Puppy advice

[Wahine]

I am contemplating getting a puppy. My last dog was a bullmastiff and he was perfect for me and my lifestyle. There is a reputable breeder close by that currently has a litter. I really want one of these puppies.

The problem is that I am away from home for up to 10 hours in a day. I often get up very early to swim with the masters group, head straight to work and don't get home until 6 or later at night. I train a lot.

This is why a bullmastiff is a good choice for me, they are very low key, sleep all day while your gone and don't go stir crazy.

I know that a puppy requires a lot more time and input. So I'm thinking about trying to set things up so I can bring the puppy to work with me. I am a PT and I could set up a kennel in our gym area. I have 2 concerns, a lot of whining and any detrimental effects from kenneling during the day. I would be able to set my schedule up such that I could spend at least a half hour break in the morning and afternoon with the pup and of course my lunch hour.

I haven't had a puppy before. I have always inherited other people's dogs. That's how I got my last bully. So the whole puppy thing is new.

Any input and advice would be greatly appreciated, especially if you're one of those lucky people that get to take their dog to work.

[mimitabby]

Is there a bull mastiff rescue group? You could get another full grown dog. From our own experience, I would never get another dog unless someone was at home full time. It's just not a fun life for a dog to wait all the time for those precious few moments that you are there. And for a puppy, that would be awful.
However, I do like your idea of taking the dog to work. if you can get away with it; by all means!!!

[Wahine]

There is a bullmastiff rescue group, but they don't typically have a lot of dogs and they are almost never anywhere close to me, making it hard to go see them etc. I have been on the look out for a rescue.

DH is home most of the time, but he says he doesn't want the puppy responsibility so I need to figure out how I can make this work in a worst case scenario situation - ie as if he wasn't available to help at all. Realistically, he'll likely help a lot. But I can't make him want to take care of a puppy, it's not fair IMHO.

The cool thing is that if the puppy is quiet, it could likely stay in our break room, where it would see and interact with people a lot. All the people I work with are dog friendly. It would not be able to stay in the break room if it was disruptive to the calm envirnoment that we try to provide at the clinic.

Input?

[tulip]

Have you considered a cat? With all that time away, a cat seems like a better choice, at least for the puppy.

Would DH really not be available to help out? Seems like it should be a joint decision, though, and if he's not into pups, then there's not going to be much convincing him (unless puppy eyes do it).

[bacarver]

Puppies are cute but they are needy and messy and require attention. Fairness calls for the time and ability to nurture them until they mature and calm down. A puppy that doesn't have an available caregiver can develop behavior problems that are difficult to deal with.

Talk to people who have been through puppy raising. Know what you're getting into.

It is easy to dream of the ideal situation and outcome, but reality has its own agenda.

Thank goodness, however, for animal lovers such as yourself!

Good luck!!

Barb

[mimitabby]

Puppies are cute but they are needy and messy and require attention. Fairness calls for the time and ability to nurture them until they mature and calm down. A puppy that doesn't have an available caregiver can develop behavior problems that are difficult to deal with.

Talk to people who have been through puppy raising. Know what you're getting into.

It is easy to dream of the ideal situation and outcome, but reality has its own agenda.

Thank goodness, however, for animal lovers such as yourself!

Good luck!!

Barb Yeah, it's a lot like having a baby. If one partner is not really interested, that could be a problem.

[froglegs]

I recommend getting an older dog. If the rescue groups don't have a lot of bull mastiffs, take your time and look other places (shelters, online, etc) until you find one.

I have a boxer that I got off craigslist for $50 when he was 14 months old, from someone who was moving and couldn't take him. He was completely housebroken, good with cats, didn't chew, knew basic commands, and slept all night. I've had him for a year now and he's been a great dog. I am SO glad I didn't get a puppy - my husband and I both work all day and wouldn't have had the time or willingness to properly train and socialize one. An adult dog, we can handle.

