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shift work and dogs

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in this thread:
  • Michelle
  • kalli
  • Victor
  • Lulu
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Michelle
1 post

I want to get a dog but oth myself and my partner work shifts and are away from the a max of 3 for 12 hours a day. Can anyone recommened a dog for us. We Have someone that will pop in and check on the dog and feed it

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kalli
Los Angeles, CA
218 posts

Being away from home between 3 and 12 hrs per day is not the criteria you should focus on when looking for a dog. That’s actually the least of your concerns… The only advice I could give you based on what you shared is that you should probably look to adopt an adult dog and not get a puppy.


Think about your and your partner’s lifestyle – are you outdoorsy and active or couch potatoes? Do you want an energetic dog to go hiking and running with, one that would protect the house, or just someone to cuddle with? How much energy and money are you able and willing to invest into training, exercise, vet visits, food? Do you have a house with a securely gated back yard or live in an apartment? Would you prefer a small, medium or big dog? Etc.

A good starting point would be if both you and your partner took the 2 quizes on this site:

1st: Are You Ready for a Dog? http://dogtime.com/ready-or-not

2nd: Dog Matchup http://dogtime.com/matchup

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Victor
Rochester, NY
13 posts

Hi Michelle,


It seems you must ask yourself, Why do you want a dog? How will the dog benefit from living with you and your partner? Do you have time to train a puppy? On average I would say having a puppy is like having another responsibility you can’t forget about. With younger dogs(puppies) they must be let out several times a day. Their bladders can’t hold has much as an adult dog.So your partner and you may need to work on your schedules to see how things are going to work. For example who will take the dog out morning mid day evening or more. Who will spend time training and giving the dog affection. Who will administer the dogs flea/tick/ heart-worm prevention?Did I forget feeding?


Are you financially ready for another family member, this includes vaccinations, health concerns, food, treats, and grooming if you don’t plan to bathe it yourself.


Having a dog is big responsibility. Your biggest concern is if the dog is going to have as good a life as you are.


After thinking about these things listed above then you would want to think about what type of dog fits your home like Kalli suggested. This is important. The wrong type of dog can really make your life a complex thing, not to mention the dog will probably not be happy.


On the other hand having a dog means you can’t go away (travel) for long periods of time unless you take the dog with you or can leave it with a responsible loving person.


Hope this helps. Having a dog is great thing if you have the time and patience to train for life.

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Lulu
San Antonio, TX
58 posts

I absolutely agree with what Kallie & Victor have said. Having a dog is a HUGE responsibility that unfortuneately too many people take way to lightly. The ones that end up paying the price are the dogs. I absolutely agree that it would probably be best to look into getting an adult or senior dog rather than a puppy. Better yet, have you ever considered fostering a dog first. This would be a great way to prepare you for dog ownership. Who knows, you could even find the dog of your dreams this way. At least this is how my sister found her dream dogs.

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