keeping a dog

[NSB]

Its such a taboo subject.

do you any of you grapes own a dog and work fulltime?

[weekendwellies]

I do.
She is elderly now, and happy to potter around in the back garden while I am out.
She has a solid kennel with a big fleecy blanket.
She comes in the house when we are in.
But even then she prefers her basket in the kitchen to her rug in the living room.

Some peoples think it is crazy to keep animals in the house at all.

[NSB]

most people say its cruel to have a dog when people work fulltime as well. we want a dog more than anything in the world but we both work fulltime, im to try and see if i can to do a 4 day week and see if there is anyone local that would be able to walk the dog.

[Eco-Chic]

I worked full time when my dogs were pups. They had each other for company, the run of the downstairs passage, kitchen and patio via their puppy flap. I used to walk them before and after work and my neighbour used to walk them at night too.

They slept a lot

If you are considering getting a dog, bear in mind the saying "Two dogs are half the work of one dog"

[bobleponge]

I've had my boy over 11 years now, and have worked full time pretty much all of that time.
When I lived in the UK, firstly my ex wife used to work from home, so he wasnt on his own, then we moved in with the previous Mme Leponge. She was a TA, so worked school hours when I was away working. He would get a walk in the morning before school, would then be on his own in the house for about 8 hours and would then get another walk in the evening when she got back.
Now, its just me, when I am home, he is never left for more than about 3 hours at a time, but when I work away, he goes to friends and is rarely left for more than a few hours on his own there either.

Its never ideal (imo) to leave a dog on its own all day, but on the rare occasions when its happened, I sort of console myself with the fact that I know he has a better life with me than the life he had in the kennels from where I rescued him.

Difficult choice but I know I would make the same one again.

[jackie j]

My son has two labradors one black 6 yrs and a pup 6 months brown, they are left during the day now my son has a day job but he pays a dog walker to see to them. When they have gone away they have left the older one with one of my other sons, but they didnt have the pup then. As long as they are not left for two long they are ok.

[smallblueplanet]

Perhaps you'd also like to consider your neighbours as well as the dog who is left alone...many owners are surprised to hear that their (lonely) dogs bark loudly all the time they are on their own.

[weekendwellies]

I think it depends on the nature of the dog.
Mine doesn't bark except when the window cleaner comes round. I know because I am on good terms with the lady next door.
Some require constant companionship, others don't. Some need more exercise than others.
When my girlie was younger I walked her before and after work in the woods nearby.
Now she is older she doesn't want to go out. She positively sulks when I get her lead off the hook and I have to force her to go out for the odd walk, but that is quite likely to do with the fact she was attacked by a boxer dog last year.

[smallblueplanet]

I think it depends on the nature of the dog...

It also depends on the nature of the owner, some don't care their dog is barking...

[Jeanied]

My colleague owns a dog and works full time - and employs a dog sitter during the day.

[Snadger]

It also depends on the nature of the owner, some don't care their dog is barking...

Mine barks like Billeo all the time.....but I live in the sticks so no-one hears it.......apart from any burglars who would like to try there luck with a German Shepherd!
Or worse stil...the OH!!!!!!!

[NSB]

Thanks they are quite positive replies. I was thinkig of a minature poodle or the OH wants a cocker spaniel.

thwe good thing with my neighbours one works away all week and the oher works long hours.

[Eco-Chic]

I think there is a gender guide to barking. My two JR boys are relatively quiet except to advise that there is a person at the door or there are desperados (kids, people, dogs, squirrels, birds) in the park behind our garden. I look after a border collie boy who is also quiet.

My boys' JR mother and auntie, on the other hand, are extremely vocal and sound off at the most insignificant excuse. Worse, they've taught my boys how to yowl howl when I leave the house It goes on for 60-90 secs then they all shut up

[Eco-Chic]

Why not consider getting one of each NSB? Toilet training and other training is no more difficult with two than one and knowing that they can play, entertain and keep each other company lessens the guilt you'll feel while bringing home the money for bonios

[zazen999]

My next door neighbour has a dog - poor thing howls when he gets lonely.

For some reason, fridays are always worse - howls from about 10am until about 3:30.

Neighbour is at work all day and another neighbour takes the dog for a walk, but he does get lonely.