[Wahine]

In the past, when I have brought a dog home, DH, (inspite of all his objections prior to), has always ended up being a joint caregiver. I just don't want to have to rely on him. His position right now is "you can have a dog if you do all the work". He is a dog lover, but he's afraid of not being able to go cycling or windsurfing at the drop of a hat.

I love cats too but DH is allergic. I also prefer dogs for the interaction you have in training them etc. I had my last dog trained to do all sorts of tricks, advanced obedience etc. So I'm not afraid to put in the time. In fact, I have a lot of experience training horses and dogs, so I know what's involved there.

It's more the whole puppy issue. The puppy would have an available caregiver through the day if I brought it to work and realistically, probably after a week or so (once the puppy eyes kicked in) DH would likely take over at home, at least part time. He's not working at present but is looking for a parttime job close to home. This is his other concern, how would having a dog affect his ability to look for work. Hence the reason why I would have to have a back-up plan in place.

The other reason for wanting a puppy is to start it's training from scratch. I mentioned that all my other dogs have been adoptees, they trained reasonable well, but it would have been so much easier if I could've started with them before they developed those bad habits. I may also consider training the dog for therapy dog work in the future.

I really appreciate all your input. It's making me think things through which is soooooooo important before you make a decision like this. So please keep it coming!!

[michelem]

Hi Wahine,

We brought our two puppy beagles home over five years ago and they STILL require lots of love and attention! When they were puppies, they needed a lot more . . . remember, they only have puppy-sized bladders, so they need to be taken out about every two hours (max - ideally less than two hours). Keeping them crated any longer than that is bad news. Potty training is very time/labor intensive in the beginning. Now that ours are grown, they are able to stay in their crate for up to 8 hours.

For us, we order our lives around our dogs, not vice-versa. My husband is home with them until about 10am and then puts them in their crate. I go straight home from work and let them out at about 5pm. I don't go anywhere in the evenings until he gets home (anytime between 7pm and 10pm). It is not fair to the dogs to stick them right back in their crate after they've been in there all day just so I can go out and do something. Even if they weren't crated, it's not fair for them to be left alone that much - they are pack animals and their "pack" includes their humans. They are most content when we are all together at the same time.

Summertime is easier because my husband doesn't work in the summer. This way, they dogs are with him all day and I can put them in the crate when I get home from work and go for a bike ride or a jog or whatever. During the winter, I am limited to weekends for those activities. Forget taking the dogs with me on jogs - they are beagles and have to sniff EVERYTHING along the way. My husband takes them for a walk in the morning and I take them for one in the evening.

Hope something works out for you! I tend to think that with your lifestyle you may do better with a grown/trained dog rather than a puppy.


By the way, does your place of employment have OSHA regulations regarding having an animal in the breakroom? This may be something to look into, especially if people eat in there.

[Wahine]

Thanks greatly. A lot of great input. Especially about the break room thing never thought of that!!

[Wahine]

As a result of an interesting twist of fate... one of my clients overheard me discussing the puppy issue at work. Talking about ways to manage proper care if I decided to get one etc. Turns out, this person knows someone with a year old bullmastiff that may need a new home.

So, things may be a little different after all.

[three]

For us, we order our lives around our dogs, not vice-versa.

It is not fair to the dogs to stick them right back in their crate after they've been in there all day just so I can go out and do something. Even if they weren't crated, it's not fair for them to be left alone that much - they are pack animals and their "pack" includes their humans. They are most content when we are all together at the same time.

Very well said Michelem!

Lots of puppy experience here.

As everyone else on here has expressed, puppies take a great amount of time and attention. I second everyone's suggestions that an older dog might be better suited for your lifestyle.

Physiologically, they are not able to fully control their bladder until around 4-6 months of age - which means you'd have to be able to take them outside every couple of hours. And, that 4-6 months of age mark doesn't mean they can hold it for long periods of time - it just means instead of every 2 hours, it's every 3/4 hours.

You mention that the idea of getting a puppy and training them early is appealing. So, please take this into consideration:

Dogs learn through conditioning. If you are keeping your puppy in a crate for extended periods of time where they hear people's voices, or see people walking by - that is what they will become conditioned to. Meaning, when the time came for you to leave the puppy at home in their crate, they will freak out if there aren't people walking by and voices to be heard. Crate-training works because it replicates the idea of a 'den', which is instinctive for dogs. They often feel safer in their crates (it's where my dog goes whenever he's sick or scared). The way you crate-train your puppy is very important because it ties into animal instincts of a 'den' and their sense of safety. I would be concerned about needing to completely re-train your dog once they were older and no longer brought to work everyday. Puppies don't like to be in crates at first, it takes training to get them comfortable. You'd likely be dealing with whining and scratching at the crate door - and again, if people try to calm the puppy in response to the whining...this becomes conditioning behavior (with the potential of teaching the puppy that whining will get them attention...and you can imagine what that will result in).

Plus, puppies are not supposed to be in crates for long periods of time. The behavioral specialist at a nearby Veterinary school (the school is #3 in the nation), stated to me when my dog was a pup that you can only leave them in a crate for one hour per month of their lifespan. 3 months old means no more than 3 hours a day, and so on. With a maxing out of no more than 10 hours a day total (when they are adults) - and required potty breaks at the 8 hour mark.

It put a massive crimp on my finances, but when he was a puppy - I followed the above rules and would take my lunch break at the needed time to run home and un-crate him, I'd then drop him off at a doggy day care and pick him up after work. Eventually, as he got older and was able to stay in the crate longer and longer, I no longer needed the day care - and by then, he was not only used to the crate...but also well socialized with other dogs due to the time at doggy care. He's 7 years old now and though that first year or so was a bit rough, I'm so glad I put the time and effort into it.

Great book: "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skeet (if you aren't familiar with them...google them and their center in NY, they are probably the best resource for dog training IMO).

A puppy is cute and adorable and fun, but SO much work. Older dogs can always be re-trained...plus, you get the benefit of getting them when they are old enough to be crate trained in a much shorter span of time and stay in the crate for the full allotment of time, and they don't have to be housebroken. Dogs are amazingly smart and always willing to learn - it's the dedication to proper training and consistency that gets in the way...and that's the human's responsibility, not the dog. If I ever get another dog, I'm not sure I'd ever go through the puppy thing again - much easier to start with them when they're older. Any needed re-training can easily be done over a few months whereas a puppy will need extreme dedication for the first year or so.

Good luck with whatever you do and congratulations on getting a new dog!!!

[sundial]

Wahine, I've had both puppies and adult rescues and it's easier to deal with a dog that is past the chewie/potty stage of puppyhood. I think ideally a large breed that is 1 1/2 yrs to 2 years is still young enough, but able to be more focused and a little mellowed. Your mastiff won't be fully matured until 2 1/2 to 3 yrs of age. :)

Have you considered looking into a doggie daycare? One of my friends took her pooch to one that had a webcam set up and she could log in throughout the day to check on her dog. The daycare not only provided socialization, but exercise and snacks as well. Her dog came home happy and exhausted and couldn't wait to go back the next day!

As with any daycare, you'll want to take your time and research them. Check with your veterinarian or groomer who she would recommend. I would make sure the daycare put like sized dogs with similar temps in the room and that a staff member should constantly watch them and interact with them. Also, many daycares will want the dogs treated for kennel cough as well as being current on shots and altered.

Good luck and when you get that baby mastiff, we'll be eagerly awaiting puppy pics. :)

[Wahine]

Thank you all so much for your input.

I am very familiar with behavioural training methods but I am so glad that Three brought up the point of the puppy getting used to seeing people all the time even when it was crated. I do have a quiet place at work that I could crate a puppy and take it outside frequently. My appointments run 1 hour max so it's just a matter of making sure the breaks are worked in if needed.

My work day is maximum 7 hours during which the dog would have to be crated, most days it's less (4 or 5). But that's still obviously too long for a puppy. I was planning on working half time for awhile when we first got the puppy.

