A Question for Dog People

[ladycollector]

When I only had one dog, in college, and had to be gone 10+ hours, I would take him to doggy daycare. It was about $15/day.

When I got an 8-5job, I rescued a shelter dog to keep him company, and it has worked out wonderful. They play HARD all day LOL. I keep them in the kitchen in case they have an accident, which doesn't happen to often anymore. I think the doggy door you have would be fine though!

 

[Pigeon]

I volunteer with a rescue. To be honest, we wouldn't adopt a dog to you unless you came home for lunch, had somebody come in to be with the dog during part of that time or you used a doggie daycare. That's an awfully long time to leave a dog alone every single day.

We currently aren't both out of the house for that long every day, but at one time we were. We used a doggie daycare.

It's not just the peeing. Many dogs need human companionship and will act up or develop issues if left alone. The rescue established rules because we used to not have them and people would return the dogs who were left alone too long. Also, keep in mind that a dog door that will let a dog nearly the size of a Dalmatian in your house will also let a smallish thief in as well.

 

[JessicaR]

I volunteer with a rescue. To be honest, we wouldn't adopt a dog to you unless you came home for lunch, had somebody come in to be with the dog during part of that time or you used a doggie daycare. That's an awfully long time to leave a dog alone every single day.

We currently aren't both out of the house for that long every day, but at one time we were. We used a doggie daycare.

It's not just the peeing. Many dogs need human companionship and will act up or develop issues if left alone. The rescue established rules because we used to not have them and people would return the dogs who were left alone too long. Also, keep in mind that a dog door that will let a dog nearly the size of a Dalmatian in your house will also let a smallish thief in as well.

How about a cat? They don't care whether or not you are home all day.

She said she was allergic to cats. I know many shelters around here wouldnt adopt to her either. However, is a shelter dog better off? A dog that finds a forever home with people to love them is a happy dog indeed.

I like that she has a neighbor that can likely help her out! That would be great.

 

[manning]

My BIL had a dog that showed up at their door one day. This dog was amazing. He went hunting one weekend one weekend. Left sat am and came back late sunday. His wife locked herself out of the house noon sat and had to come by us. She couldn't contact BIL. That dog did not have an accident. When BIL opened the door she shot out of there like a bullet.

 

[christiane]

There are perfect homes & less than perfect homes. I don't believe the circumstances have to be perfect to adopt a dog. This is one of the issues I have with rescue groups, even the ones I volunteer with. You just have to match the right dog with the right home.

Should a JRT or Border Collie be placed in Handbag Lady's home? No! But could a calm, couch-loving dog that doesn't want or need tons of exercise be placed there? Sure!

One of my dogs is a Shih Tzu who was adopted at the age of 2yrs. She would be perfectly content being alone for 8 hrs a day. She loves people & other dogs but sometimes she goes upstairs just to be by herself.

In the case of the little research dog I adopted, being in my home by himself was 100% better than being in a 4x4' cage for 23.5hrs per day.

I wouldn't adopt a puppy that was purpose-bred to be purchased & leave him alone. But if you take a dog out of less than ideal circumstances & improve his life considerably, then it is win-win.

 

[Kronk's girl]

Since it looks like you have gotten a lot of advice and you live nearish to me, here is a wonderful doggie that needs a home!!!

Laverne- [URL="http://campcockerrescue.squarespace.com/laverne-8-11-10/?SSScrollPosition=134"]
[/URL]
Here is a link to all their current doggies needing a home- http://www.campcocker.com/adoptable-dogs/

We just got a dog from this rescue group and they are wonderful. They help so many dogs and we just love our new little addition. If you have any questions about our experience with them, I'd be happy to answer!

Good luck with your hunt for a doggie- and yes post pictures when you find your perfect match!

ETA- it won't let me post the link to Laverne, but they have many wonderful dogs- she is my favorite!

 

[graciejane]

About a year ago we brought home a 3 year old boxer mix from a local resue group. She was house broke but a chewer. We worked on crate training her and while we are gone during the day (8-5:15), she naps in her crate. When we come home she heads outside and then we play!!! This works out well for us and she is a happy girl.

 

[jking6]

Getting a dog or a cat is a big responsibility. But I would not give up Nascar (our American Eskimo) or our cat Schnook (who we rescued when she was 3 yrs old). They are just like our kids.
Nascar can go up to 8-9 hours during the day I think he has been a little longer but not sure. We try not to let him stay in that long and usual get someone to let him out for a few. The problem is when people come to let him out he does not want to go he wants to play instead. Our son got married out of town last December and we had to get a animal sitter for the weekend. Nascar has never been alone for a single night since he was a puppy. he will be 7 Years old next month. Spoiled I know. My youngest son usually comes home and stays to be with the babies when we go on vacation.
Enjoy but keep in mind your every day life will change, but in a great way.
Last Thursday I just took my mom to a shelter where she adopted a seal point cat two years old. his name is Kingtut. Beautiful cat and she talks to him like she has had him for ever.

