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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Should I get a dog

17 replies

Workinschoolmum · 18/07/2022 19:48

I’ve always wanted a dog could never have one I’ve recently moved into a lovely new house and was put in touch with somebody who’s rehoming there dog she’s 4 and a labradoodle
weve met her and she’s well behaved good recall no issues as far as I’m aware
the only thing is I work so I’m not home from 8-3 possibly 4 is that ok for the dog to be at home alone?
i really would love a dog but I’m an animal lover and just want to do what’s right for her
owners say she’s used to being alone long walk in morning then again in evening but she’s with other dogs and with me it would just be her and my cat
just hoping for any dog owners advice please

OP posts:
MadeForThis · 18/07/2022 19:50

Only the owners of that dog will know if it can be left alone for that long. I guess you would need a dog walker.

Hothammock · 18/07/2022 19:51

That is too long for a dog to be left alone. You could ignore this and try compensate when you are around as many do, and sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't. Why are they rehoming her? What are her issues? If you aren't at home, how will you help her overcome these issues let alone the new issues she will develop from being alone?

MbatataOwl · 18/07/2022 19:52

If she's used to having other dogs for company then I think it's likely she'll be quite lonely if left for that length of time.

godmum56 · 18/07/2022 19:53

I don't think its ideal for the dog. Some dogs are happy with daycare or a dogsitter/walker but some are not....also do you never go out at nights/weekends? its not just the time you are at work that you aren't with the dog. What about holidays? going places where the dog can't go?

coffeecupsandfairylights · 18/07/2022 19:54

No, that's too long without a break at midday. It should be fine if you can get a dogwalker in, though?

Newuser82 · 18/07/2022 19:57

Yes I'd say a dog Walker may be the answer. I don't think I'd be happy to leave a dog regularly for that period of time

Original poster
Workinschoolmum · 18/07/2022 19:57

My family are around to help and don’t go that many places a dog can’t go we do camping holidays so dog could come and it’s just me and the kids at the weekend not often gone all day

OP posts:
Ivedonethisthreetimealready · 18/07/2022 20:01

Why are they rehoming her?

Original poster
Workinschoolmum · 18/07/2022 20:04

They are rehoming her because it was there dads dog and his passed away no fault of the dog

OP posts:
Vicliz24 · 18/07/2022 20:11

Provided someone is around to let the dog out at lunchtime I think that's ok . I work 8.30 -4 and my DH is home for 45 minutes at lunchtime. I walk in the morning and he walks in the evening. As long as there's the opportunity for a wee etc in between. A bit of fuss too .

Roselilly36 · 18/07/2022 20:19

Too long to leave a dog IMHO, they like company and can sometimes be destructive if they get bored. What do you think your cat will make of sharing its home with a dog?

MyGirlDaisy · 18/07/2022 20:21

If she is used to having company during the day whether that’s human or canine then she needs to go to a home who can provide that. The general guidance for any dog is not to leave them for more than 4 hours. That’s also when it’s been built up over time, if the dogs owner has passed away then the dog will be grieving, she needs someone around with her. Lots of changes and new people and a new routine needs careful handling otherwise the dog might end up with separation anxiety.

Okeydoky · 18/07/2022 20:25

Welfare charities recommend no more than four hours in a 24 hour period alone ideally. Could you get a dog walker to take her out for an hour in the day to break it up?

Fenella123 · 18/07/2022 20:36

You need to budget.
Dog walker - how much a week?
Pet insurance - not just now, but how much will it be when they're 11 and you're very likely to be claiming in the next year or two?
Food - how much a week
Vaccinations, treats, toys, etc
Grooming?

Time - how long will it need walking every day?

Our dog is old and large and costs us about £3000/year when we add it all up.
And at the moment he has health issues which means he can't be kenneled for more than a day or two, so holidays are either going to be in the UK or one of us goes on their own. This sort of situation isn't hugely unusual - I've had other friends with the same deal.

Dogs are great but going in with your eyes open really pays off!

ohblowmedown · 18/07/2022 20:45

Can I rehome her instead, I'm at home all day 😬

Goawayangryman · 18/07/2022 21:05

Mmm I wouldn't in that situation, no. Not unless you can take several weeks off to help the dog settle in or it is an unusually independent dog (which labradors/ poodles tend not to be, particularly, but it depends....)

The risk is that your dog can't settle alone in a new place, and has to be rehomed again. That wouldn't be fair really. It'd be better if the current owners gave him or her up to a reputable charity who will have a waiting list as long as their arm.

Labradoodles can also be very costly for vet bills. Joint problems and allergies are common.

It's a major, major financial commitment. I can't stress that enough. Mine costs me what I would normally spend on one summer holiday (not flashy) and one very cheap unglamorous ski holiday to lowland germany a year. So... We don't have either any more! It's a week in UK in free accommodation for us.

Original poster
Workinschoolmum · 18/07/2022 21:10

Thank you all for your time to respond I do work In a school so do have the time over the summer to help her settle in but I do think I need to decide if I can afford a dog walker etc during the day when I can’t be there

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