Dilemma!!

[Donatello]

Hello all,

Big dilemma for us to deal with. We are hoping to buy a house anytime from November on, but are having problems. (Hang on, this is dog related!!)

The areas we like aren't that near work and the ones that are, cost way to much! We currently rent within about a mile of our work place (both work together) and go home at lunch to check on the dog.

We keep finding houses that are too far away for us to travel home at lunch but we do not want to just accept that and move in to an area we may not like as much.

I wouldn't normally consider this but would leaving a dog in a back garden/run all day be cruel? I think I know the answer but just wondering if anyone else does it or has any alternatives?

Our family all live in the same area we currently do so would probably be a little awkward to ask them to check on her

We are stuck, help

[Alexdaredevilz]

Providing it has a large heated kennel for the bad weather, I don't see a problem

EDIT- When I say large heated kennel, ask your self would you lie in there? id suggest you maybe get one with 2 floors, carpet, e.t.c

Edited by Alexdaredevilz on Thursday 1st September 11:42

[PugwasHDJ80]

doggy day care, or dog walking service?

[Donatello]

Alexdaredevilz said:

Providing it has a large heated kennel for the bad weather, I don't see a problem

EDIT- When I say large heated kennel, ask your self would you lie in there? id suggest you maybe get one with 2 floors, carpet, e.t.c

Edited by Alexdaredevilz on Thursday 1st September 11:42

If it happened, I would do all I could to ensure ultimate comfort for the dog. She is happy on her own, we set up a camera once and she just patrolled, then slept, then went on patrol, then slept... she seems fine.

I start work at 7.30am and don't finish until 5pm though! You're talking 9-10 hours alone, 5 days a week I don't know if I can do it

PugwasHDJ80 said:

doggy day care, or dog walking service?

Would probably return astronomical costs and not sure I would trust someone in my house with my dog, paranoid, me... no chance ha!

[Mrs Grumpy]

PugwasHDJ80 said:

doggy day care, or dog walking service?

This. Many F/T workers utilise one or other of these so that they can have a dog. It's not just about access to a toilet area, it's about not being bored as well.

What would happen if you left the dog in the garden and he/she started barking all the time?

[Jasandjules]

Dog door and another dog for company..... Then as long as they get walkies, it's not the end of the world. Not ideal, but not the end of the world.

[ali_kat]

PugwasHDJ80 said:

doggy day care, or dog walking service?

The dog walking services near me are willing to provide references you can check up on, quite often are student Vets/Nurses.

One is even run by an ex Police Officer, I've given you a link to his site below as he shows his prices there which may be of interest to you.

http://www.xpcpetandhomeservices.com/XPC_Pet_%26_H...

You could also put an advert in your local Post Office/Newsagent for a retired person to walk the dog, they may want to get the exercise, or an interest or to get out of the house, or simply want a dog, but not feel they can cope with one full ti,e