When is the right time

[123456Abcde123456]

How did you know you could manage a pup?

We have been considering a dog for about a year now, lots of research and lots of thought
We currently have plenty of spare time, work from home, can afford a dog walker, have family around to help etc.
So that's all great, but what about when there's a busy period at work or one of has to change jobs or something else.

Just because I can look after a dog now, I'm in the right situation now and for the next couple of years, who know what life will look like in 10 years?! And that's what's putting me off.
But surely no one knows and you just make it work??
And the only people with dogs arent just people who somehow only have to go to work for 2-4 hours a day - presumably you can make it work anyway?

Are there any breeds that would be more flexible to being alone or just to changes like moving house, babies etc.

NB I'm not suggesting I would ever just give the dog up if it wasn't convenient anymore, just that I want to think through the very long commitment I'm making!

[homemadegin]

Ah op I think the fact you think about these things means go for it. It's a bit like the am I ready to have a baby question. You would cope.

If your work etc is settled for a couple of years who knows what's round the corner, but if the dog is trained, settled and part of your family it won't matter.

Is there a breed your interested in?

[Alicewond]

If you are prepared for things to be chewed and damaged, if you are prepared to tell a tiny pup off for this so he/she learns rules. I’d you won’t be away for excessive hours and pup will have lots of exercise, love and companionship then you are ready

[BiteyShark]

So that's all great, but what about when there's a busy period at work or one of has to change jobs or something else.

No one can predict the future. I think as long as you know you can work around these issues then that's all you can do.

So if you find your job is busy and you can't walk the dog, get a dog walker in for a bit. Work changes and you are now out of the office all day and it's too long even with a dog walker then look at daycare. I think issues only arise when circumstances change but people aren't prepared to pay for extra help.

[vjg13]

Unfortunately some people seem to want a young dog that is happy to be alone all day, won't shed hair and will require minimal walks. They don't exist!

No having a go at the OP, but all dogs don't generally like being alone for extended periods.

[missbattenburg]

I think all you can do is be honest about whether you are in a position now to give a dog a good home and whether or not it is reasonable to believe that will continue for the life of a dog. And honest about what constitutes a good life for a dog.

Life does change but it would be daft to take on a dog knowing that drastic change is likely that would reduce a dog's quality of life. e.g. if you knew your career plan meant being posted abroad for a few years, somewhere where the dog would not enjoy the move. Similarly, if you are planning children in the next couple of years then it might be better to wait until they are here. Obviously, people can and do make it work in these scenarios but people also fail and it causes such distress to everyone when they do.

Like pp say, if your jobs are reasonably secure and children are a vague hope in the future but not immediate and you are committed to making it work for the dog throughout then, I would say, that's ready.

One of the other things my own breeder quizzed me about was my support network and what I would do in an emergency - e.g. had to go into hospital or was sick so couldn't walk him for a bit. Friends, family and the ability to call on walkers and day all help here. I think it's worth getting your dog used to them right from the off, just in case. Battendog has been to daycare a few times, has stayed with family without me and been walked by friends partly to ensure he would be fine doing so, if really needed.

[BiteyShark]

As missbatternburg mentioned perhaps think of some emergencies and situations and what you would need to do in that case.

For example I will be unable to care for BiteyDog for a few weeks soon due to medical reasons and have asked daycare to have BiteyDog every day and will be calling on my DH to do more at home.

[123456Abcde123456]

Thanks everyone
Really good advice
I'm feeling a bit more confident!

Vjg13 I understand what you're saying, but it isn't realistic that maybe one day I'll get stuck in traffic and be a bit longer than the 4 hours allowed alone time most websites seem to say. Or maybe we'll have a hectic day and two one hour walks just isn't going to be feasible. I don't have a giant house and giant garden and I can't predict all the elements of my life, so for certain dogs, I'm just not the right owner. I wouldn't want a dog that I was going to make stressed and anxious with our lifestyle, so I think it's sensible to ask around and see what dogs will be ok, if they are occassionally alone for a couple more hours, or find a dog that doesn't need a 10 mile hike every day!