Would like a dog - but out at work 3 days a week

[MegBusset]

We are considering rehoming a dog. However DH works out of the home FT and I will be working PT so the dog would need to be left at home three days a week (from 8.30 - 5.30ish). Would this be a complete no-no? We wouldn't get a puppy - would be an adult dog, nothing too giant either (probably something spaniel-ish).

Dog walker during the day with either 2 short walks or one long one?

Usually 7-10 a hour

Depends on type of dog too. High energy dog like Springer noooooo but maybe a greyhound or a general cross breed ok, and not a puppy.

Thanks. I did think it would be too long. I am already paying out most of my wages in childcare, if I have to add dogcare into the equation I think it will be untenable!

It's possible DH might be able to take the dog to work with him (he rents his own office), I will see what he thinks.

I wouldn't advise it and doubt a rehomer would allow it. Certainly not for an energetic breed like a spaniel. I have elderly retired greyhounds who sleep for around 20 hours a day, so that might be a solution. But it would depend very much on the individual dog and I'd suggest two for company and a dog-walker to break up their day.

I have elderly retired greyhounds who sleep for around 20 hours a day

Sounds like the perfect dog to me

If you are concerned about the costs involved in dogcare, have you properly thought through the all the normal costs involved with keeping a dog?

Insurance premiums
Vet bills (most insurance policies don't cover things like dental treatment or any existing conditions)
Vaccinations - annually
Worm/Flea/Tick treatment - usually monthly
Dog food and treats
Initial outlay for things like, bed, bowls, collar and lead, toys etc
Kennel fees/dogcare if you aren't intending to take dog on your holidays with you

I'm sure I've missed some things on there, but it will give you some idea of the things you need to cost before you go ahead.

I would certainly consider something greyhound-ish. Dogs Trust allowed us to rehome a lurcher (part greyhound) knowing she would be alone two days a week due to my husband's shifts. She always had long walks and a chance to run twice a day, and would otherwise sleep. But until she had settled in I drove back from work every lunchtime. 40-minute round trip, 20mins with the dog.

Springers need a lot of exercise and attention!

I am firmly in the "it can be done" camp as I have had dogs all of my adult life and they have simply fitted in around my, on occasions, disjointed life.
It will not be instant and you will need to put in the groundwork first. Possibly dog walkers initially, if DH can take the dog to the office with him then so much the better. However with the right dog and a suitable length of acclimatisation then it is a distinct possibility.

Retired lazy greyhound? Big but delightful. I agree that dogs don't have to be endlessly walked and stimulated. I have 7 at the mo, 3 permanent and 4 fosters and we take them out 3 times a week for a big run but it was 46c today and they have survived just fine with yard exercise.