The right dog?

Green&Red

Hi, I;m looking for advice on what dog to get.
For the next 2-3 years I'll be based in Dublin week days with a 9-5 job. Have a big back garden that the dog would stay in during the day.
In the evening I'd like a dog suitable for running with

All suggestions/questions appreciated, thanks

Magenta

Green&Red wrote: »

Hi, I;m looking for advice on what dog to get.
For the next 2-3 years I'll be based in Dublin week days with a 9-5 job. Have a big back garden that the dog would stay in during the day.
In the evening I'd like a dog suitable for running with

All suggestions/questions appreciated, thanks

8 hours alone in a back garden every day?
I suggest "No dog".

Toulouse

If you're looking for a dog to stay alone for that long everyday then you should consider a dog walker during the day if you want to get a dog.

What kind of distances do you run? Do you run every day?

What is the plan in 2 or 3 years?

custom_build

Have you thought about joining a running club if that is all you want a dog for. It would be a lot cheaper and there wouldn't be a dog left alone all day.

Green&Red

Plan is to move to a farm, where other than having more room will be left alone for similar lengths of time, as has any dog thats ever been on the farm.
Yes I'll be running every evening

muddypaws

If you're going to move to a farm, that will rule out any sled dog breed, that would love to go running every evening.

Is there any breed that you have a particular interest in?

Whilst I do think that people that work full time can own a dog, if you are looking for a dog with a lot of energy that can run every night, I think you will need to have either a dog walker or day care in place while you're at work. Dogs that are high energy don't tend to do well if left alone all day.

Murray007

I am sorry but have to agree that unless there are exceptional circumstances, I would not bring a dog into my home knowing he would be alone all day. Dogs are pack animals and need company.

It sounds like you are looking for a running companion. Dogs give a lot to a relationship but they also need a lot in return.

Dogs on farms are not left alone all day, the opposite in fact, there is generally someone around and the dog has the benefit of some work to keep it interested.

VonVix

Question, why is it that you want to bring a dog into your life? What makes you want a dog?

Green&Red

muddypaws wrote: »

If you're going to move to a farm, that will rule out any sled dog breed, that would love to go running every evening.

Is there any breed that you have a particular interest in?

Whilst I do think that people that work full time can own a dog, if you are looking for a dog with a lot of energy that can run every night, I think you will need to have either a dog walker or day care in place while you're at work. Dogs that are high energy don't tend to do well if left alone all day.

If it was a thing where I needed a dog walker then so be it, I'm looking for advice, so thanks for your positive contribution. I'm wondering if there is a dog that would manage on exercise in the evening?

I suppose culturally I'm coming from a different background to some of the people here. Animals have always been seen as having a job to do, have been fed whatever we're eating, dosed whenever other animals are dosed. This would be the first dog for the sake of having a dog.

muddypaws

I have working sled dogs so I understand where you're coming from, I know that if my lot lived as a single dog, and had no company during the day, they would be very destructive, or escape, due to their working background. And I guess, from what you're describing as your background, your previous dogs would actually be spending a lot of time with people during the day, doing their work.

What else do you have, in the way of preferences? long or short hair, small, medium or large? Maybe don't get so hung up on a particular breed, or type, go along to a shelter/rescue and have a look, you may well fall in love with a particular dog, probably not even one you would have considered. Alternatively, go along to a show and have a chat with the exhibitors about any dogs that you like, even better maybe if there is an agility competition on at the same time, with higher energy dogs.

Green&Red

I'm not really tied to a type, I suppose I prefer a medium to larger dog, and I do like the idea of getting one from a shelter. Is the dog pound your best bet?

boomerang

It'd be a no from me too OP I'm afraid, it wouldn't be fair on the dog.

Lucy and Harry

A rescue dog that is about to be put down maybe a greyhound that may need a home and likes a run in the evening.I would also keep it in for the evening and watch tv with it.That type of breed are quiet and will sit in front of a fire.

Toulouse

Lucy and Harry wrote: »

A rescue dog that is about to be put down maybe a greyhound that may need a home and likes a run in the evening.I would also keep it in for the evening and watch tv with it.That type of breed are quiet and will sit in front of a fire.

