I’m looking for a dog soon can anyone help me?

[dailywaffler]

I’m looking for a dog. I’d like a big dog that’s loyal has emotions and is cuddly. We’ve never owned a dog before, we’d like a dog that’s okay being alone for around 6 hours without having separation anxiety or depression etc i don’t want to upset the dog.

We’ve considered a German Shepard and a husky. We’ve realised a husky won’t enjoy alone time at all. German Shepard’s can be quite volitle which worries me. Labs are adorable but a little smelly as my partner has one and I often sense the smell.

I do also like the look of Nova Scotia duck golly retrievers they’re stunning. But again it needs to be a dog okay with being alone while we work.

Can anyone help? I don’t want my house destroyed while I’m gone to work or my garden with huge holes because it’s feeling alone. Any help?

@UhtredRagnarson

This sounds perfect for your requirements OP

This!!!

OP doesn't have the right lifestyle or expectations to deal with a living, breathing dog.

I had a dogue de Bordeaux, she was the perfect dog in every way. she would snore for hours on end or run for 10 miles only stopping to drink from puddles. She taught my son to walk and they idolised each other. she was 6 when she passed away and she was the oldest from her litter!
We currently have an 11 year old rottweiler who doesn't realise she's a dog (got told she was 8 weeks she was 4 weeks and kept in a cage with a nursing queen cat!!) She sleeps at least 20 hours a day and has done from the day we got her, we also have a Malinois X Akita who is ball mad she NEEDS to run 20 miles twice a day then a 20 minute nap and she wants to go again, she has akita fur so blows her coat twice a year but she is also the only dog I've ever know to sulk if you don't pick her up and rock her like a baby whenever you come back (whether its 1st thing in a morning, after the school run or even going to the toilet)

@HasaDigaEebowai

As a pp said, what you need is a cat. Your situation is complete unsuitable for a dog

I'm guessing you're misreading the part that I say I will wait for my parents to retire. I'm not going off and getting a dog right as we speak goodness me people on the internet can be so rude.

@BrokenNotDead

I had a dogue de Bordeaux, she was the perfect dog in every way. she would snore for hours on end or run for 10 miles only stopping to drink from puddles. She taught my son to walk and they idolised each other. she was 6 when she passed away and she was the oldest from her litter! We currently have an 11 year old rottweiler who doesn't realise she's a dog (got told she was 8 weeks she was 4 weeks and kept in a cage with a nursing queen cat!!) She sleeps at least 20 hours a day and has done from the day we got her, we also have a Malinois X Akita who is ball mad she NEEDS to run 20 miles twice a day then a 20 minute nap and she wants to go again, she has akita fur so blows her coat twice a year but she is also the only dog I've ever know to sulk if you don't pick her up and rock her like a baby whenever you come back (whether its 1st thing in a morning, after the school run or even going to the toilet)

My mums in love with Akita's but don't the have a volitle temper?

Why a husky or German shepherd? Are you just going for most appealing looks because I genuinely don't know why- as a potential first timer- you'd want one (nor your parents tbqh)

A cat or small/low energy dog would be better suited.

Echo what others have said. You need a cat. Especially if you are waiting for your parents to retire and take responsibility of a large breed dog whilst you are out for 6 hours a day

I would look at a rescue dog from 3yrs old up. They will be well past the puppy/teen destructive phase then and if you go to a smaller rescue where they foster the dogs should be able to give you a good idea of temperament.
If you really want a large dog then greyhound/lurcher/rottweiler/Staffie are probably your best bet for more placid in the house.
Akitas, GSD, Huskies are just too much work for someone who is out at work all day or retired people who don't already have a lot of experience dog training.
If you brush your dog regularly and hose it down if it gets muddy and wash when it needs it the smell shouldn't be unpleasant.
I would get in touch with a few rescues now, tell them what your looking for and ask for a home check pending your circumstances becoming suitable/them getting a dog in suitable for you.
Don't get too hung up on breeds.
I have two dogs and neither are the original plan (or even one breed) but wouldn't be without either now.

Older retired greyhound or Keeshond are relaxed and laid back. I disagree that a dog can never be left for six to eight hours. I taught school for 30 years and was gone from 7-5 daily. However, I always had at least two dogs so they had each other for company AND they had the run of the house and access to an enclosed and locked garden.Even then there were sometimes accidents in the house, but that is part of having dogs.
If you were open to midsize or small dogs, Cavaliers are cuddly and affectionate.

I agree with choosing breed carefully and sounds like you're putting a lot of thought into the right dog and ensuring the right care. Have you thought about a poodle or poodle cross as they don't shed hair but do need regular grooming. They are highly intelligent and very trainable. Groodles: Golden retriever cross poodle have such gentle personalities and depending on size (eg toy, miniature, standard) will vary in how much exercise they need. They are an extremely social breed and love to hang out with their human family at all times. Consider your weekends and holidays and how you will incorporate your furry friend. Good luck I hope you find your perfect four legged companion. Ours has changed our lives, we just love him to bits.

