single, working dog owner

[badger]

I'm at a point where I feel I'm ready to open my life to another dog. However, I'm having many people tell me I shouldn't, as I work all day.

My dog was very old and was very low energy and didn't need to do much other than sleep all day. A younger dog, well, that's where I get a bit stuck. I have two cats, one of which was very close with the dog and I'm sure they kept each other company while I was away.

There's bound to be other people who are single and work all day, and still manage to have a well balanced dog in their life, no?

[smilingcat]

Have you thought of adopting an older dog from a rescue group. They need homes too. Last golden we adopted out was about 9 years old. Andy had arthritis, and people kept wanting to adopt him so they could take him on a hike or take himfor a run and we had to say no. Then one day, a retired lady came by. She also has arthritis so she knew his pain and he understood her pain. It was a good match.

The nice woman and we stayed in touch and just last year, she had to bury Andy. She had 5 or so wonderful years with her companion dog. He was special. She is an incredible woman for willing to take in an older dog.

As for older dogs learning to get along with cats, when Andy came to our house, he knew right off that he was not to bother the cats. We never had to train him. He just knew.

6, 7, 8 year old retriever or other kinds of dogs will fit your need. low energy dog and good with cats. A rescue group may even give you a break on the adoption fee. Group I work with do give discounts to older animals because they are so much more difficult to find homes.

Take time to find a new dog. It's their "forever home". Please keep that in mind when you adopt. and I wish you the best.

[badger]

my dog, Chevy, was from the spca and he was 7 or 8 when I adopted him. I had him for 6.5 years. He was a 90lb mostly-rottweiler who was just a chub of love. He was never an active dog, loved everyone he met, and tolerated my dominant cat. They slept together, but it was more that Chevy let Morley sleep with him.

I also fostered a 13 year old Yorkie cross recently, and that was a bit too close to home.

I love older dogs. I don't think I'll ever get a puppy, but at the same time, I just can't do elder care again so soon. It was very difficult with Chevy; he had a lot of medical issues, and being alone and him being so big, it really was hard.

I do love big dogs, but watching Chevy struggle with steps and even just walking at the very end broke my heart every day. I wanted to help him but he was just too big.

Since Chevy was basically old from the get-go (they thought he was about 10 years old when I first got him), I never really had a co-pilot who did active things with me like hiking and camping. I'd really like that in my next dog, at least for a couple of years before he/she gets too old, anyways!

I'm hopeful that one day the right dog will find me.

What I need to do is work from home and find a house with a big yard :D

[greycoral]

Would the dog have access to the outdoors to use the bathroom? Do you have the time to take it for daily walks? Some people think its "cruel" to get a dog if you are gone all day, but I think that's silly. As long as you have time every day to devote to playing and walking, engaging it when you ARE home, then you're fine. Honestly, all my dogs do is sleep all day. They'll do the same thing when you're at work.

Unless you're working 10-12 hour days, then you should be fine. We just lost our older Boston Terrier last week, he was a great companion to our 5 yr old pug. And even with each other, all they did was sleep all day. my husband and I both are students now, and are only gone for about 4-6 hours a day, they were more than happy to get their walks in the evening, and play time with us later in the night. However, we could not have survived without a dog door. Neither of our pups could hold it when we WERE working full time hours.

I say go for it! Maybe not a baby, but something about a year old with lots of years to enjoy each others company. I know that when we're ready to adopt again, that's what we're looking for. Our Boston was a rescue, he was around 9yrs old when he passed (caught pneumonia and died suddenly), we only had him for 3 years, and I would never do anything BUT rescue again.

[andtckrtoo]

I agree with the others. First of all, adopt an adult dog. There are many many wonderful even younger adult dogs who were abandoned simply because of the economy who are great with cats. If you know what breed you want, do a search that breed rescue in your area - they will tell you whether or not a dog you are considering will deal well with your cats. If you just want a furry companion - your local human society or www.petfinder.com is a great resource.

As for the dog being alone most of the day - as long as you don't mind coming home every night to walk him (or hire a pet walking service to do it), he'll be fine. I think it's much more important to have a very loving home than it is that you're home all day - if that makes sense.

[Tuckervill]

Have you thought of adopting an older dog from a rescue group?

+1. There's a dog out there who needs a home just like yours. I'll bet you can find it!

Karen

[Veronica]

When we had our Rott Mix Greta she was alone inside while we were at work and was fine. She did get two long walks a day though of about 30 - 45 minutes each. She was between two and three years old when we got her.


Veronica

[PamNY]

A younger adult dog would be great for you. It's difficult to get through the puppy stage when you are away all day.

Many rescue groups do cat-testing on dogs they adopt out. Plus cats themselves are good at training dogs.

As long as you have plenty of time for the dog before and after work, you should be fine.

I know what you mean about not going right back into elder care. I loved my older rescue dog and wouldn't trade that experience for anything, but I did need a break from it. Good luck!

Pam

[mtbdarby]

I agree with everyone else. Go for it! I am also a single pet owner but I do work from home. Trust me, even when you're home they still sleep most of the day:p

Everyone loves a puppy, but I'm with those that have a soft spot for the older dogs. We just got our second dog from the humane society that's 6-7 years old. It's been a bit of a process getting him acclimated to our family but we're making progress.

Good luck with your search and keep us posted!

[Biciclista]

Plus cats themselves are good at training dogs.


Pam

Over the years we've introduced the occasional dog to our cat family.
at one point we had a tottering old cat named Toby and we'd just gotten a new 1.5 year old dog. My Dh put a large lamb bone on the floor in front of the dog. The dog wouldn't touch it until Toby had slowly walked up to it, sniffed it, licked it, and walked away.
We never had to say a word.

