Should we get a dog? Novice .

[BrownBootsandBacon]

We would like to get a pet.

We’ve decided against rabbits , cats and rodents and are thinking of getting a dog.

We have 3 DC aged 9, 7and 7.

The older DC has ASD.

Firstly , will a dog suit our situation ?

I work from home 2 days per week but I need to visit clients 3 days per week.

The dog would be alone for 6 hours a day , 3 days per week. Would this be too much ?

Getting a dog walker in or going to kennels is not an option due to the extortionate costs in our area .

We would like a puppy but would also consider a gentle rescue .

The dog must be a small breed, excellent with children and not need tons of grooming or exercise .

Could anyone recommend a breed ?

Or does it seem like we wouldn’t be suited to a dog?

[Scattyhattie]

If its only a year or 2 for the working from Home option I'd personally wait, save up & get pet your interested in, rather than fill gap with another animal that will potentially then add complications for getting a dog & you'd then have both to pay for (small animals initial cost maybe lower but vet fees are aren't really).

If you could afford dog walker/daycare to break it up then 6 hours is OK for many adult dogs. Not all rescues have a no being left more than 4hrs total rule, I adopted my dogs while working full-time & the rescue were OK with me visiting during my lunch hour. You will likely still need to find dog care for family days out.
Some dogs do find being left distressing or get bored becoming destructive/noisy so does depend on individual. Puppies really need someone around to supervise & provide training.

Plenty of dogs are responsibly in rescue due to owners circumstances changing such as work, accommodation, relationship breakdowns, illness etc rather than a traumatic/neglect background.

Maybe look into borrow my doggy or any friends dogs you can take for walks/ days in the mean time.

[damned]

We have a Bengal cat who we joke is a cat/dog hybrid. He is super social, playful and affectionate but will also happily sleep the day away or entertain himself when we're out or busy. He does have access to a cat flap though.

[Wolfiefan]

I would love a Siamese tabula. Instead I rescued two tortie sisters. They are more trouble than any Siamese could ever be.

[SheChoseDown]

Why do people want dogs that don't need walking? Does such a dog exist!!?? Seems cruel!

[tabulahrasa]

It was more about the breeds that are bred to be more human dependant than differing personalities...

I wouldn’t describe my current cat as needy as such, but she’s sociable and comes for affection at various points through the day, sometimes she’ll even come when you call her, lol. But if we’re out all day and come back in, she’s neither up nor down about it, she might rouse herself to come see us, she might not even open an eye up till she feels like it...

My Siamese was at the front door distressed and yowling at me if I left her alone for more than a couple of hours.

[Wolfiefan]

True tabula.
I was just thinking of all the cats we have met in rescue. Some incredibly needy and demanding. Others completely aloof. Just worth knowing that cats can have completely different personalities and a rescue could match you.

[tabulahrasa]

“Some of them reportedly have more dog like qualities”

I’ve had a Siamese - they’re very dog like, but that also includes a much higher need for company than other cats as well. So not ideal to be left alone for long periods.

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Perhaps consider one of the specific breeds of cat (ie not domestic moggy?) Some of them reportedly have more dog like qualities (NB I know sod all about cats, so do your own research!)

[Spidey66]

I think because cats are so independent you don't have to be a 'cat person' to have one.....you can mainly ignore them (as they will you) if you don't like them . Dogs you can't, and caged animals will need attention to keep their cages clean.

[Wolfiefan]

A cat would suit you much better. An adult rescue is a great choice. And the rescue would be able to match you to the right one. Some cats are more “dog” than others! One of mine comes on a dog walk with us.
Also worth volunteering to spend time around dogs. A shelter might be happy to have you dog walk or try the Cinnamon Trust. Won’t cost you and no long term commitment but a lovely thing to do.
Well done for postponing getting a dog if you can’t find a walker etc. Good to see someone being so unselfish.

[tabulahrasa]

“You do need to be a cat person for cats”

I don’t think you do, I’m not a cat person really... doesn’t interfere with me looking after or loving mine.

Actually disliking them is different, but just preferring dogs isn’t a huge issue.

Depends which the OP is really.

[LazyFace]

But.... you have already rules out cats.
You do need to be a cat person for cats, they're a lot more independent than a dog.
How about a hamster? Or fish?

[DogInATent]

I doubt a puppy would, but an older calm rescue dog might work out well.

No. Six hours is too long for a dog of any age. Maybe as a one-off emergency of caught out by traffic, but not as a regular occurrence.

A cat (or two) would be the better option.

[stucknoue]

If the cost of a dog walker is out of the question I I would seriously consider if you can afford a dog. They cost a lot more than you think - worming alone is £10 a month, insurance is £28, and that's before food or vet deductibles. Also some small breeds are not overly tolerant so choose wisely.

Our dd has asd and our dog (collie) is great with her and is fine alone for extended periods (he ignores me if I work from home in fact) but dogs need walks, attention etc - perhaps offer to dog sit for someone as a trial?

[tabulahrasa]

Cats are easier than guinea pigs... and more interactive.

[PostNotInHaste]

Cats are pretty easy too to be fair.

[PostNotInHaste]

Chickens ! Much easier than anticipated, great fun and rainbow eggs. Initial start up costs but then very cheap and you can sell a few eggs to fund some of the costs. There are auto door openers so you don’t have to keep going out, treadle feeders that hold lots of food and hopefully keep the rats out. Coop really easy to clean as they crap under where they sleep so takes 1 minute to scoop up and can make compost.

[BrownBootsandBacon]

Rats!!!

Absolutely not

I’ll take a look in the litter tray - a cat may be an option.

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Guinea pigs are very popular on MN! Also have a look at fancy rats, which I'm told make fab pets (much better than hamsters!)

[Aquamarine1029]

A cat would be a perfect pet for you. Caged animals are a massive pain in the arse, and unless the cage is meticulously cleaned, simply stink. My children had a guinea pig years ago, never ever again.

[Hoppinggreen]

Glad you’ve decided no before I could say the same!

[BrownBootsandBacon]

Thanks for the responses .

I’m heading over to the guinea pig board

[Costacoffeeplease]

Well done for accepting that you’re not in the right place for a dog at the moment

[pumpkinpie01]

I think an older dog would suit your family fine, a puppy no as they can be very destructive. Are there any dogs homes near you where you can have a dog on a trial basis ?

[Branleuse]

I think a cat would make a good family pet, even if youre not immediately drawn to them. My autistic kids find our cats really soothing and more predictable than a dog. They get a lot of joy out of them, especially if you get a jolly rescue neutered boy cat, theyre often more people friendly than female cats (in my experience), and leaving them 6 hours would be no problem