Okay, so my husband and I are both military, so we get up at about 6 am every morning and leave by 7 am, and are home by usually 5:30 pm. I know this is a long time, but I desperately want a dog. I would like a small, couch potato companion, a dog that doesn't mind being alone for that long. The time I would get would be spent playing and socializing it with the other dogs in my neighborhood.

That being said, because I have to work so much, would a dog be a good choice? If so, what kind of dog?

There are a couple of other considerations to look at: 1) Many military families move a lot, and as a result must often rent or live in base housing. If this same circumstance applies to your family, will owning a dog become an obstacle to relocating/finding housing? 2) What if you get orders over seas? Taking a pet over seas is a major undertaking, and often results in leaving the dog behind due to quarantine laws. (When my husband was in the Navy, we stupidly got a puppy, then we got orders to Japan and ended up taking the puppy back to the shelter)

3) What if you get a long deployment to a far-off location (like Iraq or Afghanistan), and cannot take your dog with you? Who would care for the dog for the six months you are away?

Even if you and your spouse are both fortunate to be stationed permanently/semi-permanently, due to your work hours, I personally would recommend a cat at this time, rather than a dog. Cats can be pretty fun, too-- I had a cat that we referred to as "our dog that says 'meow.'" This cat could play fetch and loved hide-and-seek, and other games-- we even took him camping once! (He didn't like it much, though, lol)

I'm an Air Force Brat--was born at Keesler AFB Biloxi and lived on or outside of AFbases around the country. We moved on average every 1.5 years. The only time we had to leave a dog behind was when we were transferred from Elmendorf in Anchorage to Lowry in Denver. The reason for that was that my parents were advised that dogs did not fair well with the change in climate. The only other overseas assignment was to Thailand (1971) so of course only Dad went. We always had dogs--GSDs and dachshunds--as did many other military families that I knew.

Since both you and your husband are military and have the potential for overseas assignments, you need to consider the fate of the pet in such a situation. If you live in base housing, pets won't be a problem but if you live in off-base housing, pet restrictions can become an issue.

The other issue is the amount of time you are gone during the day. For a puppy that can be a very long time alone. You would want to get a dog-walker or use a doggy daycare service.

Having a pet while in the military is not impossible--it just requires careful consideration of all the circumstances--both current and future--that can affect all members of the pack.

having a dog would require a lot of work. the size of the dog does not matter because all of them need the same amount of attention from the owner and they hate to be alone at home. if you have someone to take care of the dog while you are at work, i think having a dog is a good choice.

Well be are both in a "base unit" which don't deploy, and neither of us are likely to deploy unless we specifically request it (its complicated and has to do with our location and time in service)

I have two cats already, and they're wonderful but I would like to come home from work and take a walk or run with a dog, or actually play, whilst cats usually sleep. So I would need a dog thats not naturally aggressive towards other animals.

We have a decent sized yard, and a quiet neighborhood with lots of kids and other families with dogs, and I'm more than willing to hire a dog walker to take the dog out during the day. Usually I would try and come home during lunch but I work 1/2 hour away so its harder, especially since my husband and I only have one car.

My first rec would be to research types of breeds. If you want a small dog, you wont find a couch potato in any small breed. However, the amount of exercise they need is low. Most small breeds are pretty hyper.

2nd. Do NOT get a puppy. Puppies require too much time and a puppy shouldnt be left alone for more than a few hours. I would def get an adult dog from a rescue. That way, you will also know just how big it is, what its temperament is like, how much energy it has. With this economy, sadly pets are one of the first "added expenses to go". Its really sad to me that some people would dump the dog before getting rid of the cable. So finding an adult dog (possibly even a purebred) that is house trained and used to living in a home is REALLY easy to find.

3rd. If you are gone for long hours on a regular basis, I would weigh out the budget to see if you can afford to have a dog walker come once a day. Maybe even if its just a neighbor you trust that can let the dog go potty during the middle of the day.

You work a pretty normal sounding schedule, so I dont think it would be unmanageable. As long as the dog gets plenty of attention when you get home, I think it would be okay.

Originally Posted by SwayRaines

With this economy, sadly pets are one of the first "added expenses to go". Its really sad to me that some people would dump the dog before getting rid of the cable. So finding an adult dog (possibly even a purebred) that is house trained and used to living in a home is REALLY easy to find.

This is so true, unfortunately. Case in point, in December I was privileged to adopt a purebred cocker spaniel, age 1.5 years with a very sweet personality. He clearly had been obedience trained prior because he knew the basics. The rescue group said someone dropped him off in front of the house of one of their foster homes. The person probably saw a yard full of dogs and figured it was a good place to leave him. BTW, all the shelters are full around here so they couldn't have left him at one of those. My guess: they lost their home, had to move to a place that doesn't allow dogs, couldn't find a rescue group to take him, so they dropped him off where they figured he'd be taken in. This is a scenario that is happening A LOT around here. Their lose; my gain. I got a great dog.

Well, since you added the other information, it sounds to me like getting an adult rescue dog would indeed be feasible for you after all. : ) But like someone else said, small breeds are not "couch potatoes." But, according to what you posted later, that should not be much of a problem, since you don't intend to be sedentary in your off hours. And, if you can hire someone to come give the doggy a mid-day walk/play session, it sounds to me like you're good to go-- good luck in your search for that perfect canine, and be sure to let us know all about it when you've found him!

[rayter]

Originally Posted by SwayRaines

Do NOT get a puppy. Puppies require too much time and a puppy shouldnt be left alone for more than a few hours. I would def get an adult dog from a rescue.

I very much agree with this. Getting a more mature dog is the way to go. But then again, you still need to dedicate time. Owning a dogs is a commitment. Dogs left alone tend to find other outlets to occupy their time like chewing, barking, other bad behaviors could develop.