What dog would be best for me

[andydingdang]

I own a small house and small garden and live with my girlfriend and our 2 yr old daughter, We would very much like to get a dog but are not sure what breed would be best. We both work fulltime so it is likley the dog would be in the house alone for most of the day , however when not working we would be able to take the dog for long walks. Obviously the dog would also need to be good with small children.. Any help would be appreciated.

[butter1]

I always think its best to get a rescue dog...I have one and she is a very loving dog and it seems to make everything worth while when getting a rescue dog.  I live on my own and I too work full time but I also hire a dog walker to walk my dog during the day for 1 hour.  She only goes out with the dog walker 2 or 3 times a week but it breaks the day up for my dog.

Try this website, you might find it useful.

http://www.dogclub.co.uk/advice/rescuedog.php

[silly moo]

I really think that as long as you both work full time maybe a dog is not for you.
Most rescue places are not happy to place a dog in a home where it would be left alone for long periods.
Have you thought about a cat or a house rabbit?

[Marvin84]

try this web site to give you an idea of what type of dog would suit.....

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/dogselectapet.html

Hope it helps!! :-)

[Jeanie]

I agree with silly moo.  Dogs are pack animals and really need company and therefore it's just not fair to leave them alone for long periods of time. 

[woofgang]

If you want your house wrecked and covered in poo and to make a creature really unhappy then go ahead and get a dog. Otherwise please don't it is really unfair on a dog to leave it alone all day, even with access to a garden

[butter1]

I don't think its unfair to get a dog if you work full time.  As long as you have someone round to walk them and sit with them for company for a bit then that's ok.  As long as they get lots of walks and loving attention its fine.  Your dog won't necessarily wreck your house... I always leave the telly on for back ground noise, take her out for 30mins before I leave for work and then 40-an hour after work...leave lots of toys and chews out for her to play.. she's happy as larry!  Not an unhappy dog at all. 

[Jeanie]

Sorry butter1, but all the animal welfare groups will support the belief that dogs should not be left alone frequently for extended periods.  Your dog may seem happy, but I'm sure he would be a lot more content if he didn't have to spend long periods of time without your company. In other words, I'm sure he's a lot happier with you than without you.

I firmly believe that we should be offering our dogs the best possible home environment we can - and being away from them is not fulfilling that criteria IMHO. 

andydingdang - cats can be great pets - very affectionate and loving - and they really don't mind being left on their own as they are solitary animals.  

[andydingdang]

Thanks for all your advice and we have decided to get a cat