Can I have a dog if I work at home? Plus general dog advice needed.

[areyoutheregoditsmemargaret]

OK, so my dd 11 desperately wants a dog and I think it would do her a lot of good. The rest of the family (me, dh, dd2 9) all love dogs too and are keen.

HOWEVER, I am really concerned about the practicalities. I work from home, so am around to keep the dog company, but I would be sitting at my desk often working to a tight deadline and my understanding is puppies in particular might not be too happy with this set up and want to play etc.

I also have to go out - usually about 3 times a week for the equivalent of an afternoon. Does this mean organising a dogsitter/walker every time, presumably that would cost a fortune (in London)? I'm pretty sure we could manage a walk of in total about an hour a day and we have a garden so that's not a problem when it needs a wee/poo.

I just feel overwhelmed by all the considerations. I know loads of working families with dogs, so obviously it can be done but how ...? My overall feeling is an older dog, who's more mellow might work out, but a puppy is not on. DH, however (who of course wouldn't have nearly as much to do with it as me) is insistent on a puppy.

Please tell me if we can do this or not and if so how?

TIA

Greyhound!

I can sit at home all day and mine will potter up to me occasionally for his head to be rubbed and then go back to bed. Recommended are two twenty minute walks a day but we do one thirty-forty minute one. He's lovely with my little boy and there's a lovely ex-racer community with organised walks and stuff if you want to join in. You can't particularly teach them tricks but they are so funny and loving.

Most are fine to leave - I can leave mine 5 hours no problem (probably more but I wouldn't).

You have to be prepared to relinquish your soft furnishing but on an up note I get very little hair off him. I have had a few different breeds and he is by far the most easy going and loving.