Dog Sharing?

[Loveagoodbargain]

We would love to have a dog but as my husband and I both work full time we know it's not fair on the poor dog. We have two young daughters age .5 and 8 and they would also enjoy having a pet. My mum and dad have had a dog for 15 years but he died this week and they are both gutted. We thought about a dog share.Mum has bad knees so can't get out to walk the dog in the day but we thought the dog could stay there in the daytime when we are at work - for mutual company - and then live with us evenings and weekends when we could take it for walks etc. Does anyone think this could work. Or be good or bad idea?

[MumOfTheMoos]

I think that sounds a good idea. Our dog goes to a dog sitter during the day when we are at work and it's fab.

However he walks her at least twice during the day for at least an hour each time.

So, a morning as well as an evening walk would be a good idea - plus would mean they weren't too boisterous for your parents.

You might also think about getting an older rescue dog as a puppy might be a bit too much.

[QuietTiger]

I shared a dog with my gran for years. I had a middle aged border collie,that my gran used to look after and dog sit during the day. I used to have her evenings 7 weekends and manage the walks. Worked brilliantly.

[littlewhitebag]

My parents used to have a lab but it died of old age a lot of years back. When we got our lab pup the jumped at the chance to help us out with her and they have her when i am at work. I am lucky that they live virtually opposite my office. The dog loves going there and i never have to worry about her. My parents adore her and it is great at holiday time as she can go to my parents for several weeks as she is so used to being there.

[Booboostoo]

I am sorry to hear about your parents' dog.

This could possibly work but you need to think it through. If your DM can't walk the dog at all you will need to walk it first thing in the morning and after work every day - do you think you'd be able to commit to that as well as taking the dog to and from your DM's house? I assume your DM has a large garden the dog could have access to during the day?

Are you prepared for other aspects of dog ownership, like costs or arrangements for when you are on holiday or having to take time off work to take the dog to the vets in an emergency? How much of that would your parents be able to cover and how much would be your responsibility? I think you need to be clear on the details so that you don't fall out over this.

[Nowitscleanugobshite]

We share a dog with my parents. She lives with us fri-sun and the holidays. I swear that she knows the days of the week!