But they are not outdoor dogs. They have very thin skin and will not do well stuck in a back garden all day. They also love to be around their people as they have been raised in kennels so are used to some kind of company be it human or canine. With the running thing - greys are sprinters, not long distance runners.

Then there's the whole prey-drive and farm scenario. Also you could never leave one outside alone as some little scrote would steal them to hunt with.

I have a greyhound and I can tell you she would not be suited to this set up.

Magenta

Lucy and Harry wrote: »

A rescue dog that is about to be put down maybe a greyhound that may need a home and likes a run in the evening.I would also keep it in for the evening and watch tv with it.That type of breed are quiet and will sit in front of a fire.

A greyhound is not a dog suitable for going running with.

Rips

Magenta wrote: »

A greyhound is not a dog suitable for going running with.

That's a totally bizarre comment, yes, by nature they are sprinters, but some of them have an excellent ground covering trot which suits a jogger. I have lots of friends who jog with their greys, and live in the country and enjoy long walks with them too.

OP it is excellent that you will consider a dog from a shelter/pound. As far as which dog is the right dog, if you are rehoming, you'll have the benefit of getting to see the temperament of the mature dog and see what is most appropriate for your lifestyle.

My only concern with a greyhound for you, is that they can suffer a bit with separation anxiety/destruction if left in the home for long periods, and as others have said, are not suited to living outdoors (no dog should really be consigned to a garden / locked up outside for hours though)

I don't see your working arrangements as a concern as long as you are prepared to look into a dog walker if necessary.

*wonders what anybody outside of rescue does for a living* :rolleyes:

lazeedaisy

Our greyhound is a couch potato, defo not a dog to go running with,

Nor would they be happy out all day, they are company dogs,

On a farm, the dogs usually have company and don't get locked up for 8 hours a day!

All our dogs were rescue, we did not choose them, circumstances choose us, we never stopped to think, they just arrived,

Can you not just advertise for someone to run with instead

Rips

lazeedaisy wrote: »

Our greyhound is a couch potato, defo not a dog to go running with,

All dogs are individuals though, and there are plenty of ex-racing, solid muscle greys in need of good homes, who have lived in kennels for a considerable period, and the OP could provide a significant improvement for them!
(Though reading his first post, a greyhound would not have been my first choice)

Murray007

Hold on, it's cloud cook coo land to think the OP will be employing a dog walker. The reality is that OP has decided that it's Ok to leave a dog all day and now OP wants more than that, the dog must also be willing to train to his schedule, a schedule that none of us here know in terms of distance, speed, frequency and even if we did the dog, say a greyhound may be unable due to age or experience to live up to the expectation.

I liken this to someone who asks which is the best dog to dress up and carry around in my handbag. I know someone who got a westie because she went to the same cottage in an Irish costal town each year for a month with the kids and everyone there had a wee dog. The dog spent the rest of the year spending most of its time in a chicken run in the garden. It became vicious and anxious around people so eventually didn't even go on the annual holiday, and ended up being put down because of its temperament.



OP do as you will lots of other do and people will justify on that basis, but don't look for validation here because, certainly from me, dogs are not accessories and just because you have experience that dogs can be treated like this doesn't mean that others will condone it (of course other than like minded people).

con___manx1

A springer spaniel is a good dog to go running with. I used to cycle through the forest sometimes with my dog . They are a hard dog to tire out. Springers love swimming too it's great excercise and keeps them clean. I used to love bringing my springer down to the beach.

Murray007

A springer spaniel loves work, I have a springer and a collie and we have always had one of both since I was a child.

They are not a dog, if they is such a thing, that can it should be left alone for long periods. If it wasn't for the hardship to the dog, I would laugh if the OP got a springer.

My springers have over the years, dug huge holes in the gravel street around the house trying to dig her way in when she is outside without us. Has trashed Christmas wreaths that we hung on the front door, four feet up, and same with the only neighbour we have within a mile. Trashes planters randomly at the front door, leaves them alone most of the time but digs they up if bored. Has jumped into a trailer were we put newly planted hanging baskets - trashed them, they were in the trailer to keep them away from her. Our front hedge has huge holes it in where she storms through rather than go around. Left a roast on the the kitchen table to rest while we were having a pre dinner drink at Easter and she swiped it and the two dogs were crowing down on it before we realised.

