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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3760

United Kingdom 
Owning a Dog if you work
Hello

My wife is wanting a dog, I have no problem with this in so much as we already have 8 Chickens, 2 ducks, 2 rabbits and a cat so used to Pets.

However all the above don't require walking or looking after too much in the day. They all have water / food and a run.

So onto a dog....


Is there a bread that is happy at home during the working hours (9,30 to 4.30) I could get a run but they would be on their own so a walk first thing and then walk when back from work.

Is these fair for the dog though, if so what breeds are more suited.


Not really used to Dogs so don't know, wife keen on a Labradoodle or cockapoo?


Anyone else work and have a dog at home? I've seen dog sitters and dog walkers advertised so an option but for some reason I'm not keen on that.



Thanks
Post #528867 3rd May 2016 7:47pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7907

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
Dogs really do like company and excercise and if bored will just whine, bark or destroy the house garden. Having said this and older dog with not so much energy might suit? Labradors and cockers both have lots of energy.
Post #528871 3rd May 2016 8:05pm
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Romadog



Member Since: 07 Jul 2011
Location: Powys
Posts: 1749

Labrador
Have 3 of the above and this week also a Golden Retriever to stay.
Routine is paramount and nothing takes preference over them.

Good to have a neighbour that can check on the dog or walk them for you should other things delay return or doing long trip arriving home late and if you go on holiday, go and see family or friends then the dog goes with you.
Post #528873 3rd May 2016 8:11pm
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Paulv8



Member Since: 09 Jun 2013
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 618

1989 Defender 90 V8 Petrol CSW Alpine White
i wouldn't have one dog in this instance. More than one maybe.... but not many rescue places will let you adopt and be out of the house for seven house a day. as already said, young dogs/puppies are gonna get seriously bored over that time.

Also your going to come home to some 'accidents' as they probably wont hold on that long. this will be distressing for you and the dog/s.

4 hours maximum i would say. V8 90...WIP
Post #528878 3rd May 2016 8:20pm
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JJ



Member Since: 18 May 2009
Location: Winchester
Posts: 932

United Kingdom 1987 Defender 110 V8 Petrol CSW Corris Grey
Dogs are pack animals and don't like to be left alone, it will cause stress.

Some dogs cope better with stress than others but you won't know until it is too late if you have a chilled out dog or not. HR064 Hampshire and Berkshire 4x4 Response
Post #528894 3rd May 2016 8:40pm
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Bps



Member Since: 14 Feb 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 834

United Kingdom 
I wanted a Bernese mountain dog, wife and kids wanted a cocker poo. Guess who won..

She's 18 months old (had her since a pup) doesn't trash the house only her toys and is well house trained. I'm in the fortunate position that I only live 2 mins from work so she gets left in a morning and I go and walk her at lunchtime and bring her back to work with me ( have a dog friendly office ) for the rest of the day. She will happily go longer at a push but I wouldn't like to leave her all day. If I've got a meeting on someone will always nip in at lunch to check and walk her but that's our choice. I can and do sometimes take her to work with me all day but I like her to be used to spending some time on her own in the mornings so I know we are fine if going out at night etc. I know of a few that are left 9-3.30 without any issues but that wouldn't be my choice

Cockerpoos are a great friendly family dog, enjoy a decent walk but will also happily chill with you. They Can want to jump up a bit in excitement but not is a bad way and they have the benefit of not shedding

In my opinion whatever dog you choose if you do, training, routine and understanding where they fit into the family pack is key from the start. Time and effort early on pays dividends
Post #528902 3rd May 2016 8:49pm
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Bps



Member Since: 14 Feb 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 834

United Kingdom 
The other benefit of taking the dog to work is it makes you get out and have a walk and some fresh air on your break rather than staying sat at a computer screen. Plus she like the fuss she gets from the rest of the staff
Post #528904 3rd May 2016 8:52pm
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steve E



Member Since: 06 Mar 2011
Location: Tenby
Posts: 2073

Wales 
I come home at lunch to walk mine as they really shouldn't be left all day alone.
Post #528905 3rd May 2016 8:53pm
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Venomator



Member Since: 25 Aug 2014
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 2087

United Kingdom 
^ ^ ^
Totally agree with the foregoing comments... Thumbs Up

It really is unfair to get a dog, who will need love& company, just to leave it at home all day every day - what's the point... Crying or Very sad

Get a hamster... Exclamation

At least they sleep all day... Mr. Green
 Rog... Mr. Green
The GREEN One...


