Owning a dog and being out at work?

[Animagus]

Our DD is 12 and she has always wanted a pet. I had a dog growing up and she was a much loved member of the family.

We would love a dog but have avoided getting one up to now, as DH works full time and I work part time (3 days a week) and we didn’t like the idea of leaving a dog alone for several hours on some days. Now that DD is at secondary (and only 5 mins away), she could come home at lunch on my work days and, the rest of the time, there would always be somebody around. We would look into getting a dog walker/sitter too.

Have any dibbers made this or a similar situation work?

I know a cat would be easier, but both DD and I are allergic.
All opinions welcome. Thanks

[hexagon]

That’s when we got my current dog. I walked home at lunchtime and gave it a quick walk. Parents worked full time. It worked well. Dog had a little pen in the kitchen, then run of the kitchen when it was a bit older.

As long as your daughter will stick to her end of the bargain, I think it would work well and is a good idea. Or you get a dog walker.

[mitch84]

All I would say, is that it’s very hard as a puppy, as if you get it at 8 weeks old, you are literally taking it out for wee’s every 20 mins.
I work 8.30-5, but my husband works 7-2, so he gets left from 8-2.15. That’s ok now he’s bigger, but was very tricky and we needed a lot of help when he was a tiny pup.
I walk him for 45 mins before work every day, rain, snow, hail etc, and he gets a good 2 hours running around of an evening so he really just sleeps 8-2.
Maybe the beginning of your DD’s summer hols so you can get the dog trained?

[princessgem]

We both work full time and have a dog. He is 18 months old now and we haven’t looked back. It was stressful at first I felt awful leaving him but there are only 4 days in the week when we are both at work all day, two of those days we have a dog walker take him for an hour (which he loves she is brilliant), and the other two I come back at lunch for 30-40 mins and play with him/let him out.

We had put off getting one for the same reasons as you but discussed it and realised there will never be a good time to have one there will always be obstacles, our dog does not go without and he gets so much attention from us otherwise.

I’m sure some people will disagree as I have seen on here before, and every dog is different! For us and our lovely dog it has worked out well and he is a happy little thing.

[princessgem]

I need to add we didn’t have him from a puppy we rehomed him at about 10 months old so he was already toilet trained.

Also we have family close by so if we were ever stuck MIL or my mum would help!

[Animagus]

Originally Posted by princessgem

I need to add we didn’t have him from a puppy we rehomed him at about 10 months old so he was already toilet trained.

Also we have family close by so if we were ever stuck MIL or my mum would help!

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Our current thinking is to get a slightly older dog. As gorgeous as a puppy would be, we would be unlikely to manage the toilet needs. Both DH and I are teachers, so we will have the summer hols, but would still need a dog who is a bit older I think.

[soooexcited!]

I think the biggest bit of advice my friend gave me when I got ours is don't rely on the kids to always help out. What happens when they want to go out all day can you get home? The longest I like to leave our dog is 4 hours but I know my DD leaves him longer If I don't ring and chase her up. Both my children made lots of promises to walk Bill I can't remember the last time they did.

[sammykitten]

Originally Posted by soooexcited!

I think the biggest bit of advice my friend gave me when I got ours is don't rely on the kids to always help out. What happens when they want to go out all day can you get home? The longest I like to leave our dog is 4 hours but I know my DD leaves him longer If I don't ring and chase her up.
Both my children made lots of promises to walk Bill I can't remember the last time they did.

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this is exactly why we've never had a dog. My DD and OH have both in the past mentioned wanting to get one, but I know them, and I know it would be me who would be left to look after a dog, train it, make sure it got enough exercise etc. Nope, not happening, as I work.

[floridasgirl]

Is your dd actually allowed out of school at lunch? I know none of the schools round here allow pupils off site during the day.

[Animagus]

Originally Posted by floridasgirl

Is your dd actually allowed out of school at lunch? I know none of the schools round here allow pupils off site during the day.

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Now you come to mention it, I’m not 100% sure that is allowed. Think I’ll send an email to clarify this.