A Question for Dog People

[Handbag Lady]

The Husband and I are considering rescuing a dog, any dog. We love animals and have the money and all to support one. We don't have this need to have a puppy and a grown dog would be just fine with us. We LOVE dogs.

We never got a dog in the past because we work from 8 am to 6 pm every M-F. A friend has convinced us that a dog would rather live with us than live in a shelter with no human contact.

But, don't they have to pee during the day? I couldn't go that long without visiting the throne. Would we have to get a sitter to come by daily? If we bought a doggie door for our sliding glass door so that the doggie could use the patio, would that work? We live in an apartment, but it is 1650 sq, feet with a back patio with a grassy/ tree area.

I guess my really big question is, is it inhumane to leave a dog alone for that long? We had always just had that mindset. How do you working people deal with having a dog?

We would have time at night and on the weekends. We don't have children, either. And we can't get a cat because I am allergic to the little darlings.

 

[JessicaR]

10 hours is pushing it. My dogs are camels and on occasion they have gone even longer (their choice) not on a daily basis though. My sister has someone show up (neighbor) mid-day to let her dogs out maybe that would be an option?

I'm not sure if this holds true for all dogs but my dogs are huge and don't need to go frequently and my sisters dogs are pomeranians and seem to go all the time.

I think rescuing a dog is just wonderful especially one that isn't a puppy! I hope you do it and post us some pictures!

 

[hj0519]

A dog door would work, yes. Or you'd want somebody to come in once to let them out.

My family's dog is alone from 7ish-5ish and we have some neighborhood kids come and let her out after school. We also send our dog to doggie daycare three times a week. She loves it and it burns her energy so the days she's at home alone she's content to sleep on the couch all day. I don't think it's inhumane, obviously, since we do it. Our dog is very spoiled and happy and doesn't seem any worse for wear from spending some of her days at home alone.

 

[horseshowmom]

The Husband and I are considering rescuing a dog, any dog. We love animals and have the money and all to support one. We don't have this need to have a puppy and a grown dog would be just fine with us. We LOVE dogs.

We never got a dog in the past because we work from 8 am to 6 pm every M-F. A friend has convinced us that a dog would rather live with us than live in a shelter with no human contact.

But, don't they have to pee during the day? I couldn't go that long without visiting the throne. Would we have to get a sitter to come by daily? If we bought a doggie door for our sliding glass door so that the doggie could use the patio, would that work? We live in an apartment, but it is 1650 sq, feet with a back patio with a grassy/ tree area.

I guess my really big question is, is it inhumane to leave a dog alone for that long? We had always just had that mindset. How do you working people deal with having a dog?

We would have time at night and on the weekends. We don't have children, either. And we can't get a cat because I am allergic to the little darlings.

I'm not gone that long. I leave at about 7 or a little after and get home by 3:15. There are some exceptions when I'm gone as long as you're talking about, but it isn't frequent. I will admit that my MinPin can sleep for 10-12 hours overnight and do fine. I'm just not sure how that would work on an everyday basis.

An adult dog will probably do better with what you have in mind. Have you possibly considered two dogs (I know that may be a stretch for you)? It's sometimes possible to find dogs that have been together but been given up (owner's age, economic reasons, etc.). They could entertain each other during the day. My experience has always been that two are really easier than one for that reason.

As far as going out, is there any chance that you have any reliable neighbors who might be willing to help out? I've never used the doggie doors. I would worry a little bit about them getting out, but that might not be a problem depending upon your patio (assuming they could catch on to what you have in mind). Any chance of coming home at lunch?

Thank you for considering adoption! There are so many animals that are destroyed daily due to a shortage of homes. Your friend has a point. While the dog may have to be by themselves some, it beats the alternative.

 

[hereyago]

Doggie door. Could you get 2 dogs? I know it sound crazy, but they would keep each other company, maybe a rescue had siblings. and they would be able to play and get that energy out.

Or do you have doggie day care near you? or as others suggested pay someone to come let the dog out and play.

Pictures when you do please.

 

[nathalee81]

The Husband and I are considering rescuing a dog, any dog. We love animals and have the money and all to support one. We don't have this need to have a puppy and a grown dog would be just fine with us. We LOVE dogs.

