Lone Parent, DS (6) wanting Puppy and I work away at times

[WowGrowingUpSoQuickly]

DS wants a dog. I have never had a dog.

I work at the office 4 days a week and when DS is not with me, I work away for a day or two at a time. So generally at home 3 days a week during the day.

Sooooo am I mad in thinking of getting him a puppy? I was thinking of a little dog. And having to employ a dog walker for the days I am not at home during the day, and overnight stays away in kennels (one a month).

Advice please.

Dont get one! They are massive massive hard work. 20% of people get rid of their puppy before it hits 2 years old and thats why theres so many unwanted adult dogs in rescue homes & so many killed every day (biggest killer of dogs aged under 3 is being unwanted). An adult dog would be a much better bet as youd know its personality and whether it could be left for a while at a time, and would already have the hard work -toilet training, training to be left, training to be with children, (lots and lots of training basically) etc done for you. But still its a massive undertaking, they can live 20 years and cost a huge amount so it is a big commitment. Dogs are gorgeous though its true!

TBH the size of the dog is irrelevant ,except in relation to the size of your house and how much room it will take up ,many small dogs need more exercise than large dogs . Frankly it really doesn't sound like your set up is suitable for a puppy ,perhaps a cat would be better .

You cannot get a dog with those hours. Sorry.

Don't do it. You don't have the time to give a dog, let alone a puppy.

Your ds can get a puppy when they are an adult and able to give the puppy the huge amount of input they need

Don't think you should get one for DS. I wanted a dog when I was little. I got one when I was 31. If YOU wanted a dog it would be a different story, though difficult in practice being away one night a month.

Don't do it. It's unfair to put a dog in kennels so often and it doesn't sound like you have got time for the commitment a dog brings.
Also, you should never get a dog for a child, especially one so young who has no idea of responsibility it involves

If dog lives to 14 then DS could be away at Uni then ... in my experience dogs bought for children just don't work. You can't let them walk them on their own and most kids think that picking up poo is gross. Could you perhaps volunteer to dog walk at a local rescue centre at weekends? Or become a dog walker for Cinnamon Trust (who welcome volunteers who can only commit to weekends too)?

Yes you are mad and don't seem to have any idea of the work a puppy involves. They cannot be left with a dog walker once a day for 4 days per week. They need pretty much constant supervision, interaction and training in the first few months. It would be very unfair on the puppy. They are not toys for young children.

Don't do it! I always wanted a dog, we tried puppy-fostering for the Guide dogs and the dogs were lovely but even with 2 part time flexible jobs, it was such a commitment, we had to totally reorganise our weekends, our plans to go for a bike ride (had to be switched to a walk) etc. Dogs change your whole life.
Cats are much easier! Also guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.