Dogs left at home alone?

[BlueBlueSkies]

The kids really want a dog. They have been nagging me for years. As we are all out from 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, I feel that is too long to leave a dog alone. I think it is cruel to leave dogs alone. Kids think iabu. Am I?

DH and I both had dogs as kids, as know how lovely they are. But both our mothers were at home all day, so the dogs had company.

I see lots of posters here mention dogs. What do you do? How long do you leave your dogs? Do you have someone to come in each day? Are there breeds that don't mind being on their own?

Rabbits:
Because they're prey animals and unless we'll socialised early on will spend their lives in fear of humans
Females are territorial and can be very aggressive
They suffer from numerous health issues and can be very expensive
They require social company of another rabbit and significant exercise and enrichment
They can live up to 10-12 years s if cared for properly and most kids outgrow them
Because of their unique anatomy, if they are mishandled, they frequently suffer broken limbs/spine

Absolutely agrees that children should be appropriately supervised and the right care/handling given to any pet regardless of species. But we know from research that most rabbit owners don't come close to meeting the beds of rabbits and the cost/equipment/time needed for appropriate care is vastly underrated. So promoting them as a good kids pet just perpetuates these issues

I think it's fine for some dogs if you hire a dog walker for a nice lunchtime walk.
It could suit an older, lower energy/intelligence dog - and it's nicer to rehome an older dog anyway

You can't leave a dog alone that long. It's cruel. You could arrange a dog walker or doggy day care.