what is so wrong with working full time and owning a dog

[kateandpaul]

I just wanted to clarify a few questions I have seen about dogs and people working full time, basically I have just got a border collie (10 mnths) from a dogs trust and the owner never had a problem with me working full time, we have a dog walker and on the odd days he cannot be walked we go home for lunch, he is walked 40 mins in the morning, 1hr in the day and an hour and a half after work, so whats the problem? I am sick of people making me feel guilty, he also goes to agility classes and when we arent here..I bet he sleeps, after all they do sleep for at least 11 hrs per day!

[denisegordon]

We had a border collie, and she was alone all day.  We didn't plan this, to cut a long story short this situation was forced on us.  She was perfectly well behaved during the day and never chewed anything, and got lots of attention when we were in.  When we were in during the day you never saw her, she always took herself away and slept.  Of course it's not ideal, but I guarantee she had a better life than a lot of poor dogs. No doubt you'll get lots of disagreement though!

[clair3934]

I agree with you both I have dog that stays at home on his own all day, i don't work 9 -5 so hes not on his own for that long but he always seems fine he gets walks in the morning and evening and we go to training classes every week. I have found from past experience that dogs that are with there owners all day, when left suffer more from separation anxiety because they are not used to being left on there own, where as dogs that are left from day one cope well and don't worry about being left because they know you will be back soon and they enjoy the quality time they get with you more. but there are always going to be people that disagree and to each there own, we all have different ways of doing things as long as we know we are looking after our dogs well and that they are loved who cares what anyone else thinks.

[Quizmonkey]

That's the best I've heard: neglecting a dog for most of the day makes him appreciate his time with you even more!! Wow - some deep thinking behind that little gem. Do you apply it to children too? You need to question not only why you have a dog, but what the dog is getting out of your relationship. I won't go on and on about how cruel it is because you've basically said that you're deaf to any criticism. Just know that anyone with a modicum of knowledge of animal welfare is against such an egocentric lifestyle.

[maggie01]

I agree woleheartedly. I didn't want to be the first to say. If you tell yourself something often enough you will believe it. You say dogs are quite happy being on their own and that they are better treated than some. This may be true but they don't have a choice. If this is the life you are giving them, what choice do they have. Yes mine go off to sleep when I am at home I sometimes think I need not be there but they know I am there so there sleep is probably one of contenment not anticipation of when I am going to return.  I understand peoples cercumstances change after they have a dog but full time work and a dog in my opinion just do not go together. To me they are just like having kids and I would never dream of leaving them alone. I think you would probably be outvoted on this one.

[woofgang]

Because, kateandpaul, many (?most) people who have a dog and work full time don't get dog walkers or walk them before and after work or go home for lunch! Personally I still don't think that it is ideal for the dog as they are pack animals, but you are making an effort for the dog. What gets my proverbial are people who get a dog (especially a puppy) leave it all day, never bother to train it and then complain that it wrecks and or poos all over the house!!!! or even worse resort to leaving it in a cage all day

[newtron]

kateandpaul, it sounds like you are doing a great job. Don't feel guilty.  Everybody thinks they're a dog expert.  You know whether your dog is happy or not, and that's all that counts. 

[clair3934]

quizmonkey you say that anyone with a modicum of knowledge of animal welfare would be against my way of thinking but what you didnt know is that i work with animals and have done for a very long time, and you obviously didn't take note of the fact that i don't work long hours. some people have very good reasons for leaving there dogs I hate leaving my dog because i love him so much but sometimes it has to be done. also i have no children and niether do i intend on having any!

[rampart]

Also, dogs do not have the same concept of time as we do. They are loving accepting animals, and whether they wait an hour or four, they still love us and are just as happy to see us.

While there are always people at our house during the day, I know many who have pets who stay home alone during the working hours. Both pets and masters seem just fine.

[maggie01]

clair3934 I didn't quite understand your answer. you say you have a dog who is on its own all day but you do not work 9-5 so there is another reason why your dog is alone. So the reason for a dog being alone is not really the issue. It is the time spent alone. Kateandpaul are obviously doing their best when they are not there but then again their dog is not strictly left alone if someone walks him during the day or they go home for lunch. I think the reason people get uptight about working full time with a dog is precicely that. Not everyone goes home for lunch. They are on their own all day without anyone going in to give them some company. These are the people that the argument is always aimed at. Can't change my mind though. Work and dogs do not go together and I don't think I am an expert on dogs, far from it. We are all entitled to our opinion and if someone asks as question as to why people think a dog should not be left at home all day then they know they are going to get a few answers they don't agree with.  Lets just beg to differ. I'm sure we all think we are doing our best for our pets.

[Quizmonkey]

Hear, hear - but it still freaks me out that someone who 'works with animals' and claims 'I love my dog' can be so blind to its needs.

[Chessman]

There's some common sense been said on this subject, short periods should be okay, but would you leave your child alone, in the house, for between six to eight hours a day?, I think not, a dog, unlike a cat, becomes a member of your family.

[kateandpaul]

FAO Quizmonkey.

Firstly, you may have an opinion and as I do not agree with it, we will have to agree to disagree, however think about this one.

