My husband and I are throwing the idea around of getting a dog in the future. I want to know how much work a dog is. I never had one as a kid, nor did he. He wants to get a baby german sheperd and cage train it. My concerns are that the dog would mostly be home alone for about 8hrs a day while we are at work. I do not know if that is fair for the dog. Also, I am a neat freak and wouldnt wnat the dog on top of my couch, bed, etc. Can some dog owners shed some light here? I do not want to be one of those people who has a dog and then gives it away b.c it is too much. Also, we want to give kids in the future and I am skeptical about having dogs near babies. ugh help.
ShortBride
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Re: Help-dog owners
Dogs are definately a LOT of work. Have you considered getting a cat?
Also, German Shepards are really intelligent animals that require a lot of exercise and attention. If you end up getting a dog, perhaps a small dog would be better suited. We couldn't keep up with our German Shepard.
I have only had big dogs, but our first dog, a Golden Lab, was super good around me as a kid. I used to dress him up (in a skirt!) and ride him like a pony, and he just loved it...not sure about how smaller dogs react to kids...
coxmandi
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Re: Help-dog owners
I just got a german shepherd puppy (9 months old) from a shelter 2 weeks ago so I can give you some REAL life experience.
German shepherds are working dogs, they are not couch potatos. They are very very smart, learn quickly (both good and bad habits) which can be trouble for a first time owner. They need lots of exercise, not just time alone in a yard. We walk our dog 2x a day, plus playing in the yard time and she is still high energy. Even though they have a short coat, it is double layered. They SHED constantly!!!!
If isn't a good idea to get a young puppy if you aren't home during the day. Puppies can only hold their bladder a couple hours at a time. (Rule is 1 hour for every month in age) So a 2 or 3 month old puppy needs to go out to the bathroom every 2 or 3 hours. Keeping a dog that young in a crate is NOT a good idea for 8 hours a day.
I wouldn't recommend a shepherd for your first dog, they require experienced and consistent training. Feel free to FM with questions.
Anniegrl
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Re: Help-dog owners
Like coxmandi said, you can't keep a puppy in a crate for 8 hours straight. Have you considered adopting an adult dog? At least 1 year old? They can last that long in the crate without having to be let out. Having a puppy is a LOT of work. DH and I learned that with our dog. You're constantly cleaning up pee and poop (not fun when it happens on the carpet!!!) and they require a LOT of attention. Also, when you have to travel, you have to find someone to watch them.
As far as being neat and not wanting your animals on the furniture, you can train them not to go on the furniture (although I guarantee that you'll fall so in love with the dog, that soon it'll be sleeping on the bed with you! )
roxyspark
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Re: Help-dog owners
A dog is a lot of work but it is so worth it.
I would recommend doing some research on different breeds. Some dogs are very active and will get depressed if they are alone all day, others will sleep 18 hours a day. The important thing about getting a dog is that you need to create a routine and stick to it. Dogs love routine.
My FI and I adopted a dog two months ago and he never had a dog before. We got a chihuahua. We both work 9 hours, but I do have a dog walker come in the middle of the day to walk and play with him.
If you get a small dog, you can also train it to go on a pad, so it won't have accidents when you are not there.
Good luck!
D&C
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Re: Help-dog owners
This advice is really great, please keep it coming. I told my husband that I am afriad of getting a german b.c they are so smart and I want to make sure the dog gets the stimulation and love it needs. I know the nights and weekends we would be able to keep up with it, I am just afriad of what happens during the week. I may be able to work from home a few days in the future, but its not 100%. I want us to be happy but I want the dog to have a great life all the time as well
lolita4life
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Re: Help-dog owners
dogs are alot of work... but PUPPIEs, puppies are TONS of work.
a puppy should not be left crated for more than 4 hrs tops. as an adult 8 max.
if giving a dog away is even a OPTION you are DEFINATLY NOT ready to have one.
no offense, but you sound like you have too many reservatiosn to get a dog right now IMHO.
perhaps consider getting a different aimal.
if you DO decide to get a dog i can totally help you. please whatever you do, do not go to a pet store or a site that backyard breeders advertise on (puppyfind.com, etc) Read up on puppymills! if you have any questions i can definatly help you.
some dogs that dont shed are: yorkies, maltese, poodles, hairless chinese cresteds
MOBLaurel
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Re: Help-dog owners
Although I don't own one (because of an allergic child) I have had many experiences with retired racing grayhounds owned by family members including young working couples. They are not your fluffy cutsie dogs, but a more dedicated and loving dog is hard to find. They are also quiet and shorthaired, but large. You might want to consider giving one of these a chance. They are leashtrained and very gentle. But they can NEVER RUN LOOSE unless in a fenced yard. Their nickname is 40 mile per hour couch potato!
D&C
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Re: Help-dog owners
Posted by lolita4life
if giving a dog away is even a OPTION you are DEFINATLY NOT ready to have one.
no offense, but you sound like you have too many reservatiosn to get a dog right now IMHO.
/QUOTE]
Yes and that is why I am researching it all now because I know I would never give it up after owning one.
conigs25
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Re: Help-dog owners
Youre talking to a world class dog LOVER!!! They are ALOT of work BUT worth every minute bc they are the most devoted things ever!!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT get him/her at a puppy store. See my posts about puppy mills on BHB, 06, and Pets baords
we got a yorkie puppy about 5 months ago. boy is he a lot of work, but he is soooo worth it. but, you better be ready for your dog to be your life, because that's what our little Joey has become to us. It's like having a child...you can't leave for more than a few hours without taking them into consideration.
Our dog is really small (6 lbs) and we live in an apartment in NYC...he stays in a toddler pen all day while we work, but he sleeps the whole time, and then we come home at night and play with him for hours. He has SO much energy....I actually lost about 5 lbs when we first got him because I spent so much time chasing after him and worrying about him! Not too mention, he has cost more $$$$ then we ever imagined....he was sick with diarrhea all last week and we took him to the vet and it was a sweet $280!!
Moral of the story...make sure you have enough TIME and MONEY - good luck!!
