Dog .v. Full Time Job

H

Helga1980

Well-Known Member
Joined
11 July 2006
Messages
496
Visit site
A topic that seems to cause a bit of debate when I raise it with friends.

Is it possible to own a dog while working full time?? There wouldn't be anyone to walk the dog mid-day but there would a secure garden (of reasonable size) that could be made accessible.

I would love to get a dog but haven't done so far due to my working full time but am surprised by the number of people who combine the two and am now wondering if I'm being over cautious.
 
Hi I have a Rottie and a GSD and both my OH and myself work full time. They get walked at night time and occasionally come to the stable yard with. YO doesn't like dogs at the yard or they would be with me every night. I have had 3 GSD all my life and worked full time. They have all been rescued dogs and I have never had any problems with them. In general they sleep most of the day
 
Personally I wouldn't want to leave a dog with access to the garden when I wasn't home. Dog theft is on the increase with lots of dogs stolen from their own back gardens.
Wouldn't it be possible to get someone to pop round at lunch time and let the dog out and spend a bit of time with it?

Sue
 
Can you get 2 dogs so they at least have company? Personally I think it's a bit unkind to leave a single dog with no stimulation at all for 8 hours 5 times a week but people have to work so it's up to the owner to make sure the dog is as happy as possible. When I go out I make sure my dogs have a good walk beforehand so they're tired, leave some treat balls and bones around and leave a radio on and they seem fine but they do have each other to play with.
 
I work fulltime and 3 out of 5 lunchtimes get home. The days I don't, Morse is fine. He gets walked every night for about an hour. He has a garden to go into mornings and lunchtimes when I get home. However this week I am off work sick and he is most p*ssed off - I am here and not doing much and he is well peeved! He can't sleep as much as he wants as he is too nosey!! I think its a case of what they get used to from an early age..
Good Luck.
 
The only reason I haven't got a dog is because I work full time, and think that it's simply unfair for a dog to be left in the house all day on its own.

Plenty of people beg to differ - it's just not for me. I feel bad enough leaving the cats.............
 
I am totally and utterly against it unless the dog is aged or a breed that needs minimal exercise (yet to meet one) and has company. Dogs still maintain the wolf attributes due to their breeding and still have the need to wander and sniff and gauge a territory. If they spent all night up and about hunting then to leave them alone all day with access to a graden would not be so bad but to expect a dog to be that sedentary is in my eyes unacceptable. I gave up the prospect of a job to be a full time dog slave to our dog and he enjoys every single minute of his 4-6 (4 now that he is older) hour sessions a day. I am not saying this is essential for all dogs as we have a hunting breed, but do not mistake acceptance and tolerance (most dogs are highly adaptable) for enjoyment. Just because a dog sleeps does not mean it would not rather be out doing something unless it is genuinely tired. What are it's choices???
I say think carefully but again you are totally to be commended for thinking about this BEFORE getting a dog. Best of luck to you.
 
I would say the best senario in your case would be for the dog to have access to the garden through the day e.g a dog flap or an outside kennel in a secure garden and for you to get 2 dogs.
 
I have a dog who is left on her own from 9 until 4 everyday. There are 5 people in my house, 4 full time and one at school hence it only being 9-4 also my mum works 5 mins away so she goes up at lunch somedays.
My wee dog get walked once a day for anywhere between half an hour to two hours a day. She's 5 years old but is very laid back. During the day she is in our open plan kitchen and dining room with plenty of water and a good sizeed bed. She sleeps the whole day. Even on days we're off (meaning holidays not just sat and sun) she can't undertand why we're all in the house but sticks to her little rountine and goes and sleeps unless being out walking or playing! But it can be difficult to get her to play during th day cos she's like 'Nooo! You're supposed to be in work, leave me alone!'
 
I used to have a Boxer who was at home during the day. She would come to the yard with me in the morning and have a good walk. One of us would go home at lunchtime to spend some time with her and she would be walked again in the evening. She had access to the garden through dog door. She was absolutely fine and most lunchtimes woulodn't even bother getting up to say hello! I think they get used to a regular routine and it is change from this that upsets them - if we had been at home all the time when she was a puppy and then gone to work when she was older I am sure we would have had problems but she was a very happy, balanced dog. She now lives with my ex and goes to work with him.
 