My last "rescue" the other bullmastiff was very trainable at 4 years old. The dog before that, not so much, but she was a hound and hounds are notorious for being difficult to train. It also didn't help that DH was less than consistent with her. Aside - this is actually really funny because he is a behavioral scientist by training and teaches parenting classes based on behaviorism, but when it came to the dog... it all went out the window.

So I want to say thanks again for all the input. Unless DH changes his mind, I think I'm going to leave things as is for now and see what happens with this other dog that may need a home. Something will work out. I just want another bully soooo badly and age is a factor for me. I lost my last dog way to soon after getting him.

[Trek420]

Wahine, I think you and DH would make a great Dog mom & dad.

I highly encourage a rescue or adult dog. For one thing you are saving a life and you know what you're getting; shy dog, outgoing, energy level ... it's all there.

From there training and care is needed. I've read a saying "We get the dog we deserve" so it's a lot of work. But your dog's a learning machine and oh it's nice when training works. And it is fun on both ends of the leash.

But it is a huge lifestyle change. There are many things I don't do because of my mutt. Your dog wants to be with you, for most dogs that's always.

We work, have our friends, hobbies .... your dog has you. A tired dog means a happier less stressed dog so the morning swim or ride? It may need to be the morning loooooooong walk with the dog or run.

I "got custody" of the dog in a break up but then Mae had bonded with me and not with my ex who'd wanted the dog in the first place. But at most if I'd left the mutt with her, Mae would be a backyard dog. It's been hard but with me she's had a good life :cool:.

I've never regretted it.

[three]

T

because he is a behavioral scientist by training and teaches parenting classes based on behaviorism, but when it came to the dog... it all went out the window.

that's funny stuff. :D

I hope everything works out with the year old bully. Best wishes! *fingers crossed*

[Wahine]

I've had dogs all my life. We always had one in the family, when I met DH he had the poorly behaved coonhound. You wanna talk about high maintenance, I used to run that dog 20 miles a week, literally. Then we got the bully, walks 3 times a day but was happy on his own for the day while I was at work, so very low key in the needy department. He was also very well loved by everyone so it was easy to find a sitter. Easy to train. You can see why I want another.

We had him put down just before we moved from Canada. :(:( DH and I have been dogless since, it'll be exactly 2 years on Feb 4th.

I'm not afraid of committing to a dog, I've just never raised a puppy. So I'll hang out and see what happens with this other dog and go from there.

Thanks for the kind words of support.

[Zen]

You might look into greyhound rescue. Very low maintenance dogs.

[chickwhorips]

Wahine I just want to say thank you for thinking about every last detail. I just wish more people would. Being an animal lover, I'm just like you. With everyone's advice.... I just wish there were more people like ALL of us! :)

[Wahine]

CWR - I would be devastated if I got a dog and couldn't hold up my end of the bargain. So that's why I asked. I still think it would be possible for me to give a puppy a good home, with proper socialization etc, but it would be hard and I'd have to rely more on DH than what he's willing to commit going in. So it's totally not far to take the risk.

As for a grey hound, it's not a bad idea but my heart is truly set on a bullmastiff. If I wasn't so set on one, I could find an adult dog tomorrow of another breed or melange as they say in France.

Thanks again everyone.

[fastdogs]

It's great that so much thought is going into getting a dog, wish everyone did that. You've got some great suggestions and ideas so far.
I have four dogs, I've had as many as eight at a time. I have always been away from home ten hours a day, when I was in the army sometimes 24 hour duty as well. I've always tried to set up a kennel situation for the time I'm gone, so the dogs can go indoors and outdoors. I don't like leaving them in a crate for that long, although I know people who do and it works well for them. I like them to be able to go lay in the sun on nice days. One difference, however, is they have other dogs to keep them company. The last pups I had I kept three of them, and they played and kept each other amused all day (the adults pretty much sleep all day). So more than one is an idea, although not recommended by trainers since the dog bonds to another dog and they need to be worked with separately for training. I'd love to be able to bring them to work, but I've never had that situation. A good doggie daycare is a good idea, as well as having someone you trust stop by and take the dog for a walk or play session during the day.
vickie

[kerrybelle]

Having had a Bullmastiff before, you know some of the potentially 'bad' characteristics/behaviors of them. If you do get one that turns out to be dog aggressive or has a high prey drive and then you come to the conclusion that having the dog isn't fair to him/her (not because of the behavior), you will have a harder time finding a good home for it.

