Dog owners who work full time..

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Si.

Si.

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Hi,

Any dog owners here who also work full time.. I've been thinking of getting a dog for some time and just wanted to know if any full time workers own dogs and if so what do you do to take care of the dog through the day?

I've heard of dog walkers and things like that but i'm not really sure about them.

Any advice appreciated.
 
our dog is fine on its own in the day, mind you she is 15 today and probably sleeps most of the day :o

when we had her we were told it is best to spend at least the first couple of weeks constantly with them (bonding), and gently ween them onto half days, then full days a few weeks later. back then my mum worked part time so it was pretty ideal.
 
If they're fully trained, you can probably leave them at home on their own. Just make sure you give them food, water, etc I guess...
 
If you're going to get a dog, don't get a puppy, get a trained adult.

I can't stand people who buy puppies and just leave them at home all the time whilst they work.

Or just don't get one at all if you're only going to have time for it when you're not working.
 
Whilst I'm not advising you against getting a dog you have to make sure that what you can offer is fair to them, for example if you are working all day is it reasonable to leave them home all the time? I mean I hear what your saying about pet sitters/ dog walkers but if you are paying someone else to look after your dog through the day what's the point of having them?

If you go for a puppy you may have difficulties with long expansive times away (e.g. toilet training etc.) Therefore an older dog may be more suitable?

Like i said I'm not trying to put you off, just make sure your realistic about what your expecting and make sure you pick a dog that meets those needs rather than one that 'looks cute'!!!!

(I'm the canine behaviourist for Cornwall t/a Best Behaviour, so if you want any help send me a message)

xxx
 
I've had a dog since a puppy and work all day, she is fine. I do get home a lunchtimes probably 3 times a week and walk her, if not walk her as soon as I get home in the evening (rain or shine).

One thing to note is, they will sleep all day so will want to play all evening, be ready for that! (oh and she gets grumpy if I disturb her sleep to take her to work :D )
 
When we got our labarador puppy, I was supposed to be off work, but got called back much sooner than expected. We had timed it so that he would not be alone for the first couple of months, but it never happened, so he took it out on our kitchen and ate the lot!! All the cupboard doors took a mauling as did the lino on the floor, the door frame, the kitchen door, the veg rack and even a sack of onions. We couldn't blame him at all, so we got a friendly neighbour to help out for a few weeks until things settled down again at work.

Get your self a 'failed' guide dog or police dog. I know 3 people who have done this and the dogs are fabulous.

Good luck and don't forget the photos.
 
Behemoth said:
If you find it's not possible to have a dog, but want apet, then get a cat :)

Or if you want a proper pet but think its not possible to have a dog, get a Rat. ;)
 
I look after my friends (another forum member) dog monday to friday most weeks as he is unable to take him to work but as i am a delivery driver i can pick him up and drop him off during the day. It's good for him as he isn't stuck in all day and it's company for me.

Oh yeh and he's really cute so the ladies love him to bits. ;)
 
theredguy said:
I look after my friends (another forum member) dog monday to friday most weeks as he is unable to take him to work but as i am a delivery driver i can pick him up and drop him off during the day. It's good for him as he isn't stuck in all day and it's company for me.

Oh yeh and he's really cute so the ladies love him to bits. ;)

That rocks! I didn't know you could take dogs with you.
 
I'd love a cat but the Fiance is allergic.

For those who leave them all day what do you do? are they only allowed in one room or given the run of the house.

I was planning on taking the first 2-3 weeks off work to let the puppy settle then hopefully come home for lunch 2-3 times a week for the month after that, then down to once a week or none after that.
 
Si. said:
I'd love a cat but the Fiance is allergic.

For those who leave them all day what do you do? are they only allowed in one room or given the run of the house.

I was planning on taking the first 2-3 weeks off work to let the puppy settle then hopefully come home for lunch 2-3 times a week for the month after that, then down to once a week or none after that.


Buy the biggest puppy pen (or a huge cage) you can get

http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk/erol.html#4776x0&& and leave them in that whilst you're out.

Keep them in it whilst you're out until they've grown up enough to be trusted not to chew anything up, then when they're a year old or so, you should be able to just give them run of the house if they've been brought up properly
 
Mr_White said:
Buy the biggest puppy pen (or a huge cage) you can get

http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk/erol.html#4776x0&& and leave them in that whilst you're out.

Keep them in it whilst you're out until they've grown up enough to be trusted not to chew anything up, then when they're a year old or so, you should be able to just give them run of the house if they've been brought up properly

Does that really work? I'm in the same situation as the OP, but i live in flats and are worried about the dog barking all day.
 
I have 2 dogs (and 2 cats).

Both myself and t'other half work full time.
Fortunately we are both self employed and have a purpose built office where we live so, no problems for us.
 
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