Can I have a dog?

[AbbyR]

I've always had dogs, but now I work a LOT and am only home in the evenings and on weekends. I really am missing having a dog, though, so I thought I would come here and ask what you think.

I want to adopt a housebroken dog who is sort of a couch potato. The reason for the couch potato part is that I work for a newspaper and my boss loves dogs, and I thought I could let him/her hang out under my desk some, if he's good.

Or could I perhaps, adopt TWO dogs so they could keep each other company while I'm at work?

I really love having an animal WITH me, but I absolutely don't have time to housebreak, as I'm not home all day.

I'm thinking golden retriever or yellow lab (I love big dogs) at least a couple of years old.

What do you think? Any suggestions?

[wildeyed]

1. I have adopt adult dogs for the past few times and I highly recommend it.

I have two little kids and just don't have the time or energy for a puppy right now.

Before I had kids, I used to take my dogs to work. It was great fun. Everyone in the office enjoyed it. It was also nice to take the dog out for some exercise at lunch instead of being a slug.

I don't think the two dogs idea is great. My experience, the dogs enjoy each others company, but it is me they really look to for exercise and guidance.

If you contact Lab and/or Golden Retriever rescue in your area and let them know what you are looking for and what your situation is, they will probably have some good advice.

[IndyOp]

2. Do you have room in your heart for a middle-age or elderly dog?

I have a Golden (Ben) & a Lab (Sajdeh). The vast majority of young Goldens & Labs are sweet and hyper!! Many Goldens and Labs go over an 'energy hump' around 4-5 years of age. If you were willing to contact a rescue and tell them who you are looking for -- 5+ years old, calm, couch-potato -- they might be able to help you make a good match.

I got both of my dogs when they were about 8-months-old (I had Ben about 2 years before I got Sajdeh). Even though they were 8-months-old when I got each, and required virtually no potty-training, I did not think I was going to survive the 2-6 month adjustment period. Ben ripped up installed carpet, pulled down curtains, ate plants, and counter-surfed. Sajdeh ate socks, chewed books, jumped on the coffee table for fun, and - when he first arrived - attacked Ben when I made the mistake of not locking him in a crate until after Ben finished eating.

Should you get a dog? Are you gone for a max of 10 hours a day (and can make sure your dog gets out to potty sometime during that period)? Are you up early in the morning before work and/or late in the evening - so that you have time to enjoy each other? Are you willing to let the dog sleep in bed with you?

I was lucky that the animal rescue folks kept me from getting two dogs at once. If you think you want two dogs, get the first, get it settled into your home and bonded to you, then get the second dog. If you get two dogs at one time they bond to each other and they won't see you as the pack leader.

If you have room in your heart for an elderly dog - it might be great for you both. Too many elderly dogs are abandoned when they become slow, or not-so-cute anymore, or when they develop a chronic health problem that requires attention (even if the attention is minor).

Dogs who really need a savior know when they have found one and are forever grateful. I can't take in anymore pets right now, but if, in future, I am ready to get another dog - I would love to find an elderly dog...

Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue
<http://www.almostheaven-golden-retriever-rescue.org/doglist.html>

[mopinko]

3. i wouldn't do it.

dogs need people. they just can't be good if they are home alone. and you can't make them be good, either. two dogs would be even harder. especially with housebreaking. an older dog might not be a bad idea. at the very least, i would recommend a smaller dog, and something with a lower energy level that a hunting breed.
my experience with rescue is that they will not give you a dog, unless you are prepared to lie. they look for perfect homes, and i doubt that they will think yours is. the pound is less picky, but also usually knows very little about the dogs.

[wildeyed]

4. I was thinking a rescued Greyhound.

There are always many available after they retire from the track. Apparently, they are serious couch potatoes. And so beautiful with their big liquid eyes. I always have it halfway in my mind to adopt one of those dogs some day.

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Excellent idea. a couple of retired Greyhounds would be perfect. From

what I have heard from those who have them and from those that I have seen...they are wonderful,loving, and couch-potatoes..contrary to the idea that they would be exercise fiends.

My friend says they are like potato chips ...you cannot have just one.