We never got a dog in the past because we work from 8 am to 6 pm every M-F. A friend has convinced us that a dog would rather live with us than live in a shelter with no human contact.

But, don't they have to pee during the day? I couldn't go that long without visiting the throne. Would we have to get a sitter to come by daily? If we bought a doggie door for our sliding glass door so that the doggie could use the patio, would that work? We live in an apartment, but it is 1650 sq, feet with a back patio with a grassy/ tree area.

I guess my really big question is, is it inhumane to leave a dog alone for that long? We had always just had that mindset. How do you working people deal with having a dog?

We would have time at night and on the weekends. We don't have children, either. And we can't get a cat because I am allergic to the little darlings.

My husband and I used to work the same hours and had two dogs. We also used to foster dogs for a rescue organziation and they knew about our hours, and they were fine with it. While I suppose some would think it isn't ideal, most pups (unless they have a medical condition) can hold it that long.

Here a couple of suggestions (although I am sure you will get some other great ideas).

1) Depending on the size of the doggie, you could train with "puppy pads". If you get a doggie that is about 25 pounds you could use these (there is no way our larger dogs could even fit all their pee onto a puppy pad ). They are little pads that you can train your pup to use and then you can just pick them up and throw them away.

2) Crate training. I know some people think this is cruel, but it was actually suggested to us by our rescue group. It is supposed to make the doggie feel more comfortable to have his own "space". It is also supposed to help with potty training, because I was told they do not want to use the crate as a potty place.

3) The doggie door is another great idea and I would say if you are comfortable using that method-go for it.

4) You could also use baby gates to segregate the pup in a tiled area, so if there are accidents they would be easier to clean up?

Your apt is bigger than my house, so I don't think that is an issue .

I just want to say thank you for adopting a pup and giving them a home. All of our animals are rescues and we love them so much and they have brought alot of love and laughter to our lives.

Good luck in your search for a new family member

 

[Handbag Lady]

Thank you all. We never considered two dogs but we will now. I was hoping for a mid-size dog. I think the apartment is too small for a Great Dane but my husband isn't really the flappy yappy purse-dog guy.

Something bigger than a Jack Russell and as big as the size of a Dalmatian is about what we were thinking. Something between those two sizes would be nice.

There is a lovely dog-nut crazy lady who lives across from us. I bet she'd love to come in and baby a dog (s) and we could pay her. Her two baby dogs have each a stroller and outfits and collars for each holiday and all that. She's wonderful with pets.

Our patio is enclosed by a huge wooden privacy fence that is about 6 feet tall. The wood is in cement, so I can't see a medium-sized dog digging through cement or jumping the fence. I'm open to being educated if you know differently!

If we do decide, of course I will post pictures!

 

[simba928]

I have 3 dogs and often times they are alone for that long and are perfectly fine. If you have the ability, you may want to stop by at lunchtime for a quick potty break. So glad you are open to an adult dog! Being gone that long would definitely be not good for a puppy. You may want to start off crating the dog when he's alone, atleast until you are sure he can be trusted home alone that long. And expect some accidents. It takes some time to adjust to new surroundings and learn the people and the rules. But as long as you go for an adult, that alone time would not discourage me from adopting a dog.

 

[clh2]

This is our experience...

We have just rescued a 6 year old yellow lab. We've had her 1 month. Our "normal" time that she is home alone from 7:30 to about 5:15 ish most days. She does GREAT!!! Best as we can tell - she is a couch potato for the entire day, and loves to be by her "peeps" at night.

Our former dog (adopted from a humane society) was 8 years old when we got him. We had him until he was 12 years old. We left him alone for similar amounts of time. Absolutely no issues either.

Good luck with your decision!!! I'm a huge fan of older dogs (don't get me wrong, I love puppies too - just don't want to own one

 

[horseshowmom]

Thank you all. We never considered two dogs but we will now. I was hoping for a mid-size dog. I think the apartment is too small for a Great Dane but my husband isn't really the flappy yappy purse-dog guy.

