Work and pets?

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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?

Specializes in psych and geriatric.

I have personally found that having 2 dogs works better for me than having one. Yes, it is twice the food and vaccinations, but if you are careful to get dogs that are able to be good friends, they keep each other company while you are gone and help provide an activity outlet as they play and roughhouse together. I'm big into rescue--I've never purchased a dog from a breeder and never expect to. There are a lot of dog breeds that I enjoy--such as off-the-track Greyhounds. They are happy to relax most of the day but do well with a good daily dose of exercise--though you have to be very careful about where you let them off-leash! Whatever dog you settle on, do your homework!

If you buy from a breeder, call around and ask the vets for a reputable breeder of the kind of dog you are looking for. Ask to see the parents, get references from those who have dogs from this breeder. Check into the common health conditions of your chosen breed (labs and golden retrievers often end up with bone cancer and have major issues with hip dysplasia; German Shepherds have major issues with joints, allergies, bleeding disorders, etc; bulldogs have lots of skin issues--think folds and yeast!!).

If you go for a rescue, also check into them. Check their reputation--some will send sick animals home without notice; others are known for evaluating their animals well and sending them to appropriate homes while others are just looking for a quick turn-over. Many people (myself included) prefer a mixed-breed dog and they are often healthier than the pure-breds. However, it is not always so--sometimes, the mix picks up all the genetic flaws from both parents and can be disasters!

Having dogs is very rewarding--I love mine! But be prepared for all that comes with it. Have fun!

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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]

Oh no! Crossing my fingers he shows up again. :(

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Doggie doors are the greatest invention ever. [emoji1]

Yes, but the doggie door would need to lead to a fenced area. I am on half an acre.. no fences here.

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Yes, but the doggie door would need to lead to a fenced area.

True. You can also come home to another animal who has availed himself of the door. Though there are now special doggy doors that won't open unless the animal is wearing a special collar that allows access. Nifty, yes?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have a Whippet/hound mix, medium sized and very energetic. I take him running with me quite often, usually about 1.25 miles. He loves it! He is so fast. Right now my husband isn't working, so our dog gets plenty of attention during the day when I am at work. If we have to be gone for an extended day, we have my brother-in-law come over and feed the animals (we also have 2 cats) and walk our dog. After we move and my husband starts school and I am working, we'll probably hire a dog walker. He's worth it! Such a smart and sweet dog. We adopted him from a rescue organization when he was 8 months old, he was living with homeless people who burned his ears before he was rescued. :(

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.
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]

I'm sorry. My sweet curious cat got out and has been gone for 3 weeks. We really miss him. He would never even put a paw on the grass before. I hope you get a happy ending.

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Specializes in Nsg. Ed, Infusion, Pediatrics, LTC.

I have two GSD/ Rottie mixes (profile pick) and until they were about 2 years old, I couldn't leave them for long periods of time without them getting into something. Working dogs like the GSD need plenty of activity time to keep from being destructive. Besides that, they're a great breed of dog to own (or rather, they own you!)

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Specializes in Nsg. Ed, Infusion, Pediatrics, LTC.

A missing pet has got to be so heartbreaking, here's hoping that both cats are found safe and sound very soon.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Yes, but the doggie door would need to lead to a fenced area. I am on half an acre.. no fences here.

The fence was assumed.

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I have a Whippet/hound mix, medium sized and very energetic. I take him running with me quite often, usually about 1.25 miles. He loves it! He is so fast. Right now my husband isn't working, so our dog gets plenty of attention during the day when I am at work. If we have to be gone for an extended day, we have my brother-in-law come over and feed the animals (we also have 2 cats) and walk our dog. After we move and my husband starts school and I am working, we'll probably hire a dog walker. He's worth it! Such a smart and sweet dog. We adopted him from a rescue organization when he was 8 months old, he was living with homeless people who burned his ears before he was rescued. :(

Bless you and hubby.. however 1.25 miles is cheap change. I am pushing 70 and we go 3 miles.

Happy trails!

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Specializes in ICU-CCRN; Endoscopy.

I would suggest getting a dog that's at least a year old to start, puppies will need to go out hourly or close to it depending on the age. I've put my dog in doggie daycare before. It was helpful, because there's a camera for you to watch him, they have nap time, outside play time, and you can order treats for your dog too! If you're getting a puppy, you might want to see about doggie day care, so that it can be let out during the day or have a friend do it. When my dog isn't in day care, I have him at home in a gated area in the kitchen with his crate and toys; he's an adult now so he can hold it until I get home to let him out. Hope this helps! Congrats on your soon-to-be new doggie addition! :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Bless you and hubby.. however 1.25 miles is cheap change. I am pushing 70 and we go 3 miles.

Happy trails!

LOL. My typical run is a 5K, but outdoors it's a bit difficult with our dog's ADD/constant stopping to get a good run, plus the sand gnats! :) Savannah has too many dang biting insects. But today is day 489 in a row of running at least a mile a day. :D I come by it naturally, my mom is going to be 72 this month and she walks probably 5 miles a day. She is obsessed with her FitBit!

Jack (our dog) is a love, I can't understand how anyone would hurt an animal like that. He is smart, eager to please, and so loving.

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