Puppy love

 

I am considering getting a puppy. I would not be a first time owner, I've had pups before but I now work 12 hour shifts 4 days a week. 2 day time shifts and 2 night time shifts. I would be leaving the house at 6am and returning at 730pm or 6pm and 730am. There is a woman in my neighborhood who would stop by to walk my dog twice a day for 30mins and I of course would walk her before leaving to work and once I return. I also have 4 straight days off in a row. I know this may sound confusing but before getting to excited I'd like some pet lovers advice on whether or not they think this an adequate enough amount of exercise and human interaction. Thanks in advance.

First off, I know EXACTLY how you feel about this. I had to put my girl Karlie down Dec 31st, 08...She was my everything and I miss her every day! I have had a dog literaly everyday for my entire life. I didn't think I would be ok with out a dog after I lost her so I ended up getting a puppy (Nyah) before I had to put karlie down because I felt like Karlie literally was holding on for me and I didn't want her to feel like I would be alone and plus she loves puppies. It all worked out great and now Karlie is in a better place and I have Nyah who is trying to fill that hole in my heart the best she can. The only problem is I work 12 hour shifts as well 3 days a week. So she has been staying with my parents when I work and then coming to stay with me on my days off. I am hoping to bring her home with me full time really soon as she is now almost 6 months old. The only thing that would be hard is the potty training aspect when your gone for 12 hours a day. Good luck hope this helps. This is back in the end of Nov 08. Karlie is my boxer girl and Nyah is my mini aussie.

I cant see the picture :( BTW looks like your big day is coming soon!!! Yayy!

hmm. how would I post the pic so you can see it? yep my surgery date is friday!

[IMG]http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i43/lilbrit08/IMG_3790.jpg[/IMG]

OMG both of those dogs are so cute!

~H

they are so beautiful!!!!

I am in the same boat, I am also considering getting a puppy but am not 100% sure because of the hours I work.   You are lucky to have someone in your neighborhood that would be able to walk the puppy each day.  That is a major plus! When I finally get a puppy I'm probably going to have to come in early and take an extended lunch break so I can run home and take her for a walk in the middle of my day.

I've been doing some research and there are definitely dogs out there that are geared towards being "apartment dogs" meaning that they don't need quite as much exercise and they do fine being indoors.  Most small dogs would do fine and even some medium size dogs would probably be fine as long as they get at least one long walk a day.  Also, since you have 4 days off in a row per week, I think the dog will do great!  Four days off is more than most pet owners get! I just really recomend doing a lot of research on different breeds before you decide to get one.  Oh, and I highly recomend crate training the dog.  We did that for my mom's ****er spaniel puppy and he was fully house broken in just a few days.  He is 7 years old now and still loves that crate.  My parents don't put him in it anymore but he still tries to fit in it and sleep. And when you tell him to, "Go to bed." he runs right over there and sits down, it's so cute! I moved out of my parents house two years ago and, at the time, they had 4 dogs.  Now, when I'm home I just have my cat and it feels so empty!

Good luck! If you decide to get one, post lots of pictures :)

~H

I guess it depends on the breed of dog. Some dogs needs a ton of exercise and also companionship, while others done. This is the same problem we had. I have a Boxer who needs a ton of exercise and a lot of attention. I work 3, 13 hrs shifts a week and she def. cannot be in a crate that long. Even if someone were to come let her out twice a day she would still need the companionship. I have to add she is very needy and quite the attention ***** lol. She has major seperation anxiety if left alone too long and starts to chew her pads and her nub of a tail.  I would just make sure you do your research on the amt of exercise the dog needs and whether or not that type of breed needs to be around people all the time. I say go for it. Izzy was my best purchase! Always around to keep me company and make me smile aftr a rough day. She was also what helped me through my fertility issues.

There are some sedentary breeds that don't need the same kind of maintenance that "hyper" dogs do...lol
I have an English Bulldog that is content to walk about two blocks...pee on the usual light post and just sit for a few minutes before I drag his fat butt back...lol...he is my heart on four legs!!




I don't think life is ever the same once you've let a puppy into your heart!
xxxBecca