i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (Full Version)

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winterlight -> i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 12:55:48 PM)

How many of Y/you keep your dog at home and it is home alone for 8.5 hours a day because you work?
How does that work out for you and what breeds do well alone. I have mixed feeling about leaving the dog alone but as some have pointed out better to be alive and at home than in a kennel or destroyed.
On the other hand i have had people tell me it isn't fair to the dog. I was thinking about getting a 1 year old dog.

Comments anybody?

Thanks!



slaveboyforyou -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 1:03:22 PM)

I don't have a dog, and it's for the very reason you mentioned.  Dogs are a lot of responsibility.  If you don't have the time to be there with the dog, then you shouldn't have one.  I have a cat, and cats are just a better choice for someone in my position.  She pretty much takes care of herself.  I just have to empty her litter box every few days and keep her food dish filled.  I would say I have to keep her water dish filled, but she refuses to drink out of a bowl.  I have to go into the kitchen and let the faucet stream a tiny trickle of water for her.   She lets me know when she needs a drink by coming in and loudly meowing.  I think that's the biggest pain with her.  But, I don't have to worry when I leave her alone.  I would worry with a dog.  If you don't have the time for a dog, don't get one. 



MsBearlee -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 1:09:28 PM)

 
Different breeds of dogs have different energy levels, different 'educational' requirements, different personalities; different degrees of how they attach to people.  I would strongly recommend:  http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm
 
I have a type of Livestock Guardian Dog...not a frizzby-chasing, fun-and-games kind of dog.  Probably the reason I have him is because somebody dumped him when he was a year old, for being too big.  Not all breeds work for everybody.
 
B



lauren0221 -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 1:10:31 PM)

Dogs are absolutely wonderful, and a big responsibility. They are pack animals, and most prefer companionship, rather than long periods of time alone. Could you go 8 1/2 hours without a bathroom break? Do you have a yard for the dog? Time to walk him or her? What if you want to go away for a weekend, or have to stay late at work?

You are accepting responsibility for a living creature. Do your research well. It has to be as much about their needs as yours.




SadisticMan -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 1:11:23 PM)

I've had dogs for years, Jack Russells are by far my pick, "worlds greatest dog".
It is hard on puppies to be alone so much in those forming years when they
really need that human bonding contact.
Why not go for a rescue dog from the local human society?, most are adult and housebroke.
You take a dog like that and give it a loving home and you will have
man's best friend.  The Jack Russell Assoc also has a rescue group, these dogs are very
active, mine is over 12 yrs old and still goes like she's powered by energizers.  The vets
gives her a life of 20+..  get a breed that matches what you like, some need playtime often,
while others will like to lounge, in your chair of course !!
I'd go to the pound and contact the rescue people in your area, every town has someone that cares.
And, you'll be making a bad situation better too.  A lot of those come complete with shots, food,
bedding, toys, etc.  I highly recommend them.

Added:  If you can't find a rescue person, call the vets, they know who they are because they help too.
Be prepared when you do, because if you like dogs, and it sounds like you do, these dogs will tug
at your heart and you will go home with one.  It's good for your karma too.



faerytattoodgirl -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 1:45:36 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: winterlight

How many of Y/you keep your dog at home and it is home alone for 8.5 hours a day because you work?
How does that work out for you and what breeds do well alone. I have mixed feeling about leaving the dog alone but as some have pointed out better to be alive and at home than in a kennel or destroyed.
On the other hand i have had people tell me it isn't fair to the dog. I was thinking about getting a 1 year old dog.

Comments anybody?

Thanks!


If you want to treat your dog like buck bundy on married with children then yes leave them alone for 8.5 hours and watch how they  turn out...its not good.  Cats will sleep for most of that 8.5 hours while your gone.  They are much easier to take care of and is better if have 2 cats so they can play together while your gone.  No time for a dog is a bad thing.  My parents neighbours have a little dog (i know nothing about breeds cause i always had cats) and even with kids the dog is left alone for days at a time.  My mother (who is 64) walks their dog every day...thats how much the owners neglect her.



DomMeinCT -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:03:53 PM)

Your 8.5 hours a day, 5 days a week away from your dog may not be taking into account the times you need to work late unexpectedly, or stop by the grocery store for 30 minutes on the way home, or get stuck in traffic.

If you take on the responsibility of a dog, do you have backup(s) to take care of the dog that you can call upon last-minute?

Do you have a good kennel in town to book and bring your dog to when you want to go away without it for the weekend?