[msincredible]

Agreed on an adult dog as the way to go. If you can find a couple of dogs that get along well that might be even better, as they will keep each other company. Sometimes rescue groups have pairs that are bonded and they want to adopt them out together.

I ended up in a similar situation for a few years after getting divorced and moving out of a house. My ex didn't want our 2 whippets, so I found an apartment that would let me keep them. I was single at the time and working, and also had a busy business travel schedule (25-50% travel).

It wasn't ideal, I wouldn't have chosen to get new dogs at that time, but I made it work. The dogs kept each other company when I was gone at work, and I lived close by so that I wasn't gone too long during the day. They get a morning and an afternoon run/walk to tire them out and keep them happy and out of trouble. I had a friend that I would trade dog care with when I traveled.

When I moved out, my ex was of the opinion that I should have gotten rid of the dogs, but they have done well with me and been happy. It can be a bit tough on your social life, but for me it was well worth it.

[Becky]

I love the idea of adopting an older (post-puppy) dog! We adopted Cody when he was ~6 months, and that was perfect. He was old enough to physically hold it once he became reacquainted with housebreaking.

I'm going to slightly hijack this thread, and I apologize in advance, but I think it's a somewhat relevant hijack. For those of you who work away from home and have dog(s), what do you do about weeknight riding? I'm interested in getting more riding in, but I feel badly about racing home from work, and then racing back out to ride. The cats couldn't care less as long as my thumbs can still open a can of cat food, but the dog really is more in tune with my/our comings and goings. I feel guilty :(

With my schedule as it is now, Sundays are about the only day for long rides, plus some weekday and Saturday commuting.

Thanks in advance (and be kind- I feel badly enough already).

[badger]

I have petfinder.com saved on my favourites and go to it almost daily. I see pages of beautiful dogs and want to take them all, but alas, I only have an 800sq ft condo.

I wish I could put a dog door but it's just not feasible. And most little dogs can't hold it in for 8 hours, so my other option really is a bigger dog. Chevy had no troubles holding it in for about 10 hours, though I felt so guilty when he had to hold it that long.

The dog'll get walked every morning and after work. I know that a tired dog is a happy dog. I'll also try to go home for lunch most days and I might be able to bring the dog to work once in a while.

Thanks for all your input. I was getting so much negative feedback from people around me telling me I shouldn't get another dog because of my schedule. But aside from work, the dog will be with me everywhere.

As for long rides with dogs - maybe you can get one of those kiddie carts that you attatch to the back of the bike? the dog can run with you for some of the ride but when s/he gets tired, they can hitch a ride behind you? I often thought of doing that with my old guy but I think that would've freaked him out.

[Blueberry]

badger-

Just wanted top add to the chorus who think you would be an awesome doggie parent - sounds like you know what it takes, and you're willing to commit. I have a golden and, though they are generally known for being high energy, all he does is sleep. All day. I didn't work for a while, and discovered he had no interest at all in me during the day. Shoot, I have to wake him up in the AM to get him to go out - he's just as soon sleep in!

No easy answers on the weeknight riding - my dog doesn't always get 2 walks a day (we have a fenced yard, and he doesn't like hot weather at all). So...I don't feel too guilty. I would say ride, and then do a short-ish walk with the pup as a cooldown.

CA

[tulip]

I work at home, and I'm amazed at how much my dog sleeps and just lazes around during the day. I give him an hour's walk in the morning, and after that (and breakfast), he snoozes in his crate for a few hours. He then gets up, stretches, and moves to a dog bed in the livingroom for a while. He'll get up to drink some water, and he always barks at the mailman. Since I'm home and leave the back door open, and he can open the screen door by himself, he goes into the back yard and finds a sunny spot and snoozes some more. He'll bark at passersby occasionally, too, but mostly he's not doing much. At lunchtime (mine), I usually work on some obedience with him for about 10-15 minutes, and then he goes back to resting. About 4pm he starts getting antsy, wanting to go on a walk. I take him out between 5 and 6 for a 45-minute walk, then he gets dinner, and then for some reason, he's full of energy and wants to play in the backyard. We either play chase or I kick an old soccer ball and he goes nuts. Then he watches me intently as I make myself dinner, and falls asleep between 7 and 8. What a life!

[Becky]

Tulip, your description of a dog's day made me laugh :)

[Aggie_Ama]

As you may know I had Heidi and Maggie. Both are (were) small and kenneled in our laundry room while we were at work. You asked them to "get in their beds" and they walked to the room and climbed in their doggie beds. Maggie was 4 when adopted and about the mellowist dog. It isn't funny now but we used to say "if she was any calmer she'd be dead". Heidi is almost 8 and really energetic but she loves being in her bed during the day or when she is tired. We still play with her when we get home (she doesn't like walks). So I think it is perfectly fine as long as it fits the dogs personality or needs. My miniature schnauzers did not have high exercise requirements. A heeler, young lab, pointer or a dog that needs a job and a lot of exercise I wouldn't leave home 8 hours.

Before we owned a house we lived in an apartment (900 sq ft), the girls lived in the bathroom behind a baby gate during the day and got a morning, afternoon and nightly stroll to potty and investigate the outdoors. They seemed content.

[GLC1968]

I was single with a large dog in an apartment/condo setting for 8 years of my life. As long as you are willing to commit to what the dog needs, then there is nothing wrong with it (even a large dog in a small space is fine, depending on the breed). It certainly sounds like you know what to expect, so I would tell the nay-sayers to mind their own business!

