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The doghouse

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Original poster

I really want to get a dog, but don't think it is fair as we both work full time. Can it be done?

20 replies

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/03/2011 10:37

i have started a thread like this before and came to the conclusion that we shouldn't get a dog, as it wouldn't be fair. But just want to make sure I have looked at all the angles before I decide. So have some questions and would really appreciate the MN dog gurus views.

Me and DP work FT, we are all out the house at 7am, and DP gets back at 4.30.

We were looking at getting a dog walker to have the dog for 4 hours a day (from 10 - 2). But would the dog still be on its own for too long in the early mornings and latter part of the afternoon?

Or we have looked at my MIL looking after the dog all day, she has a dog and takes him on great long walks every day.

Is this fair to do this? I have my doubts as i think it would be unsettling for the dog.

Plus, I have never owned a dog (apart from when I was a kid) - would my lack of experience mean I should not get a dog?

There are no children in the house (dd is 15) but there are 2 young cats. We have a large garden with high fences which the dog could easily access.

FWIW we are not looking at getting a puppy, rather an adult dog from rescue.

Any advice would be much apprecaited.

OP posts:

Vallhala · 21/03/2011 11:11

I think it's do-able BUT your problem arises when your dog-carer goes on hols/stops dog-caring/gets ill/you cannot afford them. If you have both MIL and a dog-carer/walker lined up and are as assured as you can be of the reliability of both and your financial position then yes, it's possible.

I'd never recommend a puppy in these circumstances but an older dog is certainly a possibility.

Original poster

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/03/2011 11:12

Plus, any recommendations for suitable rescue places would be useful, I was looking at (possibly) getting an older dog.

OP posts:

MmeLindt · 21/03/2011 11:13

Lack of experience counts for nothing, as long as you are willing to spend hours on the dog topic of MN do your research.

As long as you have a good dog walker, I don't see why the dog would be unsettled. Or MIL, if she is willing to do so.

Someone linked to a lurcher/greyhound rescue recently and I wanted to fly to UK and take one right there and then.

MmeLindt · 21/03/2011 11:16

here

Lovely dogs. If we ever get another dog, then it will be a lurcher or greyhound.

Original poster

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/03/2011 11:19

x posts

Thanks Val - I was hoping that you would see this thread as I trust your judgement. I have spoken with some colleagues about this in RL, however a lot of them say 'oh it's fine to get a dog and work FT, just as long as they can get in the garden'. Which makes me think there are a lot of lonely dogs out there, barking away.

Would a dog rehoming place let me have a dog mind you, seeing as we both work out the home?

Yes we are aware of the financial impact, luckily there are quite a few dog walking companies where we live which we can have a look at, and we have costed it. We know it will be an expensive business. Yes there is a problem if someone gets ill (like childcare I suppose!) but DP is self employed, and I can work flexibly with no issues, so am sure we will be able to take care of any ad hoc problems.

I would adore a Great Dane - but know there are problems in that Great Danes can't really be left at all, so am not fussed which dog breed to get really. We had border collies when i was a kid (lived on smallholding) and they were like hyperactive kids!

OP posts:

Original poster

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/03/2011 11:20

Yes - greyhounds are lovely. That's a good idea.

My SIL had greyhound, she got her from a rescue centre. She was absolutely lovely, a really delicate and sweet natured dog.

OP posts:

Vallhala · 21/03/2011 11:43

GetOrfMoiLand, I was going to suggest Greyhounds as they have a tendency to sleep, legs up in the air, after a blatt around the fields and they don't need miles of walks either.

My two concerns with them would be the difficulty of finding a cat-friendly one (although they DO exist they're not in such number as other breeds naturally) and the possibility of seperation anxiety in Greys, who generally come from racing kennels and not family homes, when they're left in comparison to a dog from a home where it has been proven that this is not an issue. These are not insurmountable problems though and the right Grey would, I think, be ideal.

If you would like to pm me your home area I'll do my best to help. :)

chickchickchicken · 21/03/2011 13:29

i think this i very do-able. you have obviously thought it all through, which is great. i have a few dog walkers for my dogs and they love it. i dont think its unsettling for them at all

a good rescue organisations is a must. you can then ensure dog is ok with cats and also ok with other dogs. which part of uk are you in?

i would advise saying all above to a rescue and let them help you find a good match

higgle · 21/03/2011 13:31

We work full time and I was allowed to have a rescue dog because he was older and quiet and was proving very difficult for the rescue people to rehome. They were quite impressed that we said straight away that we were deficient in that area.