Are you committed to going outside multiple times a day in every kind of weather and walk your dog before and after work?  (Or are you willing and able to fence/electric fence your yard?)

Okay, so now that you've got all that squared away (and read everyone's other excellent comments above), you've got to pick the right type of dog to try and fit your lifestyle.  Lots of websites to help you learn about dogs and choose the correct characteristics that will help ensure a good fit so that you get a forever-friend.
http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
http://www.raisingspot.com/intro_choosing_puppy.php
http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/

Another option...a number of rescue organizations and shelters will allow you to "foster" or try out a dog for a short period of time to see if your match is a good one.

Edited to add:  I do have two small dogs, but they are rarely left alone all day.  Owning them is very rewarding for the entire family, but they are a heck of a lot of work (much more than the cats) and expense.



angelikaJ -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:11:12 PM)

If you go through a no kill shelter or a rescue, they will have an sense of the Kind of Dog you seek.

Some dogs do quite well left alone for 8+ hrs and some do well like provided they are "crate trained".

http://www.petfinder.com  is an excellent place to start.



SeeksOnlyOne -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:13:48 PM)

i had a poodle mix for almost 14 years and now have a lab mix.  they both did fine staying home while i worked all day, once they got past the housebreaking stage.  i was able to get them in summertime when i was off work and could be here all the time.

i think getting an older dog, you will be fine.  just be prepared for them to be really happy to see you every day when you come home and ready to play.

good luck!



MissSCD -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:19:33 PM)

Dogs are great companions.  The best way to handle one while you work is to crate train it.  This way you won't come home to find your home destroyed.
I had a wonder Schitz Tu.  She could tear up stuff. 
We have another one now who was crated trained.  Chelesea was not.
Now, I have four birds.  They are messy too, but I really like them.
Whatever you choose remember they cost a little money to take to the  vet and be groomed.
 
Regards, MissSCD



BlackKnight -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:21:57 PM)

rescue a mut from the shelter, their usually the smarter, and save a life!
pedagrees have a genetic degradation flaw, inbreeding,
Purebreeds are fine, but a wast of money if your not gunna show.
friends spent 500+ on dogs and never got them to show, or breed, a waste.
Go save a mutt. he'll be different and kewl! and a suprise as to what's he like when he grows up.



MsBearlee -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:27:03 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SadisticMan

I've had dogs for years, Jack Russells are by far my pick, "worlds greatest dog".


Now, isn't that funny, I can't stand those dogs...or very many of the terriers, for that matter; too darn stubborn, often hard to housebreak, and usually yappy (they were actually bred to be barkers!), plus every one I've known was more than a little manic and terriers can be diggers, too.  <shudders>    This is NOT to say that they are not sweet though, and fun, even to me...in small doses.
 
Here are some links to help choose pets:

Please, just don't forget to have it spayed or neutered!








SadisticMan -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:41:07 PM)

yes all true of a Jack, they can test the owner for years.  Mine stays home all day alone too.
About 8-9 hours, she has free run of the house and now can hold it all day until I get home.
But the first 7-8 years that wasn't so, she was very active, I had a super large cage for her,
filled with pillows, blanket, toys and some water.  Now, I doubt if she even gets out of bed
after her morning potty break, beggin strip breakfast and back to bed.  Then she wants to play most
of the night, she has modified her schedule to fit mine and it works fine.  I'm glad she's older
and more sedate now, the energizers only run at peak power for a couple hours a day, not 20.



Zephalt -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:45:06 PM)

The last four pawed pets I have had have been cats
due to their ability to be left alone on rare occasions.
I have always had at least two so they keep themselves
company. One should be aware that vet costs can be
of the same order as your medical bills - in the last
few years of my last two cats life they were each costing over
150 dollars a month easily - dental for example going
quickly over 300 dollars a time and a normal visit easily
85 dollars and usually 120 dollars. Never mind finding a vet
that is any good for both animals and you and your banker.

My apartment friends who had dogs were always envious
of the little time I spent with my two cats - and never having
to walk a dog at least twice a day come rain/snow/sun -
do you have a place the dogs can be excercised closeby ? -
usually a minimum of 30 minutes for each cat each day
but dogs can be a massively higher time investment as they
are similar to two years olds that never grow up If you skip
a day you need to double it the next day for example. They
just shine right up with attention and do not do well on less
than that - getting sick and even very morose alone.

The mess a cats makes is "just this size" but a dog can do
a real good job in spreading things around.

