Is a dog right for me?
Posted: February 9th, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Common Questions | Tags: Right | 3 Comments »My family had a dog when I was young, but I haven’t had one for years. But I really miss having one. I would like to take it for walks and play with one in the park. The problem is I really don’t know if my lifestyle is appropriate for one. I may work long hours and because I live alone I really won’t have anyone else to care for the dog while I’m gone. Of course I wouldn’t want them to make a mess, either by going to the bathroom or tearing up things, when I’m not home. But I would be willing to take the time for training, or obedience school if that would be needed. I also live in an apartment so the space is limited and I really don’t have a yard.
As much as I would love to have a dog, I want to make sure it’s fair to them as well. I know he/she would recieve a lot of love, but there is much more to consider. Any thoughts?
Yes, dog are allowed where I live and most of my traveling would be to visit family in other states where the dog would be welcome. I know if I had to leave for a day or two I could have a friend watch him/her. But most of the time I could just bring them with.
I also wanted to clarify, that although I work long hours I would give the dog plenty of attention when I came home. I just don’t know if that would be enough.
I don’t think it would be fair to dog, a lonely life is not for a dog, they need attention, and room to run. sorry.
i guess were you live allows dogs in the first place thats hard to come by in apartments— where i live anyways)
if you get a dog get a small one then just for the size of were you live plus the messes are smaller same with the food bill and vet bills
many people work long hours so that dosnt really seem to hold many people back,
if you go on holidays the places you travle are they dog friendly places? if not do you have someone you can trust to come over and feed, play, let your dog out to do its bussiness, and walk for you or better yet that can “babysit it”?
you might also want to look into the smaller breeds for pro and cons against them before picking one you want
best of luck
Given you are concerned before getting a dog says a lot about you already… that is actually a very uncommon trait as most people tend to ask these questions AFTER the fact and then the dog suffers for their impulsive nature.
It is hard to determine what someone else means by ‘long hours’ – that could be ten hours or twelve or eighteen or twenty four…. Even if you leave a young, untrained dog alone for one hour, it can make a mess (eliminate or destructively). You need to be able and willing to not allow the dog to get into the habit of that sort of behavior either by having sources of relief or restriction set up for it. A young dog has a difficult time holding their bladder and bowel for long periods of time so it would be unfair to think that they could hold it all day, so they either would need to be allowed out at a specific interval during your long hours or be cared for at something like a doggy daycare. Leaving a dog in an apartment for a period of time, the dog can often become bored and will find avenues for excitement, usually not things you would prefer it do such as tearing up the couch. Confining the dog to an area where it can remain relaxed while you are gone is needed – either a crate or expenned area. In a situation such as yours it might be best to try to find an older dog, maybe a rehome from a legitimate rescue organization or an older dog from a knowledgeable, responsible breeder often fits the bill. Good luck in your decision and yes, there is a lot to consider and simply by your knowing that and considering it says you care very much.