You are right though the Bully is a great dog. Of course, I have one that is about to turn six. Best dog I've ever had, except for the drooling, of course. :rolleyes: My Bully has a great disposition, very untypical of the breed, but I'm also very carefull with other dogs (more so, because I don't know about the other dogs). He loves people, though. I started him in training when he was 9 weeks old. He was diagnosed with Stenosis & 2 cysts all at C1 &C2, when he was almost 2. I don't want to injure him any more, so I've backed off the training.

Another breed that doesn't require a lot of room or excercise is the Great Dane.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Kerry

[Trek420]

Another breed that doesn't require a lot of room or excercise is the Great Dane.

I like mutts! :) You get the best of both (or multiple) breeds. :)

[Wahine]

Having had a Bullmastiff before, you know some of the potentially 'bad' characteristics/behaviors of them. If you do get one that turns out to be dog aggressive or has a high prey drive and then you come to the conclusion that having the dog isn't fair to him/her (not because of the behavior), you will have a harder time finding a good home for it.

Another breed that doesn't require a lot of room or excercise is the Great Dane.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Kerry

My bully had problems with other dogs but only if they aggressed on him first, then he'd quite definitively show his dominence but never injured another animal. Having said that, when your 130 lb dog picks up the neighbor's yorkie in it's mouth, people can get upset. I worked with a trainer for 4 or 5 months to minimize this behaviour. That is part of the reason I was thinking of getting a puppy. I had no idea my adopted bully had this problem until one day, 5 months after we brought him home a small dog came running up to him, yapping away. I was thinking that I should be able to socialize the puppy better in decrease the chances of that type of behavior.

A great dane is a possibility, but once you get used to that expressive bully face, I don't know how you switch.

[Veronica]

What is about small dogs? People (their owners) seem to think their aggressive behavior is cute. I had one small dog come running out at me while I was on my bike the other day. The dog was on one of those way too long leashes. I saw it and went way out into the middle of the road to make sure I was away from it. The lady laughed as it lunged. I wish I had said something to her. What if I had had hit it? There could have been lots of damage to all involved.

People are so stupid sometimes.

Wahine it's hard to make a choice like this. We ultimately decided not to get another dog. Our lives have changed since we had Greta and it would be harder for us to raise a dog correctly now. Personally, I hope you decide to get a dog. I really miss having one and feel a little guilty because we would be good parents... I know you'll be a good dog mom. But don't let me pressure you. :D

V.

[Wahine]

What is about small dogs? People (their owners) seem to think their aggressive behavior is cute. I had one small dog come running out at me while I was on my bike the other day. The dog was on one of those way too long leashes. I saw it and went way out into the middle of the road to make sure I was away from it. The lady laughed as it lunged. I wish I had said something to her. What if I had had hit it? There could have been lots of damage to all involved.

People are so stupid sometimes.

Wahine it's hard to make a choice like this. We ultimately decided not to get another dog. Our lives have changed since we had Greta and it would be harder for us to raise a dog correctly now. Personally, I hope you decide to get a dog. I really miss having one and feel a little guilty because we would be good parents... I know you'll be a good dog mom. But don't let me pressure you. :D

V.

I honestly think that many (not all) small dog owners end up never properly training their dogs because it's just easier to pick them up and restrain them when they do the wrong thing. The bad part about that is that you can't always pick up or restrain. Don't even get me started. Every incident I ever had with that dog was with a small aggressive beast. My neighbor, immediately next door has a Jack Russel, it is very well behaved and good natured. 4 doors down are 2 aggressive Jack Russels and across the street are 2 aggressive Poms. Between these 4 dogs, I swear I'm going to hit the pavement one day on my bike.

