having a dog and going back to work

[thisisyesterday]

as you may know I have been umming and ahhing over getting a dog.

there happen to be some GORGEOUS ones on here right now

but I got to thinkikng today, that any dog we got would (hopefully!) live for quite a few years to come, and that I won't be a SAHM forever.... so what happens when I eventually go back to work?
there's clearly a case to be made for me having another baby or 2 to ensure I can stay at home with the dog, but if I fail to persuade DP that that is a good idea then I guess in about 3 years I'd be looking for a job

would a dog be ok in the house by itself all day? would I need to get a dog-walker? how much are dog walkers?

I'm thinking that when I go to work in the future, that Jasper will be older and more sensible (Ha!). He'll get a walk before and after we leave/get back, and I'll employ a walker to take him out in the day. We're also toying with the idea of putting a dog flap in the garage, so that in the warmer months he can have the run of the secure garden when we're out. It will be at least 2 years before I'm working, though, and probably at least 6 before it's full time (by which time the DC will be coming in before us, so dog won't be left for more than 3 hours at a time).

I would say, no, it is never OK to leave a dog alone all day. Even when our old dog was 14 and sleeping pretty much all day, I would never have done it.

I don't know re prices, but you definitely need to factor this in before you commit.

Gorgeous dogs on that site. I want the red setter!

tbh i have no idea what work i'll be doing. it's more likely i'll be re-training, but not sure as what, possibly midwifery which would mean eventually shift work which I guess would be easier to work around.

hmmmm

i need to think about this some more. the children will be at school which means i'd only be working school hours OR I would need some kind of combined dog/child carer...

dogs are not ok to be left all day. they are social animals, they need company.
i would think unless you worked really short shifts it would be too long.

dog walking is variable, from £5-£10 depending on the nature of the service. dog walking alone is not sufficient for a dog to be left for 9 + hours during your working day. I am lucky i that my dog now goes to my parents house whilst i work. at first she stayed in my house with a visit and walk at lunchtime - not enough and her health suffered.

3 years is too short a time period. 15 years (depending on breed - mini poodles and yorkie terriers can live longer..) is a reasonable lifetime. you could rescue an older dog with a shorter life expectancy - but then if it was still alive in three years...what then?

Yep, that's right. Don't even think about it unless you are going to be a SAHM for 15 years +. Better make it 20 years, just to be on the safe side.

Ah, now, my husband's ex-wife would have been perfect for a dog

I got an older rescue dog two years ago when I was not working and had no job in the pipeline. Then DH had to take a lower paid job and I was offered a job with friends. Luckily for me, I can take him to work- I wouldn't be able to work otherwise (he barks and chews at his fur if left alone).

Some dogs are ok all day alone with a walk at lunch time- rescues let you know which these are. My greyhound often does not notice we've come bk after 4-5 hours away- she's still asleep!!! Other dogs are fine if they have another doggy friend during the day.

My girl will soon be in this situation- I'm going to foster rescue dogs so that she has company whilst I am at work. I'm sure at some point I'll be a failed fosterer and she'll have a permanent friend!!

Id say go for it. NO-ONE can guarantee their futures and what their work commitments may be in 4 years! As long as you can offer a genuine, loving and stable home and will do the best for a dog given your circumstances and means, that is the most that anyone can offer.