MY2016 Urban Truck Build Thread - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic40548....al[/color]
Post #528976 4th May 2016 7:52am
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simon67



Member Since: 18 Jun 2015
Location: west sussex
Posts: 569

England 2004 Defender 90 Td5 HT Rutland Red
I'm a full time homeworker and although we have a dog with high separation anxiety (Sib Husky), I wouldn't get any dog when you cannot be there during the day
As a homeworker I get lonely although I'm on calls all day talking to people, imagine how it would feel for a dog?

Dogs are social animals and I would never impose my opinion on others, this is the one time I would say, please do not get a dog unless you can be with them

Ours goes into a crate for 3/4 hours max and that's about the only time we leave her
Post #528983 4th May 2016 8:12am
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3760

United Kingdom 
Thanks

I thought as much, My wife can work at home on a Monday and we have my parents round half day on a Tuesday so that helps but I'm like most of you currently not sure it would work.

Venomator we have a 14 year old cat and that sleeps 99% of the day Smile so don't need s Hamster... Very Happy


One neighbor who has their own dog has offered to dog walk, I would be happier they did it than a person out of yellow pages (at least I know them and they have their own dog)


Will sit on this for a bit me thinks
Post #528992 4th May 2016 9:00am
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Muddywheels



Member Since: 03 Mar 2016
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 79

England 
As a dog lover have to agree with above comments re leaving a dog all day Sad

We have a Westie now which is low energy, previously had a Lab which was high energy until he got old and a Parson Russel rescue with issues we had to rehome. Parents had a springer which was nuclear energy Rolling Eyes

We both worked when we had the Lab but one of us would always go home for lunch and let him out and he seemed happy with that provided he got long walk in morning and evening. My Grandad kept dogs outside and my Uncle (Game Keeper) did too so we tried this with our Lab when we were both working but a dog is a pack animal with the family as the pack and he didn't like it - he would stand in the run when it rained whining at the house even though he could go in the dry kennel so we abandoned that Embarassed

We also had a Parson Russel rescue for about a year but it didn't work out as I couldn't even go to the loo and leave him alone because he had separation anxiety and demolished the house. We tried crate but that was worse as he tried to break out constantly. In the end an old couple we knew offered to take him when their dog died - he still has issues but they don't mind the damage Shocked

My parents Springer demolished the house if they went out and the car if they took him - they knew a Game Keeper and he took the dog and turned it into one of his best gun dogs Very Happy

I work from home now and if I have to leave the Westie home alone it's for about 4 hours max and she's chilled with that. I was told to crate her when she was a pup - I did this initially for her safety more than anything but she doesn't need it now unless in the car where she curls up and sleeps no matter how long the journey Mr. Green

When we lost the Lab I said I couldn't get another dog I was so gutted but after 6 months I gave in because the house just wasn't the same - I wouldn't if we were both out all day though as it's not fair on the dog. I know neighbours who let each others dogs out at lunchtime but a dog lives around 10-15 years so it's a big ask and responsibility - I wouldn't be comfortable with that Confused Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!
Post #529004 4th May 2016 9:31am
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steventheplumber



Member Since: 29 Apr 2014
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 767

England 1987 Defender 90 200 Tdi HT Keswick Green
Hello, I have a staffie from rescue centre. Do have a look around at the centres before you make you choice to buy a dog. You will be surprised at the love they can give.
Anyway Ralph the satffie is eleven now and has small burst's of energy. Normally Friday afternoon followed by a nap until Sunday lunch. Once you get a dog you begin to think they have always been there.
He comes to work with me and is in the 90 while I am at work.

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Post #529016 4th May 2016 10:22am
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K9F



Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
As Venomator mentioned, having a dog whilst both working is totally unfair to the wellbeing of said animal. It becomes basically a 'trophy dog' during the week having inadequate interaction which is compensated (sometimes) at weekends. A couple of friends have such animals. When bored dependent on breed they can also become extremely destructive.

Wait until you either have full and reliable arrangements in place or until you retire. If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!
Post #529027 4th May 2016 10:41am
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ken



Member Since: 18 Aug 2009
Location: Banging Birds with my bitches !!
Posts: 4328

United Kingdom 
Sarah gave up the rat race to look after our Pack Thumbs Up

certainly did not give up work though Rolling with laughter

Latest edition Lucy the Beagle



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Post #529033 4th May 2016 10:55am
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