[snapdragen]

My only dog bite was a mini dachshund :eek: right on the butt!

[chickwhorips]

I'm sorry Snap, but that's funny. I can only imagine your reaction to that one.

[sundial]

Having said that, when your 130 lb dog picks up the neighbor's yorkie in it's mouth, people can get upset.

One of my gsds did that. He only rolled the yorkie but if you had not known it, you would've thought the yorkie was going to be a chicken nugget.

Puppies don't come with the baggage that a rescue has, but depending on the temperament of the parents, the puppy could have aggression/dominance issues. I have always found that a good basic obedience class taught by a reputable and experienced instructor does wonders for both dog and human. The dog gets to enjoy socialization and positive reinforcement in a controlled, safe environment and the human gets to learn to be pack leader. :)

A positive thing about young adult rescues or dogs that need to be re-homed is that you already have a pretty good idea what the temperament is as well as the size of the dog. With puppies, you both get to potty train together and learn patience and perseverance. Not to mention steering clear of the needle teeth. :eek: :)

[Tuckervill]

I like mutts! :) You get the best of both (or multiple) breeds. :)

Yeah, me too! My new dog Lucy, who seems to be a cross between a Golden Retriever and an Airedale, has just blossomed into the best Golden personality EVER. And she learned how to fetch all by herself--just started bringing me stuff to throw. But she has the CUTEST terrier face I've ever seen...and no long hair!

I love my terrier mixes!

Wahine, good on ya for taking on a new dog. I hope you find the one that was really needing you.

Karen

[shadon]

if the dog were at home for long periods, would a dog walker be an option? It would give him a break and he'd have the opportunity to have a relationship with another human.

I walk a golden retriever three nights a week while his humans work in the resturant industry. Dog gets a nice walk mid evening, and we've become quite fond of one another. When I meet him on the street (he lives right next door), he does his happy dance to see me. I think it's a great solution to being home alone for a long time.

[Wahine]

If the dog was at home DH or a neighbor would take it out for an amble, if it was with me I'd take it out at lunch and on breaks.

Doggie day care isn't available unfortunately. But I have lots of retired friends that might be able to do some care giving if needed. The good thing is that I live in a very dog friendly town.:D

so I'm just hanging tight now, waiting for the right dog to find me.

[three]

I was researching dog rescues in your area, and one site led me to another. I got stuck on this one because of all the cute faces. I know she's a bit of a ways from you (but, not TOO far)..and oh my cuteness! Little Mystique in WA...look at that face! So cute (and crate-trained!)

http://bullmastiff.us/rescue/availRescue.html

[Wahine]

Three, thank you so much for that. I actually already looked up Mystique. But unfortunately I would be afraid to have her at my place due to the neighbor's dog and cat that frequently come into the yard. She has some significant issues with smaller animals. She's been looking for a home for a while now.

That was very sweet of you to point her out.

[farrellcollie]

Slightly off topic of puppy getting advice for you - but have you read Jane and Michael Stern's book - Two Puppies:Being the Authentic Story of Two Very Different Young Dogs, One Who Is Virtuous and Goes on to a Life of Service, the Other Born to Be Naughty

It is about their bullmastiff puppy (the naughty dog) and a service labrador pup.


When my 12 yr old and 2 yr old dogs were pups - I paid college students to study at my house so they (the dogs) would only be crated for short times. I also used the system of a closed crate - then crate and one safe room ,then crate and house system where crate was closed when they were young - then open crate in room with gate - then crate in house because my dogs liked their crates even when they could be elsewhere.

[Wahine]

No I haven't. I may have to check it out.