When we actually thought about it the "full Time" work was not as full time as I'd thought, as DH has most Fridays off, I have a couple of early finishes after meetings and our two sons are still at uni/school which whittles the difficult days down a lot. If there is no other solution I come home at lunchtime for a play and comfort break.

Dear old Porridge has transformed our lives, we are all so much happier since he has been with us, total mutual adoration society in our house now.

OP, an older dog could work very well for you ( can I promote the lovely Staffie breed again? they don't bark much, aren't interested in destroying things and will love you to pieces)

Original poster

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/03/2011 13:42

Thank you so much for your help. I am in Gloucestershire btw (Val I have PM'd you).

Yes that is a thought about the greyhounds - seeing that they come from racing kennels, would be a worry that it would feel 'left' again. Or perhaps I am overthinking it.

I would very much like to get an elderly dog, perhaps one which nobody really wants. I have got a soft spot for dogs with grey whiskers.

OP posts:

chickchickchicken · 21/03/2011 14:03

im in glos too. if i can help with dog walkers let me know.
as you like older dogs (i do too) rescue orgs will be very happy to see you. so many lovely oldies tend to get left

chickchickchicken · 21/03/2011 14:07

chelt animal shelter have lots of staffie type dogs. friend of mine has two from there and they are gorgeous. very very loving and great house dogs. they have a cat too
dogs trust evesham also very good. one of ours is from there
i have only ever heard good things about those two.
the smaller one in glos and rspca i have heard mixed reviews about

Original poster

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/03/2011 15:01

That's brilliant chick - thanks for that.

It is very sad at the thought of older dogs being left, bless them.

OP posts:

pinkfluffyprincess · 21/03/2011 16:28

Yes it should be fine in your circs. I've got 3 as ex has buggered off to Spain leaving 2, plus I've nabbed a puppy that was being neglected, and I work full time. When I'm on earlys they get a big walk the night before and one when I finish at 2.30, on lates they get a walk in the morning, 3 times a week a mate of mine pops in to walk the pup and bitch, and play with the boy in the garden (not strong enough to walk him outside). They are happy (pup has taught boy to piss inside though )

MotherJack · 21/03/2011 18:16

Grey's are indeed lovely dogs too :)

chickchickchicken · 21/03/2011 19:27

pm me if i can help

chickchickchicken · 21/03/2011 20:15

oops meant to say that i would trust Val's judgement too

Scuttlebutter · 21/03/2011 22:49

An elderly and stately grey might just be what you are looking for. Ofcourse, they are very happy if they have a friend (so you might have two elderly greys!!) - the disadvantages of this are that your sofa will never be your own again, and you will become completely addicted; it is quite likely you will end up with three and then dream about having four....

I am normally quite hardline about full time workers adopting but if you have this level of care lined up you will be fine. Can't speak for all rescue charities, but the ones I know would not rule out these arrangements, in fact would be pleased that you had thought about it (sadly, quite rare!!) and done your costings (also, sadly, quite rare). Many dog walkers offer discounted rates for walking two dogs. The other option to consider is to adopt one dog and foster another - not only would you be providing a wonderful service but you would also be paid for the second dogs' meds, food etc and this would be company for your first. Would also add that cat owning households are popular for fostering as knowing how dog reacts with cat is a key question for adopters. Please do think about an oldie - those wise old grey faces really do deserve a comfy sofa at the end of their lives. If you look on the here you will see some adorable dogs - I defy anyone not to want to take at least three home with them for a cuddle.

chickchickchicken · 22/03/2011 22:34

just be nosey interested. have you made any decisions about a dog?

Saffra · 24/03/2011 18:42

Also remember that doggy daycare now exists!

We rehomed a 9 mth dog, who was in doggy daycare before we adopted her, and we kept her at the same place for continuity. Great for exercise and socialisation. We used this (which was similar cost to using a dog walker) whilst both in FT work. I now work from home so no need, but our pooch loved it.

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