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The doghouse

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Original poster

Tips on getting a puppy

8 replies

McNewPants2013 · 14/08/2013 20:25

I don't know where to start.

Want to get a puppy that's not pedigree and is able to stay on its own while I am in work ( 3 days a week)

OP posts:
topbannana · 14/08/2013 20:33

I can see this not going well Hmm
How many hours do you work on each of the 3 days?
Do you have anyone else who could watch the puppy?
The answers to these questions will determine the answer to your OP.....

phantomhairpuller · 14/08/2013 20:38

Puppies aren't generally good at being left on their own at all let alone while you go to work Confused

This thread may not end well

Caffeineaddictedmumof4 · 14/08/2013 21:41

I wouldn't recommend a puppy if you're working full days. Even an older dog will struggle if left all day. Do you have anyone to walk it halfway through the day? Sorry if I sound negative, just being honest.

Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 14/08/2013 22:01

My DH works shifts and I am taking time off from work ( already booked)

Worked it out it will be 3-4 days a month.

OP posts:
Original poster
McNewPants2013 · 14/08/2013 22:02

That's why I started the thread, because the needs of the puppy comes before mine and DH desires

OP posts:
fanoftheinvisibleman · 15/08/2013 16:37

An older rescue may be fine being left 3 or 4 days a month but one full working day is too long to leave a puppy even as a one off imo. If you can't find anyone to look after a puppy whilst you're at work then I'd only consider an older dog.

Frettchen · 15/08/2013 16:41

I have a 5 month old pup and there's no way I could leave him for a full work day without him getting distressed. I left him for a morning on Monday; 10am - 1pm and even those three hours were too much for him at this young age.

Any chance of getting someone to watch it whilst you're working? Family, or doggy daycare? (although at that young age, you'll lose a bit of control over training if you're getting someone else to look after it - that's what I'm finding whilst mine is staying with my mum during the days, but this is only a short-term solution)

The answer, I think, would be to look for an older dog who can be left alone.

topbannana · 15/08/2013 19:28

I think your opening post was a bit ambiguous as you said you would be working 3 days a week, which I took to mean there would be nobody at home for 3 days every week. Are you saying that with your Dh's shifts it will only be 3-4 days that you will both be out? If so that is more workable but ideally not with a puppy.
TBH there's not really a way round you having somebody in if you and your DH will be out of the house for a full 9-5 day, however infrequently. If it is so rarely then a dog walker would not be prohibitively expensive. I think you would find a younger rescue a much better option than an 8 week old puppy though, and I say that from everyone's point of view, not just the puppies.
My own pup is almost 6 months now. DH and I thought we would be fine as I work 4 nights a week and he works Mon-Fri. I completely underestimated the effect that a small puppy would have on me as I bore the brunt of the wide awake day time activity, while I was supposed to be sleeping.
Thankfully it was only short lived but please do not assume that because somebody is in the house that it will be enough for a young puppy- I could have committed murder some days I was that tired :)

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