I think I know the answer to this question but want to see what MN says.

[OrmRenewed]

Children desperately want a dog.
DH and I would quite like a dog but can see the downsides.

The reason we haven't so far is:

1. We live in a town and I think dogs in towns are very hard work if they aren't going to be pita for everyone else.
2. We only have a tiny garden and small house.
3. We both work full-time.
4. We have 2 cats.
5. Vets costs! Bad enough for 2 cats.

But we are moving to a larger house and garden, DH is working school hours only and has school holidays off. He will be working 100yrs from our new house so in theory could pop home to see dog. The current owners of the house have a dog so won't be too much of a shock for our neighbours.

So tell me, is it still a complete no-no. I am torn TBH. It would probably something smallish in the terrier dept.

It doesn't sound like a no-no to me We have a reasonably sized house but a very small garden and we have two dogs who are very happy.

Thanks everyone. I mentioned this thread to DH and he had a little smile to himself (it's normally me saying NO!).

shiny - that scheme sounds great. I think it would be essential TBH.

Go for it. Ihave two KRT's and they're great.

My friend had her JRT rom a puppy and she's fine with cats. When my two cat chasing JRT's visit they are told to leave the cats alone by her JRT and surprisingly they do. IF mine pass a cat and they are on the lead they go mad BUT if they go past my friends cat, not a whisper!

I have always had STaffies and English Bull Terriers and most of them (not all, mind you!!) have been ok with cats. One EBT was petrified of them.

I love the idea of dogs who are scared of cats The ones I've know have either been indifferent or had great fun barking at them just to see them run

The poor dog lived with eight of them as well.

I think it depends on the cats rather than the dog a lot of the time. My cat is a proper alley cat and no problems putting my dogs in their place. The dog we have now, was slightly more of a problem, but after a quick introduction to my mums ex feral, rather viscous cat, he soon learned that you do not mess with cats. Cats are eevil. He still likes to sniff my cat, but knows when to back off.

Dogs are pack animals and it is cruel to leave them on their own all day. If you can afford it then a dog sitter may be the answer. How will you find time to train and give the dog attention.
No reputable breeder would let a dog go to a household if the dog is on its own all day, harsh but true.
Do rethink

Walkersmum, that is not necessarily true. Many breed are happy to be left alone for short periods of time. Plus the DH works school hours, which isn't really that long and there are cats there too. My JRT was happy to crawl into the cats bed and snuggle up with him, when he wasn't terrorising her.

Rescue centres have a four hour guideline and won't usually rehome a dog if it will routinely be on its own for more hours than a time. If someone can get home at lunch time then there's not a problem.
I don't go home at lunch time (because I can't) and my doggies are ok. I bet they are looking forward to the summer hols as much as me though.

Sorry, missed the lunchtime return bit, read both work full time. Still a long time to leave a puppy being house trained but older do would be fine. My cats rule the dogs despite the occasional chase!