Thinking of getting dog. Help me decide

[Racmactac]

I can't decide whether it's good idea or bad idea.

I've always had dogs until a few years ago and I love having them as company.

For - I have 2 boys and I think it will do them good , I love dogs, I think it would do my mental health good and get me out the house to walk regularly, I have a big house. I can pay for a dog walker at lunch times. I can afford a dog.

Against. I currently work full time, I don't have much of a garden, I have a cat

I wouldn't get a puppy, probably go for a dog that needs rehoming.
My main worry is being at work all day, my job should be changing soon but I'd still be out the house a fair bit during the day.
Is it better for a dog to be in a home than at a centre ? Is a dog walker during day adequate ?

It totally depends on the dog. Mine would hate being left. Many wouldn't.
How old are the children?
Do you want a dog? The walking and training and mess! Can you fit in training? Can you take time off to settle it?

Rescue greyhounds apparently like to sleep lots- so a walk at lunchtime would do. If it was me I’d get two so they’d have company.
Lots of people will say don’t get a dog if you’re going to be out all day but given the choice, I think many dogs would prefer a comfy sofa to a noisy rescue centre. No home will be perfect.

Watching this thread....id love a dog but work full time. Someone suggested two dogs...do they'd keep each other company

My 8yr lurcher sleeps most of the day and is ok to be left while I’m at work so long as she has decent interaction at the ends of the day.

When we got her someone was home most of the time (Ex and I worked opposite shifts and I was on maternity leave for a while etc) . After Ex left I had no choice but to leave the dog while I was working but she’s always been fine. I think a puppy would struggle though but a much older, calm breed would be ok. Dependant on the individual dog. The rehoming place would prob know which could cope.

If you work full time do not get a dog. Having a dog walker for lunchtimes is not enough.

To add - lurchers are good house dogs, fairly low maintainence dogs and very loving. Mine is fine with cats and loves ours.

I think if you're getting an older dog then it isn't necessarily a problem being out of the house for long periods.. my dog would not tolerate being left alone for long periods when she was younger but from the age of five onwards she's been fine and will happily snooze with the cat until it's time for walkies

How many hours will you be out of the house? A dog walker is a good idea of you can afford it and you're going to be out f the house for 7-8 hours+

On here there are alwaym lots of people who will say don't get a dog if you're working full time but in the real world I think it's quite common.
Obviously you need to think about

I work full time, admittedly a combination of office and home but put my dog into day care so he is only on his own for a few hours a few days a week. What I hadn't counted on though is what happens if the dog is ill or cannot he walked as he then cannot go to day care but still needs company. Fortunately where I work we are trusted to work at home and unlike childcare the dog doesn't need any active care other than you being around for a stroke and to be let out. So I would say yes you can have a dog but think about what you would do if the dog could not be walked due to accident or illness when you are at work.

It might well be quite common to work full-time and have a dog but dogs need company.

If you work full-time do not get a dog, get a cat.

If you are going to get a dog I'd suggest getting a pair of retired racing greyhounds from the Greyhound Trust. They are kennelled in pairs so will be comfortable with each other and will have company when you go out. If you can't get home for a lunchtime walk I'd suggest getting a dog walker to provide some exercise and stimulation, greyhounds sleep all day but will need a chance to stretch their legs and toilet.

Agree with a lurcher!! Or 2!! Ours are amazing and love our other ddogs, our dcats and the dc!! Winners all round!!

I have a cavalier spaniel... Fourth one I have owned, always been left while we are at work, never ever been a problem. We have a dog flap into a large secure garden and do play with the dog and walk him a lot when we arw home. If it's going to be a long day we do have a friend who will take him out with their dogs for run, play etc.

You have the money but do you have the time? Presumably, with 2 boys you sometimes have to take them to clubs or activities - or will do in the future? You have to fit in a shop after work, or want to meet someone?

Do you really want to have the extra commitment of a dog when you're probably busy already? To need to take the dog out after work when you're getting supper ready, and will your 2 boys need to come out every time you take the dog? Lovely in good weather but not not nice when dark and cold?

You could sign up as a volunteer walker for the Cinnamon Trust. Usually dogs are walked during the day for most people, but they may be able to match you with someone that fits your working hours or you could do a weekend walk.