Full time work with dogs & horses!

Thanks again everyone, I think you've all confirmed what I already knew and that we will have to wait till our personal situation changes in some way. I've grown up with dogs and I'd love to have our own as I miss not having them around but I just don't think it will be fair. I don't think we can afford doggy day care on the scale we would need so unless mum and dad want a third dog on weekdays we will just have to be patient and wait till we have more time available.
 
It would be difficult and I’m not sure I’d do it in your shoes. I’m lucky I work full time but long days so dogs only alone 3 days a week, 1 of those they hAve dog Walker, another go to my mums all day to play with her dogs and third day next door let’s them out/plays with them. I’m also happier now we have 2 dogs leaving them as they get more playtime together. When puppies they had dog walker twice a day on the days my mum didn’t have them.
But if your after a rescue dog then I guess even 4.5hours in the week and all weekend with someone is better than being in a rescue kennels where I imagine they are lucky to get more than an hour socialising.
Also maybe an option but a lot of assistance dog training companies (canince pargners does defo) look for weekend dog fosterers which may give you the best of both worlds.
 
For what it's worth I 100% think you've made the right decision. As others have said you may find the pleasure of seeing your dog for those very short hours during the week negates all the work and effort that goes into having a dog and making suitable care arrangements. Obviously a doggy day care would be the best option as, no matter how wonderful and reliable your parents are, there will always be times when they can't commit to visits or your plans change. Arranging last minute care for a dog can be incredibly stressful and not always possible. I also agree the outdoor dog run and kennel isn't ideal, dogs are sociable creatures and do best in a home with others around them. The first year or two of getting a dog tends to require a lot of dedication to training, socialisation, various vet appointments etc all of which can be very time consuming and you may struggle to balance your time as it sounds like you already lead a busy and fulfilling life. We waited until I could start my own business from home before getting a dog and I'm glad we did. Dogs are wonderful companions and I have no doubt you will enjoy the pleasure of having your own dog/s in future but I would 100% advocate waiting until the timing is better so that you can really enjoy the whole experience rather than trying to fit it in around an already busy life, which may just make you feel like your energies are being spread too thin. The guilt of leaving a dog alone for longer than ideal can be immense and is sadly the reason why many people who go into full time work end up putting their dogs up for rehoming. It will happen for you and there's no rush :)
 
It would be difficult in your situation, but I understand the desire for a dog. You could maybe do it if you had a dog walker a couple of times throughout the day or send your dog to doggy daycare... but I'm not sure I would do it. I don't think a puppy would work, you'd have to look for an older, low energy breed.

OH and I have just rescued a dog. We both work full time, this is how we do it.
I walk the dog in the morning, I used to go to the yard but I now pay for the yard to turn out. The dog then goes to my parents house to spend the day with their two dogs (at around half 7 - my parents both work), they're left around 4 hours. My mum then comes home for her lunch and takes them all out for a walk, I time my lunch so that I get back when she comes back from the walk and therefore the dogs have around an hour and a half of company at lunch time. They are then left and I finish work at around half 3 so they're only left 2 - 3 hours in the afternoon. Most days I go pick the dog up and we go back home and play some games/train. When OH gets home from work (he works further away than me) I go to the yard and do the horse. Sometimes, OH gets the early bus home and gets the dog first, he is back around 4 to pick the dog up.

Weekends are based around the dog and horse. I don't know what a lie in is. I normally do horse in the morning and OH walks the dog, then we ride in the afternoon. If we're off for a hack dog comes with, if we're schooling sometimes dog comes with or sometimes we'll leave him at home if he's already been for a second walk that day and is tired out.
 
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