Something bigger than a Jack Russell and as big as the size of a Dalmatian is about what we were thinking. Something between those two sizes would be nice.

There is a lovely dog-nut crazy lady who lives across from us. I bet she'd love to come in and baby a dog (s) and we could pay her. Her two baby dogs have each a stroller and outfits and collars for each holiday and all that. She's wonderful with pets.

Our patio is enclosed by a huge wooden privacy fence that is about 6 feet tall. The wood is in cement, so I can't see a medium-sized dog digging through cement or jumping the fence. I'm open to being educated if you know differently!

If we do decide, of course I will post pictures!

Sounds great!

Along with the shelters, you can check with any local vets. That's where my MinPin came from. Our vet asked me about taking him (my Chihuahua had just died). He was abandoned in their parking lot and had been with them for a month. He came to me with his shots and already neutered and at no cost.

As I (and another poster) mentioned before, it isn't terribly unheard of to find dogs that have been together for a long time already and been given up together. That could make the transition much easier.

Almost every dog I've ever had has been an adult (all of mine were abandoned - I currently have 4). My Lab was a puppy when he came to us, but he didn't stay one long!

Good luck!

 

[wvdisluv2]

Our Experience:

We have 3 dogs, all rescues. Daisy, 12 yr old boxer/lab, housefire survivor, Jake 10 yr old wire-haired terrier mix (friend for Daisy), and Molly, 1 yr old failed foster hound mix. Daisy and Jake have always done fine for 9-10 hours and occasionally 12 in dire circumstances. Molly is spoiled, one of us is home everyday except for Fridays when we are both at work for 11 hrs. That is the only day she is crated and she does fine. The crating is mostly so she doesn't get into something that will hurt her....ALTHOUGH she did eat the Bible before we started crating her.

I do agree that more than one dog is great~especially a rescue (I'm partial to those) They DO keep each other company!

We won't even go into the story of Molly's cat Bob who also prefers to spend his time in the house

I LOVE to hear that someone is going to rescue!!!

 

[Swalphin]

That is great you are considering adopting a rescue, they do indeed my great companions.
I have 2 dogs an 10.5 year old and a 4 year old, they both do fine being left for 10-11 hours. They prefer being in their own home than a daycare, with their cat. Good luck to you and please, please post pictures!

 

[Handbag Lady]

Okay, what the heck is crate training?

Do you just leave the poor doggie in a crate all day long? Like an orange crate or do you mean a dog carrier? Dogs are trained for this?




We would not be able to pop home during lunch. Work is 30-40 minutes away and we only get an hour lunch. We work for the same company but in different locations, so I know I can speak for the husband on this too.

We already have a sitter set-up for our annual vacations, if we get a dog. My sister has said if we get a rescue, we can count on her help. She has a HUGE yard and is home most of the time. She's a crazy cat lady, though.

We also are not the breed-y type. I don't care if it is a mutt. I just want a dog that likes me and doesn't bark. well, that doesn't bark too much, you know. We also know about breed-specific rescues and that would be fine, too, if there is a need there. It would be perfect if there were a pair of friendly dogs with one a Jack Russell type and one a standard poodle type. But, we've not picky.

I've just always wanted a standard poodle and The Husband is agast by that idea. I don't care, I just want a dog.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

We just rescued a 3 month old lab puppy. We are currently crate training her because she is a baby and can't be trusted to not destroy things. She is a chewer of anything and everything. She goes from 9pm-4:00am without needing to go out. She gets up at 4:00 because that is when my husband wakes for work.

We have a 14 year old lab rescue and she can be trusted all day alone. I put her in the laundry room with her dog bed and a bowl of water. She is old so she sleeps 90% of the time anyway. She especially loves my DD's bed. So when I get home I let her out to go potty and she comes back in and jumps on the bed and goes back to sleep.

I wasn't so sure I wanted a puppy but she really needed a home. She was hit by a car. It's like having a baby in the house again. I have to constantly watch her to make sure she isn't into things she shouldn't be. Also make sure she isn't standing by the door waiting for me to let her out to go potty.

