Hi,

My girlfriend and I are about to get a dog and we’re really looking forward to it.

We’ll be rescuing a dog but, before we go to look for one, we want to make sure that we’ve done our research on which breeds would be the best fit for our lifestyle, to ensure that we can give a dog the best life possible – which is why I’m here…

Can anyone advise us on which breed of dog would best suit our lifestyle please?

I’ve filled in loads of dog tests online but all of them seem to come back with different results and I’m not sure they cover everything.

We’re both very active and we’ll almost certainly walk the dog each morning, then take him or her for a run in the evening as well as long days walking in open fields at the weekend. We also have a small, enclosed garden with a lawn and the potential to turn the shed into a dog house for when we’re not at home, although we’re equally happy for a dog to stay in the house while we’re at work – whatever is best for the dog really.

When not at work we’ll either be fussing the dog in the house or out walking it, but my concern is that the dog will be spending up to eight hours every weekday on its own.

As I say we can’t wait to get a dog and we both feel like we have a lot to offer, but I hate the thought of taking a dog home only to find that it can’t stand being alone for long periods of time, no matter how much exercise and fuss it gets when we’re home.

I’d really appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance,

Darren

If you are rescuing a dog from a shelter they will be probably be best to advise you, as they will find the best breed that suits your lifestyle.

I just wanted to point out that 8 hours is a long time to leave a dog TBH. However, there are options still available to you such as getting in a dog walker, doggy day camp etc.

HTH

I have to agree with the above post 8 hours is a long time , but if you have a friendly neighbor or a doggy drop in service there's ways round it both mine get left a max of 5 hours at worst,luckily we work shifts so theres always one of us at home. any longer and they would trash things!
re breeds im always going to encourage staffords as fab dogs to rescue who love the adventure of big walks and cuddles ......mainly as I have one lol!
we also have a rescue grey hound but to be honest he,d rather sleep all day then go for a long walk ud need a extra sofa rather then some walking boots!!!!

I always vote for a shelter dog if a family wants a dog that is doable. Unless you have a specific sport that you want to do, you should look for a breed that can do it. For example, I do french ring and I need a dog that can jump over 1.7 m palisade and do a long jump about (3m). A heavy built dog will have a hard time doing it so I went for a lighter built dog.

I think a dog walker for during the weekdays would be the only way a dog could cope with 8 hours alone. I know rescues can be funny with people working that long.

Hello!
It's great that you're doing your research!
I have two dogs now, and we work full time, when we're out ours go to daycare...although in the past we have had a dog walker to make two visits - and I think arranging something for your dog would be the preferred option really - 8 hours is a long time to sit at home, even after a morning walk.

When you go to the rescue, if you explain your working situation and what you've put in place to help with this, they'll be able to help you choose a suitable dog.

I think some breeds are more suitable that others, but I think a lot is down to the individual dog and its previous training and experiences, not just the breed.

Some rescues won't home to full time workers...as I found out - but it's worth looking around cos there are lots that will, so don't be put off if the first one isn't keen - just make sure you've made arrangements for the dog that you can tell them about.

Good luck - adopting a dog is really rewarding and I'm sure you'll have a great time with your new family member...it's worth asking loads of questions and doing loads of research to ensure a good match.
Naomi x

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As others have said - discuss it with your shelter. They'll know if they've got a dog that suits your lifestyle and home.

And I'll also repeat. Many places won't let a rescue dog go to a home where it's going to be left alone for long periods of time.

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Hi everyone.

Thanks for the speedy and helpful advice – we really appreciate it.

More than happy to use a dog walker if it means we can have a healthy, balanced dog. Sounds like that will be the best solution and I’ll make sure we discuss this with the rescue centre.

Hope you don’t mind but I have another question about rescue centres if that’s okay… although we’ve grown up with dogs this will be our first experience of going to a centre and rescuing one. I’m sure the centre will give us plenty of advice but I was wondering if those of you who have rescued dogs yourself could share your thoughts on what to look for please?

Should we have breeds (or cross breeds) in mind that we’d like, should we be looking out for certain traits in the dogs, should we see what the centre recommends or a combination of all three?

I know what we’re both like and I have visions of us going to a rescue centre and wanting to take home every poor dog we see ha!

Finally, from your experience would a dog be happier living in the house when on its own, in the garden so it can run around and sleep in its shelter if need be, or does it depend on the dog?

So many questions! Thanks again for your help and patience.

Darren

If you did get a dog, I think it would need to be an older dog. Puppies need such a lot of care, and you wouldnt be there to do the toilet training, general training, feed it 4 times a day, do the habituation and socialisation, training classes etc. Puppies tend to have periods of activity followed by periods of sleep, left alone all day its likely they would become vocal, and destructive and possibly develope behaviour problems too.

An older dog thats been house trained, and one thats not a high energy breed would likely once taken out for a good walk before you leave be happy to settle with something like a Kong, treat ball or chew wind down and then sleep. If you got a dog walker in every day to take the dog out for another run lunch time and toilet, then likely again the dog would be content to settle and sleep again until you came home, where after a walk with you it would be happy to settle for the evening, they would just need feeding twice a day too.

You will need to look around as not all rescues will re-home to people who are out all day. Good rehoming centres though do assess the dog before putting them up for re-homing, you could well find one that has been used to being left for longer periods home alone too, so will be used to amusing itself and resting part of the time as long as adequately exercised in between.

Obviously some breeds are higher energy then others and wouldnt be suitable, my breeds for example are high energy and also pack dogs and dont like to be left without some form of company canine or human.
Border collies need lots of physical and mental stimulation so again would likely not work especially a young fit one.

if there are any breeds you may be attracted too then research and check up exercise requirements, etc etc.

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Hi,

I think it's great that you are thinking of rescuing a dog, there are many different types looking for homes

A dog walker is definately a great idea as I am one and it benefits the dog greatly to have that break in the day for some company and exercise.

The great thing about rescuing is you can pick a dog and see if it suits your personality good luck in your search, where abouts are you located?