I'm sure you already know this, but definitely pay attention to breed (as best you can with a shelter dog). You don't want a jack russell or border collie mix unless it's a much older dog. These are breed types that are high energy, working type dogs and they'll go nuts inside all day. On the other hand, many BIG dogs are very content being quiet all day (like Great Danes - if you wanna really freak out your neighbors!). My dog was a shephard/dobie mix and she had no trouble with 10 hours alone (figure in commute, too) as long as she got plenty of attention and exercise when I was around. I had no life outside of work back then, so it was really, really easy to devote a lot of time to her. In fact, I find that I very much miss that one on one connection that we had. She'll forever be the best dog I ever had and I miss her terribly, still.

Please share pics when you find your next companion!

[GLC1968]

Tulip, your description of a dog's day made me laugh :)


Me too!

[badger]

there's actually a Great Dane mix at a shelter right now, and I would LOVE to take him. Love Great Danes.

I'm not breed specific, I'd imagine any breed will have exceptions to their general rule. I really did love the energy my dog had, he was so mellow, gentle and calm.

I'd like to crate train my dog, but I guess failing that I can corrall him/her in the bathroom with a baby gate.

Thanks for all your input, I'm getting excited again :)

[badger]

this guy (http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13673630) :)

[TsPoet]

this guy (http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13673630) :)

Well you wouldn't need to buy a crate, since your 800 sqft condo would be crate-sized already :D
I love his ears.

[Biciclista]

Badger, remember, these large dogs don't live very long!

[badger]

I know, isn't it horrible that they only live 8-10 years? :(

Anyways, turns out he jumps 7' fence, and since mine's only about 5' and not that sturdy to begin with, he'd be gone.

I'm also thinking I'd like to foster and maybe end up adopting one. I hated fostering for a shelter (I volunteer at the spca), but I would be okay with a rescue group who'll do home checks, etc. But finding someone who'll let me foster while working and living in a condo is worse than finding a dog to adopt.

[Karma007]

Karma is currently and apartment dog; she gets walked 45minutes daily @ 5:15, then again when FI gets home @ 3. she is crated when we're not home. Every time I feel guilty about it, we'll be home on the weekends and she'll go crawl in to her crate alone, even though we are on the couch. Not a big deal.

[berkeley]

What about a greyhound?

They match pretty much everything you're looking for - low energy, low key, adult rescue and lots of them do well with cats. And most are crate trained from the track.

They're really great dogs and spend most of their day snoozing!

[TxDoc]

I'm at a point where I feel I'm ready to open my life to another dog. However, I'm having many people tell me I shouldn't, as I work all day.

My dog was very old and was very low energy and didn't need to do much other than sleep all day. A younger dog, well, that's where I get a bit stuck. I have two cats, one of which was very close with the dog and I'm sure they kept each other company while I was away.

There's bound to be other people who are single and work all day, and still manage to have a well balanced dog in their life, no?

How about an adult, well-trained dog? A respectable breeder/trainer may have some adults as well as puppies - but a puppy would make your life more difficult if you do not have a lot of time for training/supervising. Usually young puppies like to be busy - so either you give them something to do (training), or they will find something to do (most likely something you would not agree with). A well-trained dog will understand your rules pretty quickly and should not cause problems if you are absent for several hours every day. If you have a doghouse (I figure you would since you have one dog already), an outside dog would make things even easier :)

Of course when you do make a decision - please post pictures of the new family member :D

[ACiveE]

Have you considered a doggie day care? I have multiple friends who pay monthly subscriptions to doggie day care (muuuuch cheaper than per visit for them) and they drop their dogs off each day while they work. Their dogs come home totally worn out as they've been running around all day long.

Just an idea. If you can afford it, I would suggest looking into it.

[nancielle]

I'm a single pet owner who works all day as well. I adopted Chloe (it'll be two years ago in July) from a local rescue. She was two years old at the time. I took some vacation time when I got her so that I could be there as she adjusted to her new surroundings. She gets walked three times a day (5:30 am weekdays, a little later on weekends, again when I get home from work and a final walk at 9 pm.) She's pretty much a slumbering slug the rest of the time. Sometimes after dinner she'll want me to play with some of her toys with her or she and the cat will chase each other through the apartment.

I deliberately did not get a puppy (athough the thought of having one was tempting) because I knew I would not have the time to spend with it during the day.

[badger]

I'm having a bit of a dilemma in terms of finding my next four-legged companion.

Do I seek out an older dog that will have a harder time being adopted, a disabled (i.e. tripod) dog that is otherwise healthy but still harder to place because people want the cutest and the prettiest, or a rescue from a horrible place where they escaped certain death but isn't getting the attention it deserves in an over-crowded sanctuary?

Unfortunately I don't have easy access to meet them so I'm kind of committing without actually having met them.

[crazycanuck]

Badger, which doggie would you like? I would like to adopt another doggie friend for Yukon but would feel guilty about which one from where etc. I'd like to bring all of them home :)

The tripod doggie would be nice as it would feel loved as no one wants it as it's "different".

You're a good person either way :) & thank you for taking the time to even ponder a shelter doggie :)

[badger]

I honestly don't know, and I'm sure I'd be happy with any of them. But I do want to help out the one that won't likely find a home easily, you know?

Thankfully I'm not bent on a particular breed so I would never get a dog (and especially a cat!) from a breeder; all I'm looking for is the right fit to my home/cats/lifestyle.

It's so hard. I wish all animals had a forever home.

[crazycanuck]

Badger, when we first got yukon, it wasn't about which doggie from the dog refuge (www.dogshome.org.au) was the coolest & we weren't picky. The rules at the dog refuge are that they suit the dog to the person's home/lifestyle not the person to the dog. Do the doggie homes there do the same thing?

Yukon wasn't suited to a family with younger children so it made sense to us to adopt her. We don't know her history but we are aware she's not an "open" & friendly doggie to strangers. I have a feeling a male human wasn't kind to her before :mad: :(

There'll be a doggie at your home in the future :)

[tulip]

What about a greyhound?