And what exactly are you trying to say? (she says with a teasing tone) :D

[kerrybelle]

My bully had problems with other dogs but only if they aggressed on him first, then he'd quite definitively show his dominence but never injured another animal. Having said that, when your 130 lb dog picks up the neighbor's yorkie in it's mouth, people can get upset. I worked with a trainer for 4 or 5 months to minimize this behaviour. That is part of the reason I was thinking of getting a puppy. I had no idea my adopted bully had this problem until one day, 5 months after we brought him home a small dog came running up to him, yapping away. I was thinking that I should be able to socialize the puppy better in decrease the chances of that type of behavior.

A great dane is a possibility, but once you get used to that expressive bully face, I don't know how you switch.

You're right early socialization will decrease that type of behavior, unfortunately, it may still pop up as they mature.

You're right about the bully face. There is no other dog with such an expressive face. I wouldn't trade mine for anything!

[Wahine]

Kerrybelle - I love the photo of your bully. Sooooooo sweet.

Here's a link with a photo of Tyson. The love of my life. Apart from DH of course.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=156211&postcount=227

[kerrybelle]

Kerrybelle - I love the photo of your bully. Sooooooo sweet.

Here's a link with a photo of Tyson. The love of my life. Apart from DH of course.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=156211&postcount=227


Oh, I love the brindles, especially the dark ones. He's gorgeous! I obviously missed you posting this before.

Casey was only 5 months old in that picture. Of course, he no longer fits in the recliner! Here's one when he was 2.

Good Luck again, with whatever you decide!

[Wahine]

That photo is great, complete with a little drool out the left side of his mouth.

I love the brindles too. It's part of the reason I got excited about the litter I was talking about, she has 4 brindle puppies that are still available. They would be soooooo cute. I don't dare even go see them now that I've pretty much decided that a puppy would be too hard to manage.:(

[spokewench]

I'm probably going to get blasted here, but I'm going to say it anyway. I don't think anyone gone for 10 hours a day should have any kind of dog! It is not fair to the dog

spoke

[Wahine]

I agree Spoke. That's why I was trying to find out how other people had managed bringing dogs to work with them. There is no way I would leave a dog alone for 10 hours. I'm trying to figure out a way that I can bring a dog to work with me for the times that my husband is not home or can't take care of it. Right now he's not working but he might get a part time job.

If I don't have a way to manage the situation without leaving the dog for long periods, I won't be having a dog. As it stands, my employers are supportive as long as I can mange it such that the dog is not disruptive to the work environment. I was originally thinking I would have to bring a puppy in every day with me because my husband did not want to be saddled with puppy rearing. But now that I'm thinking more on the lines of an adult dog, he's more receptive.

Thanks for voicing your opinion, it's a very good point.

[kdskaggs]

Hi,

One thing to consider in bringing a puppy to work is that if your gym sells food of any type, it may be against health code to have a dog in the building. This is the case at the gym I train at.

Also, it seems really unfair to bring a puppy into a home where one of the adults doesn't want puppy responsibility and the other works a lot. Puppies need A LOT of attention and care. To believe that a puppy may not be disruptive when in a break room is a lot to expect. My sister has Mastiff's as well and they like to chew and potty everywhere like most pups do. Another option might be to take the pup to doggie daycare during the day so it is well cared for and even potty and obedience trained. Pups don't train themselves so this could be really helpful for you because it doesn't sound like you have the time to take the pup to a classes. I did this for a few weeks while we lived in a motel during construction of our house. It was extremely helpful and my puppy loved it too.

If you have never had a puppy before, you might have unrealistic expectations about potty training -- it's not fun at all and can take as little as a few weeks and up to a year to accomplish. Pups need to go out several times an hour before they understand why they are going out at all. It seems as soon as you take them out and bring them back in, they tinkle on the floor. :( They are like human babies, they need love and training. I have a saying that it's a good thing puppies are so cute because if they weren't no one would want one because they are so much work! That said, I have two Goldens that are thankfully well beyond the puppy stage and very well trained in obedience. When they get a few years older, I'll be getting a third. :)

Good luck on your decision and if you have any training questions, feel free to ask.

