Hi Darren just a small point, remember the cost of a dog walker. Our dog is only left 3 hours as we use one but was surprised at the cost, £10 a walk. Make sure you can afford the extra £50 a week for many years to come.

We're in Northamptonshire.

Thanks again for your help, everyone – much appreciated.

Darren

I don't think leaving an adult dog 8 hours/day is too much if you exercise him enough and you will. I have a few friends that work full time and leave the dogs alone and they don't have a problem. The breeds are pretty different: rottweiler, chihuahua, lab cross, lab.

I left my dog for 8 - 10 hours and he behaved well, but this happened rarely because hubby and I work from home most of the time.

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Festus & Anca
“No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Don't assume...ask

Rescues don't see it this way I'm afraid. Neither do I but this isn't a debate thread really so I won't go into it fully. But from my point of view it's not good to leave a dog alone this long. The OP can make up his own mind.

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Darren said "but my concern is that the dog will be spending up to eight hours every weekday on its own."
I told him some dogs can stay alone for 8 hours, daily, without any problems and I point out I don't speak from my personal experience. There is no debate, only a different point of view

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Festus & Anca
“No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Don't assume...ask

You need to consider with rescue dogs and also others that you need to commit to training and bonding with the dogs for several weeks upon getting the dog.

If you plan to get the dog and the following week work 5 days a week 8 hrs a day then you may be looking for trouble! I would advise that you book some time off work to initially settle the dog in.

hey,it`s great that your looking at a rescue dog.From our rescues point of view,we would want a dog walker etc to come in during the day.
As already said an older dog 4 and above would be better for your lifestyle,puppies need alot of attention,being taken out every half hour etc.
One thing to keep in mind when you go to a rescue,it`s very easy to fall in love with a cute looking dog,but please don`t be dishaeartened if you are told that dog is not suitable,sometimes the dog that doesn`t stand out to you could be the perfect dog.
Staffies are a great breed in my opinion,very loyal,enjoy a fuss and very intelligent,but there are so many different breeds in rescues.

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My name is Niccie and i work in rescue
National Animal Welfare Trust

Fudge,my American Cocker Spaniel

Rescue person: How long will the dogs be left during the day?
Me: Same as my collie, about 8-9 hrs.
RP: Oh. We don't rehome to anyone who leaves their dogs that long.
Me: Do you have dogs?
RP: Yes.
Me: And where are they?
RP: At home.
ME: Alone.
RP: Yes.
Me: Do you go home at lunch?
RP: No, I don't have time with the distance.
Me: Nobody calls in on your dogs?
RP: No.
Me: Ok. How long is your shift here then?
RP: OK I see what you mean.

Get there early and take a packed lunch - spending 10mins looking at a dog does not tel you what it is going to be like. Don't just look at one dog in one rescue centre, make a day of it and get out with dogs you love the look of, like the look of and dogs that behave the way the way you want - a calm dog in a bed in a rescue can end up going mental outside, I know, my latest fobbed me with that one so I am very glad I took her out a few times before I took her on to see what she was like. "Oh look at me, I'm not bothered. I'll lie here all day and not be much fuss. Look how I just relax and don't cause hassle". As soon as we were outside "WTF IS THAT AND THAT AND THAT AND THAT AND THAT AND THAT AND THAT AND THAT AND THAT?!?!?!"

First off you have to like the look of the dog. We are very driven with how things look so if you both like the look of the dog then that is a good start.

Once you have a few in mind of just one ask them if you can take it for a walk to get it away from the centre as the centre is NOT the best place to see how the dog is. The centre worker may want to come with you so ask them as many questions you like:

What is the history of the dog?
Why was it brought in?
How long has it been in the centre?
Has there been much of a change in the dog's behaviour?
Has the dog been screened against a behaviour assement list?
- what were the results?
- were there any concerns?
- Did the dog react to anything?
- can you see that reaction take place? Thsi is important because the dog might react to such a level that you are unable to control the dog depending on size etc or the catalyst for the reaction coul dbe common in your area and you don't want to risk anything etc.

Next, ask them if they have the opportunity of late night opening so you can call up after work. Ask them if you can come and walk the dog for them so you get to know the dog a bit more and it also shows comittment which sways things in your favour.

Anything over 6months with a bit of athletisism in it should be fine.

Can't really point out a specific dog wehere I could say "you need to look for a dog that does......" because some body languages vary between dogs and can be mis-read.

Get around as many rescues as you can to provide yourself with the best opportunity to find the dog that ticks the most boxes for you BOTH. Don't get one that you like and the other hates and vice versa or it goes horribly wrong for the dog and the relationship.

Good luck.

Hi all.

Apologies for my late reply. Just wanted to say a massive thank you again for all of your help and advice, particluarly the post above from Hutch6.

It's all really helpful so thanks for taking the time.

I'm sure I'll be back once we have our dog, we can't wait!

Thanks again,

Darren

In an ideal world no dog would be left alone at all as they are all pack animals and in their natural environment they wouldn't ever be separated from their pack but we all know that's just not possible.

It sounds like you would be able to offer a dog a great home especially if you get a dog walker/friend to pop in during the day. In my experience if dogs are well stimulated and have a good morning walk and another in the evening all they do during the rest of the day is curl up and sleep!

Being so active I don't think your choice should be based just on breed but more focused on the temperament, how trained it already is and whether it has any behavioural issues and also cost. If you're going to have to pay someone to see the dog in the day then you might want to think about a smaller dog that will cost less in terms of feeding and flee/worm treatment.

You might find this article helpful Adopt a Dog with the Right Energy | CesarsWay.com

Good luck!

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