I have a dog and work full time, I inherited her from a friend(who actually still owns her but can't keep her in her flat.) There used be 2 of them but sadly one passed away at 15 so the other is now on her own. She is 12 and is perfectly happy as she has access to the garden during the day. Out of choice I wouldn't work full time and keep a dog on their own, but I realise I couldn't get a puppy with working and it wouldn't suit my circumstances either. I probably wouldn't recommend getting a dog if you work full-time, but if the dogs are older and have company and circumstances make it necessary it can work.
 
I have 2 (1 is 10 and 1 is 18months) and work fulltime although I am lucky and can generally either get home at lunchtime/during the day so they arent left too long.Sometimes I think that it unsettles them more though. They are walked before work, have a rest -then get breakfast and go to sleep! considering thats what they do when I'm there I tend not to worry about it .
I thought alot about access to the outside but it wouldnt suit the older dog and security is an issue. Personally, as long as they get plenty of exercise before and after most dogs seem fine-they have plenty of toys and chews.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just because a dog sleeps does not mean it would not rather be out doing something unless it is genuinely tired. What are it's choices???


[/ QUOTE ]

This is a <u>very</u> good point.

I believe dogs go into a state of depression when left for long periods alone and their only option is to sleep. People say 'Oh he/she's fine when I get back' Well of course they are when the owner returns because the owner has returned! But just imagine as a person you are left for upwards of 8 hours a day, five days a week with NOTHING to do but sleep (bearing in mind there's nothing to do for 8 hours overnight but sleep either).....You'de be really pleased to see someone at the end of the day too!
 
Ive got a 10month old puppy and work 9-4 (leave house at 830 everymorning) - Puppy has a cage which she goes in quite happily to sleep, and my mums dog is at home too plus they get the tele left on for them. Mum comes home at lunch time (12-1) to let the out in the garden and have a play, then i get home around 4 each day and they both come down the yard with me and go for a long walk around the fields. Or mum will take them in the car to the newforest whilst i do the horse. Either way they get a good walk every evening.

Id never ever leave them so they could get in the back garden, there is so much dog theft going on these days its just not worth the risk.
 
No way would I let The Beast roam free in the garden. People would be crazy to try and take her. She'd go buck daft but still don't like the thought! She also has lots of toys and boredom breakers eg those 'kong' things you put food into and she has to play with to get the food out. Although sometimes she huffs with it if she doesn't get food quick enough!

I know someone who owns a pug (so not even an outdoor dog!) that is left outside most of the day and night. Only brought in at bedtime and yet complain that she's hyper. Of course she is! She's actually getting some attention for a change. And yet one of them works part time and her OH full time but she'd just leave the dog outside! Makes me so angry. Doesn't deserve to have a dog.
 
I have 2 st bernards and both me and my partner work full time. They are out in the garden all day but they have each other, food , water and a large kennel that is open. My back garden is fully secured with 2 gates and 6 foot solid fencing all the way round.

I have no problems living my girls out.
 
I do believe many dogs can be happy and well-adjusted when left during the day ... although a lot depends on their nature and how they have been reared.

OH and I both work full time and our dog (four-year-old Dalmatian) is often left from 8.45 to as late as 5 pm on weekdays. However, she always has a 45-minute walk before (and after) work, and afterwards seems quite happy to curl up on the sofa (I know!) at a safe distance from old ginger boss cat, who definitely offers some form of slightly ferocious company.

Our daughters do have LONG (10-week) summer holidays from school, and at least one half day each week, which helps to break up the routine. Also, I was working from home when we first got her ... she was at least six months old when I went back to an office job. This routine would NOT suit a small puppy or an elderly dog.

I know she sleeps a lot during the day, but genuinely don't think this amounts to a depression. We make up for it with loads of attention and interaction during the evening and at weekends ... sometimes think she quite likes to have a bit of a break from us and a bit of peace and quiet.
 
