to even consider getting a puppy in my circumstances?

[NeedPerspective1234]

Before I get flamed, I am looking for real advice/ opinions and posting here on AIBU for traffic. I haven't made a decision on getting a dog as I know it is a big commitment and I want to make this choice responsibly.

I am a single woman in her mid 30s, working a full time professional job on a good wage. My office is 10 mins from my place and I only have to be at the office for either the morning or afternoon 3/4 days a week. I can WFH for the rest of the time. I live in a nice big one bedroom flat. Dog would be alone for 4-5 hours every day, but with me otherwise. I could easily take one or two weeks off to help the puppy settle in initially of course

I have been dreaming of getting a Labrador puppy since I can remember. Now for the first time in many years I feel like I have the financial, logistical and emotional stability to actually consider getting a dog and I have found a serious breeder. I really want to do it, but the sheer size of the commitment is making me hesitate as I want to make sure I can meet the dog's needs in my circumstances.

Do you think it would be unfair for me to get a dog? AIBU to even consider getting a puppy as a single working person? Is it doable? Thanks for your advice!

The Labrador Retriever is from the gundog group. They adapt as family dogs (this is why they are so popular), but unless you can compensate for a non-working life - with daily physical and mental stimulation- then you should seriously re-consider. There are too many overweight and bored Labrador/Golden Retrievers around as it is. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Maybe start with the kennel club to see if your living conditions are suitable for specific breeds https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/retriever-labrador/

Double Lab owner here.

I wouldn’t do it living in a flat nor without anyone else to help out. They have bags of energy and if that’s not channeled correctly, they turn into absolute power chewers, especially as babies and into teenage time. Think whole walls eaten into, absolute worst case scenario. Their tails are like destructive weapons which can swipe clean any surface within a second and they have no idea how big they are! With chewing also comes the risk of blockages and I say that as someone who experienced the near death and emergency surgery of one of mine.

They’re incredible dogs, loving, loyal and funny but they’re very hard work and just staying at home for a couple of weeks to settle them in isn’t enough. You may have a clever Lab like my eldest who trained incredibly quickly and has impeccable manners/obedience or you may get one who’s like my younger Lab, an absolute cuddle bug and tries her best but in her own little world at times and still thinks pulling drying cloths off radiators is a good game!

I’m acting as doggy assistant with my families puppy. He’s about 5 months now but can’t go more that 5 hours without a wee. When my family aren’t around I go round to let him out , play a bit and a bit of cuddle time . Otherwise they’d be messes
im not that keen on dogs - but even I know that my family need this help from me to get through 5his stage.
he’s there 4 lab, they always try to have 2 with overlaps so they know what they’re doing. But they do need help to ensure cover for odd times when pup and elder dog are on their own for extended period
you need to think about that- who’s your assistant ?

People are saying you can't leave a puppy 5 hours, well it really is breed and personality dependent. My ddog was left circa 4 hours from the start without any issues but not a lab

No, it's really not breed or personality dependent.

Getting a puppy then leaving it alone for 4 hours 'from the start' is awful, neglectful and unfair on the dog.

There are other breeds much more suited to a flat. I would look into those

Id also look at rehoming an older dog we got a 4 year old rescue and is was a piece of cake vs puppy.

I also suggest practicing your "dog life" now. Ie be home at 4 hour intervals take imaginary dog out to go to the toilet.
Turn down after work drinks because...dog.

Its not to put you off but you do need to be aware of the reality.
My ddog isb"easy" but is still bsically another baby with its own needs and wants. Your calendar is set by them

No flaming at all but in your circumstances I wouldn't recommend a puppy, and definitely not a large, boisterous, active, human-oriented breed like a Lab. An older dog could be a better option but again you would ideally be able to take a month or so to settle them in, and arrange daycare or a walker on an ongoing basis. In any case please do think very carefully about breed suitability - be brutally honest about your lifestyle and what type of dog (if any) it might be suitable for.

So you bought a dog, put him in your house for a few hours and promptly left it alone for 4 hours? And have done this every day since??

Yep, I know a lab owner who only takes it once a day for 5-10minute walk round the block.

This dog is fat, charges about the house, chews chews chews on blankets and towels, rips pillows....and she wonders why it can't just be a calm lay down dog!

I have suggested she walks it more but she claims "oh he's lazy!"