[roninnj]

Hello All,

New to the board. Growing up we always had a dog or dogs. A miniature poodle, miniature schnauzers, west highland terrier. My girlfriend has Dobie and I love it.

Questions: I am a single father of a 7 and 9 year old and work full time out of the house. If I adopt, the dog would have to be alone at least six hours a day. Babysitter is willing to walk after school. Is it fair to leave a dog alone this long 4-5 days a week?

We have a shy cat. How do you go about seeing if the dog and cat would get along?

What should I be reading and what questions should I be asking myself before we adopt? What breed or mix should I be leaning towards?

All comments and advice welcome!

Thanks!

Ron

[cigwyllt]

If only everyone thought and asked questions like you instead of feeling they are entitled!!!! Whilst I think a puppy would be a impractical I think you could offer a great home for an adult dog.

If you go to a decent shelter/rescue they should be able to help to match you to a dog that would thrive in your household. Many rescues test for compatibility with cats for instance. I think you would provide a lovely life for the right dog.

[xjazzyax]

it depends how old the dog is ur adopting if ur gettin a pup the pup an cat wil play and get along unless the cat is a crank otherwise they will just stay away from each other. i think u shouldnt leave a dog alone that much eiother hope this helps

[Lara's mom]

IMO. six hours is too long to leave a dog alone, especially if you are thinking of adopting a puppy. It would be near on impossible to train a puppy with you being away that long. If you adopt an adult dog and the babysitter is willing to walk the dog for you, I think that could work.

[Pupernickel]

I applaud you for actually asking these questions and thinking of how the dog would feel, rather than just thinking, "Oh I want a dog" and grabbing the first one you see! I agree with everyone else that a puppy would probably be a little too much for you to handle right now, but adopting an adult dog doesn't mean you won't get a fun, loving and playful companion! I adopted my little baby when she was two years old and she's so much fun and the light of my life :)

As for breeds, let's see...Greyhounds are a wonderful family breed and despite their speed they would only need about an hour of exercise daily for an energy outlet and are actually little couch potatoes lol Plus, there are a lot of adult Greyhounds retired from race tracks and just looking for a cozy home to become a part of. How well they are with kids and other animals would depend upon the individual animal themselves, but all the ones I've been around are the sweetest things and one in particular is ruled by the cat in his house lol

[lange]

I also think an adult dog is the way to go. The shelter should be able to test dogs with cats to see how they fair. Another way to do it is to research specific breeds of dogs. You can find the specific breed you might be interested in and then find it's breed rescue. Many rescues have their dogs in foster care so they'll better be able to find a dog that would suit your family energy & make-up since it sounds like you need to find a very good fit to make it work well.

If you do decide to research breeds, keep in mind that the dogs temperament and needs are more important than their looks or size, ect. After that the fosters/rescues can help further with picking the right dog since they have gotten to know the individual dog personally.

[piratekitty]

It sounds like your not new to having a dog, (You stated that you had dogs growing up) As far as leaving your dog alone for so many hours a day, My two are left for 8 hrs while Im at work. Other times they are with us, walks, 2 times a week training in parks, vacations, weekends, car rides, pretty much all the time when im not at work. Its one thing to have a dog and it just sit on your couch, or back yard, whether you work or not. Just make sure you involve that dog in your life, otherwise why have one.
Rescues have lots of great dogs, when you go to look at one take your kids, take your time picking one. See one you like, go home sleep on it. Go back revisit, and play with the dog make sure your kids and you are a good fit. Depending on the dogs age, you will be making alife long commitment.
Im sure you would give any dog a wonderful home by just the questions you have already asked and are thinking about.

[Lunareclipse]

I also think an adult dog is the way to go. There are adult dogs at the shelter that are cat friendly and child friendly. And most of the dogs that are adults are mostly house trained.

[threenorns]

absolutely get an adult dog, pref one that is 3yrs old or better - s/he'll still have youthful energy but will be starting to stabilize with maturity. that means more tolerance for excited kids and shy kits.

six hours is NOT too long to leave a dog in the house, as long as the dog is properly managed and doesn't suffer separation anxiety. crating is a great way to keep them calm and relaxed while everybody's out.

breed wise, german shepherds are wonderful. newfoundland retrievers are huge but they are much less demanding than their miniature cousins. ****stay away**** from highly demanding breeds like jack russells and border collies. left to their own devices, these highly intelligent breeds will seek out their own entertainment and trust me, it's probably not your idea of "fun".

[Lunareclipse]

get a saint bernard. They make great throw rugs.

[Deafdogsrule]

Rescuing an adult is totally the way to go in your case. You may also be able to adopt an adult from a breeder (a retired show dog or breeding dog, or dog brought back to them)

If you're in North America (I forgot to check where you're from, if you have it posted) Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder is a great tool.

As to breeds, totally stay away from working line dogs and high drive dogs. Pick a breed that can handle relaxing at home alone. You may be able to find the perfect dog at a shelter regardless of breed.. I have 5 rescue dogs and one foster atm. They are all perfect for me!