Work FT should I get a dog?

My husband and I work FT. We have 2 young children, ages 5 and 6 who are in school fulltime this fall. My 5 year old would love a pet and honestly, I wouldn't mind a smaller, non shedding variety. I don't mind the responsibility. We had dogs growing up and my husband and I got a large and heavily shedding dog (irish setter/lab mix) before kids that we couldn't keep due to the shedding. He was a great dog but I couldn't keep up with the hair!!! We are hesitant to get a new dog because we are not home very much between work and school and activities. We don't think it's fair to the dog to have it home alone all day and then while we are at gymnastics or where ever. How do others deal with this? I've thought that maybe getting 2 little ones might be a good solution but then there are 2 dogs.

 

Honestly sounds like you've got too busy of a life. And don't mean to come off rude here, but you gave up a dog because it shed?? Thats a poor excuse for sure. You should always do your research before getting any breed and if shedding is an issue you need to look into something lieka wirehair or something along the lines of a poodle. However... a puppy/ dog is going t o need alot of attention, especially if your gone all day.

 

You are not rude. I am honest. I grew up with labs and a mother who didn't clean but I never noticed as a child. Upon college graduation, I inherited a cockapoo and was able to keep my home to my standards easily enough. When I got married and my cockapoo died, we decided to get a dog and he wanted a 'big' dog. My husband grew up in a home where it was practically sterile it was so clean. I forgot how much hair a dog can have and made a mistake that we will never repeat. I couldn't keep up with the hair (not as good as his mom) and he couldn't stand it. Not to mention we had babies coming and I couldn't imagine them crawling in the hair. While not everyone, including my mom, agrees with our shedding issue; we know our limitations and that is the most important thing. We cannot have a dog that sheds and we'd prefer a small dog. There are plenty which fit into those categories but the big concern I have is a dog who wouldn't be happy being home alone all day.

 

I personally would wait if I were you. Or find a dog froma shelter thats older and used to being alone for longer periods of time. A puppy is going to need way more attention than your going to be able to give it unless your able to come home during the day.

Just my two cents.

 

Well you could look into getting a couple chinese cresteds... They're generally pretty low energy for smaller dogs and rather independant too. Working all day you'd have to have a safe place for them to be while you are gone where they can use the bathroom etc... Dogs are pack animals so if your family/pack will be gone much of the time any dog you get will need company while you're away.

I don't think that with your busy schedule a dog is right for your home at this time but the Chinese Crested is probably going to be your best bet as far as a smaller dog, not shedding and being alright when left at home alone...but the breed itself is rather high maintenance as they do require brushing etc...

Sara

 

could always get a robodog! They are toys that interact just like real dogs, no shedding, no pottying... and no feeding it. Just an idea