Dog Doors, Loneliness - Want to do the right thing.

kristycoulter1 · 06-21-2007, 02:56 PM

My husband and I do not own a dog but have been thinking hard about it for 3 months now. We have lots of love to give the right dog and we want to rescue. Our concern is the amount of time our jobs keep us from our home. Monday-Friday we are out of the house for 10-11 hours with no opportunity to return at lunch based on long commutes. Our kitchen is about 10’x14’ and has a door leading to the fenced in yard. My hope is that we can install a dog door and train our dog to use the door any time nature calls. The other thing holding us back was that we want to be sure that the dog isn’t lonely - we are concerned that 10-11 hours is too long for the dog to be by itself. That’s where I think the best solution is to get two dogs, so that they can keep each other company. (I haven't sold my husband on this idea yet...)

I’ve been trying to find someone knowledgeable to ask about dog doors and how long is too long to let dogs be alone. I know that dogs are adaptable creatures, but do you think they can adapt to this? If they have the opportunity to relieve themselves, and they have each other.... is this ok?

We really want to rescue a dog to care for, but we want to be fair to the dog/dogs as well. Any answer, thoughts that you have on this would be very helpful. Thanks.

Shalva · 06-21-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristycoulter1

My husband and I do not own a dog but have been thinking hard about it for 3 months now. We have lots of love to give the right dog and we want to rescue. Our concern is the amount of time our jobs keep us from our home. Monday-Friday we are out of the house for 10-11 hours with no opportunity to return at lunch based on long commutes. Our kitchen is about 10’x14’ and has a door leading to the fenced in yard. My hope is that we can install a dog door and train our dog to use the door any time nature calls. The other thing holding us back was that we want to be sure that the dog isn’t lonely - we are concerned that 10-11 hours is too long for the dog to be by itself. That’s where I think the best solution is to get two dogs, so that they can keep each other company. (I haven't sold my husband on this idea yet...)

I’ve been trying to find someone knowledgeable to ask about dog doors and how long is too long to let dogs be alone. I know that dogs are adaptable creatures, but do you think they can adapt to this? If they have the opportunity to relieve themselves, and they have each other.... is this ok?

We really want to rescue a dog to care for, but we want to be fair to the dog/dogs as well. Any answer, thoughts that you have on this would be very helpful. Thanks.

good for you to be thinking this through BEFORE you get a dog.... I wish more people would do that.....
as far as a dog door.... that might be fine once the dog is older as long as it leads into a fenced area.... however as a puppy that is not going to work as well as someone needs to be around to housebreak and reinforce what you want them to do.... If you are adopting an older dog from the shelter this may be a solution but it also may be hard to find a shelter that will approve you for a dog considering the length of time that yo uwill be gone during the day.....

I am not a fan of dog doors personally as I have known people who have had trouble with them.... I will be interested to hear what others say ....

but again I applaud you for doing your homework
S

♥Forest♥ · 06-21-2007, 03:36 PM

i have never used a dog door someone is always home now to let the dogs out. Gettin 2 dogs at once may or may not be a good idea. Sometimes a bone or a toy may help it from being lonely or even playing quite music. I would make sure the dog cant dig under the fence first tho

briteday · 06-21-2007, 03:57 PM

Dogs are companion animals. If you are not there to provide companionship then don't get a dog. Alternatives might be having someone who can come in every day for at least an hour midday to play/walk the dog. Or you could also use doggy daycare on some days and a dog walker on others.

I would suggest adopting a cat instead.

skelaki · 06-21-2007, 04:15 PM

Two dogs at once is very rarely a good idea especially if you lack the time to give them individual attention and training. Your best bet is going to be an adult dog in a breed that doesn't require a lot of one on one attention. Some possibilities would be a pekingese, pug or greyhound (perhaps a retired racer). You would still need to hire someone to come in and take the dog out at least once during the day. And, if you got a sighthound, it would be important to take it someplace, fenced, where it could safely run at least once a week.

Quite frankly, with your schedules, a cat might make a better pet. Some cats, such as Siamese and Cornish Rex can be dog like in their behavior.

kristycoulter1 · 06-21-2007, 04:15 PM

I'm allergic to cats!

That's why I'm asking. We don't want to do the wrong thing--- but I can't help but feel that living with us, even if they had to be alone during the day M-F, would be better than living in a shelter? Do you disagree?

kristycoulter1 · 06-21-2007, 04:22 PM

I'm allergic to cats.

We want to rescue an adult dog. We're looking at Pugs and Boston Terriers, both breeds are suited to this type of lifestyle.

There are many times when litter mates are at a rescue and the rescue does not want to separate them - so I'm not talking about putting two random dogs together that don't know/like one another.

My husband and I are absolutely willing to devote significant time to training, walking and snuggling our dog/dogs when we are home.

Skelaki - as mentioned in my post, I would like to train my dog to use a dog door so it would be able to relieve itself and run around whenever necessary.

skelaki · 06-21-2007, 04:43 PM

If you are going to get a dog get an adult dog and go for one of the more independent breeds such as a Pekingese, or a sighthound (i.e. greyhound or Saluki). Find someone reliable to come in and take the dog out each day for a little exercise. And, when you are not working, the dog must be your first priority.