Kenda

[divingbiker]

I'm probably going to get blasted here, but I'm going to say it anyway. I don't think anyone gone for 10 hours a day should have any kind of dog! It is not fair to the dog

spoke

There are ways to make it work. I always have more than one dog, so they keep each other company. And I have a dog walker come every day at noon to take them for a long walk. My dogs seem happy, and they sleep all day anyway.

I agree that no dog should be left alone for 10 hours.

[Wahine]

So here's where things stand

a) I've pretty much given up on the puppy thing

b) If I got a dog (ie adult) it would stay home when there was someone to take care of it, like my husband and/or neighbors

c) I don't see needing to take it to classes, I've trained several adult dogs for advanced obedience and am well grounded in behavioural techniques, I would do the training in the evenings or when I have time during the day.

d) at times when there was no one to help at home the dog would go to a sitter or come with me to work (I don't work at a gym, I work at a PT clinc but we have a gym area with lots of room where I could keep the dog during working hours while I am with clients, between clients or while doing paper work the dog could hang out directly with me in my office.)

e) part of the reason I'm choosing a bullmastiff is that they tend to sleep anywhere from 10 to 18 hours per day, have low exercise and grooming needs.

f) bullmastiffs can have aggression issues - especially with other dogs, I'm aware of this (I have owned one before that had some issues) and am willing to take the necessary precautions should something like this arise.

Am I still missing something?

[Tuckervill]

I think you've got it all together, girl. You go. :)

I have very specific things I do and do not expect from my canine relationships. Many "dog" people would not agree with some of them. I don't care. Our lifestyle flexes to includes dogs. We have very happy, healthy, well-behaved dogs who I am proud to own. It all works for us. Do what works for you.

Karen

[sundial]

Wahine, I think you're set on go. :) As long as the patients (and boss) don't object to having one big love bug hogging the gym, I think it's a viable plan.

Kerrybelle, I could kiss Casey's little nose. :)

[kdskaggs]

Just one lucky dog! :)

Kenda

[Wahine]

LOL, I've been looking. :D

There's a possibility down in Eugene. It's a 3 hour drive. DH and I are discussing it.

[Veronica]

Wahine, when you finally do get a dog, will you start a new thread please? I've mostly stopped reading this one, excpet when I see that you have posted.

Thanks!

V.

[Wahine]

Definitely V.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

f) bullmastiffs can have aggression issues - especially with other dogs, I'm aware of this (I have owned one before that had some issues) and am willing to take the necessary precautions should something like this arise.


This is the aspect that bothers me.
Is this grown dog going to react badly if you are in the bathroom and the dog is in your office and a stranger suddenly walks in?....or worse yet, if some little kid enters your work place when you are not right there with your dog at the moment, and runs up squealing to pet the doggie?
How will you prevent this if you are not with the dog every second? You can't really control other people's unexpected movements in your workplace.

[kerrybelle]

Bullmastiffs' are people dogs, they love people! They tend to be aggressive towards other animals not people. It would probably be apparent when first meeting the dog if they had any issues with people.

A German Shepherd is more likely to do something if the owner isn't there, because they are protective of their space. Bullmastiffs are protective of their owner.

[Wahine]

+1 what Kerrybelle said. Also, if you're adopting an adult dog, they are evaluated and you would know before getting the dog if there was a people problem. Attacks on people are far more likely with many other breeds. The issue is with other dogs.

Not only that, the dog would not have free run of the office, when not with me it would be crated or kenneled in a quiet space. My clinic is set up that I am not unexpectedly interrupted by a patient/child/whatever, they have to get past reception first.

[sundial]

A German Shepherd is more likely to do something if the owner isn't there, because they are protective of their space. Bullmastiffs are protective of their owner.

Gsds, like people, come in all flavors of temperaments. Of my 4 dogs (3 of which are german shepherds) the australian shepherd is the one who will clean your clock if you try something stupid. Like the bully, German shepherds prefer to bond with one person in the family. Unlike the bully, they *have* to have a job to do or else they will create one of their own, which usually isn't a pretty sight. :eek: