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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

Young children, job and a dog. Do able?

81 replies

SnapCards · 05/06/2018 13:03

I'm considering getting a puppy.

I'm at work two days a week where the dog would be left from 8 til 5-6ish. I would pay a walker to take the dog out for an hour and then walk again after work. I'm a part-time teacher so this arrangement would be term-time only.

We have two young children Reception and Preschool age, so spend lots of time outdoors already. I also have my parents local who would be happy to do occasion dog sitting if we go out for a day and the dog can't come.

My main concern is the days I'm at work and the fact that I won't know how the dog will cope with being left until it's here. I would plan to get a dog at the beginning of the summer holidays (next year) so I would be home every day for the first 6 weeks.

Does this sound workable?

OP posts:

BiteyShark · 05/06/2018 14:41

Practical issues are getting doggy day care at such a young age (I put 15 weeks earlier when I meant 13 weeks). It's doable but hard to find. Make sure you can factor in the cost on top of all the other costs.

Work out how to have the first month at home to settle pup in.

Work out backup plans for when doggy day care can't take them if they are unwell. I didn't factor that in but fortunately my work is flexible so I worked from home more.

Wolfiefan · 05/06/2018 15:04

Isla a working farm. Unless you want a working breed that's not an option. And as OP clearly doesn't want that sort then that's out.
No reputable breeder will have a constant supply of pups or ones definitely available at the end of July!

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 15:07

“I'm amazed that some people seem to think if you haven't waited 2 years for a puppy then the puppy has come from a puppy farm. How bizarre!”

It ups the chances considerably, especially when it’s someone looking for the first time.

I give advise based on what is most likely to get someone a happy healthy puppy that fits their home rather than advocating second rate breeding practises because it’s not as bad as puppy farming and they might get lucky...

Puppy farmers are very good at hiding what they do and the surest way of avoiding them is to find somebody who breeds for a reason and is well regarded by others as producing dogs fit for that purpose and yep, that means a waiting list.

IslaBoots · 05/06/2018 16:00

Unless you want a working breed that's not an option. And as OP clearly doesn't want that sort then that's out

Has OP said what breed she wants? If so I missed it

IslaBoots · 05/06/2018 16:03

Tabul We will have to agree to disagree.

My brother bought a puppy from a Crufts champion. He didn't wait 2 years. He paid well over the price for it just because he had a piece of paper stating puppy was from a Crufts champion.

He had no intention of raising his puppy to enter Crufts. Waste of money IMO

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 16:23

“He had no intention of raising his puppy to enter Crufts. Waste of money IMO”

Well yes... but then paying extra for a certificate is... unusual.

The sad fact is that many breeders aren’t great, if you start by looking for a breeder who breeds to get a dog for a purpose, whether that’s showing, working or a sport - you weed out some of the worst ones.

They’re also likely to be registered (KC or there are different registers for breeds like working collies for instance) health tests are then checkable... you’ve also got access to other people who can give you opinions on the breeder and if their lines are sound both physically and behaviourally.

So that weeds out a whole lot more dodgy breeders.

It doesn’t guarantee anything, but, it gives much better odds that they’re not a front for a puppy farm, that their dogs are healthy and won’t have inherited behavioural issues and that you’re getting a pet you’re going to enjoy owning.

It may be that once you’ve found that breeder, it’s a breed that has huge litters, that some of their waiting list has dropped out and you don’t have much of a wait, but, you don’t want to go into it having a very tight time frame of when will suit you IMO or it may well lead to much worse odds about where your puppy is actually from.

Original poster

SnapCards · 05/06/2018 16:41

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time the respond to me, I'm taking it all in.

Leaving a puppy alone, with an hour's playtime in the middle is clearly an awful idea and no way will I do that.

Puppy daycare seems a great option, I had a quick Google and some close to me have a 'nursery' and take pups. So a possible option.

However I think the best will be to wait. DH is self employed and will very likely work from home full-time in the not too distant future. We always said we would wait until then, I just would so love a dog and wanted to see what was possible.

I will be spending my time now educating myself in training and caring for a puppy and researching breeders.

I do have a breed in mind, but I'm not brave enough to share it on here

OP posts:

missbattenburg · 05/06/2018 16:45

You sound very sensible, OP and it sounds like the dog will have a great home with you - later and when the time is right.

Please reconsider sharing the breed, though. I have 3 dogs and no room for anymore but I do love to live vicariously through all the great dogs other people choose

Unless it's a cross breed. Then it might be best to stay quiet - or this thread will run and run

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 16:53

“DH is self employed and will very likely work from home full-time in the not too distant future. We always said we would wait until then”

That’s probably your best option... though, he might not get a huge amount of work done to start with, it’s a bit like getting a toddler...

BiteyShark · 05/06/2018 16:55

You might still want to consider daycare even with DH at home. There are times I contemplate sending mine on the days I work at home when he's in a particular demanding mood .

P.s. don't share the breed if it involves a crossbreed

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 17:01

“P.s. don't share the breed if it involves a crossbreed”

If it’s a crossbreed she’s got other ootuond because a rescue is the most ethical place to get one...and that comes with the bonus of being able to time it better to suit and knowing whether it’s going to be ok with being left and a dog walker because it’s a dog that exists already...

