I can't get a dog can I?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

I really want a dog, always had them when I was growing up. But, I have 2 small children (4.6 and 2 next week). And I work 9-5:30 3 days a week. There's no way for a dog to work in our situation is there? Wouldn't get a puppy in any case it would be a rescue dog, but it's not feasible is it?

[BinarySolo]

Can you afford a dog walker for the days you work? Or doggy day care?

[VeryLittleGravitasIndeed]

We got our first dog when my little brother was about 2 and I was about 4. She was the best behaved dog in the world as mum was so strict with her. So the kids' ages are not a barrier I think, as long as you put the time into training and walks.

Re 3 days alone, it really depends on the dog. Some breeds will happily sleep all day, others desperately need some company. For all dogs, not being alone is kinder. Can you get 2 dogs?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

I think 2 dogs would be too much, we already have 2 cats (although I think one has rehomed herself )

I always envisaged getting a dog when DS2 started school but just find myself wanting one now. I think it's partly because I'm getting broody again & know that another baby is not possible so I'm thinking of a dog earlier if that makes sense?

Obviously I know dogs aren't babies & have different needs!

[tabulahrasa]

If you could have something in place for when you're at work...then you possibly could, the DC aren't a huge barrier to having a dog, I had dogs when mine were young.

[ffallada]

I think you might be pushing it...even the best behaved rescue dog will need some time to settle into a routine and I would think three full days alone in their first weeks would be too much.

Also, you are asking a hell of a lot of yourself to be able to exercise (even a moderately active) dog properly before you go to work three days a week and when you get home again. Even with a dog walker on those days you'll probably still need to cram in two walks.

But then I religiously stick to the four hour rule (my dog is never left for over four hours even though his bladder control is excellent!) Other people are not so picky.

Doggy day care is a good option if there is one near you and you can afford it (our local one is £24 a day).

I guess if you got the right dog, a greyhound perhaps? They don't need too much exercise and like to sleep.

[Lovethesea]

Talk to some rescues, I work part time and have to go out to meetings a couple of days a week. I am looking for an adult lurcher who is chilled snoozing at home, good with kids (age 4 and 5) and cats and ok with other dogs for a dog walker etc.

Might take a while but Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue are great, on Facebook and web, also Lurcher Link and Hounds First.

Sight hounds needs walks but not tons, and they love to snooze at home and have usually good relations with humans and other dogs. Some are ok with cats, some not!

All their dogs are in foster homes so they should know really well which can be left and which are likely to suffer separation anxiety.

Ask them and see, I can't see why it still wouldn't suit some dogs, especially older ones perhaps?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

I just spoke to the RSPCA & they said there's no way they'd consider homing a dog to someone in our circumstances, even when I mentioned getting a dog walker in on the days I'm at work

Am thinking of joining www.borrowmydoggy.com. Has anyone else done this?

[VeryLittleGravitasIndeed]

Did the RSPCA also give you stats on how many dogs they have to euthanise as a result of no one meeting their high standards? I would think that a loving home where the dog was home alone for 3 days would be better than being dead?

I'm only bitter because this is a recent thing with rescue homes - having impossible standards - and it has a real impact on the animals. I used to work for an animal shelter and it's heartbreakingly difficult to find people who want to adopt rescue dogs, let alone with all the rigorous standards. And my mum, who has dogs that have higher living standards than most humans, got rejected by one on the basis that the dogs usually sleep in a (perfectly warm) outbuilding with a stable door. It's ridiculous.

[tabulahrasa]

Oh the RSPCA have very strict inflexible rules...I mean they are there for a reason, but they're not always actually reasonable.

Where abouts are you?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

Am in Brighton, there's a Dogs Trusy near us so I'll give them a call too

[Lovethesea]

The rescues i mentioned rehome and foster all over the country.

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

Will have a look at them lovethesea. Dogs Trust were much more helpful & said they wouldn't say no but it might take some time to find the right dog (not a problem for us).

[Luxaroma]

The RSPCA told me to take a stray kitten that I found in the middle of the road to the vet to have it killed, I stopped any donations to them after that.