Dog owners that work outside the home full-time?

M

mariep

Cathlete
My husband and I would love to get a dog, but we always feel that since we both work full-time, it wouldn't be the right thing to do. I'm wondering if any of you that own dogs also work full-time. If so, how do you manage it? Do you have someone come in to walk the dog for you during the day? Do you use one of those "doggie day care" services? I would love, love, love to have a dog but feel like it just wouldn't be fair to the dog if we're gone all day. We've always had cats, and they're fine by themselves all day. But it doesn't seem like a dog would be.

I would love to hear from people that work full-time and have a dog and are able to make it work!

Thanks!!:)

-Marie
 
My sister is a single woman who owns two dogs and has a full time job. I think she is the most amazing dog owner so I am sharing what she does to make it work.

She gets up a little earlier in the morning and takes the dogs for a run (if that's what she's doing for cardio that day) or a walk (she has a lovely park nearby and lives in a residential neighborhood) for about 30-45 minutes. Then she gets ready and leaves the dogs in the back yard while she goes to work. The dogs each have a dogloo, a warm bed in the dogloo, and toys to keep them occupied, as well as large water bowls. If she didn't run in the AM, she does a workout during lunchtime. She gets home around 6:00 pm and either takes the dogs for another walk around the neighborhood or packs them in the car for the short ride to a dog park so they can run around and play with other dogs. She's usually back home by 7:00 to get herself some dinner and then they all relax for the rest fo the evening.

If you and your husband don't have yard to put the dogs into during the day, you could crate train them which teaches them to 'hold it' until you get home. Most dogs have no problem learning this and actually enjoy having 'their' space.

Also, you and your husband could split walking duties. Maybe he could do the morning walk and you take the evening one? I'm sure you could make it work.

I think that a lot would depend on the size and breed of the dog you wanted as well.

Hope this is helpful in making your decision.
 
I have 4 dogs and both DH and I work all day. I am able to come home at lunch though. I get up 30 minutes earlier to spend time with the dogs; actually 45 now that I have a puppy to train and exercise. At lunch they also get 30 minutes. After work I train/play with each of them indivudally for 10-15 minutes; as well as hanging out with them. They are all inside dogs.

Depending on the breed and pedigree, it would depend on how well the dog might do by themselves alone all day. I have high energy breeds but even then they do lay around quite a bit. If I leave one or two of the dogs alone by themselves though, they will get into mischief. They just don't do well by themselves.

I could consider taking them to doggy daycare or hiring someone if you don't think you could manage coming home at lunch or if they are by themselves too long.

Colleen
 
That is helpful, Sabine. It sounds like it would be workable. I guess we'd just have to decide if we could have the dog in the yard all day (although it does get pretty cold in the winter!) or have him stay in the house. And perhaps my husband and I could work out a system where we could come home for lunch sometimes to walk him.

I guess it's just a matter of working out a good system! I was curious to see if people have done it successfully; it sounds like your sister has!

Thanks for your advice!

-Marie :)
 
Thanks, Colleen. Wow! Four dogs! I guess it really is possible to do! I'm curious; when do you fit in your workouts? I'm thinking I wouldn't mind getting up early to walk the dog (actually sounds like a really nice way to add some extra activity to the day!), but I usually work out right after work. When do you find time to work out?

-Marie
 
You got some great advice here already on how to manage this. I just want to encourage you to consider getting two dogs, if you're going to be gone all day. I always worry that a single dog will be bored or lonesome. I'm probably just silly, I know, but I just can't stand for anything to be alone. Two puppies have so much fun together, and it's soooo cute to watch them play.

Shari
 
I am the the proud brand new mommy of 2 little dogs right now. Shari, I felt the same as you... I couldn't stand the thought of my little chihuahua being alone all of the time. She is a tiny teacup, so DEFINITELY an indoor dog. My decision to get another dog was final when my boyfriend would play with her by barking like a dog, and she become so excited she could hardly contain herself (literally)! We bought a little Yorkie and immediately they became best friends. It has been the best thing. They are perfectly content playing by themselves or snuggling or fighting :) The Yorkie is only 3 1/4 pounds, but twice as big as the chihuahua. It's perfect, because the chi is a total bully :)

Right now, the dogs spend the entire day with my mom, so I am lucky, but I purposefully became interested in itty bitty dogs so that they would do well in an apartment or home (and they're so darned cute!). They have more than enough room to run and play and they go to the bathroom on a little puppy pad. They are also extremely mobile :) I think that if you truly want a dog, you can find the time. But I think two is a fantastic idea. It takes some of the pressure and guilt off of yourself and I think the dogs are happier for it.

Let us know what you decide :)

http://www.picturetrail.com/rayiisara/sblordita
 
I workout MWF mornings (or try to) and evenings on T TH S. I have puppy class Monday evening, agility class Wed evening, agility class Sat morning and then puppy agility class Sunday afternoons...so we are busy busy. I do BFL so my workouts are only about 30 minutes max which helps.

Also I would highly suggest NOT getting two puppies. It isn't fair to the puppies nor the owners. It is time consuming enough to socialize and train one puppy and bond to it. If you get two puppies you would have to do everything twice -- once each puppy separate from the other puppy. Otherwise the puppies would bond more to each other than the owners. The puppy also does not run with other dogs freely until she is over a year old for bonding reasons. She does have play time with them but most of her time is one on one with myeslf or my husband. Most reputable breeders will not sell two puppies to a family for these reasons. The first 12 months of a puppy's life requires constant monitoring and socialzation. We take the puppy out to places several times a week - parks, stores, outdoor coffee shops, other dog classes, etc. and will continue this throughout her first year to make sure she is socialized to everything. Just last Saturday, I went to 5 different pet stores and 2 home depots.

I do think it is better for dogs to have some company but would wait 2-3 years in between dogs. The ages of my dogs are 11 1/2, 5 1/2, 3 1/2 and 4 months. This way each dog has time to grow up a bit before a new one arrives.

My dogs are too active for walks to burn off energy. They require active play like fetch, tug, chase, etc. or dog park type activity. I'm lucky we have a big yard and we have some agility equipment also which keeps them active and I don't necessarily have to leave the house. I also live in the country and have fields galore near me (right out front) and on weekends take some of the out looking for birds and free running.

Colleen
 
My brother, who is single, got a dog. First, he moved to a neighborhood where the dog could have a park. He actually got a house where he could leave the back door open all day, because the garden in the back is completely closed off. He also has doggy day care. The day care people come and pick up all the neighborhood dogs in a truck and take them to the park where they all play together for an hour or two every afternoon. He also takes the dog for a run on the beach every day when he gets home. Not only that, but he went from always having a museum-quality clean, neat home to resigning himself to living with dirt and not buying any good furniture anymore. Whew!! My brother is totally committed and really thinks it is worth it. As much as I love dogs myself, seeing how much my brother puts into it, I just know I'm not up to the task :-(

Hope my little story helps!
 
Hi Marie,

When we decided to get dogs, we chose to get two puppies (siblings) so they could keep each other company. They always have each other. Also when they were babies they did not cry because they had each other.

Since our garage is detached and behind a locked gate, they have access to the garage, water, and blankets when they want, or they just lay in the grass. They also have dog houses out side too.

It is a joy to have two dogs.

Terri :)
 
This is all very interesting and helpful; thank you, everyone. I've actually been researching a labrador retriever rescue organization here in Massachusetts. I love labs, and I'm thinking that rescuing an adult dog might be better for us than trying to deal with a puppy. Neither of us has a lot of dog experience, so this sounds like it might be a good place to start. They seem like a great organization, and they help you arrange for obedience training, etc. It seems like they go to a lot of trouble to make sure that you find the right dog for you (and that the dogs find the right homes!). I've just started researching, so I don't know that much about it, but what I've read sounds good. As adorable as puppies are and as tempting as it is to get one, I really think an adult dog might be the way to go for us, if we do decide to do this. It seems like puppies need even more attention than an adult dog (kind of like having a baby!), and I'm not sure if that would be right for us. Plus I love the idea of giving an adult dog a second chance.

One more question--some of you must have dogs and cats; how does that work? We have two cats right now (one's really old, one's pretty young). Would a dog enjoy living in a house with cats, and vice versa?

Thanks again, everyone!

-Marie:)
 
Dogs and Cats

Hi Marie,

I have two dogs and a cat, and they all enjoy each others company in one way or another. Actually, the cat likes to goad the dogs into chasing him, then he ducks under the bed or jumps on the table ( you get the idea :p ). They also all hang out on the sofa together...a very spoiled lot!!

Actually, the rescue organization that you work with might be able to help you find a dog that's cat friendly. I think one of the things that foster families try to do is figure out if the dog is good with kids, cats, other dogs, etc. so they get placed in the appropriate home as quickly as possible.

Best of luck in your search. I also think going with an older dog will make it easier for you to in regards to your work schedule.
 
RE: Dogs and Cats

Thanks, Gayle. That's what I was thinking, too. That's so cute the way your dogs and cat play together! The older cat I have pretty much sleeps all the time (she's 19!), but the younger one seems like she needs a playmate! This sounds like it might be a fun idea. And yes, from what I've read, it does seem like the rescue organization places their dogs in different types of foster homes to see which surroundings would suit them best.

Thanks again, everyone. If we decide to take the plunge, I'll definitely let you know!

-Marie:)
 
I have two older cats. They hate it x(. It is very frustrating that they won't accept these little dolls, and I have even been EXTREMELY careful to give them all equal love and attention. I have even slept down in the family room with the cats so they don't feel abandoned. I wouldn't be too concerned, except that my chihuahua is literally 1/20 the size of my big mean cat. He's old, but still fiesty!! From what I've heard, though, most animals are very accepting of eachother. And some advice that I read is to not let one animal or the other run off and avoid the situation. They should be forced, to some degree, in the same area. I just read it; I didn't have all the means to enforce it :(.