 

[Minnie]

I volunteer with a rescue. To be honest, we wouldn't adopt a dog to you unless you came home for lunch, had somebody come in to be with the dog during part of that time or you used a doggie daycare. That's an awfully long time to leave a dog alone every single day.

We currently aren't both out of the house for that long every day, but at one time we were. We used a doggie daycare.

It's not just the peeing. Many dogs need human companionship and will act up or develop issues if left alone. The rescue established rules because we used to not have them and people would return the dogs who were left alone too long. Also, keep in mind that a dog door that will let a dog nearly the size of a Dalmatian in your house will also let a smallish thief in as well.

This is sad.... Dogs stay in shelters instead of homes because the situation isn't ideal

OP - You really seem open to options that would definitely work to bring a dog into your home.... And IMO an animal alone during work hours is much better than the animal in a shelter

 

[CathrynRose]

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!

Yeah - Charley is fine for a long time, too. I think the smaller the dog, the smaller the bladder, the more often the pee.

I'm also thrilled she's thinking rescue, even more thrilled it's an older dog!! I wish someone had talked ME out of the rescue puppy **pointing my finger around** She is a tough cookie!!!!

Crate Training ~ ehhh.... Charley didn't and doesn't need it. He's fine all day. Hazel? Please... I can't even leave her in a room alone. She's like a child, if she's quiet, I know she's up to no good.

The rescue might already know if the dog is crate trained, or not. I'm actually not a big fan of it. But...I crate Hazel while we're gone.

And I vote: Pit Bull ~ AND I happen to have a perfect one, down in my signature to the right.... I'll ship her to you, FREE! I'll even pay you $50 to take her!! Okay, make it $100!!!

I still vote: Pit Bull - even if you won't take my Demon Dog, who is giving me wrinkles and gray hair.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I volunteer with a rescue. To be honest, we wouldn't adopt a dog to you unless you came home for lunch, had somebody come in to be with the dog during part of that time or you used a doggie daycare. That's an awfully long time to leave a dog alone every single day.

We currently aren't both out of the house for that long every day, but at one time we were. We used a doggie daycare.

It's not just the peeing. Many dogs need human companionship and will act up or develop issues if left alone. The rescue established rules because we used to not have them and people would return the dogs who were left alone too long. Also, keep in mind that a dog door that will let a dog nearly the size of a Dalmatian in your house will also let a smallish thief in as well.

This is exactly why we never tried to get a dog for 10 years. It was someone who worked with rescues who opened out eyes and suggested we try with the reasoning that an older dog would be happier with us. Thank you for your input.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Since it looks like you have gotten a lot of advice and you live nearish to me, here is a wonderful doggie that needs a home!!!

Laverne- [URL="http://campcockerrescue.squarespace.com/laverne-8-11-10/?SSScrollPosition=134"]
[/URL]
Here is a link to all their current doggies needing a home- http://www.campcocker.com/adoptable-dogs/

We just got a dog from this rescue group and they are wonderful. They help so many dogs and we just love our new little addition. If you have any questions about our experience with them, I'd be happy to answer!

Good luck with your hunt for a doggie- and yes post pictures when you find your perfect match!

ETA- it won't let me post the link to Laverne, but they have many wonderful dogs- she is my favorite!

We are in Sherman Oaks. Never thought of a Cocker, thank you! They are beautiful dogs. Found Laverne and she's gorgeous!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I've read and re-read everyone posts. Thank for you taking the time. We are taking everything in.

I'm not even against getting a pit bull if it is the right dog for us. I suppose we're looking for a couch potato who wouldn't mind being walked each morning and evening and then to the dog beach / dog parks on the weekends. All of our friends have dogs, so I am very mindful of the descriptions of dogs who DO NOT like other dogs. Not that it would keep me from a dog, I just wouldn't go around making doggie dates!

Our apartment complex is very dog-friendly and our manager even has two dogs. There are grass areas all over just for dogs, too. I noticed on some applications that we need the apartment manager to sign off, THAT would so not be a problem.

We have a lot to think about, that's for sure.

 

[Swalphin]

I've read and re-read everyone posts. Thank for you taking the time. We are taking everything in.

I'm not even against getting a pit bull if it is the right dog for us. I suppose we're looking for a couch potato who wouldn't mind being walked each morning and evening and then to the dog beach / dog parks on the weekends. All of our friends have dogs, so I am very mindful of the descriptions of dogs who DO NOT like other dogs. Not that it would keep me from a dog, I just wouldn't go around making doggie dates!

Our apartment complex is very dog-friendly and our manager even has two dogs. There are grass areas all over just for dogs, too. I noticed on some applications that we need the apartment manager to sign off, THAT would so not be a problem.

We have a lot to think about, that's for sure.

