Will become a dog owner and changing my lifestyle

[user1498474208]

Hi All

I'm 33 and after 4 years of my current job, I will be leaving to take part in some charity work and look after a new dog, adopted from Battersea.

I think one of the things I'm curious (or worried about) is how to plan my day; are their dog owner groups I could join; training, day to day jobs etc.
I'm looking to go back to work after 6 months once the dog is settled and we can sort out a routine (I am in a committee 6.5 year relationship with my partner now being the sole bread winner).

Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

[Wolfiefan]

I'm up at 6:30.
Let dog out for wee.
Feed.
Sort myself out then take dog out for a walk.
She settles for a nap. Only a pup.
Wee visit again.
And again. Before we have our dinner.
We eat and then she does.
Maybe an evening walk too. She's young so exercise restricted.
Will your life change? Absolutely. Our days revolve round pup. You can't leave even an adult dog for more than 4 hours.
Puppies chew and need toilet training. We do training twice a week (and continue HW all week!)
Can't go on holiday or a day out without planning.

[Swallalala]

Yes!! As above we have 3 dogs and a very similar lifestyle. I go to work in the day so add the cost of a dog walker in there and you have my life. Wouldn't change a thing though.

[Wolfiefan]

Thankfully @Swallalala I don't work so I can be here. It feels rather like a full time job with a puppy anyway. But I love her to bits and I've waited about 20 years so she's worth it!

[user1498474208]

Thanks all. It will become a change for me but something me and my partner want to have in our lives. Luckily I will be assisting in charity work on the side to keep me busy also when my partner has finished work.

Are there any "dog groups" search I can do - to meet and hang out with - not sure how to search for this but any help would be greatly appreciated.

[aginghippy]

I don't know about formal dog groups, but I see many of the same people and dogs most mornings at my local park. I often chat to the people while the dogs play with each other.

[purplegreen99]

I think a lot depends on the personality and breed of the dog, but also age, size and training, and, for a rescue dog, their previous history.

We do at least 2 walks a day, minimum 1 hour total, but usually closer to 2 hours (quite a big dog).

In our area there was quite a big choice of training classes in daytime, evening and weekends, but I think this would depend on where you live. You can also move on to things like agility and advanced training classes after the basics.

If you are going to want to leave your dog alone in the house check out the different breed characteristics as some breeds get more stressed without company, which can be awful for the dog but also might mean destructive behaviour or lots of antisocial barking.

The main lifestyle changes for me have been:

More exercise and reason to walk even in bad weather which I really love, though I know it can feel like a chore.

I can choose to walk in places where I know I will get to chat to other dog owners if I want company or I can choose a solitary walk. I know lots of dog owners who enjoy the social aspect of going to the same park every day for a chat with other owners.

Going out is more difficult as restaurants, shops, cinemas, museums, evening classes or whatever you enjoy doing probably don't allow dogs, so you either need a dog minder (which can be expensive), find places you can take the dog, or build up the time your dog is able to be left alone, though I wouldn't leave my dog for longer than 5 hours. On the other hand, you might find all kinds of dog-friendly places and things to do which will enhance your lifestyle.

I have a non-shedding dog and am not particularly tidy, but I think other dog owners might say there was a big increase in cleaning.

Dogs can be expensive - food, insurance, vets bills, etc, which might be an issue for you.

Overall, for me anyway there definitely more pros than cons - lovely having the companionship of a dog :)

[user1485166754]

Up at 6-6.30
Get myself ready and give dog breakfast
Walk dog (shorter round block type walk)
Go to work
Come home at lunch to walk dog again
Back to work for afternoon
Night time walk dog for a proper longer walk about 45 mins or so