I think it'll work out. Most cats aren't and bratty as mine :)

Sara

http://www.picturetrail.com/rayiisara/sblordita
 
Good luck, Sara! Cats can definitely be bratty when they want to be, can't they?:D I hope it works out!

-Marie:)
 
Rescue is a great way to go. Also they should know whether or not the dog is cat friendly which obviously is a must in your situation. What I did when I had cats and dogs was use a baby gate to separate them. I lifted it high enough the cats could go under or over if they so choose to. If the Dobe was out, they never braved it. But once he was in his kennel at night, they loved all the other dogs. He is one of those dogs who's love for cats combined with his high prey drive and strength just made it too tough on the cats.

My other three dogs love cats. The puppy right now plays with the kittens next door and both her and the other Vizsla are just wonderful with cats. The old dog, at 11 1/2, pretty much just ignores them.

Good luck in your search. My older dog is a lab mix and they are great dogs. A little hyper for some people until they are 2-3 but overall great dogs.

Colleen
 
I have a dog and two cats. The older fat cat is definitely alpha in the house, and the dog can't seem to get over that! But they work it out. They do "play" a lot together (even it's the dog chasing the cat under the chair, etc.)

I live in NYC, and am gone all day. We go for a walk first thing in the morning after I get up. I do have a yard, but because my dog has severe separation anxiety (I got her from the pound, so you never really know what you are getting) I have to crate her when I'm gone. (She ate my couch and my bed before I started crating her.) I have a walking service come in during the middle of the day for a 1/2 hour walk, then she goes back in the crate till I get home. I have gotten over my guilt about this, as my vet says, "the life she has now is a whole lot better than the life she had in the shelter." She actualy likes her crate and will take her bones in there to eat! And heaven forbid if one of the cats goes in there! She comes and gets me and starts barking so I'll get him out! I usually get home around 6:30 p.m. and we go for our walk and then she plays with the cats and all her many toys till about 8:30, then she goes into the bedroom and goes to bed! Dogs do sleep a lot. When I'm home on the weekends, she doesn't run around the house like a dog that's been crated all week. She actually sleeps a lot even when I'm home!

This is the second dog I've had as an adult. I will tell anyone who is thinking about getting a dog that it is a huge expense and time investment, but what you get back in love and laughs is priceless. Also remember that if you travel a lot, you have to either find someone to come in and sit with the dog, or take her to a service that sits dogs. In my neck of the woods it's $30 a day, so add that to the price of your vacation.

Having a dog suits my lifestyle (I'm a homebody) but if you are social at all, or travel a lot, I would really think about it. My first dog was a beautiful, friendly, well-adjusted dog. My second one, not so much. But I love her just the same. She's got a terrific personality, and I can't imagine my life without her. Despite her hyperness and anxiety, she brings a lot of joy. Sorry so long! Just want to tell a city dog's story! :7
 
Colleen

I've been meaning to ask if your pup was a Vizla - she's a looker!

Our next door neighbor has a Vizla. Sneaky guy, he "ambushes" us when I walk by w/ my 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks. He makes a silent run to the corner of the yard & then barks furiously just as we pass (or at least till my alpha gives him "the look".

My parents also have 2 Vizlas that they adopted through a rescue organization in No. Calif. Neither had an easy life before their rescue & now they're spoiled rotten.

It's obvious you have to stay in shape to keep up with your pack!

Debra
 
RE: Colleen

DebraL, I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback too! She's a year old now.
I'm lucky that I can stay home with her. She's my first Rhodesian, and only dog right now.. I had 3 Whippets before.

Mariep,
I have have a friend that got siblings as puppies(yorkies) and they grew up to be so jealous of each other, that they fought and almost killed each other. She had to find a home for one and it just crushed her.

A rescue would be your best bet, I think. Especially because they can help you find a dog that likes cats and is not destructive when left home alone for a long period of time.

Good luck! Dogs are so fun!
 
RE: Colleen

Was it the Vizlsa Club of Northern Calif.? I am a member of that club and do transport for the rescues or go down and get them out of th pound. A great group of people. The puppy in the picture is our newest Vizsla and I have an adult also. They are funny little dogs; lots of personality and very sneaky (or so they think). My adult Vizsla LOVES Rhodesians...I think she thinks they are Vizslas. She gets all excited when we see one. Rhodesians are beautiful. I have a friend who has a few. They are too mellow for me but my Vizslas drive her crazy with their energy level!! And they are quite active. The pup we have now just does not ever tire out :( She just goes faster and faster and faster and then you put her in her bed and she is out like light. So they do keep me on my toes.

I am amazed at how agile the Rhodesians can be. There is a lady in our area who does agility with her male and he is fun to watch.



Colleen
 
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