You say that clair3934 shouldnt agree with me,however its ignorance like yours that stops all the dogs that need rehoming from actually being accepted into a families life.  You never asked me how long this arrangment would be for, and FYI its temporary, 1 yr or so then I will be at home full time, this is not the issue, what bugs me the most is you rate all full time workers as neglecting their pets, that is so untrue and it could be you who needs a refresher course on animals, after all you are not an expert, neither am I, but I do know that if I didnt take my dog, he would almost certainly have been put down,whats the better option???

[kateandpaul]

I just want to say thankyou to all those who support my opinion, its not an ideal life for him, but for all dogs, they do adapt, and for the dogs from shelters etc, it surely is better than that life!

[Ladybird50]

Well said kateandpaul!  we have a dog and i work, two jobs, both part time ,so i go home twice in the day .Our dog is perfect in every way as far as im concerned with his behavior and is very sociable. he is a happy and contented dog he gets regular walks and knows he is loved im sure,  and as you said we might of saved him from a bad life. 

[quibbmedusa]

hi Kate and Paul...ive got a terrier and ive had him since he was 8 weeks old.

I work as a chef, and although most days are split shifts, he is so used to being left alone during the day that when i get a day off, he looks puzzled at me as if to say "well, go on mother, b*66er off to work!

I also get the same welcome when ive been for a bath as to when ive been out for 8 hours. they dont have the same time clock as we do! Dont listen to ppl who make you feel guilty!!! as long as he is walked regularly, fed well, and loved, which your dog obviously is...so take no notice and enjoy your dog, in the knowledge that us dog owners DO go out to work!!

[lindisfern]

Depends on the dog-if they accept it its ok
if they dont you soon find out
personally in my working days I always kept two dogs and never had any problems.
My friend on the other hand was at home all day with hers,
when she did have to go out wether for a newspaper or longer
it was demolition derby and what was once a pile of poop trampled all over the house.

[looby29]

Hi kate and paul, I just want to say i am 200% behind what you are saying. I am after a dog at the minute. I work full time i have bought my own house with my partner i have lots of time to spare and lots of love to give, I live about a five minute drive away from home so would go home for dinner. Now cats are similar to dogs in the fact that they DO become part of the family as i have one and he is a babe! I have thought long and hard about getting a dog - walking at least twice a day blah blah, so i decided to go for a dog that really needs a home a RSPCA dog and they would not give me the time of day - they would PREFER their dogs to go to a home that does not work, so if i was in a house that was not mine, no job 20 kids that would be perfect! All i want is a little dog. Another thing a dog is nothing like a baby - you may treat them like one but my dog when i get it, will not be feeding off my nipples for sure.

[m00dycat]

I resent the comment, a dog unlike a cat becomes a member of your faimly. Obviously you have never owned a cat for which you have provided a stable, loving and balanced home for them too become a member of your family and have needs, wants and emotions in the same way a dog does.

[genericvox]

Firstly... who are these people who don't work and own a dog? How are you PROVIDING FOR THE DOG if you don't work? OH NOES, YOU WORK SO YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE A DOG!!!11!! That's the most backwards thing I've ever heard. Probably some 1950's stay at home soccer mom.

I'm all for animal rights, but really, get over yourselves and stop anthropomorphizing dogs. Yes they are living breathing creatures that are so-called "pack animals" but they are smart and can adapt to change. Humans are also social creatures. You probably don't think it's entirely natural that I'm stuck in a dark, cold, dimly lit, isolated cubicle for 8 hours a day either, but I do it because I have to and the alternative is worse (ie, working at some other lower-paying job with less responsibilities like some crappy retail job which would be considered more "social"). Dogs are also far removed from wolves as far as domestication is concerned.

Likewise, I'm thinking about adopting a dog from my local SPCA, which will not be my first dog. I'm single with no children and work 40 hours a week. I don't have a crazy social life, don't go on vacations all that often (once every few years). The other option for many of these dogs is either being stuck in a shelter until they die/get euthanized, or going home to another household where the dog will be thrown to the wayside to other more important obligations (significant other, kids, etc.), or to some kook who DOESN'T work full time and clearly can't afford a dog.... then possibly end up returned to the shelter. I have plenty of single friends (many for whom I have house & dog-sat for) who are more dedicated to their dogs than some families I see who throw their dogs in the backyard and forget about them. I don't bring my work home with me so my evenings, weekends, and time before work would be dedicated to doggy. The area I'm in is also very dog friendly, so many places even allow people to bring the

[genericvox]

The area I'm in is also very dog friendly, so many places even allow people to bring their dogs shopping and whatnot.

Let's face it, the reason most people own a dog is for companionship, which is an entirely selfish reason in and of itself, and just like any luxury, there is nothing wrong with that, granted the owner gives it what it needs as far as food, water, shelter, training, and spends as much quality time as they can with the dog.

If anything, my 9-5 is more inhumane than being left in my peaceful apartment with food, water, TV, toys and the soothing sounds of easy listening or NPR.

To the original poster, try to pick a dog with an independent personality versus one who would be very dependent upon you and don't give in to attention-seeking behaviors that can encourage separation anxiety. I'm sure you'll do just fine despite what these other jobless, wackos are leading you to believe (I don't know how someone can own a dog with no job, I challenge them to explain that). Try to make it home at lunch, but on the days you can't maybe check into a doggy day care, if you can spare the expense.