It depends very much on the breed. When I got my first dog I worked full time and was an hour commute away from home so no chance to get back for lunch. I picked a breed that was very independent - Scottish Terrier - and was also small enough to have a dog flap that wouldn't also allow burglars in! It seemed to work fine... he was a happy little dog and could go out into the yard whenever he wanted. He was a very independently minded dog though and not at all clingy.

Now I'm lucky enough to work at home most of the time but I still have a dog flap as I do sometimes have to go away for full days. I do get my parents to come over and check on the little mutts though if I'm going to be away all day as I now have a Tibetan Terrier - and they do like company.

So if you're going to do it pick the right breed (terriers are usually the most independent as most of them are bred to work on their own) and maybe get two. I'd hate to just have the one dog now as I know having two they are much happier together.
 
I disagree totally and feel that this is a classic case of anthropomorphising an animal. A Dalmation for example was bred to be a carriage dog and go many many miles a day. Making up for it at weekends is not something a dog can associate with and can be detrimental as all week they do the basics then are asked rather a lot over the weekend.Animals like a time routine but they also require and like new stimuli...it's in their nature. If they have no choice, they will tend to shut up and put up.
I am not going to argue with anybody and do not want this to turn into a nasty posting, however I feel very strongly about this and I am open to being otherwise persuaded in a good old debate.
 
As I wrote ... my dog is exercised for an hour and a half EACH day (and I am talking about vigorous off-the-lead free running exercise, not just being let into a garden or walked round a park), and MUCH more than this on non-work days when she gets a mix of free running behind our horse, walks in the woods, and hikes to new places.

She has a VERY varied life, lots of different stimuli, and goes to lots of different places and does lots of different things with us. We are lucky to live in a very dog friendly country: for example, once a twice a week she loves dropping into the local bar restaurant for a bowl of water and a biscuit after her evening walk, and she accompanies us on very many other activities as well.

How on earth am I a "classic case" of "anthropomorphising" an animal? She is a very fit, healthy, happy and well-adjusted dog.

I'm astonished that people can sometimes be so judgmental on the internet about people/situations they have never encountered in real life. You could have made a general point on this topic, rather than a specific criticism.
 
I can be judgemental only on what you wrote in the first post. and you have now elaborated to say that your dog gets a lot more varied work than was first proffered. I think I was being fair. I accept that your dog's life sounds a lot better in the second post. Good for you!
However i still think that 45 mins for a fit non aged Dalmation is not enough ...that is my opinion. I have no problems with you disagreeing with it.
I do not want this to be a slanging match and will answer any debate you wish. I differ in opinion, my perrogative. You also have the same right.I did make a general point on this thread if you scroll up. Maybe you would like to agree to disagree?
I wish you no ill feelings.
 
I had quite a few 'friends' tell me how cruel I was being when I planned to get my first dog. The proof was in the happy, well adjusted dog I ended up with. If a dog's unhappy he can't vocalise it but he can demonstrate it by howling, barking or being destructive. He didn't do any of those things. But as I've stated before I chose the breed very carefully. My brother did the same but went for a cocker spaniel - dogs bred to work closely with human beings - and he got many more problems with his dog than I did with my scottie.
 
hi there
i dont feel anyone is in a position to judge which is right or wrong. at the end of the day as long as you are giving a good kind home to a animal which could be in bad conditions like the GSD's which are skinned alive for fur coats!!!!

i think and feel it's what suit's you best i have had dog's for many years both at home and them after i have moved out to my own home.
i have always been lucky to have good neighbours/friends who have always let my pet out for awee/ walk during the day but we want these animals and other things in life so for very many work is a means to an end unless we are lucky enough to not have to work and an endless bank account
you will know yourself what dog is best for your needs contact your vet and ask if there is adog trainer/behaviour therapist who will help you and give you honest advice re diffrent breeds if not contact me and i will put you in contact with a very good dog trainer/therapist

good luck and your heart will guide you
emma
 
I made the mistake of doing this when I was younger, it was a nightmare. I used to go home every lunchtime but the dog was clearly distressed and became destructive. Eventually we got another dog to keep him company, and built them a run and shelter in the garden. Where they barked all day and annoyed the neighbours. Really, it probably depends on the dog, but dogs are essentially pack animals and do not like being on their own. Having had dogs when working part-time and working from home, I can see the difference in the way they settle. I have never left a dog unattended all day, and never would.
 
