Is there a dog for us, or could we have a dog at all?

[NomenOmen]

We'd really love a dog (DH, DD 5yo, and I). Both DH and I grew up with dogs, but haven't owned one recently. DD adores dogs and is very responsible, respectful, and careful around those she meets. All dog owners comment on her great attitude towards their dogs.

The trouble is both DH and I work full-time, although I only need to be in the office 3 days a week and could work from home the other 2. But on the days I go in, they're long days, so I could probably only squeeze in a half-hour walk in the morning before commuting. DH and DD could walk a dog on those afternoons about 4.30 when she gets back from school. The dog would be on its own (with access to a big garden if we could set this up safely) from 8am til 4.30pm on the days I go to the office.

My gut feeling is that, regardless of how much we would love a dog, it just wouldn't be fair to leave a dog on its own 3 days a week. Admittedly, it would only be like this about 30 weeks a year (because of the nature of my job), but I don't think that would mean much to a lonely pooch!

Also, we tend to spend 5 weeks a year away from home. 2 of those weeks we could conceivably bring a dog along, but it would be difficult. I'm not sure it's kind to leave a dog in kennels, or with friends, etc., for 5 weeks a year.

There is a remote possibility that I will be able to work from home from next autumn for between 6 to 18 months, so if we were to get a dog, I might be in a position to help it gradually get used to being left for longer periods of time.

Is there a dog breed which would tolerate being alone for 3 days, and which does not need 2 hours of walks a day? Would we ever be likely to find a rescue dog which would be suitable?

I think I know the answer and we wouldn't dream of getting a dog unless we could offer it a good quality of life... But I thought I might ask in case any of you have any bright ideas.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the long post!

If you can afford doggy daycare that may be a solution. Near us there are 2 forms of daycare available, either at kennels or at someone else's home. The kennel daycare seems to be like toddler daycare with toys and games, they are not shut in the kennels all day.
If you get a slightly older rescue dog that is used to being around other dogs that may work. I wouldn't recommend a puppy with your current set up as they require huge time commitment to start with and also daycare may not accept them until they are a certain age

Hello,

To be fair to the dog (regardless of breed), I think it's completely unfair to leave him/her for more than 3 or 4 hours in any day. I wanted a dog for years but until I was no longer working I had cats.
A dog will need stimulation not just a couple of walks a day and would be upset (and likely) distructive if left that long.

I have, over the years, owned a collie cross, a dachshund, a PBGV and two staffies (what a mix!) they have all be OK with being left for lengthy periods, though we try to avoid it.

I work part-time, 2 days at home and one day in the office. On the day I'm in the office my lab gets a 30 min walk in the morning, I leave at 7am, DH and kids leave at 8am. She's out with a dog walker (group walk so loads of play) from about 10/11am - 1pm. I'm home at 3 and she's always out for the count, sometimes she's not even bothered about a late night walk on these days. I've also used doggy day care if I'm working longer hours. The way I look at it is that it's like having another baby and doggy daycare is WAY cheaper than nursery

That is fine if you get a dog walker or doggy daycare for 3 days and if you get an older dog that a rescue says is suitable then great however I would seriously think about this as having dogs when you were a child is a world away from the 365 day a year routine that can be really hard when you work ft. You cannot really work late or make changes to plans you have to give them attention and walks. It is doable but not ideal. I work ft and have two. Luckily it works and it is a long story why I have them but speaking from someone who knows I would be reluctant to have another dog and work ft again.