Thinking about getting my first dog

kinger8938

kinger8938

kinger8938

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We have recently moved in to our first house togeather and are starting to think about a pet, ideally a dog :)

However i havent a clue where to start/look and how much to spend etc. I suppose it starts by choosing a breed

We are thinking something on the smaller scale, she likes ****zhus (if thats how ots spelt) but im not to sure about those. Seem like they need extra grooming etc compared to other shorter haired breeds

Also whats the general concensus on owning a dog but working 9-5? I know this can be frowned upon but i imagine i could work in a way to get home on lunch etc.

What breeds could you suggest as good beginner dogs (<lol weird concept but i hope its understood).

What sort of costs should i expect? I imagine yearly vacs etc and initial vet visits need to be taken in to account

Thanks :) also we do have a garden and lots of walking areas right on the door step so that side of things is covered!
 
Don't buy a breed on "looks"

If you're looking at a simple dog to look after, short hair, not one of the intelligent breeds (these learn from you, without you realise you're teaching them, so can be a hassle to train), avoid pedgree breeds, research common illnesses and genetic problems with each breed to see how much vet care may cost you in the future.

If you're both working 9-5, what is your plan when it's a puppy? Leaving a grown dog alone isn't so bad if it can be trusted and has plenty of toys, but leaving a puppy is not only unfair, but it will be a nightmare.

If you can't sort shifts out between you to care for a puppy, then consider a rescue dog, and go talk to your local centres for advice too.
 
Cats are never a better option :p

As mentioned I'd look at rescue, our last few dogs have been rescue and they've all been great, and it seems pointless to pay far more for a pedigree, or even a home breeder, that's just adding to the problem of dogs being homeless/having to be put down.

9-5 with an adult dog is fine as mentioned, not sure it'd be fair on a puppy.

Budget for insurance, vets bills can be eye wateringly expensive if anything goes wrong, and presumably you're going to want the best care for him/her...
 
In this case, do not get a rescue.

Focus on a breed that is well known for being happy left alone while you are at work.

I'm rather fond of Labradoodle's and Goldendoodles. I never was, until I met some. Wonderful, soppy family dogs. Very laid back.

Here is a list of breeds known for tolerating being alone. (link)

Personally I would avoid most small breeds, as they can be terrible when left alone (as in not liking it). Also, you will both probably end up babying a small dog, which is really bad for them. Lots of the 'small dog' mentality comes from this.
 
A rescue is an angle i hadnt even considered but is a great idea for sure

A cat is also being considered, no area for a cat flap though :( just rear glass doors, but a tray and a bit of training to let us know when it wants to go out could solve that
 
Don't get a dog if you're working 9-5, IMO, it's not fair. Some breeds are more tolerant of this than others, and it does depend to an extent on your living circumstances (can they run outside, etc.) but it's not a great start.

If you want a pedigree breed, be prepared to pay. A rescue dog may be a cheaper option but you'll need to properly research the animal's background - rescue homes will advise if you go down this route. Do some research into which breeds have suitable temperaments for your needs (family, children, etc.)

As for costs - pet insurance will start at about £20-25/month, say the same again for vet fees over the year (injections, checkups, regular treatments like fleas and worms), though it does vary by breed. Food varies in type and quality of course but assume at least £40-50/month. Add on other costs - toys, bedding, kenneling.
 
Don't get a dog if you're working 9-5, IMO, it's not fair.
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It really depends on the breed, or the dog in question.

Expecting a rescued yorkshire terrier to stay at home alone would not be fair (for example).

But leaving a trained, secure dog, that you have had since a pup... Of a breed that can tolerate being at home alone? That is a different story.
 
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Its a very divided opinion on that matter which is why i made this thread really, want to get an idea of peoples experiances on both sides of this arguement

All above answers are helping for sure keep it up :)
 
Threepwood said:
But leaving a trained dog that you have had since a pup and one that is of a breed that can tolerate being at home alone... and one that is a different story.
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But that's not what OP is suggesting, he's talking about getting a new dog (new to the household anyway) then leaving it alone 9-5.
 
Who will look after the dog while it is too young to be left at home alone?

It could take untill they are 1 year old until they can hold onto their pee and poo for 8 hours, for example.




AJK said:
But that's not what OP is suggesting, he's talking about getting a new dog (new to the household anyway) then leaving it alone 9-5.
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Eh?

I'm suggesting he gets a pup and raises said pup to be super great with being left alone. The first step of this is getting the correct breed for what he wants. The main thing to consider here is the leaving of the dog, alone.
 
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kinger8938 said:
A rescue is an angle i hadnt even considered but is a great idea for sure

A cat is also being considered, no area for a cat flap though :( just rear glass doors, but a tray and a bit of training to let us know when it wants to go out could solve that
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A cat is quite happy being indoors pretty much full time. Even if you do want to let it out, you can do so in the morning and they'll be content outdoors till you get home.

Personally if I had a cat, I'd be loathe to let it outside because of cars and other cats/dogs. But it really all depends where you live I suppose.

I'd suggest a cat is your better choice if you're both working 9-5.
 
Have you considered something like this?

ZZhINa4.jpg


It will wait patiently for you to return from work, is very low maintence and costs nothing to keep.
 
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