"I gave up the prospect of a job to be a full-time dog slave to our dog." You see, I did read your post!

Lucky you ... and you can still afford the food, shelter, health care and associated things a healthy dog requires.

Personally, I don't think my dog needs or wants a slave (she certainly chooses to sneak away and snooze on a bed for long periods on the many days when all five of us are all around fulltime) but is happy being one part of a caring and very active household. I think she is probably happier and more secure in the knowledge that her owner is her master.

I'd be the first to urge anyone contemplating a dog to think very carefully about how it will fit into their lifestyle, to look into the specific requirements of each breed and ... above all ... to talk to people who actually have that sort of dog and spend some time with one if possible.

Being a carriage dog is just ONE thing DalmatiAns have done during their long and varied history (they've also been sheep dogs and guard dogs) and they do need a lot of exercise.

However, I would argue that it is the overall lifestyle that matters at the end of the day ... one can't just judge that "45 minutes is not enough" without considering how many times during the day that 45 minutes takes place, the nature of the exercise (whether on or off lead, when a dog can cover five or six times as much ground, and whether it involves playing with other dogs) and what happens on other days of the week/weeks of the year.
 
Could not agree with you more about dogs having a way of letting you know when you are not giving them what they need.

How much time you are at home is obviously a huge factor, but you do need to look at the wider picture and the quality/suitability of that time as well. I know a gorgeous Wiemeraner in a family with a stay-at-home mum and several small children, which chomped through half a kitchen because all its walks were attached to a buggy and it was in a state of almost continual over-excitement. Where we live now a dog three doors down drives people distracted with its barking. Its owners are around all day, but it spends most of its time shut in the garden which is covered in dog poo. Of course you can't assume that because a dog is quiet and well-behaved it is happy ... some do react by coming withdrawn ... but it is an indicator.

And even if you do all the homework, be prepared to make bigger changes than you expected. We've loved the changes dog-owning has brought about in our lifestyle, particularly the long early morning walks and all the people we have got to know while our dogs race and chase together.
 
Slave...Ho hum....you have taken that way out of context but never mind......I have interestingly enough been on the Dalmation expert sites some time ago researching something for a friend and it makes interesting reading. You forget I was reacting to your first post where said you did 45 mins. twice a day and generously I assumed it was off the lead. Not always will an unhappy dog be vocal. Some just resign themselves to what is available and often sleep is the only option. Before you jump to any great conclusion I have not stated your dog to be one such but dogs in general.( I appreciate you have noted this). You posted further to your original post elaborating. I also congratulated you on it. Yep a dog wants an Alpha. I assure you I am that but his needs come before my own were exercise and individual requirements are concerned. He is our first dog and we waited until the circumstances where as good as they could be to get him. I see that to be correct.
 
We're coping just fine. We have a 5 month old Labrador. I walk him before work in the morning (about 6.30) and he's left out until OH leaves for work at about 8.15. He has a huge cage which has been his "den" since 8 weeks old and he happliy sleeps in there all day. When you think about it, in the wild a bitch would leave her litter in a den and only allow them out when it was safe. If she went off they would stay in the den. When we get home (luckily I teach so tend to be back at home by about 5pm) I take him to the farm and let him run himself ragged. We also have a lodger who lets him out when he gets home from work at 4pm.

The cage might sound cruel, but we were advised this by a friend of ours (who bred our dog's mum) as it tends to make dogs far less destructive as they grow up and make them easier to train as well. We haven't had major disasters yet.

I have long holidays so spend lots of time with him then and luckily OH could take him to work if we know that we're going to be out for a long day or something - there is always a back up plan.
smile.gif


Forgot to mention that there's a cat around as well so she keeps him company
smile.gif
 
Thanks for all your responses, some very good food for thought there.

I suspect I'm going to stick with my 1 cat, 1 boyfriend lifestyle and just exercise my dad's dogs at the weekend!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top