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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

should I get a dog or not?

16 replies

Ginocchio · 23/10/2013 15:28

Ok, I think I know the answer to this already, but still...

I love dogs. Always have done, and though I haven't had one since I was a young child, I've always wanted one.

I'm now in a position to be able to at least consider getting a dog - own home (so no tenancy issues), and can afford the upkeep.

I've had other pets in the past (cat, house rabbit), so I'm well aware of the responsibilities of pet ownership, and my biggest concern is the amount of time that it might spend alone.

I work roughly 9 - 5, with a bit of a commute, so probably out of the house 8.30 - 5.30. Long term, the plan is to move jobs so that I don't have the commute, which will hopefully happen in 12-18 months.

If I did get one, I'd use a dog walking service for an hour in the middle of the day, until I start working closer and am able to do the lunch hour myself. Outside this, I'd have plenty of time for morning & evening walks.

However, I'm still concerned - would this be too long to leave the dog alone?

My head is saying yes, I should wait. But then I see so many dogs in need of rehoming....

If (and I stress the if ) it was ok, are there any breeds that would be best suited to this set up? I have two DCs (6 & 4), who live with their mum but spend a couple of nights a week here.

So, advice please?

OP posts:
MrsJohnDeere · 23/10/2013 15:46

Wouldn't be fair on the dog IMHO.

Is there anyone locally who offers day boarding at their house? Then the dog would be walked and have company. Not cheap though (£20 day here) and lots of councils are cracking down and making it tricky for people to offer this service (got a friend who does this but has been told to stop).

BunnyLebowski · 23/10/2013 15:48

I wouldn't.

Bottom line is that it's just not fair on the dog. They're pack animals and thrive on having company.

HavantGuard · 23/10/2013 15:51

Not fair to the dog at all. Even if you had no commute that's far too long.

ivegotaniphone · 23/10/2013 15:53

That's way too long to leave a dog for, even with a lunchtime walking service, IMHO.

Original poster
Ginocchio · 23/10/2013 15:58

You are all, of course, absolutely right. If only work would adopt my idea of getting an office dog as part of a stress reduction policy...

Ah well, only 33 years til I retire. Sad

OP posts:
HavantGuard · 23/10/2013 16:07

I'm sorry.

This place www.cinnamon.org.uk/volunteers/ might be worth checking out. They could link you up with an elderly person living in your area who has a dog but can't manage walking it anymore.

HavantGuard · 23/10/2013 16:14

If you are really determined and have the money then there are 'dog daycare' places around that work like nurseries for children. They don't come cheap though. Google for ones in your area.

Original poster
Ginocchio · 23/10/2013 16:41

Havant There are a couple of doggy daycare services around, but like you say they aren't cheap. But thanks for the Cinnamon Truct link - I'll check that out.

OP posts:
Gingersstuff · 23/10/2013 16:53

I'm sorry but no. Not fair on the dog. Why don't you volunteer as a dog walker for your local rescue? That way you'd get a regular doggy fix Grin

Original poster
Ginocchio · 23/10/2013 17:32

Ginger I keep offering respite care for my friend's assistance dog, but apparently she "needs" him. Bit selfish, IMHO... Grin

OP posts:
Notonaschoolnight · 23/10/2013 17:45

Someone I know who lives in Central London dog shares know nowt about it though

everlong · 23/10/2013 19:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Imsosorryalan · 23/10/2013 21:33

My dsis does this and employs a dog walker during the day, however, they go back to the dog walkers house for a few hours each aft so it works well. Is this something you could research. Oh and she also had to get two dogs to keep each other company Grin

LadyTurmoil · 23/10/2013 22:13

If you're now in your own house, get to know your neighbours - do any of them have dogs? Could you do a "dog share" with someone who has a dog? They'd probably love a nice neighbour who would take their dog for a walk every now and again! or have dog at weekends etc.

Not the same as having your own dog, I know, but better than nothing perhaps.

Gingersstuff · 24/10/2013 09:39

ever I think if you're a "dog person" then a cat just won't cut it, really. I don't actively hate cats, but would never have one in place of a dog, iyswim...

Original poster
Ginocchio · 24/10/2013 14:38

I've thought about this, and actually I'm going to take a different approach.

The real problem is that work won't let me take a dog into the office - so I'm going to try and change that. It's a long shot as the company's quite set in its ways, but there's plenty of evidence of the benefits, and some big companies who already allow it (Google, Amazon), so it might just work.

Thankfully, my manager is equally keen on the idea, so she's agreed that I can put together a business case. I let you know if I succeed!

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