What breed?

[carmadham]

Hi all, I've wanted a dog all for as long as I can remember and now have my own place so hopefully it will happen soon!

My situation is I am single and work full time but locally and I could get home at lunchtime to take the dog out for a short walk etc.

Due to work I know I wont be able to be there for a puppy so was thinking of a youngish rescue around 2/3 years old.

I like bigger dogs and would prefer a GSD (I have been walking my aunts one for a few years and love them!)

The dog will get a walk before work, a visit/walk at lunchtime and another walk/all my attention in the evening.

Which breed do people think would be most suitable for me bearing in mind it being left alone for several hours at a time during the day? do most dogs just get into a routine?

[moorx]

I've had various dogs whilst working full time (with a dog walker at lunchtime) but I'd say the breed/type that has coped best with being left is greyhounds and lurchers.

There are many specialist greyhound rescues who can help you find the right dog. Sadly, as there are so many in rescue, you should not have a problem finding one that meets your requirements.

Where are you based?

[CaptainMorgan]

How long each day are we talking? Mine is left for 6ish hours some days, thats more or less the limit I'd personally want to leave a dog. When I get back or before I leave I take him for a decent long walk. There have been times I've been stuck out the house all day and had to get my aunt in to take him out and play with him for a hour or so but feel super guilty about it and try to avoid it if possible.

[carmadham]

CaptainMorgan said:

How long each day are we talking? Mine is left for 6ish hours some days, thats more or less the limit I'd personally want to leave a dog. When I get back or before I leave I take him for a decent long walk. There have been times I've been stuck out the house all day and had to get my aunt in to take him out and play with him for a hour or so but feel super guilty about it and try to avoid it if possible.

the dog would be left from approx 8:00 till 13:00 then again from 14:00 till 17:00

[carmadham]

moorx said:

I've had various dogs whilst working full time (with a dog walker at lunchtime) but I'd say the breed/type that has coped best with being left is greyhounds and lurchers.

There are many specialist greyhound rescues who can help you find the right dog. Sadly, as there are so many in rescue, you should not have a problem finding one that meets your requirements.

Where are you based?

Thanks for the reply, i've read elsewhere a greyhound would suit but am still keen to hear other suggestions

[Jasandjules]

To me, any dog with a person and a home is better off than one in rescue. Pop along to your local rescue place and see what they have and what they say.

[CaptainMorgan]

Jasandjules said:

To me, any dog with a person and a home is better off than one in rescue. Pop along to your local rescue place and see what they have and what they say.

Yeah I think I agree in this situation. It's going to come down more to the dogs temperament and upbringing rather than what breed they are.

[KFC]

carmadham said:

Hi all, I've wanted a dog all for as long as I can remember and now have my own place so hopefully it will happen soon!

My situation is I am single and work full time but locally and I could get home at lunchtime to take the dog out for a short walk etc.

Due to work I know I wont be able to be there for a puppy so was thinking of a youngish rescue around 2/3 years old.

I like bigger dogs and would prefer a GSD (I have been walking my aunts one for a few years and love them!)

The dog will get a walk before work, a visit/walk at lunchtime and another walk/all my attention in the evening.

Which breed do people think would be most suitable for me bearing in mind it being left alone for several hours at a time during the day? do most dogs just get into a routine?

It can be very hit and miss with UK dog rescue places - unfortunately you might find they don't want to know when you tell them you actually have a job It really is disgusting the amount of people like yourself I've spoken to who looked like sensible prospective owners who wanted to give a rescue a chance, and ended up hitting so much red tape and hassle that they gave up and bought a dog from Craigslist instead.


Avoiding a puppy is definitely sensible - they get bored easily and thats when destruction of furniture etc can potentially happen. They also can't hold their bladder as long as an adult dog. Its not fair on either the dog or the owner if you go too young in that sort of scenario. An older relaxed dog is better. You also really want one that has been a pet before, rather than a dog that has lived wild or in a rescue centre all its live. It'll be far more likely to be happy just curled up sleeping waiting on you coming back home.

Trying to pick a breed first then looking for a specific dog that fits is probably not the best way to go though. If (and thats a big word in dog rescue unfortunately) you can get a sensible human from the rescue place helping you, they should be able to pair you up with a suitable dog from stock. Or if they don't have one they should be able to network with the other rescue places and find you one. Its definitely a 'buyers market'... there are far more dogs than suitable homes so it should be relatively easy to match you up, its not like your circumstances are anything crazy.

