New dog on the horizon and new job......Is it doable?

WildFlower2350

So my hubby and I have been looking to add a dog in our home for quite some time and there are some real prospects from some rescue agencies where we could be doggie parents in a few weeks.  The process has gone on for months so were really excited- fast forward to this week where I was offered a ( temporary) full time position @ the job I'm currently pt @.  We're planning on replacing a car so in that sense the extra money is def going to be a huge help.  I'd hate to give up all those months of patiently waiting for the right rescue pooch but Im worried- is it possible to work full time while bringing a new dog into the home? It won't be a puppy- closer to 1 year that's for the most part housebroken and crate trained.  My father in law comes over occasionally so could give the dog a mid day break on certain days.  A 30-45 min morning walk and an hr at night is doable before and after work.

 

Anyone out there who's dog is alone for your working hours?  We really want this but want to do right by the dog too!   

chrisnjay05212010

we have a 4 month old puppy (who we  brought home at 10 weeks) and we are out of the house for the better part of the day anywhere from 5-8 hours. My husband is a cop and works strange hours and I work a regular M-F 9-5.  We are crate training him as well and he does fine with us gone. If I am gone any longer, my father goes over to let him out. We haven't had any problems and he seems to be ok adjusting to our schedule.

sgautschi

I have three dogs, a 3 year old Jack Russell mix, a 2 year old Chihuahua mix, and a 5 month old German Shepherd mix. DH and I both work full-time from 8 to 5 and have done so for a while now. All of our dogs have been great. I did notice that when I just had the Jack Russell, before I got the Chihuahua, he would have separation anxiety while we were at work. He would howl and chew everything up, but that all went away when we got the second dog. He was just lonely and nervous. Not all dogs will be like this, but if you do get a high energy breed, then you may have this problem. Just something to keep in mind. Otherwise I don't see any problems with it. Just remember to keep a steady routine. If you are going to have your dad come over and visit, have him do it regularly or not at all. I notice my dogs get freaked out when we change the schedule up on them too much. Good luck!

GrayGhost13

It completely depends on the individual dog. Many (probably most, actually?) dog owners work full time, so it's not unreasonable unless you're talking about a young puppy, a dog with separation anxiety or a dog with extremely high physical or mental exercise needs.

Since you're in the adoption process now, just be completely honest with the rescue (and with yourself!) about your schedule and how much time you can realistically devote to your new family member and let the rescue help match you with a dog that will be a good fit. They want the placement to be successful as much as you do, so they should be able to help you choose a good match.

GL!

Caz1221

GrayGhost13:

It completely depends on the individual dog. Many (probably most, actually?) dog owners work full time, so it's not unreasonable unless you're talking about a young puppy, a dog with separation anxiety or a dog with extremely high physical or mental exercise needs.

Since you're in the adoption process now, just be completely honest with the rescue (and with yourself!) about your schedule and how much time you can realistically devote to your new family member and let the rescue help match you with a dog that will be a good fit. They want the placement to be successful as much as you do, so they should be able to help you choose a good match.

GL!

Ditto this. It's important to evaluate your lifestyle and what you are willing and able to commit in terms of time and energy (how much exercise, mental stimulation, training, etc.). I have 2 pugs (now ages 5 and 6), and DH and I both work full time. I'm out of the house from 5:45 am until 7 or 8 pm. DH takes morning duty with the dogs because he doesn't have to leave the house until around 8 am. We have a walker who comes around 12:30 pm and takes them on a walk. Then we walk them when we get home (we both get home around the same time). They have their own room where they stay during the day, and they are perfectly content. They are low energy dogs and are happy to sleep most of the day, so the 1-1.5 hours of walking they get each day is more than enough.

WildFlower2350

Thank you all so much for the input!  Wish me luck and hopefully when w get our new edition I'll be sure to add a pic!

 

nital

Completely doable.  Potty break right before you leave, potty break as soon as you get home...hire a dog walker if the pup can't hold it, but a 1 year old should be able to.

Plenty of love and training in the evenings, and your pup should be a happy camper. 

kellbell1919

Both of our dogs hang out on the sofa and snooze for the 8 or so hours we're at work every day.  We just make sure they get a good walk at night, are kept in a secure area, etc.

lmd812015

Agree with PP's in regards to evaluating your time outside of work (the amount you have to dedicate to a dog), but it is certainly doable.

We're out of the house 8 to 5 or so, give or take a little, and our three dogs (9, 8 and 2) are all perfectly content lounging until we get home.

Best of luck!