They match pretty much everything you're looking for - low energy, low key, adult rescue and lots of them do well with cats. And most are crate trained from the track.

They're really great dogs and spend most of their day snoozing!


I second the Greyhound. My mother has two and they are very calm, big, well-trained, and full of humor. There are many Greyhound rescue organizations around. They are known as good apartment dogs.

[grey]

I love this one, she just made me grin:

www.badrap.org/rescue/img3/squeeks_smile.jpg

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/adoptions.cfm

I'm not looking for a third dog. I've only considered it because sometimes my 5-year old still wants to play and the 7-year old doesn't... but she either runs around the yard like a crazy thing or we play with her instead. Or both.

Good luck on your search! It's fun, really.

[badger]

interesting you post pit/staffordshire. I've always had a soft spot for them, and lingered on her ad http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13711370

and I'll look into greyhounds. We don't see them around here much.

[Biciclista]

I hope you own your own home then. Lots of landlords won't allow that particular breed of dog because of insurance issues.

[berkeley]

interesting you post pit/staffordshire. I've always had a soft spot for them, and lingered on her ad http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13711370

and I'll look into greyhounds. We don't see them around here much.

Here's a list of Canadian greyhound adoption groups.

http://206.67.60.188/directory/list.cfm?region=3&orderBy=RegionLookup.StateName


You could also try Washington state.
http://206.67.60.188/directory/list.cfm?usState=wa

[badger]

I've pretty much decided on this girl http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13479236

The only problem is that my boyfriend (who currently lives in England but will be coming here next year) doesn't think I should get another dog. Not while I live in a condo and work the hours I do. Which basically means I shouldn't have a dog for a VERY long time. We have plans of moving out of the city, but that will be at the very least 2-3 years, and that's being optimistic.

He said I can do whatever I want, but it's hard when I know he's expressed his opinions and think I shouldn't. And while I can do whatever I want, he will be a part of my household that will contain the dog.

He's said I can foster. And here's the clincher: I have an opportunity to foster 2 dogs (from separate organizations).

I'm kind of torn. While I do like the idea of fostering, I don't like the fact I'll be passing up a perfect dog for me. And this IS a 12+ year commitment, whereas a foster will be limited.

:confused:

[MartianDestiny]

What are his objections to your owning a dog now that are alleviated with a foster animal?

It sounds from your post that he's concerned about the condo (I'm assuming size and lack of yard) and your work schedule.

A foster animal is NOT the solution to these issues. Most of them have issues of varying degree and need far more attention than a dog you own that is comfortable in your house, etc. It's a rewarding, but sometimes heartwrenching, experience; however, if you don't have the time, space, or commitment to a full time pet chances are you don't have the time, space, or commitment for a foster animal even if it is supposed to be shorter term. They just need work.

Find the dog that is right for your living situation and enjoy him/her IMO.

Fostering is a great experience if you have the time and stability to do it, but you do need the time.

[PamNY]

What a lovely girl she is, and what a dramatic story! I love rescue stories. I've heard that the Basenji has a high activity level; combined with terrier, you should have your work cut out for you if you adopt this angel. I would definitely consider a mid-day dog walker or (even better) day care. I'd also touch base with people in the breed. You never know what a mixed-breed dog (or any dog, for that matter) will be like, but it's good to be prepared for the most challenging possibilities.

Good luck with your decision. Fostering lets you find out how dog ownership will work in your particular situation. As far as the bf, I'd want to know if he has specific, fact-based concerns, and I'd address those. Does he have concerns about this dog in particular, or dogs in general? So much of what people believe/hear about dogs is utter nonsense. Not saying this is true of your bf, but it does happen.

Pam

[smilingcat]

+1 with MartianDestiny

Having a foster animals can be very rewarding but it does take time, patience and lots of love. Older foster animals frequently have issues. Sometimes they are the sweetest thing. So its not that they all need lot more attention. It's just that some do and you don't know until you've had the foster for a day maybe even a week or two.

The other thing about foster is that if you really like the dog, you might just go ahead and adopt the dog. Many of the rescue group will allow you to adopt the animal you are fostering. I don't know of any group that will not allow you to adopt a foster animal you are taking care of.

[badger]

I've fostered dogs before. They're good and they're bad. I took Chevy home as a foster-to-adopt. Even though he had the best personality, he had a lot of medical issues that made it hard on me sometimes. He was a lot of work and he was at times a burden, and that's primarily what I think my boyfriend doesn't want me to go through again.

Fostering would be a temporary "fix" to my need/want for a dog. I know fostering's not "borrowing" a dog for the fun of it, they have issues and needs that may be beyond what I can offer.

One foster is a schnauzer with a broken leg. He'll find a home just like *that*, so I won't feel bad returning him after the fostering period. The other one is also from Taiwan, and again, I won't mind giving her up knowing she'll go to a good home.

this is partly why I want Larissa. I've done a great deal of research and have been in touch numerous times with the clinic who has her. They want the best match for the dog as well, and in over 100 dogs they've placed from Taiwan, not one has been returned or have been deemed a mis-match.

[andtckrtoo]

Larissa is adorable!! And her story is heart breaking! I'd love to see her go to someone who will love her as she deserves to be loved.

I second the idea of doggie day care a few days a week. My Aussie goes twice a week - Tuesdays and Thursdays - and he sleeps all day on Wed and Fri. He's simply exhausted. Plus most day cares offer overnight boarding as well - and it's nice to know that your pup will be playing all day when you're not there to be with her.

[GLC1968]

Wow, Larissa looks like an amazing dog!

And a third vote for doggie day care if you've got a good one near you. We had one when we lived in NC and our dogs just LOVED spending the day there. It was an amazing place...I think they liked it better than being home with us! ;)

[Biciclista]

I just read about Larissa too. what a story!

I understand they can be a real handful, basenjis, that is. but she's a cross
and she's her own dog. I hope you get her and tell us all about it. She'll learn quickly to respect the cats.

keep us posted.

[elk]

Badger

I mostly agree with the others.... with a Caveat. Don't fall in love with a Border Collie or an active Aussie or any dog that has alot of energy and need for interaction and activity.

Most dogs will adjust to the lifestyle in which they find themselves....but the right match is important. It's not just a matter of age, or even breed...but temperament and needs.

A retired greyhound (one who safe with cats...many aren;t) would be perfect....a soft couch and 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep is heaven to them. A pug, a basset, an Irish WOlfhound...mastiff types (Rotties) and sighthounds often do well.

A soft couch and 10 uninterrupted hours of solitude and boredom is hell to 99% of border collies, aussies, papillons, most of the sporting breeds, terriers and other herding dogs....even my rather laid back and lazy rough collie would end up barking a lot.

It's totally possible....with the right dog.

[badger]

thanks, Elk. I do look at certain breeds, but even within those breeds there are exceptions. But that being said, I'm not looking at any of the herding breeds, and it's not my choice to look at terriers as they have a pretty strong prey-drive, too, but these dogs from Taiwan tend to mostly be of the basenji/terrier types.

I'm very cautious about the temperament, I would say that is the primary quality I'm looking at. Calm, gentle, friendly, and easy going. My old dog was mostly-rottweiler, and yeah, all he did was pretty much sleep all day and all night.

I really would hate to have a dog come all the way from Taiwan and find that our energies are all wrong. I do need a calm dog indoors but are able to keep up with the occasional runnin, hiking and camping type of lifestyle. Still processing it all and it will be a decision I won't be making lightly.

On another note, I volunteer at the SPCA hospital and I'm fostering a little schnauzer with a broken leg for a few weeks. Hopefully he'll get me in the doggy frame of mind and routine. I won't be keeping him, even though he's cute. He's still very young (about 8 months) and is cute, smart, and small. he'll be adopted just like *that*. I want a dog that most people would pass up. A diamond in the rough, so to speak.

[elk]

thanks, Elk. I do look at certain breeds, but even within those breeds there are exceptions. But that being said, I'm not looking at any of the herding breeds, and it's not my choice to look at terriers as they have a pretty strong prey-drive, too, but these dogs from Taiwan tend to mostly be of the basenji/terrier types.

I'm very cautious about the temperament, I would say that is the primary quality I'm looking at. Calm, gentle, friendly, and easy going. My old dog was mostly-rottweiler, and yeah, all he did was pretty much sleep all day and all night.

I really would hate to have a dog come all the way from Taiwan and find that our energies are all wrong. I do need a calm dog indoors but are able to keep up with the occasional runnin, hiking and camping type of lifestyle. Still processing it all and it will be a decision I won't be making lightly.

On another note, I volunteer at the SPCA hospital and I'm fostering a little schnauzer with a broken leg for a few weeks. Hopefully he'll get me in the doggy frame of mind and routine. I won't be keeping him, even though he's cute. He's still very young (about 8 months) and is cute, smart, and small. he'll be adopted just like *that*. I want a dog that most people would pass up. A diamond in the rough, so to speak.

well there you go! you know what to look for. i can;t remember if you said you had cats...yes i think....look at the greyhounds, if you like them....they are so noble and grateful and there are SO many of them who need homes.
(just make sure it's a cat safe one...)
I suppose the right pit/mix might work....but I don;t know that much about them. A friend of mine who runs a county shelter keeps telling me about these fabulous dogs: kid, cat, other dog safe pits that go unadopted because of their breed. But then she's someone who's totally honest and who is VERY dog savvy. I've met lots of people---good people-- who work in rescue and shelters who are NOT dog savvy...they just want to see the dogs adopted.

One other note. Some Shelter/rescue people have really limited practical breed knowledge. Sweet Larissa looks like a "primitive" like many dogs all over the world. Especially feral and 3rd world dogs. Medium sized, upright or curled tail, prick ears, short hair. The Original, or Ur dog. Basenjis are a kind of primitive breed, but Manchesters are not....point being, I suspect they said MT because she's small and black.

I get a laugh out of looking at Petfinder and finding things like part Saluki, part Coon hound....rare breeds who are very unlikely to have met and copulated in unsupervised circumstances...But because the dog has feathers on drop ears is black and tan and runs fast...IOW it's a rather improbable guess.

BUT!
This is the fun part...looking for love in all the right places....;-) Open your heart and the right dogs will find their way towards you....;-)

[berkeley]

I work with an greyhound adoption group... I'd say that we place probably 70% of our dogs in homes with cats (after proper screening, of course). They do really well with kitties, amazing as it is given their history and breeding.

Here's a gratuitous picture of one cat safe female up for adoption :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/erp2005/CIMG2350.jpg

[elk]

She's BEAUTIFUL! I love sighthounds....sigh....

I hope Badger sees her and her heart skips a beat.

[Blueberry]

Awww - she's beautiful!!!

I have a Golden who is the exception. He is very happy to sleep 10+ hours a day (and he's only 3).

CA

[badger]

Berkeley - she IS gorgeous. Too bad you're way over in CT. She reminds me of this girl (http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13772762), who they offered me to foster.

They seem to only have young dogs, but I would love to get a slightly older dog, say 4 years and up.

