Thinking of getting a puppy but I have concerns

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I'm normally a cat person but DP has been harping on about getting a dog for the past year or so now and i am finally warming to the idea. He's never had a dog before, but as a teenager, the family had two dogs - one dalmation who sadly died of distemper and the other was a beautiful Great Dane who lived a good long life for the breed but ended up with a tumour in his nether regions and died that way (IIRC).

Anyway, my main concern is the fact that the puppy would have to be alone for two days a week on the days that i work and i am not so sure this would be fair on the dog. DP doesn't seem to think it would be a problem but i have told him that leaving a dog on it's own for at least 8 hours during the day without being able to go to the loo would be cruel and unfair. Having said that, my DS is out of work (again) at the moment so would be around to let the dog out, but i'm pretty sure he wouldn't clear up any "accidents" and wouldn't be very keen to keep a vigilant eye out to make sure the dog doesn't mess indoors!

I always told DP that i wouldn't entertain a dog until i wasn't working anymore, but at the moment that's not financially possible.

I'm also worried about the house getting destroyed when i'm out of the house - when our Great Dane was a puppy he actually chewed up/destroyed the hall/stair carpet!! The Dalmation used to eat/chew socks, shoes etc (which i think is more normal lol).

Obviously people who work do have dogs so what i want to know is how do you get round leaving them on their own for so long (if you do at all!).

We are looking at a black lab or similar.

Any advice would be fab - thank you!

I'm going to be annoying by not having read the RSPCA guidelines, but our dog is alone when we are at work. DD out by 8.15, back by 4.00. BUT.....the hound has the run of an interesting and secure yard.

Most importantly, he sleeps outside every night and has done since he was 15 weeks old. He regards the outside as his manor, not a punishment. In the cold Melbourne winters, he wears a waterproof fleece-lined coat - the big girl's blouse.

He has a kennel, access to fresh water, and plenty of toys. the minute we are back, he is in the house. He gets a short walk in the morning and a big walk in the evening.

I was appalled at the thought of having a dog sleep outside when I was first introduced to the idea, but vets here assume it to be good practice.

Think about it.

PS - our dog does not bark. I have no idea why, but plainly the neighbours are relieved to find this so.

I should also say that the evening walk is off-leash, with loads of ball-chasing.

Nothing whatsoever wrong with a dog sleeping outside if that is what it is used to. Vets here consider it good practice too, if the dog has been allowed to acclimatise.

Heaps wrong with leaving a sociable animal in solitary confinement for 8 hours every day though.