This dog is out all day up and down the fields with us and anytime she is bored she is destructive.

Lucy and Harry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2RI0f_PhE what about a zoomer robot dog?


If the only reason to buy a dog is to go running I suggest not getting a dog.But there are many dogs put down every week so at least it would be a life saved.Maybe a male and a female so they can keep each other company for the 8 hours.But what if you get a girlfriend or injure yourself running will you want the dog then OP.A dog is meant to be for the life time of the dog which could be 10 years.That is a commitment.

tk123

Why not put an ad up /ask around locally offering to walk/run somebodies dog? You'd probably have a queue of people happy have their dog worn out!

Green&Red

I'm not sure why but I'll try and defend myself here, it may be hard to reach some of the people on their high horses.

Firstly, I described my lifestyle because I'm looking for an animal to fit into my lifestyle. The same as if I was buying a bull, I would identify the characteristics that I wanted in a bull (size, temperament etc). Its the same process I'll go through with a dog. So I'm looking for a dog to fit my lifestyle and schedule, absolutely.

I also believe that animals can adapt to their environment to a certain extent, not wholesale but to a certain extent.

The idea that I would bring any animal on any walk or run that it wasnt able to, I'm not in the habit of making any animal suffer.

As for the dog walker, these would be my siblings, four of whom live with kids within a mile radius of me. That would be a matter for me to decide once I saw how the dog was getting on. And if it came to it I would just move the dog to the farm.

VonVix

Green&Red wrote: »

I'm not sure why but I'll try and defend myself here, it may be hard to reach some of the people on their high horses.

Firstly, I described my lifestyle because I'm looking for an animal to fit into my lifestyle. The same as if I was buying a bull, I would identify the characteristics that I wanted in a bull (size, temperament etc). Its the same process I'll go through with a dog. So I'm looking for a dog to fit my lifestyle and schedule, absolutely.

I also believe that animals can adapt to their environment to a certain extent, not wholesale but to a certain extent.

The idea that I would bring any animal on any walk or run that it wasnt able to, I'm not in the habit of making any animal suffer.

As for the dog walker, these would be my siblings, four of whom live with kids within a mile radius of me. That would be a matter for me to decide once I saw how the dog was getting on. And if it came to it I would just move the dog to the farm.

Nothing wrong with giving more information to your side, it helps if anything.

Also, I agree that animals can adapt, but depending on the situation it does not mean that they will thrive. Dogs are social animals, if deprived of this a dog can become anxious, fearful, destructive, etc.

Is it just you living alone or do you have a partner/roommates?

Green&Red

Have a housemate who is onboard but works similiar hours but will be available in the evenings
Family would be the daytime Plan B

So the dog needs to be trustworthy around kids

VonVix

Green&Red wrote: »

Have a housemate who is onboard but works similiar hours but will be available in the evenings
Family would be the daytime Plan B

So the dog needs to be trustworthy around kids

Would you be preferring a puppy right now? If so, that would largely mean that your Plan B/family will be doing most of the "dirty work" while you and your housemate are at work, such as potty training and socialisation, are they on board for doing that?

Really it means that the kids need to be taught how to interact appropriately with a dog.

Some people here like myself probably sound far more harsh than we intend. I don't know about anyone else but I see the amount of dogs being surrendered to the pound and whatnot because people don't have the time to devote to a dog, and they often have circumstances like yours (I'm working, so I'm leaving the dog out the back, I'm tired when I get home from work so I can't walk my dog, the dog is becoming destructive, he is too high energy and deserves a family with more time, etc...) A dog is a 15 year give or take commitment.

maggiepip

Green&Red wrote: »

I'm not sure why but I'll try and defend myself here, it may be hard to reach some of the people on their high horses.

Firstly, I described my lifestyle because I'm looking for an animal to fit into my lifestyle. The same as if I was buying a bull, I would identify the characteristics that I wanted in a bull (size, temperament etc). Its the same process I'll go through with a dog. So I'm looking for a dog to fit my lifestyle and schedule, absolutely.

I also believe that animals can adapt to their environment to a certain extent, not wholesale but to a certain extent.