I'm not so sure we would do another puppy especially in Winter. Winter potty training is for the birds. Standing in the snow is no fun no matter how much I love her. I see you are in SoCal so no need to worry about that.

 

[WDWBarb]

My dogs are alone from around 7:30 - 5ish most days and we've never had a problem. When my GSD was younger, we did doggy day-care until she was attacked by an English Bulldog and we discovered that she could defend herself quite easily. That was the end of daycare. She was maybe a year old when she started staying home and I swear she loves her alone time. After a 3-day weekend, she's ready to see us to the door!!

 

[Handbag Lady]

Our Experience:

We have 3 dogs, all rescues. Daisy, 12 yr old boxer/lab, housefire survivor, Jake 10 yr old wire-haired terrier mix (friend for Daisy), and Molly, 1 yr old failed foster hound mix. Daisy and Jake have always done fine for 9-10 hours and occasionally 12 in dire circumstances. Molly is spoiled, one of us is home everyday except for Fridays when we are both at work for 11 hrs. That is the only day she is crated and she does fine. The crating is mostly so she doesn't get into something that will hurt her....ALTHOUGH she did eat the Bible before we started crating her.

I do agree that more than one dog is great~especially a rescue (I'm partial to those) They DO keep each other company!

We won't even go into the story of Molly's cat Bob who also prefers to spend his time in the house

I LOVE to hear that someone is going to rescue!!!

And I love that your dog has a cat.

 

[Belle0101]

I'm in greyhound rescue so I'm partial to you rescuing a couple of greyhounds. I would be more than happy to answer questions you may have about them.

Crate training - these are the crates we suggest
http://www.petco.com/product/13372/...Dog_2-_-PETCO Premium 2-Door Dog Crates-13372

We have 6 dogs ( 4 labs that we own, a greyhound that we adopted and 1 foster greyhound) and they all want to be in the crate. It belongs to the foster though. I'm home most all day so I don't close the door on the crate during the day. At any given time there'll be a dog in there sleeping, sometimes 2!

And yes, pictures when you find a dog, or two.

 

[JessicaR]

Okay, what the heck is crate training?

Do you just leave the poor doggie in a crate all day long? Like an orange crate or do you mean a dog carrier? Dogs are trained for this?




We would not be able to pop home during lunch. Work is 30-40 minutes away and we only get an hour lunch. We work for the same company but in different locations, so I know I can speak for the husband on this too.

We already have a sitter set-up for our annual vacations, if we get a dog. My sister has said if we get a rescue, we can count on her help. She has a HUGE yard and is home most of the time. She's a crazy cat lady, though.

We also are not the breed-y type. I don't care if it is a mutt. I just want a dog that likes me and doesn't bark. well, that doesn't bark too much, you know. We also know about breed-specific rescues and that would be fine, too, if there is a need there. It would be perfect if there were a pair of friendly dogs with one a Jack Russell type and one a standard poodle type. But, we've not picky.

I've just always wanted a standard poodle and The Husband is agast by that idea. I don't care, I just want a dog.

Since you are considering a grown dog you can likely find one that is well trained already. Some actually like a crate and some like mine hate it. I have 2 giant mastiffs and can leave them in our house to roam free and neither has ever done any damage at all. In fact they dont even drink or eat till we walk back in the door. Pretty sure they just sleep on the beds and couches of course while we're out.

Both my dogs are rescues and they were 5-7 months when we got them. My male was perfectly trained already and very well mannered my female was work but she is great now.

I love the idea if its possible for you to get two - they love the company! Mine do anyway.

http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html

 

[Handbag Lady]

OOOh, I hadn't thought of greyhounds!

I will go look. I found a pair of pugs that are to not be separated, but they come from a home with children and are written up as being happy with munchkins. Cute dogs, though.

 

[christiane]

I adopted my first dog when I was a student. Up until that time all of my dogs were family pets and had a lot of company.

I was a bit worried about how much time he would be on his own, but he was a research dog and I figured that any life I could give him in a loving home was better than living in a cage.

He was a great dog and did fine being by himself for 8-9 hrs a day. If I had to leave him any longer than that, I would make sure someone came by to give him some company & take him outside.

I loved that dog so much & still miss him today.