Elk: I absolutely do not mind pit bull/staffordshire terrier at all. In fact, I conatacted to be a foster home for bully breed rescue but they've not contacted me, so oh well. I wouldn't hesitate to get one at all. I have a soft spot for the prejudiced breeds because it's not so much the dogs but the stupid owners who bring out their bad qualities.

My rotti X had not a single mean bone in his body. He loved everyone, but some people took his friendliness none too kindly. I got ticked off more than once at how people perceived him because he was black/tan and had a docked tail. I would imagine I'd face worse prejudism with a pit. Such a shame that people don't see the gentle side of them.

[tulip]

Daisy's a sweetie! Why are dogs in Taiwan adopted to Canada? Seems like quite a schlep for the pooches. Is there a shortage of stray dogs in Vancouver :confused:?

[badger]

Daisy's a sweetie! Why are dogs in Taiwan adopted to Canada? Seems like quite a schlep for the pooches. Is there a shortage of stray dogs in Vancouver :confused:?

no, we have loads of homeless dogs, too. And people do ask me why I'm getting one from Taiwan when there are so many who need homes here. I guess my answer to that is for the most part dogs here in shelters and foster homes are treated humanely. Kennels certainly aren't the best place for dogs, but at least they're not mistreated.

Over in Taiwan, they don't treat animals all that well. Larissa's story is just one. Most dogs that end up in shelters there only get a week's lease and if nobody adopts them, they're euthanized in the most horrible way: electrocution, drowning, or just plain starvation. I don't know, all their dogs' stories just break my heart so I got involved with volunteering with them, helping them at the airport when they fly in. It's great to see the adoptive families waiting so excitedly and meeting them for the first time.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've pretty much decided on this girl http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13479236

...I'm kind of torn. While I do like the idea of fostering, I don't like the fact I'll be passing up a perfect dog for me. And this IS a 12+ year commitment, whereas a foster will be limited.


I really feel for your dilemma, i understand how difficult it must be!

Looking at the dog in the link- she's still a puppy, looks very active.
So even though she may be the perfect dog for you....are you going to be the perfect owner for this particular dog? Would it be bored and lonely day after day?
I agree with others who have said that there are certain breeds that thrive with a more peaceful lifestyle. Also older dogs don't mind sleeping way more hours.
I vote for fostering- you'll have a dog-- you won't be 'stuck' forever if it's a mismatch-- you can likely adopt it if it's a perfect match-- you will feel good helping a desperate dog. Thus, the situation can or won't be permanent if it doesn't work well.
Or just take in one foster as a 'practice' to see how a dog fits in your lifestyle before committing to permanent.

[badger]

I'm actually taking home a schnauzer with a broken leg home tonight as a foster. He's a really nice puppy (less than a year old), and very responsive to training. I'll have him while he recouperates from his surgery, which they figure is about 4-6 weeks.

I won't be keeping him, as he's a small dog and very young. He'll be adopted in no time. He might be a bit yappy for me, too, so this is a good way to get back into a doggy frame of mind and routine.

It'll be really hard to say goodbye, though. I hate fostering for the spca because they go back to the shelter and not to a home. Hopefully with this guy there will be a home lined up for him so he won't be at the shelter. And I guess even if he does, he'll likely be gone in a couple of days anyways.

I think bit by bit I'm heading in the right direction.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wonderful news!

You are so generous and kind to take in a foster homeless animal. It takes a special kind of person to do that. You have my sincere admiration.
I think it'll be a great learning/practice experience for both you and the little schnauzer. :)

[Aggie_Ama]

I'm actually taking home a schnauzer with a broken leg home tonight as a foster. He's a really nice puppy (less than a year old), and very responsive to training. I'll have him while he recouperates from his surgery, which they figure is about 4-6 weeks.

I won't be keeping him, as he's a small dog and very young. He'll be adopted in no time. He might be a bit yappy for me, too, so this is a good way to get back into a doggy frame of mind and routine.

It'll be really hard to say goodbye, though. I hate fostering for the spca because they go back to the shelter and not to a home. Hopefully with this guy there will be a home lined up for him so he won't be at the shelter. And I guess even if he does, he'll likely be gone in a couple of days anyways.

I think bit by bit I'm heading in the right direction.

What a wonderful thing you are doing! My schanuzer is very active but only yippy under circumstances (the doorbell and when strangers come in). Both my schnauzers responded very well to being kennel trained although it wasn't a traditional kennel, we use our laundry room. But the one I still have loves her oversized kennel (like a medium size dog one and she is toy size) that we have at my parents. She thinks of it as her personal room at grandmas. It is pretty funny because she knows it is there for her and retreats to it when they pet sit. Enjoy your foster buddy.

[badger]

I brought home the schnauzer tonight. Considering he's stil pretty young, he did very well in the car (stayed put on his little mat) and listens very well. He barks at pretty much everyone and every dog, but he does respond when I correct him. I think he's just super excited to be outside. But he walks very well on the leash, half a step behind me all the time.

He's also really good in his crate. He whined just a wee bit but when I ignored him he just settled down.

The cats on the other hand are another matter. Morley instantly had a full hate-on and hissing away like there was no tomorrow. He took a couple of swipes at the little guy who just wanted to say hi. Scout disappeared under the bed.

This situation is very dangerous, as he's such a good little dog. It's going to be supremely difficult to give him up if he just keeps on getting better from this point on.

[Biciclista]

your cats will calm down. Awaiting next status report. :cool:

[badger]

Well, the little guy (still no-name, and likely to remain so) is quite a nice dog. He has a definite on/off switch. If you want him active and bouncy, he can, and if you want him mellow, he'll just snuggle up on his little bed and doze off. It's quite unbelievable for such a young dog.

The cat's still hissing away and there were some yelps when I left them alone while I took a bath. The other cat's still in hiding and I'm getting a bit worried.

