I need advice

[kaycountrygal]

Dogs and cats are a commitment. IMO dogs require more time and attention; I have both. I am always aware of when I need to take LilGirl out for a bathroom walk (Annie is an outside dog) plus most dogs (the ones I've known) like/need to have a human near. I'm sure there are people who work and have dogs but I also think it's hard on the dog to be alone all day.

[wolf_Q]

I work full time...and I have four dogs. I usually work a 7 hr shift but sometimes I end up later its not uncommon for me to work an 8 hr day. Much longer than that would be pushing it though especially for a small dog they generally can't hold it as long. I do feel bad but well I love my dogs like they are my kids and I don't have the luxury of being able to stay home so I don't have a choice. I think they'd still be happier with me even though I work 5 days week then with somebody else. They don't seem to mind at all, and on the days I have off they pretty much just sleep all day. I definitely wouldn't get a puppy, my three huskies I had as pups but my job is a pet groomer so I took them to work with me a lot (every day when they were really young) so they wouldn't have to hold it that long. Not many jobs would let you do that.

[Sowa]

I think a lot of people work full time jobs and have a dog. I agree about not getting a pup if you're not able to be there with it but I'm sure an older dog would love a good home. Especially if it's being rescued from a shelter.

[chocolatepuppy]

I work and I have dogs. I think they're happy. I would think an older dog might be a better choice. There are plenty of them that need homes.

[Snickismylife]

I think a lot of people work full time jobs and have a dog. I agree about not getting a pup if you're not able to be there with it but I'm sure an older dog would love a good home. Especially if it's being rescued from a shelter.

I think you guys are all right if i EVER do get a dog it would be an adult . I cant go to the shelters and look I cry everytime, I am not home enough to have a dog yet I am almost done with school so I will have much more time free than

[luvofallhorses]

First off, welcome. It is not abuse to leave a dog home for 8 hours IMO. People have to work to make a living. I would NOT get a puppy though, it wouldn't be right to just leave a pup in a crate for 8 hrs. I'd go w/ a more older dog that are set in their ways and a less energetic breed like a greyhound or something. But, it would be nice to have someone home w/ them or you can hire a dog sitter if you are worried about leaving them so long.

[Asiel]

I don't think any dog likes to be home alone all day. Maybe you could wait a couple of months, settle in and by then you could maybe find a dog walker who could come in and take the dog for a play session or walk, let it relieve itself and make sure it has water. I wouldn't get a pup though, they need to go out often, need companionship and interaction if it's going to develop into a socialized ,well behaved dog.

[Alysser]

I don't think it's abuse, but I don't think it ever entirely fair.

First off, I am not saying I wouldn't do it. I work part-time right now, go to college classes and I have a very active dog. I live with my parents and my mom doesn't work so she is home with him most of the time. My dad is only home on weekends and nights, he works full-time. But anyway, someone is USUALLY home with Mikey. But sometimes not, he is young and he can hold his bladder very very well. He is such a good boy when we're not home, but that's not to say he likes it.

It's not abuse, and it is definitely situational as to whether its truly fair or not. Mikey is the most social, lovable, playful dog I have ever met. He seriously attaches himself to your hip, he is what you'd call a VELCRO dog. His first owners, loved him to bits, they spoiled him. The women we got Mikey from made the best decision to find him a new home because it wasn't fair to keep him in his crate all day, she'd let him out at night when she got home, and then it'd be back in his crate for bed a few hours later. She owns a car dealership so she was very busy. Mikey was a gift from her kids. They LOVED him. But it just wasn't fair, and they realized that.

In a situation, you need to realize whats fair for an animal and whats not. If you work full-time and have off nights and weekends or even some weekdays, yeah sure you could have a dog. Not a puppy, but it's not abuse. Some dogs actually like it. People have to make a living too. But if you work full time and have weekends off or whatever and you go out and leave the dog home alone ALL weekend, you have to see, well too a certain point that is just NOT fair.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.