Doggie advice needed...............
Doggie advice needed...............
Author
Discussion

batfink79

Original Poster:

3,018 posts

240 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
Hi all,

Hoping for a little advice from those of you that have had dogs please.
The other half and I have been considering getting ourselves a dog. we already have a cat that is coming up to a year old, and generally lords it about the house, and lives the life of riley! We are thinking that we would also like a dog, perhaps something like a Labrador. One of our main concerns is that it won't get the attention it needs/deserves. We both work during the week, the other half works from home one or two days, sometimes more. The house is reasonable sized, three bed detached, and it is only the two us + cat that lives in it. The other half is concerned the dog won't have enough room, will destroy the house, and will not be happy when left alone during the day. The cat is happy enough, but TBH I think it views us as simply stealing its oxygen!
For those of you that have had dogs, is there any potential pitfalls we haven't considered, do you think it would be a sensible decision, and even if it isn't the most sensible decision, would the benefits of having one as a member of the family outweigh the concerns?


Thanks all


Finkers

Jasandjules

72,640 posts

259 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
Dogs are pack animals - I don't think it's fair to leave them alone all day. What about two dogs?

Fittster

20,120 posts

243 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
If it wasn't for the cat I'd say a greyhound. The don't need the constant attention other breeds seem to require, they are perfectly happy to sleep the day away.

Catherine197

9,586 posts

273 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
We have 2 dogs and we both work.

I work from home once a week and on the other days I tend to pop in during the day. When we are out all day we pay for a dog sitter to come in for an hour and give them a walk. I think we pay about £8.70 for that.

Part of that is because Ben our elderly GSD needs to go to the loo every 5 hours as he has dodgy plumbing.

Cheeky Jim

1,276 posts

310 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
Lab's, retrievers etc are working dogs... they need plenty of exercise and prefer the outdoors.

We have a Retriever and I work away from home quie a bit and to be honest, my wife struggles to give her the attention she needs when I'm away (what with 3 young kids to look after).

If you are both out alot, I would say it's a bit unfair on the dog.

Plus they end up pooing in the garden and picking up dog st is not a pleasant way to pass the time....


batfink79

Original Poster:

3,018 posts

240 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
Fair shout.

Its good to hear though, the worst thing would be to get one, give it a home and love, and then find its untenable...

Bugger!



Jasandjules

72,640 posts

259 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
Get two. Walk them in the evening. Or/and get a dog walker.

And you SHOULD be picking up their poo on a walk.

Stu R

21,673 posts

245 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
not the thread I was expecting.

getmecoat

batfink79

Original Poster:

3,018 posts

240 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
quotequote all
Picking up doggie Poo isn't a prob (as long as its ours!), two dogs maybe a bit too much to start off with though.........

frown

Luckyluciano

2,398 posts

247 months

Sunday 7th September 2008
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if your not going to be at home all day then i don't think it's fair.

E31Shrew

5,965 posts

222 months

Monday 8th September 2008
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Give Stan Collymore a call....oh sorry ...wrong topic

Brown and Boris

11,838 posts

265 months

Monday 8th September 2008
quotequote all
Choose a smaller, less intelligent breed and get two.

Intellgent dogs get bored and thats when they do damage.

I certainly wouldn't leave a dog, let alone a large dog that needs sitmulation and exercise alone in the house all day. My daughter had a lab which vitually destroyed her house when she was out. She got a second lab and once they were both out of puppy stage they settled really well. She and her housemate work different shifts which helps in terms of walks and toileting. In her lowest momnets as they ate her shoes, skirting boards, doors and table legs she did think about puting a large run on the back of her garage so they could be outside when she was out but with shelter in the garage, but didn't have to in the end.

Cheeky Jim

1,276 posts

310 months

Monday 8th September 2008
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
And you SHOULD be picking up their poo on a walk.
Absolutely concur...

Dog poo is disgusting whereever it maybe left...