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The doghouse

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

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Original poster

Dog ownership and working

16 replies

Wassat · 08/08/2017 14:58

We are seriously considering adopting a sprocker spaniel puppy. We have 3 dc- 7,5 and3, and live close to plenty of lovely dog walking areas. I've never had a dog before (dh is experienced spaniel owner though) so I have been reading threads on here to prepare myself. I am currently a sahm, so I would be around for the dog pretty much ft for the near future- however, I cannot afford (and do not want) to remain at home long term. So what I'm really asking is- what jobs do dog owners do? Many, many posters have stressed the importance of not leaving a dog alone for more than a few hours and I can't see how this would work with even pt hours... Is it possible to have a dog and be employed? Thanks for any help and sorry if it's a stupid question- I want to be a responsible and fair owner and I'm trying to research as much as possible. On that note, any advice for first time sprocker owners would be gratefully received too! Thank you!

OP posts:

AnUtterIdiot · 08/08/2017 15:02

This reply has been deleted

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LineysRun · 08/08/2017 15:02

I think with that set-up, you'll be the one making all the compromises to fit the dog into your busy lives. I think you need to talk more about how it will actually work in practice when you resume your career.

AnUtterIdiot · 08/08/2017 15:03

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BiteyShark · 08/08/2017 15:03

I work full time with mix of office and home. On the days I am in the office my dog does half day care so only gets left for a few hours either side of that.

It is an expense but I think it is worth every penny and if my hours ever increased I would just put him in full day care instead.

Wolfiefan · 08/08/2017 15:05

I wouldn't leave my dog for longer than 4 hours. Even with a dog walker that's a lot of hours your dog is home alone. Doggy daycare could work but you would need to be sure the place was appropriate and your dog would be happy (not all dogs are sociable)

BiteyShark · 08/08/2017 15:05

Oh not a sprocker owner but I am a cocker owner

Wolfiefan · 08/08/2017 15:05

Oh and do your research. A sprocker is a very high energy working breed.

Blackbutler86 · 08/08/2017 15:22

I don't leave my dogs for more than four hours at a time. I work weekends where either my DP or parents watch them for me and I have a second job where I do 2 evenings a week and my DP gets home 2 hours after I have left so again they aren't on their own for long. I actually would really like full time job or be able to do more hours but I just can't, I have 4 dogs plus I foster so it's a lot different to owning just one where daycare or dog walker wouldn't be too costly. Dogs do change a lot of things, you can't just up and go for a day out without them or book holidays without sorting where they will go etc. But I couldn't live a life without them.

Original poster

Wassat · 08/08/2017 15:24

I know, I'm researching like mad and the exercise needs are something I am really taking into account- at the moment it would definitely be ok, but if I go to work for a full day then if appropriate I would look for doggy daycare. We're looking for a dog who would be a good family dog, and we know the breeder... I'm really aware of the need to ensure that we can offer the right kind of home for a dog, it's quite intimidating in it's own way!

OP posts:

sparechange · 08/08/2017 15:26

Our dog (high energy working labrador) goes to daycare which costs us £30 a day
On the days I work from home, I keep her with me and when I'm on maternity leave, she'll do 2 days a week with daycare because she loves mixing with other dogs, and they have ponds and woods, and tire her out properly

bilbobaggi · 08/08/2017 15:41

My DH and I have jobs where our dog comes with us, but I think that's quite unusual. I'm in charity retail but it's a big place with a garden so he's either in the garden or in the sorting room with volunteers. My DH has an outside job. Dogs need to be with you or with other dogs, but you sound very responsible to be thinking of all this now rather than just rushing into it and getting stuck. Other than trying to find a job where you can take the dog (rural/ manual jobs or there are a few very understanding offices but this is rare) you will need to factor in the cost of doggy day care. All the best!! PS the kids are a good age, having a dog would be great for them if you can make it work.

lilygirl81 · 08/08/2017 15:45

We put our dog into daycare, which he loved and I actually feel guilty that we no longer need him to go. It was £30 a day but that involved him being collected and dropped off, being out for a walk for at least 2 hours a day, and so much attention.

converseandjeans · 08/08/2017 15:46

I am PT but factoring in school runs etc not really at home that much during school hours. So we have dog walker 3 x a week and FIL does the other 2 days. During term time dog gets walked early like 5ish by DH, has a walk about 11ish for a good hour and then we are home from school 3.30 and he has another walk about 4.30/5ish.
It is a big responsibility & even on really busy days with after school activities he has to have his 3rd walk after being on his own for the afternoon.
It also means at weekends we can't have a full day out of the house unless he can come with us :(

Hoppinggreen · 08/08/2017 16:10

I work pt and mostly from home but if I am going to be out longer than 4 hours he goes to doggy daycare

Ropsleybunny · 08/08/2017 16:11

Dogs need company. You should only consider it if you have someone who can look after the dog whilst you're at work.

BlueKarou · 08/08/2017 17:30

I have two dogs. One goes to my (retired) mum's house for the day - he's more able to be left, so she's not then tied to the house, but is there most of the time. The other dog comes to the office with me and is exercised in the grounds of the place I work, he's a sighthound, so doesn't need the same level of stimulation as a spaniel might. Neither is ever left more than about 2 hours.

That said, I have to stress that having a dog in the office is very much a privilege, not a right - they could turn around tomorrow and tell me not to bring him in any more and then I'd be completely screwed.

Taking my kid places at the weekends is tricky as I have to find a place for my dogs to go. Particularly the younger one as he tends to be destructive if bored.

I haven't had a spaniel myself, but can imagine a puppy will be very high maintenance. Is there any particular reason you're not considering an older dog? I'm not anti-puppy, just want to point out, having had a 12 week old lurcher pup, that they're incredibly hard work, especially with children in the house. I'm not getting another puppy until kiddo's at least 14/15, not that I want another dog, 2 is more than enough!

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