ok - mrs cookiemonster and I are thinking of getting a dog (west highland terrier as it happens). Her family have always had dogs, but im a bit new to the game. The real problem however is that we both work - i can work from home maybe 2 1/2 days a week, but it still means that the house will be empty for the rest of the time. Then there will be times when I'm travelling that no-one will be around.

A proposed solution is a) we get two dogs, so they keep each other company b) we get a dog walker so that they go for a walk each day even if we're not around.

So - anyone out there work full-time yet manages to keep a dog ? will this work ? opinions & experiences ?

ta

2 dogs......twice the destructive power !!
http://upload.turbosport.co.uk/getpi...5152848812.JPG
pillows, fence, grass the list is endless :D
If you want a dog build a run in the back garden and a dog walker may be a good idea.
The initial training would be an issue though ???

We've got a Border Terrier.... she's low maintenance :)

yeah - we were thinking of allowing them to run into the garden (modified cat flap). I'm a bit worried that they'll be able to get under fences and the like - they seem to be able to chew through most things...

LMAO @ PG

Those two don't look at all like trouble makers ;)

:D

I'm also interested on the answer to anyone working full time and having a dog and if its possible without being cruel to the dog.

Most dogs like a routine. It is possible to work full-time and have a dog. Some dogs need more exercise than others so bear this in mind.
You can walk you're dog before you go to work and then when you come back. If you have kids tell them to take it out after School. My dog is very active and I walk him twice a day for about 6 miles. Keeps me fit and a still a legend to the ladies. LOL

no kids - so you reckon its ok for it (or them) to be left alone all day ?

Are you getting a puppy or adult dog? If it's a puppy then it'll grow and learn.

Maggie (Silver grey Weimaraner bitch) was left alone quite a bit when she was a puppy and was ok, there were never complaints about her barking, but then she was a quiet dog.

Now this might sound very cruel but you may wish to consider using a puppy crate, ok, ok, it's basically a big cage. It sounds cruel, but it's not. When you're out it will keep pup confined to an area, plus it will be 'their' space, so when they are let out they can roam, and if they want some peace and quiet, they can pop back into thier cage. Maggie used to lie on the floor, then get tired and take herself off to bed! rather cute actually.

If you're getting an adult dog then it will be a little more difficult, as they will have their own routine and you'd have to change that, which can be tough, but it can be done, though putting an adult dog straight into a cage might cause upset, not sure, I'm not an expert.

We've got a Border Terrier as well. The first one wasn't too bad, but this one's energy on legs! He has to be stripped at least every 4 months, otherwise he gets the shaggy look and his energy levels are sky high...! He can quite happily go for 3 walks round the field and blatt up and down all over the place, yet he'll still be up for playing. :)

He's just 2, btw. :)

I use to compete in Obedience competions and a lot of people there worked and kept dogs but it is a BIG commitment as you have to either keep it in an out door pen or walk it before you goto work for 30 mins to 1 hour (less sleep) and the same again at night in all weathers or it will get bored and destroy the place! If you pen it up when it is bored it will destroy its self by chewing or licking Etc The will get use to routines but they require a lot of time when young to train and entertain basicly like small children.

Do you have kids ?

We (well she)decided a dog would be a good idea prior to marriage and kids, when the (3) kids arrived dog is just another thing needing attention/care, I would just cut straight to the breeding as 2 dogs + kid(s) is hard work, and as for the destructive power, ours isnt that bad but managed to ruin 700 quids worth of lino, paint on all the doors and the occasional Turdley is deposited around the house. Ours is ten now so wont be around all that much longer.

I guess I am not a dog person, I do like dogs, just dont really want one and unless you can commit to up to 15 years of care *2 I wouldnt even think about it, especially if you both work, my wife doesent so the dog doesnt get lonely (at least thats her excuse)

why get a dog if you arent at home? mad idea. it will either wreck the house through boredom or just get bored...neither are good.

T

Wanted one of these for years...
Spanish Water Dog.

http://www.rarebreed.com/breeds/sp-w...p-waterdog.jpg

I got an older rescue dog (bout 9 month old Rottweiler/Doberman cross). He's a nightmare but quite well behaved when we are at work!!! I pop home at lunch and take him for a quick walk round the block and my other half walks him when he gets home at 3. Only problem we really have is he messes in the house because he seems to be 'shy' pooing infront of people (I have to stand in the garden with him in the morning to stop him from jumping over the fence and into nextdoors aviary!). I am waiting to take him to a specialist training course for rescue dogs which is starting at the end of the month.

Trev (the dog) has plenty of toys and the run of the downstairs of the house and seems happy enough. He gets a big bone to chew while we are not there and a ball that you fill with treats and as the dog rolls the ball, the treats drop out!

The decision to have a dog came only because I don't leave the house till 8am, I go home at lunch and my partner is home for 3 so he's not on his own for prolonged periods of time. If you get a puppy, it will get used to it but an older dog may get distressed and destroy the house!