Be gentle with me - what should we do?

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

I lost my lovely dog 6 years ago now - a beagle, one of a pair who lasted longer than his pal. They were 5 when we took them on and very demanding, so we know what it is like to own dogs.

When we lost the old boy, DS1 was less than a year old, so we decided not to get another dog straightway. He is now nearly 7 and DS2 is 4, and we are massively dog-broody.

We both work - although 3 days a week I am home by 5pm - and I am a teacher so have school holidays. We holiday in this country and for most holidays the dog would be able to come with us - old boy used to do this. We would pay for a dog walker to come during the day.

So, is it doable? And if so, what breed would work - big garden, secure, two kids, able to walk for twenty minutes am and longer PM...

I love the idea of a dachshund or a miniature Schanuzer. DH is keen on Belgian Shepherds. I would love another beagle but I really don't think I could cope with one!

Ok, bring it on...

You will find people say that you can't as you work but IMO it is doable, especially as you have already factored in a dog walker.
I would say that you need to be realistic about the breed you choose. You know a beagle would be too much for you and a Belgian Shepherd would also require more exercise than you are proposing. Having recently gone through early puppyhood, I would suggest that an older dog would suit you better? Lots of people on here have retired greyhounds which will quite cheerfully sleep all day while you are out.
Also I would plan so that you have your dog at the beginning of the summer holidays. This will give you six or so weeks to get into a routine before returning to work.

Not a Belgian Shepherd, not if you're both working and they need more exercise and training than most people want to put in.

What is it that you think you couldn't cope with about a beagle? and that might give people ideas about what's lower in those traits.

If it's something you really want to do, you will make it work! It may help to go to a re-homing centre, like the Dogs Trust, as they are very good at asking the right questions to make sure you get the right dog. It may not be a breed you expected. I never thought in a blue fit that I would have a house full of collie dogs! We were advised that beagles can be quite hard work, especially with recall, but one of our dogs isn't great at coming back, so it doesn't always work like that.

Beagles were just completely doolally - it didn't help that they were 5 and had had no training, but we just about got them to obey basic commands, and being off the lead was a total no-no.

Thanks for the advice re: Belgian Shepherds. I will discuss with DH. We have considered a retired greyhound, so the older dog idea might be a good one.

DH has had dogs all his life - I was never allowed one, so only had the beagles. I'd prefer beagle size or smaller - my dream dog is an Irish Wolfhound, but that is for when I win the lottery and move to Cornwall and walk all day....

So eager to please and not too OTT on exercise requirements?

Mini schnouzers don't need insane amounts of walking, don't really shed, and if you train well as a pup are generally good with kids- I prefer spaniels personally! But in your situation a mini shnou sounds a good choice.

Sorry meant to start a new thread. I'm not good with technology!

a belgian shepherd is a big dog to have with small children imo and they are hard work my DH would love a GS but we know we couldnt cope with a dog that is so big. I think a puppy would need to be bought or got now as you will have time over the holidays, my mums neighbour has a minishnauzer she is lovely although a bit grumpy and does bark at everything, but if you are going to get a dog walker and have the patience for a new dog then go for it. look at rescues as well they might have something for your family

and there is doggy daycare springing up all over the place now maybe your new dog could go to one of those , probably cost a fortune though

Thanks again for all the comments.

We have looked at greyhounds tonight, and at schnauzer puppies - just online to see what is out there. We looked at Dogs Trust, too, but they seem to have nothing suitable for families with children.

I think we have left it too late this year to consider a pup - we are away next week, and so by the time we get back the summer holidays will be half over. It probably means waiting a year and getting one at the start of next summer. Even if we get a retired greyhound, we would need to time to settle him in and I'd rather do that over a holiday.

my dds friends have 3 retired greyhounds they are lovely creatures and just like to slob about and dont need miles and miles of walking, least you can look for maybe next summer, I know what the doggy brooding feels like it is a strange feeling , yes dogs trust can be quite picky our dog wasn't to be with young children and only over 14s good luck