I suppose it all depends on what dogs they have and how you feel when you meet them face to face. You may get to the kennels and a bit wienerama might steal your heart :)

[bongovanman]

uv certainly got your hands full....yes ur right when we had the collie it took a lot af walking and down to the beach at weekends,,had a caravan then right in the borders so ideal..had great times and well worth the effort,,if we went ourselfs it wasnt the same...whereas with flo i do like to get her off the lead(within reason) for a runaround and have a country park on my doorstep tho im in the city for during the week an as thought mabye a yorkie or similar would be ideal for me..and of course the dog....when flo geos back ill miss her more than the ex lol....

[carmalee]

You've obviously spent a lot of time thinking this through and continue to do so - normally I wouldn't advocate anyone being out for up to seven hours at a time taking on a dog but like most things nothing is written in stone. You are clearly a caring person and able to give a dog a good, permanent home. Forget any working breed as they won't be happy but why not think about a retired greyhound. I know everyone thinks they are great big dogs who need a lot of exercise but honestly, all they want out of life is a quick burst on their banjo twice a day and a couch to sleep on. and they are such gentle creatures.There are so many looking for good homes too.

[RATTER15]

No, please don't get a dog if you cannot give it more time, it isn't fair on the dog!!

[rachet]

Im so glad there are some open minded people on here. I posted a similar question on another wall, and all i got was rather abusive messages! is the general gist of the matter that working full time and having a dog is a workable scenario, if you can get a dog walker in the day or pop home fir lunch etc?

furthermore, how would you be able to get a young dog used to being on its own without wrecking the house?

[buffymad]

It all depends on the dog. My husband and I both work full time so our jack russell is left home alone for about 8 hours. Saying that he has a good old walk in the morning before we leave, another longer walk when we get back and another walk again before bedtime. He seems happy enough and doesn't wreck the house. He doesn't even wee or poo in the house (although we put papers down in case he's desperate - would never scold him for that). I know quite a few people who say its not fair leaving them alone and it would be kinder to put them down (?!!!!!) but that's ridiculous. If you're comfortable with leaving a dog alone, he or she would get used to that routine.

Go for it if you're 100% sure!!