If you are already walking your aunts dog regularly I'd aim for a rescue of the opposite sex. They're far more likely to get on with each other and then you could hopefully walk them both together and let them socialise. Then if you're ever struggling for time you/aunt can take turns about to walk the pair of them etc. Also its a huge plus point if you could leave your dog at your aunts if something comes up and you know you can't make it home, and vice versa. I know you're saying work situation is easy now, but it might not be that simple for the next 10 years so best to plan ahead and try and pre-empt any problems I absolutely can't leave my female rescue dog with my neighbours female, they just hate each other. my male rescue is fine there.

I work in dog rescue/rehoming... if you have any questions feel free to ask

[red_slr]

Your situation now. You also need to consider what if your job changes, or your status.

Also thing about holidays etc. Where will the dog go?

Also what about if the dog is sick or has to be cared for after an operation, can you take time off?

[TheBALDpuma]

Looks a good oppeotunity...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Not GSD size, but not tiny either.

[carmadham]

KFC said:

It can be very hit and miss with UK dog rescue places - unfortunately you might find they don't want to know when you tell them you actually have a job It really is disgusting the amount of people like yourself I've spoken to who looked like sensible prospective owners who wanted to give a rescue a chance, and ended up hitting so much red tape and hassle that they gave up and bought a dog from Craigslist instead.


Avoiding a puppy is definitely sensible - they get bored easily and thats when destruction of furniture etc can potentially happen. They also can't hold their bladder as long as an adult dog. Its not fair on either the dog or the owner if you go too young in that sort of scenario. An older relaxed dog is better. You also really want one that has been a pet before, rather than a dog that has lived wild or in a rescue centre all its live. It'll be far more likely to be happy just curled up sleeping waiting on you coming back home.

Trying to pick a breed first then looking for a specific dog that fits is probably not the best way to go though. If (and thats a big word in dog rescue unfortunately) you can get a sensible human from the rescue place helping you, they should be able to pair you up with a suitable dog from stock. Or if they don't have one they should be able to network with the other rescue places and find you one. Its definitely a 'buyers market'... there are far more dogs than suitable homes so it should be relatively easy to match you up, its not like your circumstances are anything crazy.

If you are already walking your aunts dog regularly I'd aim for a rescue of the opposite sex. They're far more likely to get on with each other and then you could hopefully walk them both together and let them socialise. Then if you're ever struggling for time you/aunt can take turns about to walk the pair of them etc. Also its a huge plus point if you could leave your dog at your aunts if something comes up and you know you can't make it home, and vice versa. I know you're saying work situation is easy now, but it might not be that simple for the next 10 years so best to plan ahead and try and pre-empt any problems I absolutely can't leave my female rescue dog with my neighbours female, they just hate each other. my male rescue is fine there.

I work in dog rescue/rehoming... if you have any questions feel free to ask

Thanks for your reply KFC, I did visit a local rescue place a while back and explained my situation and they seemed fine with it. I have heard some of the bigger well known centres can be funny with people who work, there was a thread on here recently on the subject. I think I will go back to the local place and see if they have anything suitable.

[bakerstreet]

carmadham said:

Thanks for your reply KFC, I did visit a local rescue place a while back and explained my situation and they seemed fine with it. I have heard some of the bigger well known centres can be funny with people who work, there was a thread on here recently on the subject. I think I will go back to the local place and see if they have anything suitable.

I think you would be better to try and find a breed thats suited to your requirements. We did exactly that and came up with a greyhound. Reading between the lines, it sounds like you aren't really interested in a greyhound. I urge you to re-consider. Several thousand are 'disposed of' each year because they fail to make the grade on the track. They make ideal pets and quite frankly better suited to your situation than a GSD. Huge amounts of choice too.

Also, if you are late out from work at lunchtime and literally have to walk the dog and then leave again, I can tell you from personal experience, I don't think that will work.

People who own dogs and work full time is a controversial subject. Ours managed fine at home 9hrs a day. We actually had more issues when I was made redundant and I was at home all the time. I know one couple whoes husky sits at home 10 hours a day. Like our Grey, he sleeps

[carmadham]

bakerstreet said:

I think you would be better to try and find a breed thats suited to your requirements. We did exactly that and came up with a greyhound. Reading between the lines, it sounds like you aren't really interested in a greyhound. I urge you to re-consider. Several thousand are 'disposed of' each year because they fail to make the grade on the track. They make ideal pets and quite frankly better suited to your situation than a GSD. Huge amounts of choice too.

Also, if you are late out from work at lunchtime and literally have to walk the dog and then leave again, I can tell you from personal experience, I don't think that will work.