Are your parents experienced dog owners and if so which breeds have they had in the past?

If they are going to be having the dog 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, then it has to be a dog who suits their preferences. Who is going to have the dog on days your parents want to go out?

Have you had good discussions with them about training needs, daily exercise, other fun and games etc?

I had a greyhound who was happy at home whilst I was at work. She was 4.5 when I adopted her and a lovely dog but a bit aloof. I think greyhounds are a bit like cats that need a walk.

What breed would you reccomend. I'm a teacher so I'm not that flexible time wise. I'd happily use a doggy day care or trusted Walker though to keep it occupied. I'd just love some companionship and I've wanted a dog for years

I thought you said earlier in the thread that you couldn't afford the £500 a month needed for daily doggy daycare?

Your parents really should be the ones to choose their new dog.

Any breed of dog that’s left alone for 6 hours a day will become a volatile/nervous/unhappy dog.
If your parents are happy to have the dog whilst you work then that’s great but if it’s just a dog Walker popping in then I’m not sure you’ll end up with the well rounded dog you hope for, regardless of the breed.
If you choose a high energy breed like the ones you’ve mentioned then factor in 2 hours off lead walking a day also, otherwise even the company of humans will not be enough to keep them on the straight and narrow.

No rescue will rehome to anyone who leaves a dog for 6 hours a day.

And those people saying their dogs were fine left all day, exactly how do you know that?

@JayAlfredPrufrock

No rescue will rehome to anyone who leaves a dog for 6 hours a day.

And those people saying their dogs were fine left all day, exactly how do you know that?

I think it's something many people tell themselves to make them feel better, to be honest.

I've also read "well, he's fine because he sleeps all day" which totally ignores the fact that many dogs sleep for hours on end because they're bored or depressed.

Realistically it won’t just be 6 hours. OP is a teacher. I don’t know a single teacher IRL or on MN who just works 6 hours a day. They all talk about how many meetings they have and how much extra hours they’re doing and the work they have to spend hours doing at home. This is going to be one neglected dog.

@dailywaffler

I’m looking for a dog. I’d like a big dog that’s loyal has emotions and is cuddly. We’ve never owned a dog before, we’d like a dog that’s okay being alone for around 6 hours without having separation anxiety or depression etc i don’t want to upset the dog.

We’ve considered a German Shepard and a husky. We’ve realised a husky won’t enjoy alone time at all. German Shepard’s can be quite volitle which worries me. Labs are adorable but a little smelly as my partner has one and I often sense the smell.

I do also like the look of Nova Scotia duck golly retrievers they’re stunning. But again it needs to be a dog okay with being alone while we work.

Can anyone help? I don’t want my house destroyed while I’m gone to work or my garden with huge holes because it’s feeling alone. Any help?

How about a cat?

Absolutely no dog is fine and happy to be left alone for hours every day. Then 'left alone' for hours overnight. Why is it so difficult to understand that you shouldn't own a dog if you work full time, unless it can spend most of those hours in someone's company having its needs met and being looked after.

Rather than what dog you want based on looks think about what sort of dog would fit into your home set up and what you can offer the dog instead of vice versa.
Plus 6 hours alone is too long, I appreciate you say you will get a walker and your parents may be able to help but that might not suit your dog.

Are your parents sure they want to be unpaid dog day care? It's a lot to ask of them. My PIL are just finding out how much work it can be (and they have always owned dogs)

Do you live close to school? All teacher dog owners I've known have gone home at lunch time to let the dog out and check on it.

In terms of breeds. My in laws have had rough collies. Big and cuddly and their ones have always been quite docile

You can't get a dog if you work full time outside of the home. And no teachers are only out 6 hours.

Do your parents want a dog? Because that's what you're proposing.

@JayAlfredPrufrock

No rescue will rehome to anyone who leaves a dog for 6 hours a day.

And those people saying their dogs were fine left all day, exactly how do you know that?

Did mine talk to you and tell you they weren't?

Some dogs have separation anxiety just like some people.
Two or more dogs left together can be fine and happy -if they are not locked in a crate or a laundry room, but instead have food, water, toilet access and the house to roam through. Just like a person home alone.

Why do you want a large dog ?
What sort of dogs do your parents have experience of ?
Has any of you ever owned a dog before, so had to train one ?
Akita's are very powerful, quite wilful dogs, not really for an inexperienced owner, they will soon get the better of you given half the chance !
What are you going to do with the dog when you are not working, so are you interested in any dog activities like agility, canicross or do you just want a dog to chill with ?