Orange County Ca · 06-21-2007, 04:48 PM

Try the dog door. The dog(s) need to be trustworthy both outside and inside for it to work out. But you won't know until you've tried. You can always lock it down when you're away if necessary, leaving the dogs either out or in. The kitchen is very small and I would get the size of a dog that will be comfortable in there.
To keep the dog(s) mentally healthy you'll have to spend a good amount of time with them. Work - eat - sleep - dog(s). That's your life from then on. Having said that:
Kristy I think you've done a lot of homework and are just nervous about taking the first step.
I think littermates would be great.
Quit talking about it and do it.
You'll make great "parents".

BoxMeIn21 · 06-21-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

There are many times when litter mates are at a rescue and the rescue does not want to separate them - so I'm not talking about putting two random dogs together that don't know/like one another.

I've seen this a number of times, they are either littermates or have been together their whole lives and the shelters don't want to separate them.
I am not a fan of the unattended outside time via doggie door - IMHO there is just too much left to chance. I have a dog that is deathly allergic to bees so I may be just a little over-cautious.

Since your jobs are too far away for a trip home at lunch, what about employing a neighbor kid or a professional dog walker to come by for a mid-day play session? A little human interaction to break up that 10-11 hour day would be good.

sheltieluver · 06-21-2007, 05:02 PM

I am gone about 10 hours a day with no way to get home at lunch time. I had a doggie door installed so my dogs could come and go as they pleased. To keep from being lonely I had two shelties. As most people do work full time, I think having two dogs is a wonderful way to keep your dog from loneliness and boredom.

kristycoulter1 · 06-21-2007, 05:05 PM

Orange County Ca - Thanks, I think we'll be good dog parents too... that's why I really want this to work out.

Since so many have recommended hiring a dog walker or someone to just let the dogs out, can I ask what the going rate is?

kristycoulter1 · 06-21-2007, 05:12 PM

sheltieluver - YAY! I was hoping that this worked for someone else. I know in an ideal world I would be home at more frequent intervals... but I'm glad to hear there's hope!

Shalva · 06-21-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristycoulter1

Orange County Ca - Thanks, I think we'll be good dog parents too... that's why I really want this to work out.

Since so many have recommended hiring a dog walker or someone to just let the dogs out, can I ask what the going rate is?

I think you would have to check in your area as rates vary across the country....
I use a daycare everyday when I have young dogs that are not trustworthy..... it is expensive but its good socialization and it eases my mind knowing that they are cared for when I am not home.
s

rpe · 06-21-2007, 05:22 PM

Thats not too long to be away and have a dog. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Most dogs do just fine. If you have more than one that gets along its no big deal at all.

You're doing the right thing by wanting to get a dog (or dogs) and give them a good home.

I don't have a dog door but a couple of friends of mine do and it works really well for them. They also both have two dogs.

HailisMommy · 06-21-2007, 05:32 PM

I had the same concerns with getting my puppy as well. I ended up getting a pet sitter (who could come up to 3 times a day but she only needs to come once) My puppy sleeps most of the day anyway and when I get home from work I dedicate all of my time to her. I think she enjoys her alone time anyway. I keep her in the kitchen with plenty of toys, food and water and puppy pads.
If you feel you can dedicate enough time outside of work then I would get a dog. Almost everyone has to work so I think most people have these concerns to think about. Maybe if you have a kid in your neighborhood that can come over and play with your dog, that would work too.
Good luck!!!!!! I am happy I made my choice!

Joshann · 06-21-2007, 05:46 PM

We are first time dog owners, and getting a doggy door was the absolute best thing we've done so far! In addition to allowing our dog to go outside to relieve herself any time she needs to, it also provides more space to roam around in and thus more things to do while we're not home. You didn't say whether you were looking into getting puppies from rescue or adult dogs, but here's an article about getting two puppies at once. I think some of it might also apply to getting two new adult dogs at once. I'm not saying getting two dogs at once is a bad idea, just saying that there are some things to consider.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...=1&SourceID=47

kristycoulter1 · 06-21-2007, 06:43 PM

I am planning to rescue adult dogs.

DFrost · 06-21-2007, 06:48 PM

Given the option of spending 10 to 12 hours with someone or spending a short life time in a dog pound, I don't think the dog will mind you working. Good for you, rescue a dog.

DFrost

DogAdvocat · 06-21-2007, 07:25 PM

My suggestion is that you contact the rescues specializing in pugs and bostons, and explain your situation to them, and let them decide if it's suitable for the available dogs, or if they may want to wait until a dog(s) comes in that would be suitable. Do remember that your 10 hour work days, added with your 8 hour sleeping schedule, and the time you spend commuting, shopping, doing laundry, cooking, etc. - don't add up to much time spent with the dog.

Getting older dogs is going to be helpful, because you will have passed the puppy nonsense, and the dogs will likely be more settled while you're gone. With both bostons and pugs, you need to make sure your yard is safe for their eyes, which are very prone to being scratched by sharp leaves and twigs on bushes. Also be aware that brachycephalic dogs are more prone to suffer from the heat than dogs that aren't push-faced, so if you're area is hot, you'll need to make allowances for that.

But again, the rescue can help you with all this, plus help you decide if this is the right move, and how much time you'll need to take off work to get the dogs settled in.

Just google the breed you want and the word "rescue."