Is a dog right for us

[Mi_72]

Join our free community today.

Connect with other like-minded dog lovers!

Login or Register

Hi Everyone,

Me and my fiancee are looking at getting a dog in the future but we worry about leaving him/her home alone whilst being at work. We both leave for work at 7am and I am first home at 3pm. We were just wondering if anyone has any tips on keeping a dog on these terms as we know people out there do have dogs and work full time, and some help would be very much appreciated. We have looked at possibly getting a dog walker to pop round about 10 or 11 just to break the day up for the dog or maybe doggy day care but we don't really think it would be good to send him there 4 - 5 days a week. Plus is crating a dog a good idea and if so for how long do you recommend?

One last thing taking our job times into account is there any specific breed of dogs that would suit us better than others? (for example certain breeds that cope better with being left alone more than others).

 

[cassandrawilliams]

I suggest, Basset Hound a perfect dog that can be left alone all day.

 

[gypsysmum2]

Sorry but no dog is going to cope with being left alone "all day". Dogs are social animals and need companionship. Yes dogs can learn to "cope" when left alone but it is not ideal. They can develop all sorts of behaviour issues and even some physical ailments if their needs for companionship are not met.

Most rescue societies recommend that 4 hours is about the limit for dogs to be left on a regular basis.

There is a new organisation called "Borrow my dog" or something similar where you can walk other peoples dogs. Also the Cinnamon Trust are often looking for volunteers to walk the pets of the elderly or disabled.

 

[JoanneF]

Getting a dog then having to leave it for several hours is doable but far from ideal. Four hours at a time, twice a day, plus overnight means your dog wouldn't have a huge amount of interaction with you, especially as you have other things to do when you aren't working. Possibly an older dog might be better than a puppy, if it has been accustomed to being alone. I would suggest a rescue but I doubt they would rehome with you in these circumstances.

I'm sorry, I am sure that isn't the answer you hoped for. Maybe the Cinnamon Trust or volunteering at a rescue who needs walkers might be a compromise?

 

[Mi_72]

Getting a dog then having to leave it for several hours is doable but far from ideal. Four hours at a time, twice a day, plus overnight means your dog wouldn't have a huge amount of interaction with you, especially as you have other things to do when you aren't working. Possibly an older dog might be better than a puppy, if it has been accustomed to being alone. I would suggest a rescue but I doubt they would rehome with you in these circumstances.

I'm sorry, I am sure that isn't the answer you hoped for. Maybe the Cinnamon Trust or volunteering at a rescue who needs walkers might be a compromise?

I'm not out at night he will only be home alone between 7am and 3pm due to our work hours.

 

[hollysh]

I have recently started as a dog sitter. I charge £20 a day, which I think is about average. I also have a puppy that I pop in and see twice a day for 3/4 hr at a time and she pays me £25 (which I think is a bit more than what most people would give, but she said she would rather pay more to have piece of mind and transport back and fore twice a day is quite a lot of petrol and time). The puppy seems very happy and has adapted very well to the situation. The owner leaves her in a room while she's at work (utility room - which has been puppy proofed, has a basket, toys, leaves a lamp on for her and radio). She leaves about 8.30 I think. I go around 10ish and about 1ish (give her lunch). She's started going out now, so I'm assuming when she's grown enough to go on a proper walk, she will also pay me extra for that.

I think it is doable, not ideal but if you put the proper measures in place; a dog sitter, maybe even family that can pop in every now and again. You could get by.

 

[JoanneF]

I meant overnight when you are asleep he wouldn't have your attention - sorry, I could have been clearer.

 

[gypsysmum2]

Why not consider a cat? Some cats can be very dog like in their interaction with people.

 

[Mi_72]

Why not consider a cat? Some cats can be very dog like in their interaction with people.

Unfortunately we recently lost our cat at a young age of 10 months and we don't really want to get another especially not far from the main road where unfortunately he died.

 

[spanielmad]

Sorry but no dog is going to cope with being left alone "all day". Dogs are social animals and need companionship. Yes dogs can learn to "cope" when left alone but it is not ideal. They can develop all sorts of behaviour issues and even some physical ailments if their needs for companionship are not met.

Most rescue societies recommend that 4 hours is about the limit for dogs to be left on a regular basis.

There is a new organisation called "Borrow my dog" or something similar where you can walk other peoples dogs. Also the Cinnamon Trust are often looking for volunteers to walk the pets of the elderly or disabled.

The site is called borrow my doggy, never used it but have heard good things about it.I definitely wouldn't leave a dog alone for more than four hours, but people do. I was shocked to see on a TV programme recently that a family walk their dog once a week! And they wondered why their dog had behavioural issues!

 

[DogKnows]

You need a loving Nanny to look after your dog during the day. Not really ideal to buy a dog that is going to be alone most of the day.

But saying that they just sleep all day if they are alone or there is no food or excitement happening!

 

[gypsysmum2]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your cat.

DogKnows - some dogs may sleep all day, others may howl, urinate, soil and destroy furniture and possessions. Yes dogs can learn to relax when left but it takes time and lots of training.

 

[Peegee]

I would reiterate Gypsysmums comments. Not all dogs do sleep all day. We once had a dog that we left for quite long periods whilst we were working. She was not happy and certainly did not sleep all the time. She barked, scratched paintwork off windowsills when she jumped up at Windows and went berserk if anyone came to the door. We realise now that we should never have left her alone as long as we did and feel very guilty that we did. This was some years ago and before we knew anything about dog sitters etc. I wouldn't dream of leaving my dog now for any longer than 4hrs, absolute maximum. If we do need to, then we arrange for someone to come in to let her out and keep her company for a while.

 

[rescuecollieChip]

Many people would love a dog but can't commit full time to one. There are sure to be some trust worthy people in your area who would love to spend one or two days a week having a dog in their home (or visiting yours). And if you have friends or family that work from home or are retired maybe they would look after your new addition?

It also depends on how much you are willing to make this work. I am out quite a lot but my dog (who thankfully is great being left alone) gets a huge run around in the morning and then sleeps soundly all through the morning until lunchtime when someone gets home. A kong or puzzle toy may also be a good idea? They would keep the dog occupied, if only for a short while.

My dog hated being in a crate and just barked to be let out (therefore annoying the neighbours) but as he was previously a stray he was used to loads of freedom. I have heard very positive things about crates though and it would also prevent destructive behaviour around the house.

Although I am going against my own advice, having a Collie myself, I would get a less active dog. A greyhound might be a good fit, as they are happy to have a short walk and then are just couch potatoes for the rest of the day!

Sorry for such a long answer, hope this helps!