The idea that I would bring any animal on any walk or run that it wasnt able to, I'm not in the habit of making any animal suffer.

As for the dog walker, these would be my siblings, four of whom live with kids within a mile radius of me. That would be a matter for me to decide once I saw how the dog was getting on. And if it came to it I would just move the dog to the farm.

To be fair the way you're coming across isnt great. Good owners try to choose a dog suitable to their lifestyle alright, but good owners always have the attitude of "what can I do to give this dog a great life" not a "what can the dog do for me" attitude. Stating in a very black and white manner that the dog will be alone all day, and you want it to run with you in the evening full stop, doesn't sound too wonderful.

Lucy and Harry

There is another thread on this forum and a person is saying they want to hire a dog walker and people are asking for 20 euro a hour.Now if you got 3 dogs and ran them for the hour you make 60 euro for yourself.Then when you have to go to Spain in the summer you do not have to find kennels or a relative to mind your dog as you just run other peoples dogs.Problem solved.

Ashbx

Green&Red wrote: »

I'm not sure why but I'll try and defend myself here, it may be hard to reach some of the people on their high horses.

Firstly, I described my lifestyle because I'm looking for an animal to fit into my lifestyle. The same as if I was buying a bull, I would identify the characteristics that I wanted in a bull (size, temperament etc). Its the same process I'll go through with a dog. So I'm looking for a dog to fit my lifestyle and schedule, absolutely.

I also believe that animals can adapt to their environment to a certain extent, not wholesale but to a certain extent.

The idea that I would bring any animal on any walk or run that it wasnt able to, I'm not in the habit of making any animal suffer.

As for the dog walker, these would be my siblings, four of whom live with kids within a mile radius of me. That would be a matter for me to decide once I saw how the dog was getting on. And if it came to it I would just move the dog to the farm.

Its quite tough to give a particular breed because you do want an active dog to go running but at the same time, you want a dog who is happy to be left alone all day. You then also want a dog which would be suitable for a farm so in my opinion, you are looking at two completely different breeds (one slightly calmer for the house and one high energy for the farm)

I will say (with the hope I don't get bashed by other posters here for it) but I work 9-5 everyday and I have a Border Terrier and a Border Collie. As everyone knows, Border collies are working dogs and require A LOT of exercise and stimulation.

Our daily routine during the week is 6.30am - myself and my boyfriend get ready for work. 7.00 - I walk the dogs. 7.45 - go to work. 2.30pm - boyfriend returns from work and brings the dogs for a walk (which is usually a 20 min walk or thereabouts). 6.30 - I come home from work and bring them for an hour walk. The rest of the time, my dogs are sleeping on their beds, sleeping on the couch, sleeping on the rug infront of the fireplace...basically always sleeping/relaxing!

My point im trying to make is if you are willing to exercise the dogs as much as they need to (which will involve getting up early, or missing after work drinks so you can go home and walk the dogs) then of course its ok to get a dog when you work 9-5. You just need to ensure that you make time for the dogs too.

Toulouse

Ashbx wrote: »

I will say (with the hope I don't get bashed by other posters here for it) but I work 9-5 everyday and I have a Border Terrier and a Border Collie. As everyone knows, Border collies are working dogs and require A LOT of exercise and stimulation.

Our daily routine during the week is 6.30am - myself and my boyfriend get ready for work. 7.00 - I walk the dogs. 7.45 - go to work. 2.30pm - boyfriend returns from work and brings the dogs for a walk (which is usually a 20 min walk or thereabouts). 6.30 - I come home from work and bring them for an hour walk. The rest of the time, my dogs are sleeping on their beds, sleeping on the couch, sleeping on the rug infront of the fireplace...basically always sleeping/relaxing!

My point im trying to make is if you are willing to exercise the dogs as much as they need to (which will involve getting up early, or missing after work drinks so you can go home and walk the dogs) then of course its ok to get a dog when you work 9-5. You just need to ensure that you make time for the dogs too.

I don't see why you think you'd get bashed for this, your dogs are not alone all day and they are inside when you're not there. This is exactly the example to show how much time, effort and committment is needed if you are working all day but own dogs. IMO not enough people are prepared for this when they get a dog and then further down the line the dog ends up being rehomed or in the pound.