Dog Problem - To Have or Have Not

[maidon]

My partner had a dog prior to us meeting, we've been together 5 yrs. Anyway the dog past away last year and ever since he's been on at me to get another. I've always had a dog in the house I stayed with my parents until I met him! but feel that coz we're both out working it wouldn't be fair on a dog. He's driving me nuts going on and on about getting one. He thinks its better to give a dog a good home even if it does mean them being inside all day!!! Anyone care to give their opinion on leaving a dog in the house all day?!! thanks!

[Illyria54]

Hi there, if one of you can get home at lunch time to walk the dog then maybe it is possible, though personally I wouldn't leave a dog for more than 3-4 hours, indeed I do leave mine for 3 and1/2 hours each weekday morning though not before they have been out for a longish walk, I live on a farm so in the morning they are walked off lead around 4-5 fields, they are walked again in the afternoon for 1-2 hours again mostly off lead, I do obedience training with them also in the afternoon, what I am saying is that a dog needs a lot of attention, training needs to be maintained, but if you can fit it in with work and come home in the day then yes give a poor dog a good home, but if there is any doubt that you can commit to this then think again, most rescue centres are quite strict when it comes to someone being at home during the day.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Illyria54]

Just to add, if you can just look at it this way, you get ready for work say that takes 1 hour you travel to work 1 hr, 8 hrs at work so that is already 10 hrs the dog is alone as it were, 1hr to travel home, you may go shopping on the way home or stop for a drink lets say another 2 hours (13 hrs now out of 24) you cook and eat a meal (1hr) so that brings you to about 8-10pm what time will either of you have to give the dog quality time and walks? the poor thing will spend most of it's time on it's own.
Sorry, not being horrible even if it sounds that way.

[peb9]

well wen you go to bed the dog is left in for say 8hrs approx, and like Illyria says if one o you can get home durin the day then it is possible.

[lankeela]

But during the night the dog knows it has company. A dog left for hours on end could end up being at best lonely and bored, at worst destructive, dirty and noisy, and suffer from separation anxiety, wrecking your home and being totally hyper when you are there. Also a puppy needs several feeds a day and letting out regularly if you are going to have any chance of house training. I would not sell you a dog.

[peb9]

who you wouldnt sell me a dog?

[LottieAnne]

DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT HAVING A DOG! If you have to be away from home for more that 4 to 5 hours at a time then do not have a dog. It would be cruel. The only solution is to have a regular dog minder who will come in at least twice during the day and walk/let the dog out but this costs money. There are plenty of people who make a living doing this now. If you can afford this the go ahead.

[maidon]

thank you all for your replies, sorry I haven't responded sooner. yes, I do agree with all your comments. Still trying to convince him of the same! , he's still going on about how he misses having a dog in the house and misses the walks. Stubborn man - he just won't listen !!