All I can say is, if he was about 20lbs heavier and not as cute, I'd keep him. But with him being such a good size and just the cutest little thing around, he won't have any trouble finding a home.

I'm still dreaming of Larissa, and the boyfriend's actually humming a different tune, showing me travel crates and packs for her to wear when we go hiking/camping.

I'm not used to having to get up at 5am to get him out for a pee, though. He's not quite ready to hold it all through the night. Not sure if it's something he'll learn to do, but I definitely won't be able to do this for the next 14 years.

I'll post pics as soon as I get a replacement battery for my camera (just up and died literally overnight).

[PamNY]

Badger, I thought of you last night when I had the pleasure of spending the evening with a Basenji-JRT mix (oh, and his humans were there too).

Omigosh, I am in love. He was the funniest little dog; very busy all evening but very polite. Basenji and terrier seem to mix very nicely.

[badger]

that's cool!

We just had another arrival of 8 dogs from Taiwan on Thursday. One was another rubber-band-around-the-neck dog. He has such character and charisma, it's was a joy to see him! And he had the most interesting "bark" (they're all basenji mixes).

I'm getting closer to finally taking the leap in adopting one. I'm still in love with Larissa, but there are a couple more making things difficult! :)

[badger]

I just found out that Larissa's been adopted. I have mixed emotions as I think she's such a darling, but I know I'm still not ready so I'm happy she's found a home. I hope she's going to be very happy.

[SnappyPix]

Badger, thanks for starting this thread, it's very timely for me.
I'm having a real crisis of conscience between the strong desire to have a dog - and also to get on my bike and ride.

Both me and my partner desperately want a dog, but we like to ride too and are really torn over what would be the right decision for our potential dog.
I work from home and if it weren't for the cycling, we'd have the perfect set-up for a little doglet - both of us want one, both of us would be 100% committed, we love being outdoors, etc. etc.

We adopted a dog last year, a greyhound lurcher called Jasper. To cut a very long story short, it transpired he had a VERY strong kill/chase instinct (we suspect he'd been used for illegal hare coursing as a pup - and he'd been found by a dog warden after being dumped on the street - very common for greyhounds and lurchers in the North of England, when they're no longer useful for racing or hunting). He'd been in the shelter for a year, rehomed once and returned (for being destructive in the house). He was very aggressive towards other dogs (especially small furry ones), but an absolute babe in the house.
We had him for several months and worked hard with a behaviourist to curb his dog aggression, but we were against an uphill battle against nature, nurture and learned behaviour.
He had several other issues, which we were ok with - separation anxiety, etc - to be expected in a rescue dog - and we made great headway in lots of respects - but the shelter had told us that he was fine with other dogs, which is something that's really important to me, at least to have something feasible to work on with regards to socialisation, etc.
After a weekend where he mauled a puppy and body slammed another (on top of a whole catalogue of disasters), we realised that we didn't have the resources to rehabilitate him and we weren't the right owners for him.
Lurchers and greyhounds are lovely dogs - but if you have one that's been used for hunting, they're not necessarily going to make happy sociable dogs (they usually prefer their own breed, believe it or not). And recall is an arbitrary thing. We spent lots of time walking him with lots of local greyhound groups and came to realise that it's a labour of love owning a lurcher!

We ended up returning him to the shelter after around 6 months - a heartbreaking decision and one that I'm still trying to come to terms with. It took several weeks to finally admit that we were failing him and that he was just not the right dog for us.
And we wholeheartedly held our hands up and admitted that we'd screwed up by not fully investigating all the little niggly things that we'd thought of when we adopted him.
I miss him dreadfully and miss the hole that having a dog has left.

We threw ourselves into biking and have recently joined a bike club and go on a group ride on a Saturday, which usually lasts from around 9am to 2pm.
And that's the dilemma.

In terms of dog ownership, I'm very realistic. Whilst I love the idea of an older rescue dog, I think that for me personally, I'm now drawn to the idea of a younger dog, possibly even a puppy. Not that I'm under any illusions that a young dog won't be hard work (quite the opposite, probably twice as much - and then they reach the terrible adolescent stage, but I'm not sure that I want a dog that might be preloaded with baggage). I'd prefer not to get an older dog, as having a very active, playful little guy is also part of the attraction. I'm willing to make huge sacrifices in my life - and to commit to walks at least 2 or 3 times a day.
But I worry that leaving a dog for the long weekend group ride would be unfair to the dog.

I managed to work through Jasper's fears about being left alone (not really full-own separation anxiety, he just wasn't used to being on his own - he'd been in the shelter for 2 years) by crating him and gradually increasing the length of time from 5 minutes to over 2 hours - ignoring his bad behaviour and rewarding his good.

If we did get a younger dog, I would make sure it was through the winter months, so that I'd be riding less and would have more time to acclimatise him to being left. I wouldn't expect any dog, let alone a puppy, to be happy being left for 5-6 hours (and a pup would be incapable of holding his little bladder that long!).

We're looking into the option of getting professional help for the weekends - a dog walker or dog sitter - to come in and break up the time left for him.
We don't really have a support network who would be able to offer help, and certainly not on a regular basis.

I'm absolutely aching to have a dog. I don't have kids and the bell on that maternal body clock is glanging louder than the bells of Notre Dame!
How do people on here cope with leaving their dogs? Would 9am to 2pm be too long and am I being selfish? It would only be a maximum of 2 days.
I know that every dog is an individual and it depends on their previous circumstances and how you train your dog to adapt to its routine, but I want to do what's best for the dog, not what's best for me. I know that if I'm with the dog a lot in the week and then leave it at the weekend, it would be hard for any little doglet to understand what's going on, so I'd make sure in the week that he got accustomed to being left crated for a few hours while I pottered and ran errands, etc (and went out on my bike!).