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 17:02

That was just me being awkward btw, lol

IslaBoots · 05/06/2018 17:16

Get whatever breed or cross breed you want OP. Don't let anyone put you off. But do your research and make sure you don't be taken in by puppy farmers.

There are many puppy farmers around. They breed all breeds not just cross breeds. You will find a reputable breeder if you put the research in.You won't have to wait 2 years for a puppy.

Your home set up at the moment isn't ideal for raising a puppy. You have taken heed of sensible advice given to you. Well done for that.

Puppies need lots of time, energy and patience. They don't train themselves - ever! Let us know when you have your puppy, however long it takes 😉

pigsDOfly · 05/06/2018 17:27

Glad to hear you're going to wait till the time is better to take on a puppy. It says a lot about the sort of owner you'll be.

Hope whatever sort of dog you end up with works out well for you.

I waited until I retired to get a dog - not saying everyone should do that but I was on my own - and it's one of the best things I ever did.

Dog's are great but they are an enormous commitment.

Vallahalagonebutnotforgotten · 05/06/2018 17:48

There are so many inflexible views in The Doghouse it is like a parallel universe to reality at times

Who are we to say OP can not cope with a dog and two young children?

All good dog walkers will know a puppy can not have a hour exercise!

It is not only puppy farmers who breed dog in May!

DId she mention at all she was considering a puppy farmed dog!

Why is her home set up not reasonable with adjustments surely that is what OP is asking.

Having a puppy with children can be great - you are home based more and have time to spend with the kids and puppies. I had no problem, I had two children under 3 , an 11 year old dog and a puppy -it was great. I at the time was also a part time teacher - the puppy and dog went to a qualified dog walker/dog day care 2 days a week. The puppy gained a lot from the socialisation . If we went out for the day they dogs were totally happy to go to the dog walker.

The dogs spent a lot of time with the children at the beach, walks on the downs etc. My older dog pretty much taught them both to roller skate as they held onto her

Going to training classes with the dogs was "my time" and OH looked after children and gave me a night out doing something different - might not be everyones cup of tea but was mine_i know how to live the live

OP it is totally doable if you are prepared to include the dogs needs in your plans. The one downside though is when your children go off to Uni and leave home that is when your dog is also old and also leaves you But you then are according to MN in the right position to get another dog

Phillpot12 · 05/06/2018 17:57

We are in an identical situation but 1 year on so getting a dog this summer. However we are looking at getting a rescue dog of 1yr + so it will then be left for 4hrs between walks, 2 days a week. Would you consider not having a pup?

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 18:01

“It is not only puppy farmers who breed dog in May!”

No, but they’re the only ones who definitely are...the rest are breeding when one bitch goes into season.

“Dld she mention at all she was considering a puppy farmed dog!”

Well I kind of work on the assumption no-one does intentionally

“All good dog walkers will know a puppy can not have a hour exercise!“

Well yes, but they’re not all good and the time to know that is before you’re looking so you know what you’re looking for surely?...

Original poster

SnapCards · 05/06/2018 18:08

Ideally we wanted a puppy, but if it's not practical I will consider an older rescue dog.

OP posts:

pigsDOfly · 05/06/2018 18:09

Vallahalagone To me the only problem with the set up was that the OP was considering getting a puppy, and after having it for just six weeks was planning on leaving it alone for 10 hours every day with a dog walker coming in for an hour during that time.

I'm sorry but however you cut it that just isn't going to work.

Anyway, it's not going to happen now.

Wolfiefan · 05/06/2018 18:34

OP would it be of interest to do some doggy volunteering? I really enjoyed my time volunteering for the Cinnamon Trust. You can walk as little or as often as you like.
Might give you an insight into the pros and cons of dog ownership!
If you need to be "brave" to share the breed then maybe it's not something you should really consider having.

Original poster

SnapCards · 05/06/2018 18:45

It's a toss up between a Red Nose Pit and a Husky.

OP posts:

Vallahalagonebutnotforgotten · 05/06/2018 18:47

SnapCards good choices

tabulahrasa · 05/06/2018 18:51

“It's a toss up between a Red Nose Pit and a Husky.”

So not in the UK then?

You don’t want a husky btw, not and be leaving it alone most of the day... a bored husky will create its own entertainment by destroying anything it can reach and making a whole load of noise.

They’re also very different dogs in terms of exercise needs, traits and train ability... so it might be worth having a think about what it is you want from a dog and what will fit in with you best.

Original poster

SnapCards · 05/06/2018 19:00

No, sorry I was being sarcastic!

I've always wanted a Minature Poodle and know the breed quite well or a Poodle cross. I basically want a small/medium size, clever, friendly dog.

OP posts:

Vallahalagonebutnotforgotten · 05/06/2018 19:01

Tabulahrasa lighten up I think you will find OP is joking!

OP what about a pitpoodoodle - they are fantastic and excellent breeders around

A huskydoodle is also a great choice

Staffpoo are amazing dogs

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