Handbag Lady,
Good luck to you, you sound like you have given this quite a bit of thought and any dog that gets you and your DH as parents will be very lucky. I would not trade my babies for anything in the world, no situation is perfect. But, I sure do think my fur babies are very happy we chose to rescue them. We know we have given them the best lives we could, better than the alternative that is for sure. Again best of luck.

 

[mommy2allgirls]

If you have room in the backyard what about getting a dog house and leaving it outside? My parents used to do this to our now dog. My parents were gone all the time though so we adopted him, he is a 1 1/2 cockapoo and we are in love, we also have a 3 1/2 year old maltese. Someone is always home with our dogs for the most part but when we aren't one goes in the crate b/c he will pee, since he was kept outside he never really learned potty training since my parents kept him outside so we are training him. Our Maltese can go a long time without being let out.

 

[mhsjax]

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.

I cant' really give you advice on crate training because I am home most of the day and our dog runs free. I do want to encourage you to get a rescue
dog. I had never given it much thought and really didn't know anything about it when we got our little guy.

Some of our best friends got a rescue dog, a boxer. She had been used at a puppy mill and then someone else had gotten her and left her tied to a tree. That is the honest to God sweetest dog I have ever seen. I have never even heard her bark once and she does nothing but love, this love is extended to her crazed cat that hisses at everyone. Good luck in whatever you decide, I see you mentioned Jack Russells, they can be a bit hyper and bark a lot.

AFter meeting my friends dog, I will never buy another dog that isn't a rescue dog.

PS. I see you mentioned couch potato. I was at my friends house the other night for a girls chat. We were in the office where the dog hangs out. She jumped up and laid down beside me and put her head on my lap and then kept nudging closer. My friend laughed and said you are in her spot. I moved and the dog curled up in the corner of the couch and her owner covered her with a blanket and she went to sleep. I am such a wuss, all I could think of was how lucky this dog was. She was in a warm home,(it was freezing outside) on a comfy couch and covered up so she could go to bed.

 

[Shmily1]

Good luck to you and your DH on finding the perfect dog for you. We have three rescue dogs (one showed up at our house with parvo, one came from a kill shelter, and one DH found at work when he was about 6 weeks old) and in all actuality, they adopt you more than you adopt them. One is a bassett hound/yellow lab mix, one is a bassett hound/black lab mix, and one is a jack russell/dachshund mix. They are family and don't get separated!

I can say that the first two are bad about tearing up any kind of stuffed toy you give them. Something about that stuffing drives them wild! I would know since DD19 always brings them toys and I always get to clean up the pieces.

We keep them on our front porch during the night and they have a huge fenced area they stay in during the day. A doggy door would be great for your door to go in and out. That way, you wouldn't really need to have someone come over and let them out but they could get out to go to the bathroom.

Good luck!!

 

[Christine]

I only read a few of the replies.

I do believe that rescuing an older dog, who would otherwise be put to sleep, is a great idea even if you are out 10 hours a day.

My dog is a shelter rescue and we are out of the house from 5:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.--just about 10 hours. We're lucky that my dog has no problem holding it. Not every dog I've had can hold it and, in that case, we've used the puppy pads in the area that the dog is kept.

I will probably get another dog one day but it will be an older dog. I don't want to get a puppy and be out of the house for 10 hours.

 

[JessicaR]

Yeah - Charley is fine for a long time, too. I think the smaller the dog, the smaller the bladder, the more often the pee.

I'm also thrilled she's thinking rescue, even more thrilled it's an older dog!! I wish someone had talked ME out of the rescue puppy **pointing my finger around** She is a tough cookie!!!!

Crate Training ~ ehhh.... Charley didn't and doesn't need it. He's fine all day. Hazel? Please... I can't even leave her in a room alone. She's like a child, if she's quiet, I know she's up to no good.

The rescue might already know if the dog is crate trained, or not. I'm actually not a big fan of it. But...I crate Hazel while we're gone.

And I vote: Pit Bull ~ AND I happen to have a perfect one, down in my signature to the right.... I'll ship her to you, FREE! I'll even pay you $50 to take her!! Okay, make it $100!!!

I still vote: Pit Bull - even if you won't take my Demon Dog, who is giving me wrinkles and gray hair.

I would take her in a second! Don't tease.

 

[JessicaR]

I've read and re-read everyone posts. Thank for you taking the time. We are taking everything in.

I'm not even against getting a pit bull if it is the right dog for us. I suppose we're looking for a couch potato who wouldn't mind being walked each morning and evening and then to the dog beach / dog parks on the weekends. All of our friends have dogs, so I am very mindful of the descriptions of dogs who DO NOT like other dogs. Not that it would keep me from a dog, I just wouldn't go around making doggie dates!

Our apartment complex is very dog-friendly and our manager even has two dogs. There are grass areas all over just for dogs, too. I noticed on some applications that we need the apartment manager to sign off, THAT would so not be a problem.

We have a lot to think about, that's for sure.

Did you say couch potato? I think if you look in the dictionary under couch potato it says Mastiff.