I look at people with dogs and feel such a pang of sadness, because I've waited so long to have one in my life, the conditions are perfect - and if I didn't ride there'd be absolutely no issue whatsoever.
I love my bike and have just rediscovered the thrill of being in a club.

I'm really torn.
I'd really value another perspective on this - and don't be afraid to be honest as I'm willing to take any constructive criticism or advice on the chin.
Sorry I've gone on for so long - and I don't mean to hijack your thread Badger.

Thanks for listening. Again, apologies for the long rambley post. :o


********************************************************

EDIT.

Having just re-read the whole thread again, I see that lots of people leave their dogs for around the 4-6 hour mark without too much trouble. Maybe I'm just over-analysing all this because I'm so terrified of doing the wrong thing again, at another dog's expense? I think I still have a lot of guilt over Jasper.
Sorry for this very public soul-searching.

I guess that for me, it's a circumstance that I know would be part of the equation from the beginning, rather than something that develops over time as the guy gets older.
Maybe I'm just thinking about this too much. I see so many people with dogs who are away for far longer and the dogs seem to adapt and seem quite well-adjusted.
I'm not in a hurry to make the decision.
Ye Gods, now I'm going round in circles!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Snappy, you sound like an extremely dedicated and caring pet owner. Any dog would be lucky to live with you. If you walk the dog before you leave and after you come home, leaving it for 6 hours a couple times a week is no big deal. :)

[MartianDestiny]

Jeez Snappy, you really are beating yourself up over this.

Thousands of people work 9-5 and leave happy, well adjusted dogs alone (or maybe with another dog buddy) for that long 5+ days a week. Spending a few hours on a bike ride, or even a weekend away (with a good sitter or similar plan) is not going to harm a dog unless they have extreme issues (which unfortunately it seems you have dealt with in a very heartbreaking way in the past).

This isn't the best for young puppies, but it sounds you have a plenty good plan to raise one with limited away from home time in the early stages if you choose to get a puppy or younger dog.

Spend some time, do some research and find a few breeds/mixes that will fit well into your lifestyle (I don't think too many will actually be eliminated, but still). Then don't be afraid to spend time with and really think about individual dogs (especially rescues that are mixes or have their own varied history and may have some quarks).

Maybe consider working with a private rescue instead of an individual or a shelter. They tend to keep their dogs longer and spend more time getting to know their personalities and issues. That will help you know what you are getting into a little more and pick a dog with issues (if any) that you are more prepared to deal with.

[badger]

I agree, if I were only gone a couple of times a week for 4-6 hours I'd have gotten a dog LONG ago. I'm gone 9 hours 5x a week so therein lies MY dilemma. Yours sounds like a godsend for me!

I wouldn't worry too much about leaving your dog alone for that amount of time. I would imagine you're still not at peace with giving Jasper up the way you did, but you gave him more than what others would have.

Since I'm still in the same boat of needing a mellow/low-energy dog, I'm starting to look at bigger breeds again.

I'm sure you'll find a perfect dog for you. Don't fret too much, it will all work out. And really, there's no reason why you can't get a smaller dog and outfit your bike with a basket or a carrier and take him/her with you!!

[SnappyPix]

Thank you so much Badger, Lisa and MartianDestiny for your input.
I know you're right.
I think I'm beating myself up so badly because at the time of adopting Jasper I became very friendly with his handler (who had lurchers of his own) - who made it quite clear when I returned him that he was disappointed in me and thought I hadn't tried hard enough. That was despite having written to him before returning the dog, explaining in details my reasons for doing so - and completely accepting responsibility for them.
The guilt isn't appeased by the fact that Jasper's still waiting in the shelter for someone to take him.

Ironically, at that time I wasn't riding much at all, so the bike wasn't an issue then - but my partner worried that we'd not be able to go for longer rides because I only managed to get Jasper up to about 3 hours being left (admittedly from a starting point of 3 seconds before he'd bark constantly and pee in his crate!).

I want so much to be a responsible dog owner, but guess that I need to just focus on actually enjoying dog ownership, rather than worrying about how I might be failing. I'm sure that Jasper was much smarter than me and picked up on that a lot of the time!

I'm thinking about a few breeds - non-shedding (partner has asthma) - which kinda leads me along the poodle/terrier route. I know - smart and bossy! I want a big dog. I previously had an Airedale, whom I adored.
TBH though the idea of a thoroughbred is a little scary - puppy farming and bad breeders. I do like the idea of a mixed breed, but don't really have any fixed ideas - other than no collies or spaniels as that would definitely be a potential problem with being left.
I'm just taking my time to get my head around the prospect of having another dog again to begin with!
I did think of volunteering with the local dog shelter (not the one I got Jasper from), but decided it might be quite a dangerous move!

Anyway, now I'm rambling again. Thank you for putting things into perspective for me. And apologies again Badger for hijacking your thread.
I hope you find the little guy of your dreams. It's a shame we don't live around the corner from one another and could co-dogsit!

I think I'm going to spend the next month or so having an "imaginary doglet" to see how well it would potentially fit into my life. When I start taking it for walks, I'll know I've probably decided!

[Deborajen]

Another suggestion for working full-time and getting a dog - consider getting a pair. They'll keep each other company when you're not home with them. Of course, they'll still need exercise, chance to go outside, etc.

Or - and some people get a good chuckle out of this, but - doggie daycare - ? I've never tried it, but I have a friend who's had a good experience with this.

As a lot of the other posters have suggested, do your homework on what breed handles the situation best. You'll be a great petowner! (Or human owned by a pet! ;))

Deb