Which breed is for us?

[caninecrazy88]

We are a young couple who have spent years thinking about getting a dog. We have now bought our own house and looking into breeds that best suit our situation. We both work, but I have a few months off which is a good opportunity to bring a puppy home. We would take the dogs for walks before and after work as well as giving them plenty of attention when home. As we both work a dog would be on its own for a few hours a day. We are looking to have people in to let them out/walk them while we are out. (We have a 3 bedroom house with a backgarden).

My question are:

For this situation is it best to have one or two dogs?

What breed of dog would suit being left alone for a few hours in the day?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Raven oaktree]

How many hours a day and how many days a week would the pup be left? How much exercise would you realistically be looking to give the dog(in all weathers all seasons) what size of dog were you thinking of?

 

[caninecrazy88]

I would be home for around 2-3 months when we brought the puppy home. It would then be 5 days a week but I have quite a number of weeks off through the year. It would be 7 hours but we are looking to hire someone to come in during the middle of the day. It would have to be a smallish dog, we would most likely give at least 15-30 minutes walk (ourselves) twice a day with regular plays in the garden.

 

[deegee]

You're being responsible considering all these things now- I work in rescue and a lot of business comes from people who haven't and end up having to give dogs up. (It's also the reason when we rehome these are all the questions we ask).

I can advise on what breeds NOT to get: working dogs of any kind, collies, pointers, spaniels, setters, retrievers etc. All these dogs need extra company, stimulation and a very active life. Without it they can become distressed, destructive and just miserable. For full time workers you will have to be organised, have someone walk and play with your dog, and maybe just pop in and give it company. To rehome from many rescues they ask that a dog isn't left for more than 3 hours at a time- especially a young dog or puppy. And if possible have back-up. It's when you're mad busy at work your dog sitter always gets the flu. I've always tried to have two dogs as they are company for each other. But not litter-mates. It can cause too much rivalry. What about getting a quieter older rescue dog that's lived with others and getting a puppy as well? We've always done that and found the puppy becomes confident and relaxed in a house with a maturer resident.

I'd say look for whippets or whippet crosses so long as you live somewhere they can have an off-lead burn-up at least twice a day. And plenty of love and attention and a comfy place to chill when they're in with you. But there are other less energetic breeds others may know about. I've a corgi x at the moment that is happy with a couple of 30 min walks a day though will do more if offered. I've had a cocker spaniel that needed to be out for 3 hours to stay sane!

Oh and don't listen to anyone who tells you you can just put your puppy or puppies in a crate for hours while you're out so no problem with chewing. Crates stop an unhappy bored desperate puppy gnashing up your house certainly- but it's also the wrong thing to do to any dog. Have no dog rather than do it. Sorry to sound stern and I wish you well with your search because you are obviously wanting to do the right thing. Good luck.

 

[gypsysmum2]

Well done for seeking advice before the event and not when the dog is causing problems.

All dogs will have some sort of problem. They are living sentient beings and each one is different even within a breed. Do be aware that breeders think that their breed is the best! You need to listen to your inner voice.

Although it sounds wonderful that you are going to be home for the first weeks that your new puppy arrives this can cause problems too. Your puppy will be used to you being around and will miss you when you go back to work. Most problems with destructive behaviour are caused by dogs over bonding with their owner and not coping when the owner leaves them on their own. This happens in the first hour of being left so it is not the length of time but the act of separation that is distressing for the dog. Puppies can be taught to be independent so it is not a complete no no to bring a puppy into the house and then leave it. You just need to put the work in to teach it to relax when left. An adult dog is much more likely to sleep for long periods when left but they must, first, be comfortable with being on their own. Two dogs do not always work as some dogs are bonded to the owner/humans and are not keen on sharing them with another dog.

As to breeds, I would agree that Whippets do like to sleep a lot, as do greyhounds if you like a bigger dog. Most of the hounds are like that. Whippet bitches are more independent, generally, than dogs. As has been said, never get litter mates no matter what the breeder says.

Toy breeds are also good at just being companions rather than needing to be busy all the time. The Kennel Club have a facility on their website where you can enter all your criteria and see what comes up as suggestions for suitable breeds to match your criteria.

If you are thinking of bringing children into the house, at some stage, do remember to socialise your puppy (or check that the rescue dog is used to them). Children behave completely differently to adults and can scare dogs that have not been well socialised during the early weeks of life. Fear leads to aggression.

Once you have chosen your breed you need to do lots of research into socialisation and habituation during the early weeks of life. This starts with choosing a good breeder who has reared the puppies in a home situation. Puppy Farmers are very good at disguising the fact that they are rearing the puppies outside in pens on a battery scale. A puppy needs to be outgoing and friendly and adore being handled by all and sundry so that it copes with what life is going to throw at it.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Raven oaktree]

I honestly wouldn't get a young pup because the hardest stage in a young dogs life is adolescent stage , not the young pup stage and you will be back at work when the dog reaches adolescent stage . I too would go for a couch potato who loves a bit of a run around but not too much walking . I would imagine a little whippet or rescue greyhound I right up your street . Good luck

 

[caninecrazy88]

Thank you for all of your advice. At the end of the day, we want what is best for the dog. I do like the idea of an older dog and younger dog and will definitely look into all the points brought up before making any final decisions.