Advice Please

Dogs, Cats, Fish, Parrots, Horses, ALL Domestic Pets
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KathJ
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Advice Please

Post by KathJ »

We've never had a dog before but have been thinking about getting one for a while now. I've been looking at the Cockapoo which looks adorable and hopefully won't make me sneeze!! My query is about it being on it's own whilst we're at work. Potentially it could be 'home alone' for around 6 or 7 hours during the day. I know whilst it's a puppy this wouldn't be ideal but if we were to get an older dog would that be more acceptable? What if it had a secure, warm and safe house outside and was trained that that was it's home, would that be better than it being in the house all day. I'd just hate the idea of it being sad and lonely while we were at work. The other option would be if we could get someone to maybe come in and check during the day. Being a novice potential dog owner I'd just like some opinions before we make any decisions!
Kath xx

Mum to my beautiful girls Lucy, Holly, Rosie, Hettie, Polly, Ruby, Lily, Penny, Gracie, Maisie, Molly, Evie and my gorgeous boy Toby

RIP my beautiful Ranger, Roxy, Bluebelle, Poppy, Speckle, Daisy and Honey xxxx
Gwenoakes
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Re: Advice Please

Post by Gwenoakes »

Sorry, but imho it wouldnt be acceptable to leave any dog, whether pup or older for that length of time, whether inside or out.

You say the Cockapoo 'hopefully' wont make you sneeze. Do you mean that you are allergic to dogs or animals in general? Dogs dont just need physical exercise but also companionship and mental stimulation and if you fail to give any of the above then you are in for trouble.

I know nothing about the Cockapoo, but would imagine that it would be fairly high in energy just by its make up of the two crosses and therefore need a fair amount of exercise, companionship and especially mental stimulation.

Sorry to seem down on your ideas, but just my personal opinion.
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Meanqueen
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Re: Advice Please

Post by Meanqueen »

Similar to Gwenoakes. I don't think it is right to leave a dog for more than four hours on it's own, although I know plenty do. Training will be on going, they need to socialize so plenty of walks needed. I despair when someone chooses a particular breed of dog, for whatever reason, it's like they are choosing an animal to fit in with their lifestyle. I am more in favour of giving a home to a dog that needs one, preferably from a rescue centre.

Getting someone to go in and visit the dog while you are not there is a good idea, but the person must be reliable, and the dog must recognize the person as a friend. Two of the dogs I walk occasionally didn't want to come out with me, it took several visits while the owner was there to build up their confidence.

If you are allergic to dog fur, maybe you could put your name down at several rescue centres asking them to look out for a suitable pet. It might take a while, and they will want to vet your house, but IMO that's how rehoming should be done. Please don't buy from a breeder.
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albertajune
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Re: Advice Please

Post by albertajune »

Sorry, but I also don't agree with leaving a dog for so long. Not only will it be left in a strange place which can be stressful but it does need to be socialised with other dogs as well as people. You may end up with a dog that cries and barks a lot, chews out of boredom and could be otherwise destructive.

The RSPCA don't recommend leaving a dog for more than 4hrs although I know that lots of people do, in fact there are two who are left all day near me. When anyone passes, all that can be heard is frantic barking. I can never understand with the owners why they actually want a dog and it does upset me to hear them.

Please think again about getting a dog while you are out of the home for so long. It's not fair on the dog and surely one has a dog to enjoy its company and be its friend and companion.
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KathJ
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Re: Advice Please

Post by KathJ »

We really know that what you've said is right >dum< and we wouldn't do anything that would cause upset to a dog or any animal. It's really just a pipe dream that will have to wait until we retire or I able able to reduce my hours. Thanks for taking the time to reply anyway!
Kath xx

Mum to my beautiful girls Lucy, Holly, Rosie, Hettie, Polly, Ruby, Lily, Penny, Gracie, Maisie, Molly, Evie and my gorgeous boy Toby

RIP my beautiful Ranger, Roxy, Bluebelle, Poppy, Speckle, Daisy and Honey xxxx
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