to be happy at home? My Husband and I are considering a puppy. We have a few things to sort out first (new fence in the garden) and are still debating which type to get.
Our main concern is that we are able to give adequate exercise to the dog and that it will be ok being left in the house. We are also concerned that the house will be ok being left with the dog.
I will be able to exercise every morning. My husband will be able to exercise during the day as he works shifts and will either start at lunch, be home after night shift or be day off. There are 4 days every month this will not be possible. My dad has agreed to come by those days.
In theory this sounds fine as I will walk again after work and can be flexible about when I return - between 4 and 6.
BUT
I am worried that the types of dogs I would like are from working breeds and would like to be exercised all day. Such as Border terrier or Lab. Both these dogs could be out in a field all day if they were working. Would they be ok being at home alone? Is it too cruel to do this. it would never need to be for more than 4 hours (5 on odd occasion).
We would both be prepared to put time in to training. This is something we are looking forward to. We are also considering agility if that is something that suits the dog.
We would be open to restricting movement in house/ caging the dog.
I have been looking in to high energy / low energy dogs. Alot of the information goes against what I would have believed.
I would like an active dog that is OK with periods of sedate time. Not a dog that has constant energy that will leave him unfufilled if he is in the house. I have looked into toys that stimulate your dog etc and have also heard that agility and obedience training / or time playing a game with your dog is more tiring for your dog than just a walk.
Other things to consider. We have small/ decent private garden but only accessed from front door so mostly supervised garden access only. We will be having children soon. Live in the UK.
***
What do you think:
If my dog is properly stimulated will it be happy at home?
How much physical and mental stimulation will it need?
Can you suggest a breed?
Are you a breeder? What would you think if I was a perspective owner?
THANKS FOR READING!
I would not have dog out in field but the dogs I am considering would often be bred for work and have the energy to be able to work in field all day.
I am a teacher. I would be considering getting a puppy during the summer holidays.
My dad is always free. If not I would be able to come home at lunch. I also know of dog walkers in area but don't want to rely on them.
I am not really wanting a dog from Cat and dog home or dog trust as they are almost always staffies (not that keen) rotweiliers, collie x or german sheperds. The reason most of these dogs are there is because they have too much energy for their situation - my main concern.
They often also have specific problems meaning they can not go to homes with children or where they will be left.
I would however consider an older dog under the right conditions.
Our main concern is that we are able to give adequate exercise to the dog and that it will be ok being left in the house. We are also concerned that the house will be ok being left with the dog.
I will be able to exercise every morning. My husband will be able to exercise during the day as he works shifts and will either start at lunch, be home after night shift or be day off. There are 4 days every month this will not be possible. My dad has agreed to come by those days.
In theory this sounds fine as I will walk again after work and can be flexible about when I return - between 4 and 6.
BUT
I am worried that the types of dogs I would like are from working breeds and would like to be exercised all day. Such as Border terrier or Lab. Both these dogs could be out in a field all day if they were working. Would they be ok being at home alone? Is it too cruel to do this. it would never need to be for more than 4 hours (5 on odd occasion).
We would both be prepared to put time in to training. This is something we are looking forward to. We are also considering agility if that is something that suits the dog.
We would be open to restricting movement in house/ caging the dog.
I have been looking in to high energy / low energy dogs. Alot of the information goes against what I would have believed.
I would like an active dog that is OK with periods of sedate time. Not a dog that has constant energy that will leave him unfufilled if he is in the house. I have looked into toys that stimulate your dog etc and have also heard that agility and obedience training / or time playing a game with your dog is more tiring for your dog than just a walk.
Other things to consider. We have small/ decent private garden but only accessed from front door so mostly supervised garden access only. We will be having children soon. Live in the UK.
***
What do you think:
If my dog is properly stimulated will it be happy at home?
How much physical and mental stimulation will it need?
Can you suggest a breed?
Are you a breeder? What would you think if I was a perspective owner?
THANKS FOR READING!
I would not have dog out in field but the dogs I am considering would often be bred for work and have the energy to be able to work in field all day.
I am a teacher. I would be considering getting a puppy during the summer holidays.
My dad is always free. If not I would be able to come home at lunch. I also know of dog walkers in area but don't want to rely on them.
I am not really wanting a dog from Cat and dog home or dog trust as they are almost always staffies (not that keen) rotweiliers, collie x or german sheperds. The reason most of these dogs are there is because they have too much energy for their situation - my main concern.
They often also have specific problems meaning they can not go to homes with children or where they will be left.
I would however consider an older dog under the right conditions.