This is a case of the more research the better.



sharainks -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:48:36 PM)

I got my little purebred chihuahua from a no kill shelter listed on petfinder.  The AKC link is a great one.  It helps match personality traits of the dog with your lifestyle.  Smaller breeds tend to do better inside alone all day.  Chihuahuas, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, etc. 

I'm also all about mutts as they don't seem to have some of the major quirks the way purebreds do.  I just got mine because I fell in love with his little face on the website.  He was not happy to meet me and in fact growled at me when I tried to hold him at the shelter. 

We adjusted just fine once he came home and settled in. 



SadisticMan -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:55:14 PM)

you are a good person to see through his little act of defense and take him home anyways.
Show those dogs a loving home and they will show you love too.



Kirren -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 2:55:26 PM)

Dogs are great.
Yes they are time consuming. Yes they need alot of time and attention. Yes you have to be willing to spend time with them...but dont let ANY of that discourage you.

Dogs will love you even IF you do leave them for 8 hours or more...they will be greatful for the time they have with you, and will be glad to see you when you come home.

Noone can suggest which breed suits you the best...but we can all probably tell you what the ups and downs of different breeds are.

I have had Great Pyrenese, St. Bernards, Shi Tzu's, Labs, and Pit Bulls...
By FAR, the best dog EVER is a Pit Bull, IN MY OPINION...I have had My baby for 3 years now...she was kennel broken, which is how I would suggest any one house break their dog, and while they may whine a lil, they eventually get to where they LOVE their kennels. They see it the same way that you would see your bedroom...its their space and it makes them feel safe and secure.

What I would suggest is to get a puppy, not a full grown dog, as full grown dogs do come with "past issues" and you cant be for sure what you get. I would also research different breeds to see which one suits your life style best. Huskies, and Malamutes areescape artists and tend to be roamers. Jack Russles are great, but high energy. Things like that mean something when it comes to the compatibility of the owner and the dog...

When it comes to kennel training you simply need a doggy crate, thats not much bigger than the dog, you can buy them, build them, get them on free cycle what have you,or even borrow them from friends...the reson for that is, because of the fact that as the dogs grow you will need to get bigger ones. 

What I do with My dogs is I take a tee shirt that I sleep in or that I have worn for a while...and put it over a thin pillow of blanket and thats what I leave the pup on. I make sure that there are some chew toys, and that they have things to keep them busy...

Theres so much to it, and what works for one person may not work for you...but its worth it. You will NEVER find any one who loves you as much as a dog will.




MsBearlee -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 3:08:51 PM)

To no one in particular:
 
FYI   I've always had cats in the past, but developed a slight allergy to them, so wouldn't want to keep on in the house any more.  And NOT keeping cats in the house is a huge problem!
 
The domestic cat is, all by itself, responsible for decimating the song-bird population.  I used to wonder why it is we don’t see quite the number of birds as we did when I was a kid (so very long ago), but hearing the answer was a shocker!  No more cats for me!

 
I hope everybody considers keeping their cats indoors.  Some communities are actually enforcing leash-laws for cats as well as dogs.  I’m happy for it. Between feline leukemia and how many birds they kill…I’m for keeping them indoors AND making spay/neuter mandatory (except for breeders who don’t let their cats out anyway).
 
Yes, yes, habitat destruction, pesticides and feral cats are also involved; but our little kitties do a HUGE number on birds!  That bell really doesn’t work well, yanno.
 

It’s enough to break your heart…and I LIKE cats!
 
Beverly
 



winterlight -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 11:07:02 PM)

i have an area where the dog can go outside and not be bothered by others. I know of people that keep their dog in their crate for 8.5 hours a day. i would be walking him/her twice a day. I am told they have pads for the dogs to use to go to the bathroom inside. I would have an area outside that is enclosed for the dog to move around.

Yes, i know there is expense to any animal. It would be properly taken care of: love, food, shelter, groomed etc.
I have had others tell me 8 hours alone is ok just don't get a puppy. I have had others tell me not fair for the dog. I do know of some dogs that are alone while their owner works. If i go on vacation i would take the dog to a pet motel or see if my neighbors son or daughter could come in and feed and play with him/her.
Believe me i adore animals and am frustrated because i could never have one growing up. I love them very much. I watch a lot of shows on animal planet so i am not in the dark about what goes on...



Muttling -> RE: i have wanted a dog my whole life and i am asking for advice (1/5/2008 11:16:07 PM)

A mature german shepard would do that WONDERFULLY.   



That said, I suggest you talk to a few breed rescues and offer to be a foster home.   This gives you the opportunity to help an animal without being obligated unless you want to submit.



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