People who own dogs and work full time is a controversial subject. Ours managed fine at home 9hrs a day. We actually had more issues when I was made redundant and I was at home all the time. I know one couple whoes husky sits at home 10 hours a day. Like our Grey, he sleeps

I think I need a Greyhounds character wrapped in a GSD body!, I just think they are such good looking dogs.

However I don't want to get a dog or breed of dog that won't be happy in its new home and will have a look at some Greyhounds but am not really sure about them atm.

I thought one of the reasons it was important to get back at lunchtime to give the dog a chance to go to the toilet?, 10 hours straight without seems a long time.

[KrazyIvan]

GSD can be a lot if work (they can need a lot of time training as well as walking), and when bored can be very destructive. We walk ours twice a day for about 3k and a good hour or mores walk at the weekend, plus she gets to play with our Alaskan Mal (not suitable for your situation) on dry days in our largish garden. If you do go for one, choose wisely, the lively bright intelligent one that might seem like the best, might be bored being left alone.

Most working breeds struggle with boredom.

Good luck on your search.

[bakerstreet]

carmadham said:

I think I need a Greyhounds character wrapped in a GSD body!, I just think they are such good looking dogs.

However I don't want to get a dog or breed of dog that won't be happy in its new home and will have a look at some Greyhounds but am not really sure about them atm.

I thought one of the reasons it was important to get back at lunchtime to give the dog a chance to go to the toilet?, 10 hours straight without seems a long time.

Yes, you are right about letting them out to go to the loo, but going in and out again quickly can stress them out and thats with a walk in between! I see where you are coming from on the GSDs. They are good looking dogs. I was round a friends house who has just been given two as prison service dogs. Very fluffy and massive paws as puppies!

Have a browse of the Retired Greyhound trust site and maybe visit one of the regional kennels and have a look. It won't do any harm Most will let you take dogs out at weekends. Bare in mind it can get really busy at weekends.

Also, what ever you choose, take the advice of the people who run the kennels. We said what we wanted and we were given a choice of 5 dogs and we chose from that list. Turned out the kennel people got it spot on. I found that the smaller kennels were much easier to deal with. Its been a year now and we still keep in regular contact with the kennel owners

[dern]

As someone else said, greyhound or a lurcher. You can get shaggy looking lurchers that look more like the GSD look you're after I guess (kinda).

We adopted a 7 year old lurcher having known nothing about the breed. When his time comes I'd have another lurcher like a shot. Happy in the same circumstances as you (once we stopped trying to keep him in the kitchen), loves people, very affectionate... love him to bits.



Mark

[carmadham]

dern said:

As someone else said, greyhound or a lurcher. You can get shaggy looking lurchers that look more like the GSD look you're after I guess (kinda).

We adopted a 7 year old lurcher having known nothing about the breed. When his time comes I'd have another lurcher like a shot. Happy in the same circumstances as you (once we stopped trying to keep him in the kitchen), loves people, very affectionate... love him to bits.



Mark

Thanks Mark, that's more along the lines of the type of dog I like the look of.
So they basically have the same character as a greyhound then?

[moorx]

carmadham said:

Thanks Mark, that's more along the lines of the type of dog I like the look of.
So they basically have the same character as a greyhound then?

Might be worth reading this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[carmadham]

moorx said:

Might be worth reading this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Thanks, I popped into the dogs trust tonight as its only down the road and they had Greyhounds and Lurchers on their website.

I noticed most of the Lurchers needed someone around most of the day and were quite timid, I asked the girl about this and she said most of them had come from Ireland?

[bakerstreet]

carmadham said:

Thanks, I popped into the dogs trust tonight as its only down the road and they had Greyhounds and Lurchers on their website.

I noticed most of the Lurchers needed someone around most of the day and were quite timid, I asked the girl about this and she said most of them had come from Ireland?

Standard terms from a lot of the kennels are four hours max. If you say you can't do that, then some will want to see that you have organised a dog walker immediately. I know plenty of people who leave there dogs for longer and the dogs are fine. I still recommend looking at a local RGT kennel as well as specialist sight hound rescue kennels and there are plenty of those about. They will have Lurchers, whippets and greyhounds there.

Lots of greyhounds come from Ireland. Racing industry is a bit healthier than ours. Our Grey was Irish bread and raced. Not sure why lots of Lurchers would be from Ireland.

I don't know how old you are, but its worth thinking ahead 10 years. I was made redundant in September and started a new job in London a month ago. I now get up at 5.55 every morning to walk dog, so I have time to eat breakfast and catch my train. We are also house hunting and we have to bear dog in mind, so we don't drift too far from where we both work.

Dog walking is fairly reasonable at £9-£10 a day, but doggy day care is getting fairly pricey at £600 per month.