[nightkhan]

so i've been thinking about getting a dog for awhile now. only thing that's really been holding me back is the fact that i live by myself. i'm trying to figure out if it would be a good idea since i'm at work m-f usually from 8:30 to 5ish. plus sometimes over the weekend or during the weeknights i'm at my gf's place.

so for those of you who have dogs and live by yourself, how do you manage?

if i were to get a dog, i'd be adopting one since realistically i don't have the time to train a puppy. this way i'd be able to find a dog that's already potty trained and house broken. i saw a dog this weekend, a shepherd/rottweiler mix, great mellow dog, and really sweet, but she's already 10+ years old, and i'm not sure adopting such an old dog would be the best. here's a picture of her....Lulu:



any feedback would be appreciated

[Tondtar]

Don't do it. No dog deserves an empty home.
They love people too much and become heartbroken when left alone for hours at a time.

You want a low maintenance companion? Get a cat ...or better yet ....A fish.

[scottwww]

Originally Posted by Tondtar

Don't do it. No dog deserves an empty home.
They love people too much and become heartbroken when left alone for hours at a time.

You want a low maintenance companion? Get a cat ...or better yet ....A fish.

+1. Cats still like it when people are around, but they do just fine by themselves. You can even leave them alone when you go on vacation by leaving enough food and water for them.

[Tondtar]

Originally Posted by scottwww

+1. Cats still like it when people are around, but they do just fine by themselves. You can even leave them alone when you go on vacation by leaving enough food and water for them.

Cats tolerate people around the house ...but they are cool

[Blake]

cats are awful. sorry cat people. dogs have way more personality than cats.

dogs rule. get 2 of them if you want them both to be happy. a companion dog really cuts down on dog boredom. they do need tons of human attention though. especially if they're young...if you're not around to teach them what's acceptable behavior, they form "bad habits" which are what they want to do naturally. they're like children that shit outside most of the time.

[xbook]

nightkhan,

I too used to have a similar apprehension about having a dog. But then I fostered a Chow Chow, and was talked into keeping her. My life has been EXPONENTIALLY better since my chow chow entered my life.

Just get the dog. You'll be thankful you did. It'll sleep most of the time you're away anyhow. It won't care as ong as it can see out of a window, or just leave on the TV like Enzo's Dad did.

['Cane]

My dog is alone for about 8 hours a day (5 days a week). She gets very anxious when I leave. Fortunately my sis just moved back to town and I am going to let her play with sis's two dogs every day.

[yomama69]

My wife and I are gone to work for 9-10 hours a day like most people. Our two dogs are alone for that time. It's not uncommon. They sleep as most dogs do all day.

[KiokenM3]

since lulu is older i assume she would be sleeping most of the day. i say do it. but its def gonna take the both of you some time to get used to each other. when i rescued my dog it took a good wk for him to adjust somewhat. if you do it, take a few days off of work to spend time with her and let her get used to you and your home. plus your rescuing a life, so make the last of her days the best ones. you will not regret the love she'll give you. for me, a life with no dog is no life at all.

[gonzo]

My dog is into various crafts to stay busy while I am away.

[nightkhan]

Originally Posted by gonzo

My dog is into various crafts to stay busy while I am away.

LOL

thanks for the response guys. still a pretty tough decision. i have like a gazillion reasons to finally get a dog, and only a few reasons not too, but those few reasons not to are pretty significant. just worried about the times when i'm not home overnight, have to really think this one through.

[gonzo]

You need a few trusted friends for the away times.

I have a few girlies whom love to come watch/play/walk my boy.

I fret like a parent too. "Did he poop"? etc....

They leave the radio on as well as the rain machine thingy next to my bed. He loves it too...I think.

[txusa03]

Just do it...when you spent the night at your gf, bring lulu with you...when you are out of town ask your gf to take care of lulu.../thread!

[timn]

It can work, but isn't ideal. I bring my dog into work 2-3 times a week. Otherwise, he stays home alone for 8 hours while I'm at work.

[DougLikesBMW]

Considering your circumstances, OP, I wouldn't do it.

Tondtar pretty much summed up my thoughts.

[jpsum]

It's tough. I have to limit my time away from home to 12 hours. My dog can hold it in for 12 hrs without a problem if I don't give him too much water in the morning. I sometimes travel for days at a time, so I have to send him to the kennel. It adds to my expense because they are so expensive ($40/night). But he loves the kennel, it's also good for him to see other dogs from time to time.

I believe leaving a dog home alone while you are at work it's fine. But you just have to walk them atleast once per day (more if you have an active breed), and spend some time with your dog when you are home. They are pretty much like human. They do miss you when you are gone, but if you play with them for just 10 mins every night, they are a happy dog all over again.

[lib]

Originally Posted by yomama69

My wife and I are gone to work for 9-10 hours a day like most people. Our two dogs are alone for that time. It's not uncommon. They sleep as most dogs do all day.

This is one way to approach the problem. If you're going to be gone often, having two dogs that can keep each other company is better than one who will be lonely.

Whatever you do, don't get a dog unless you can take care of it properly. I'd personally love a vizsla or a weimaraner right now but since I'm not around enough to take care of a dog like that I won't be getting one.

[JCtx]

Get a dog a year or two old, preferrably. A dog already 10 is probably going to start having problems soon, which require expensive veterinary care, and it's not going to last much longer.

As far as leaving them alone, I agree to get 2.

And finally, and most importantly, you need to pick a breed carefully and thoughtfully. If you pick a high energy dog, you'll have to exercise them an hour a day, or will tear your place apart. They also eat a lot, and poo a lot. If you want to take them places, choose a small breed, like a Yorkie, a Poodle, Bichon Frise, etc. Do your homework. Good luck.