Work and pets?

Published

Hello Angels!

so I'm thinking of getting a dog (preferably something the size of a German Shepard.... Maybe something smaller if nessisary).

The thing is I've never had dog before and I was wondering how you guys manage with full time jobs (I'll switch to less hours if I have to!) and other responsibilities?

Yeah I mean it doesn't have to be GS but I do prefer big dogs. The only little dogs I really like are pugs.

I want ant something I can go on regular walks and runs. I know nothing about training a dog but I'm willing to learn. I hope if and when I get one it can be happy when I'm not home (I have a kitty) and be ok with a good walk?

maybe I will have to get a pug if I want a dog but I really do want a big dog like a GS

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I love dogs, but would never own one while working full time -- particularly if I were living alone and working a job that required me to be away from home for several hours in a row. (12-hour shifts? long commute? over-time? socialize after work and/or on your days off?) etc.

It's not a fair to the dog unless you can provide it a good home. Most dogs (but not all) are social animals: they like companionship. How long will you be gone each day? Can you guarantee that you will be home in a time reasonable for the dog's bowel and bladder needs? Will you not only exercise him, but also play with him and provide him with sufficient companionship each day/week? If not, then you will not be providing a good home.

I've had several nurse friends who were single and had dogs. Sometimes it works out -- but not all dogs have great bowel and bladder control. Not all dogs can "hold it in" for 13 or more hours. Owners with those types of dogs returned home every night to find urine and stool in various places, furniture and carpeting ruined, etc. One of my friends had to resort to having a dog-walker come in every day to take care of her dog -- and she couldn't afford that expense. She also couldn't afford the vet bills, but that's a whole other story.

As I said, I love dogs and would love to have one if my living situation were different. But as a single woman who works full time and lives in a condo, I like dogs too much to force one to live with me and my schedule.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's why cats,make the best pets. You only give them attention when they demand it of you...if they get bored, just buy a mouse and let them at it :) (I'm kidding about the mouse part)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dogs will acclimate to the household. They want to be with you and please you.

If you are working three 12 hour shifts.. you would have to have a neighbor let them out, or use doggie day care. Then you would have 4 glorious days off to be with your new best friend.

I have had German Shepherds, Basset Hounds , mutts and now have a Pittie. Loved them all the same.

Get whatever dog needs you the most. Please let us know how you and muttus are doing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yeah I mean it doesn't have to be GS but I do prefer big dogs. The only little dogs I really like are pugs.

I want ant something I can go on regular walks and runs. I know nothing about training a dog but I'm willing to learn. I hope if and when I get one it can be happy when I'm not home (I have a kitty) and be ok with a good walk?

maybe I will have to get a pug if I want a dog but I really do want a big dog like a GS

I'm not sure why you are so set on having a "big dog." Smaller dogs can be just as loving and fun as big dogs. How much do you work? Do you work 12 hour shifts? Do you live with someone who is home and who can let the dog out to do its business at least a couple of times per day (or do you have the option of putting in a doggy door)? Can you afford to take it to day care or hire someone to come over and give it love and actual quality time? Are you being realistic about your desire and ability to walk a dog after a 12 hour shift if that's what you do?

I love both dogs and cats (and have one of each), but dogs are COMPLETELY different with regard to being able to tolerate being left alone for long periods each day. They really require a whole other level of commitment than cats require. I've seen dogs who have really been "done wrong" by well meaning owners who either didn't realize what they were getting into, who overestimated their ability to take proper care of the dog, or who simply viewed the dog as being there to meet their own needs, while completely ignoring the dog's needs. You really have to be honest with yourself about your motives, your ability to truly give the dog what it needs (and deserves), your actual commitment to taking proper care of your animal after a long day at work, etc.

I don't work very much anymore, but when I do work, I have to get my husband to remember to let our dog go outside a couple of times per day if he's home, or come home to let him out if he's not. I don't see how dog owners who are single take care of this issue without either having a doggy door or access to someone who can come over to address those needs at least a couple of times per day. It seems like inability to get home to let a big dog out a couple of times per day would and should be a deal breaker, with dog ownership best left for when the person's lifestyle can better accommodate an animal with those requirements.

I have a nurse friend who works a lot and has two large dogs. Her house reeks of dog pee.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello Angels!

so I'm thinking of getting a dog (preferably something the size of a German Shepard.... Maybe something smaller if nessisary).

The thing is I've never had dog before and I was wondering how you guys manage with full time jobs (I'll switch to less hours if I have to!) and other responsibilities?

I have a dog walker who comes to let my dogs out mid shift. If you can find one in your area, I would highly recommend!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Pugs require specialized care. They will be destructive just like other dogs if left alone too long. My mom will take my dog for a walk mid shift. I have a pug-beagle mix.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Doggie doors are the greatest invention ever. [emoji1]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

And a tennis ball and racquet for when you do make it home. We have the happiest pups in the world.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't comment without being bias as my heart is broken by my cat who went missing on Friday, I'm never getting another pet again. My poor heart can't take it anymore [emoji80]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.
I can't comment without being bias as my heart is broken by my cat who went missing on Friday, I'm never getting another pet again. My poor heart can't take it anymore [emoji80]

(((hugs)))

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.
Pugs require specialized care. They will be destructive just like other dogs if left alone too long. My mom will take my dog for a walk mid shift. I have a pug-beagle mix.

Puggle! Squee!

Yeah, all pups have the potential to be destructive if left to their own devices. If I get a young dog, I will probably take my mother's advice and get two so they can entertain each other, though I would be home with them as much as possible.

ETA: Horseshoe, I so love your posts and insight on this topic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion