It's doable we have a dog walker but took me ages to find someone I trusted ! Things to bear in mind are

Puppy or adult dogs ? Lots of dogs in rescues who would love a comfy sofa.


Holidays- we take the dogs but haven't been abroad since we got them

After school activities can extend time dogs are left on their own so it takes planning.

Lots of families have dogs initially take some time off to settle them and get into a routine.

Oh and do not get a new beige carpet!

 

A lot of people manage with a walker, I know as I am one.
I think it would be best to leave dog until you know what your work commitments will be but there's no harm in planning.
Check out the local walkers, be careful while doing this, as they all sound good but aren't ........
Have you a breed in mind?
You could be checking around for breeders, or are you looking to rescue?

 

Thank you both so much. I won't get one until I have a new permeant job, but this is all about planning! Hopefully within the next 3-4 months which isn't long.

Do you have tips on what to look out for in a dog walker? I mean , how would you know which one is good?

I would prefer teenage/adult dog to a puppy I think, although that could change. I would love to rescue a dog, I would prefer that, but it seems very very difficult to find one that can be rehomed with children. I would like a lab, labdoodle, spaniel, retriever.

 

Thank you both so much. I won't get one until I have a new permeant job, but this is all about planning! Hopefully within the next 3-4 months which isn't long.

Do you have tips on what to look out for in a dog walker? I mean , how would you know which one is good?

I would prefer teenage/adult dog to a puppy I think, although that could change. I would love to rescue a dog, I would prefer that, but it seems very very difficult to find one that can be rehomed with children. I would like a lab, labdoodle, spaniel, retriever.

I'm a fussy mare who didn't want my dogs on group walks eventually I phoned the vets and the receptionist who we knew is a walker pure luck. I see some with six or mor e dogs who are all charging round.

Some rescues will rehome to family homes worth investigating.

 

Thank you again! I will do that. So I can call breeders and ask for a runt ?

 

No, not a runt. The runt in a litter is usually a sickly pup which has failed to thrive.

When @rona says "run on", she means those who breed to show or work their dogs will often keep more than one pup from a litter who is showing promise. When they decide which one to keep, they will sell the other pup/pups.

 

I've had a few people tell me not to re-home due to having children acrually, I've been reading a few stories of dogs in rescue centres, and a few return because of nipping.

 

Oh my goodness, thank you so much! I really need to read up on the terms.

 

Ask any question here even if it seems silly. The dog ownership, particularly the choosing of is full of little issues that are not obvious at first.
By the time you are ready for your dog, hopefully you will be reasonably up to speed on what to look for and what to look out for

 

So, going from that, is there anything i should completely avoid, or look out for?

 

Avoid foreign rescues that just bring a dog over unseen and offer no back-up. There is a massive problem with people bringing dogs over in the guise of rescue and leaving them in totally unsuitable homes leaving smaller UK rescues to pick up the pieces. There are some great foreign rescues out there but avoid any that sound like the above.
With any rescue make sure you are happy with the system and how they assess the dogs. Some are quite strict about children but really it's a safeguarding issue as they don't want to get into trouble if a dog bites a child after it was deemed 'child friendly'. Small local rescues tend to have more leeway in terms of the rules they have for applicants (e.g. working hours, kids, no garden, etc) whereas some of the larger rescues have blanket policies that they will not budge on. Foster based rescues are useful as a dog straight from kennels can behave differently in a home.
As for breeders always look at the necessary health TESTS (not just vet checks) for your chosen breed/s and make sure both sire and dam have been tested.

 

This might help
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/se...RDbARIsANfu58GoJwCcvbO2kvTorDUJRri2U4MP1IQ_C9vVKJYFuLzLQ2Q8F1v1-bcaAh7ZEALw_wcB

or it may make more questions

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/health.aspx?id=2047

 

Its also a good idea to think about contingency plans before you get a dog too. What happens if its sick? Do you have a back up plan if you lose your walker? Are your neighbours going to be a problem? Can you separate dog and kids easily if needed?
Im probably a true pessimist but I found it helped to have considered all angles before I commited to a dog!


Good luck on your search though!

 

Ps - regarding dog walkers, always ask to see that they are insured and only walking the number of dogs they are insured to walk. All professional dog walkers that carry dogs in vehicles must crate the dogs separately - so see that the vehicle is fitted out with sufficient secure crates. Ask to see references and also ask where dogs are walked.

A good dog walker will have a good knowlege of the local walking area. Your dog walker should keep a written record of your details and agree a contract with you so there is no confusion about when your payment is due, cancellation charges, notice of holidays etc.

I am not a dog walker but my friend is and these are some of the things she does. She often frequently points out dog walkers round our way that walk too many dogs or who have all dogs together in the vans and not crated. According to her, this renders the insurance nul and void.

A dog walker who has completed animal first aid might be desirable too.

 

Honestly?

I’d say wait until your kids are older and your job is settled.

Puppies are lots of hard work and it takes a good while before they can be left for any length of time and rescues are an unknown entity.

I waited, and integrating my rescue into the home was a breeze really, although I wasn’t working either.

There are so many places kids want to go where dogs aren’t allowed and there is always some party or school or sport activity to keep you busy with kids ime.

Pets are often a very short lived novelty with kids but a dog is a 16+ year commitment.

 

It can work, though it would be hard work. Really think about what activities you and your kids want to do, as @Lurcherlad said they don't always tie in with having a dog. However, we got my first family dog when I was 6 years old and it worked absolutely fine. We already did lots of outdoorsy things so the dog just fit. I didn't really go to many clubs (maybe once a week I went to brownies when I was older), apart from horse riding but the dog used to come to that and my parents walked it while I had my lesson.

I think a puppy would be hard work when you're at work all day, it's a long time till they can be left. I wouldn't discount a rescue dog though. There are rescues that put their dogs in foster homes so they have more of an idea of what the dog is like in a home life. It may be difficult finding a rescue who will rehome to young children but it would be worth a look.

Personally, I would be wary of getting any change of poodle cross from a breeder, many of these don't health test etc which is something that they should be doing as standard (there are a few breeders out there who are doing it right but difficult to find one). Also their coats can be quite high maintenance so think if you have time for the care.
Cocker spaniels are very popular dog for families but some can be prone to resource guarding issues so I would research that and if you get from a breeder ask about whether it has shown in their lines.

As for dog walkers. Make sure they are insured, DBS checked and have a certificate in canine first aid (or are looking at going in a course). They should have contracts for you to sign too. Some will walk in smaller groups than others (if that's desirable to you) so ask how many dogs they take on and ask how they travel their dogs too (should be in crates or at least dogs not from the same household are separated and can't access each other).

 

I had dogs around since I was 4. I always loved animals I never wanted dolls or anything like that Is was just anything animal. And we Never had a problem with going anywhere. My parents would look after the dog and family would mind her whenever we went away on holidays. I actually think it’s better if a kid grows up with a dog it teachs them responsibilities.

Now I’m in my 20s doing a job that I love with animals and also having time for my own.

 

Yes it worked great 20 30 plus years ago when mums stayed at home or worked limited part time hours. I had a dog too but my mum was home all the time when i was at school.

No one is saying kids and dogs aren't a great combo - but when mums are out at full time work and the house is empty for 8 or 10 hours a day, that's not such a great situation.

These days also, kids tend to have so many scheduled activities and family chilling time is limited. Times have changed but the needs of dogs haven't. They like someone there and to be involved in family activities.

 

My mother and father worked full time 8-4/5 5 days a week and we still made it work I had 4 childhood dogs up to the age of 19.
Times haven't changed.

 

We will have to agree to disagree over the shape of the modern family unit and life style compared to that of the 70s/80s. I still say it's very different.

Would be great to know though about what kind of dogs you had, who trained them, where they spent their days - info like that will really help the OP

 

I'm only 20!! Not like I was born in the 70s

I had crossbreeds. We all helped train them, walked them and feed them. In the morning we walked the dog then The dog spent its day in a large green area where he/she could access a dog house and tarmac. We had a few chew toys/ multiple kongs and games to keep them occupied for the day. In the evening the dog was walked and after would spent they rest of the day inside the sitting room with us.

 

Just to put another point of view I’m was born 1990 - we had our BC from when I was 6. When he was a pup mum worked part time but when he was 1 mum had to work full time as we didn’t have much money and he coped fine with someone going home at lunchtime. We did also get a rescue dog so the two of them were left while at work and someone came back at lunchtime which I think is still something a lot of people do (I did up until a couple of months ago when I worked in the office). I was still young but my parents made it work. I didn’t do much after school stuff so I guess our life revolved around the dogs quite a lot. I loved my dogs though and wanted to spend time with them so I guess that helped.

I do also think that there is more access to help then there used to be. There are lots and lots of dog walkers out there nowadays whereas there never used to be, so families have the option.

I think it can work but it does depend on other activities and sacrifices do have to be made to make sure the dog is happy.

 

A dog walker going in for an hour per day would be fine IMO, it would depend on how long your out though. I'd say if your out for any longer than 7-8 hours then perhaps a sitter would be better. Don't give up on the rescue route, some smaller rescues would maybe be more likely to consider you, a lot of larger ones have very strict policies which they won't budge on. Breeders, yes make sure you ask about health tests and look at places like the KC assured breeders or champdogs for reputable ones. Doodles will be more of a minefield if you decide on the breeder route because a lot of backyard breeders/puppy farms deal in these and you could potentially end up with a dog with bad health and/or temperament. I would suggest rescue more for these tbh.

It may potentially be a good idea to wait until kids are older and your settled in new job but only you can answer as to whether you feel you can handle the commitment. I think this is why potentially a good rescue may be a better idea in your situation as they will be able to guide you and make recommendations as to which dog they feel most suitable. Don't be put off if they suggest a breed/dog you wouldn't of personally considered, you never know until you meet them

 

A dog walker is a good idea but check out the cost as it can be expensive.
Ive walked dogs for friends that worked full time and they've been fine .

 

I was brought up in the 50s and 60s, my parents worked and we had a family dog who was absolutely fine.

it is great to ask for advice on a forum like this and you will be given the absolute gold star rules but do be aware that most people manage perfectly well going to work and owning a dog. Just be careful what breed you get and make sure you can give enough time to the dog when you are not at work. When I worked my dogs were my life. An hours walk in the morning before work, an hour when I got home. Dog training classes several nights a week. A walk last thing at night. Dogs came to pubs with us and our holidays were all dog orientated. If you have children, unless both parents are prepared to walk dogs/do children it is going to be hard to make it work but with 2 adults to share the load I do not see why it would not work.

 

We just got our puppy a few months ago. I have two kids, aged 9 and 12 and they wanted a dog for years. I work full time, although my husband works from home, so there is someone home with Yoda at all times. He is very much my dog though, so I do come home at lunch time to play with him and I work from home one day a week as well.

Dogs are a lot of work and I am lucky in that my kids don't have a lot of after school clubs. My oldest takes himself to school and home, so he doesn't need to be driven around and my youngest doesn't do clubs. I walk Yoda in the morning, at lunch, after I come home and before he goes to bed. As he is a puppy still, he needs to go out to do his business more than that, which my husband covers during the day and my oldest son when he is home in the evening. If the whole family helps out, it's definitely doable.

As others have said, having a dog does change a lot and our weekends and holidays are geared towards doing fun things that Yoda can participate in as well. He is a pug, so I do take him everywhere, I just pop him in his sling and carry him when he gets tired. We are going to the Netherlands in February and will bring Yoda with us, as he loves travelling and adventures. I would recommend researching breeds and their specific requirements; the reason we chose a pug is because they are so loveable and easy going and even as a puppy, that is true of Yoda.

Getting a dog definitely has been the best decision I have ever made. My youngest suffers from anxiety and he has calmed down significantly since we have had Yoda. When he feels anxious, he just plays with Yoda or cuddles up with him and he feels better. He's a different child, so much happier!

Sorry, this turned into a bit of a ramble. I guess I just want to say that if you really are willing to commit to a dog, you should just go and get one. Reading on this forum makes it sometimes seem like the only people who should have a dog are retired people or people who never work, but with the right commitments and resources anyone can have a dog.

 

My husband and I both work full time and long hours and we manage with a very happy doggy thanks to a fantastic dog walker

Our dog gets walked 15 mins every morning before I go to work at 6:30am. He then has a dog walker come in at 11am and takes him out for at least an hour on an off-lead run with other dogs. He then gets walked again for 15 mins at either 4pm when my husband gets home, or at 5.30pm when I get home. He also has a stuffed Kong every time we leave him. He now gets excited when he see's us leaving the house as he knows he's going to get a yummy Kong.

There are days in the week my husband is off, so he never does a full week like this.

We are lucky to have a fantastic dog walker who takes him to various different places, with different dogs, and is confident and responsible enough to let him off to have a good play. If it wasn't for her, we wouldn't be able to have a dog.

At the weekend I make sure I take him out for at least an hour to have a good play and we stimulate him by taking him to family and friends' houses and seeing their dogs. We also do lots of basic training at home as he enjoys this a lot and this is good for tiring them out.

There are times when he's left for longer than I'd like, but I figure that since we rescued him, where is he happier... in the kennel at the rehoming centre, or in a cosy house full of toys, food and a comfy sofa.

The walking does cost a small fortune each month and means we could never get a second dog, but it's worth it.

 

We have a dog. I work part-time and hubby works full-time. I get up at 5am and walk her then she gets her breakfast while I get ready for work. Leave the house at 6:45 to get to work for 7:00. Hubby takes the kids to school at 8:45 and goes to work for 9:30. My Nan (79 years old) comes at 10 and takes Olive to her house for the day. I am home at 14:00, collect Olive and walk her, then to school for the kids at 15:20. Home from school by 15:45 depending on how late out of class they are and then lots of play with Olive. I can also work from home so I get more time with her. My kids are 9 & 8 and we’ve always had a dog since hubby and I got together. The dogs have always been very much mine and hubby’s and we take it in turns to walk etc. The kids do nothing other than play with her but even then, the novelty wears off if there’s something more exciting going on. Olive is quite happy to lay with us chewing her antler and has tons of toys so can and does entertain herself. I do think human interaction is important though

 

it had 10 foot fencing all around and it's not different to a normal backyard

Here in the UK that would be different - you must be another country. Legal maximum height for fencing between gardens (back yards) is 2 metres, or 6 and a half feet in the old measurements. A lot of dogs could jump/climb that, no trouble.

 

Yes, different country.

 

That sounds like a fab arrangment for your little dog @The Wild Bunch! Sounds like a very supportive family you have there!