[Lorien]

11. A greyhound was my first thought as well

they definitely fit the couch potato profile-much more so than a lab or retriever. Plus, the ones from foster homes are already housebroken.

[Kashka-Kat]

5. Our local radio pet psychologist sez.....

If you aren't prepared for a 2 year old child you shouldn't get a puppy. But older couch potato or 2 should work-- get a type not bred for work or a lot of physical activity

http://wpr.org/pets/alone.html

[Pharlo]

6. Large dogs, even the older 'couch potato' variety,

need to be exercised. If you don't have a large yard for the animal to run in, you will need to take it out regularly for exercise.

Older dogs may not be as active as their younger counterparts, but they still do exercise. I have several. And, the truth is, the older calm animal is the one I have to go out an play with for him to get exercise. The younger, active ones entertain themselves. I have had other older dogs, and even the ones that go out and get a sufficient amount of exercise on their own volition still need a large play area. If you don't have a large yard and don't have the time or inclination to regularly exercise a large dog, you may want to try a smaller breed.

Housetraining: Adopt an older housetrained dog - not so much an issue. I generally get pups aged 6 to 8 weeks (I like large dogs and prefer to socialize them myself). Since I work full time, and live alone, the dogs are limited to two large rooms with linoleum. The fact is, it takes a good six or seven months before a pup has enough control to avoid accidents during the day. If you can't deal with that - you need an older dog.

I have no experience of having only one dog. I have always had more than that so the dogs are never alone.

Dogs, regardless of age, deserve a lot of their person's time. If you will be spending a lot of your non work time with the animal, yes, get one. If, however, you have an active social life the dog won't be able to participate in, you may want to consider a more independent pet such as a hamster, a cat, or a goldfish.


But, if you're used to having a dog, and you're missing having one, I suggest getting one. As someone suggested, contact animal shelters, describe what you are looking for. They will find a match.

[demnan]

8. Get a Beagle or Beagle mix

Young they ronp. Get an older one, like two years old. Soon they'll be old and fat, easy to care for and waddling around after you, loving you and will never get you out of their sight.

I love Beagles - in fact, Beagle is my Mom's madien name. Someone way back must have raised them. I love them so. Wish I could show a picture of our adorable Beagle, Gypsie, but that was before digital.

I'm a cat lady who loves dogs :)

[Carla in Ca]

9. I couldn't disagree with you more

I have been in a rescue network for 25 years, the last 12 of them exclusively dealing with Beagles. I also moderated a help and discussion board on line.
I appreciate that you love Beagles, but I must take issue with your post.
I assume your first sentence should be 'Young they romp'. Do you think a 2 year-old doesn't?
'Old and fat'...are you serious?

Beagles are pack dogs, and are not recommended for families who are not home during the day. I didn't adopt my first one until I was fortunate enough to be able to move my business to my home.

I'm glad you had a Beagle, they are wonderful dogs. But they need a LOT of attention. I'm sorry, but your post does not seem to consider Abby's long work schedule. I sent her a PM with the suggestion to volunteer at a shelter on weekends to share her time giving attention to dogs until they are adopted. That is how I started.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

10. Good suggestion, Carla

She may find a nice senior dog there that would be a good match for her. Older dogs will spend most of the day snoozing and will enjoy spending the evening and night with their person. But as someone noted, arrangements will need to be made to let the dog out/walk the dog in her absence if she is working long hours.

[JuneInJax]

12. Greetings to another newspaper person!

I work at the local paper nights and weekends, and I've always had dogs. Right now I have 2 rescue dachshunds and a cat. My home is far from perfect - it's just me; I work, and when the home inspector came out he found a huge hole in the fence I didn't know about. But they gave me Sabrina, age 2-3, and a few months later offered me Hagrid, about 13 years old. It works fine, the dogs always get compliments when I take them to the vet. I say go for it if you can manage 2 dogs who can keep each other company while you're at work. If not, then getting your puppy love as a volunteer at the shelter is an excellent alternative. Who knows, perhaps the perfect size, quieter, housebroken dog will be there for you one day?!
Good luck!
Moni