Anyone working full-time want their dog to have a companion dog?

seefin · 17-02-2018 10:00AM #1

Am working full time and feel guilty about my dog being alone all day . Anyone else in Wilton area in similar situation? Maybe you could leave your dog in my house while you work and collect in evening- have a dog flap and really secure garden ( very high wall) and dogs would be company for each other . I leave dog indoors all day but she can go out to toilet whenever she wants .

Roger Hassenforder · 17-02-2018 10:20AM

Thats dotey. Good luck with it.

the beer revolu · 17-02-2018 10:30AM

Having another dog visiting is not the answer to a dog being left alone all day.
Having someone call and walk the dog or doggie daycare is the answer. Or a change in your work pattern. You are right to feel guilty.

seefin · 17-02-2018 10:41AM

There's always one! Can't afford those suggestions. I put my dog first as much as can and she's spoiled rotten when am home. I won't even go to the shop for milk in evening as feel bad that she's been alone for 8 hours . I sacrifice any social life for her as it is. What choice do I have when can't afford other options ?

undertaker fan 88 · 17-02-2018 12:00PM

you might find a dog walker fairly cheap these days if u say block book appointments with them? maybe a teenager that you know will do it? even say 30e a week to come mon to fri n take the dog for a walk? lots of young people would love this. what kind of dog is it

Cheshire Cat · 17-02-2018 12:08PM

I would not leave two dogs who aren't familiar with each other on their own all day. Too much chance of something going wrong.
Have a read in the animal & pet issue forum. Even dogs who live together permanently will get into scraps every now and again. I speak from experience.
Are you sure that your dog is not too territorial? How would he/she react if the other dog took their favourite toy? I wouldn't chance it!

seefin · 17-02-2018 12:33PM

Cheshire Cat wrote:

I would not leave two dogs who aren't familiar with each other on their own all day. Too much chance of something going wrong. Have a read in the animal & pet issue forum. Even dogs who live together permanently will get into scraps every now and again. I speak from experience. Are you sure that your dog is not too territorial? How would he/she react if the other dog took their favourite toy? I wouldn't chance it!

I'd be super careful and introduce them supervised for months before ever let then alone together. Dog is really good natured and not particularly territorial. Good point though.

17-02-2018 02:00PM

undertaker fan 88 wrote: »

you might find a dog walker fairly cheap these days if u say block book appointments with them? maybe a teenager that you know will do it? even say 30e a week to come mon to fri n take the dog for a walk? lots of young people would love this. what kind of dog is it

Teenagers are typically at school 9am to 4pm

noodler · 17-02-2018 02:25PM

the beer revolu wrote: »

Having another dog visiting is not the answer to a dog being left alone all day.
Having someone call and walk the dog or doggie daycare is the answer. Or a change in your work pattern. You are right to feel guilty.

Ignore posts like this.

Some would have you believe that pound and being put down is preferable to having a dog which has to stay in the back garden alone during working hours.

seefin · 17-02-2018 02:48PM

noodler wrote:

Some would have you believe that pound and being put down is preferable to having a dog which has to stay in the back garden alone during working hours.

I do feel guilty as I said but what can I do short of putting her to sleep as I genuinely cannot afford a dog walker . She has a 5 start home the other 16 hours of the day, even sleeps in the bedroom because of my guilt.

mordeith · 17-02-2018 03:00PM

seefin wrote: »

I do feel guilty as I said but what can I do short of putting her to sleep as I genuinely cannot afford a dog walker . She has a 5 start home the other 16 hours of the day, even sleeps in the bedroom because of my guilt.

Hold on a second. Is the dog exhibiting signs of distress at being alone or what?

denismc · 17-02-2018 03:03PM

We have a dog walker comes and walks our dog twice a week.
I am sure there are probably people near where you live who would walk your dog for half an hour a day.
Even if they get out twice in the week, its still better than nothing.
Whoever you get make sure they are genuine dog lovers, our dog walker is mad about our dog and often takes her for the full day while we are at work, everyone wins.

MissShihTzu · 17-02-2018 03:59PM

OP, I know how you feel. When I went back to work after being unemployed for so long, I worried about my dog too. After some trial and error, we have found a fantastic doggy day care for him. Yes, it costs. but those are the breaks when you have a dog!

Couple of suggestions for you:

Is there a college student, you could throw a couple of quid to walking your dog?
Or you could try Borrow My Doggy.

Hope you get sorted soon.

seefin · 17-02-2018 04:00PM

denismc wrote:

We have a dog walker comes and walks our dog twice a week. I am sure there are probably people near where you live who would walk your dog for half an hour a day. Even if they get out twice in the week, its still better than nothing. Whoever you get make sure they are genuine dog lovers, our dog walker is mad about our dog and often takes her for the full day while we are at work, everyone wins.

I've put ad up in local shop but nobody came forward. That would be a dream to find someone to do voluntarily but noone has come forward. Still think my idea of a companion dog is a good one if worked out. Might encourage someone to adopt a dog from a rescue if thought he could have doggy company during the day?
As for them having the odd scrap, how do people who adopt a second dog cope when they leave them alone the first few weeks?

seefin · 17-02-2018 04:03PM

Believe me,I've looked at every angle and this is my final angle . Can I ask people not to post unless they know of someone interested in pairing up as It's just making me.upset and more guilty than I already feel . It's this or continue leaving her alone all day . Is it kinder to put her to sleep ?

MissShihTzu · 17-02-2018 04:06PM

Look - Don't be so dramatic! We're trying to help here. Did you check out Borrow My Doggy? Alternatively, try posting in the Animal Forum - someone there might be able to suggest something or someone. Have you tried that?

the beer revolu · 17-02-2018 04:10PM

seefin wrote: »

Can't afford those suggestions.

What choice do I have when can't afford other options ?

Quite simply, these are things you should have thought about before getting a dog.

Bit late for that, now, though.
It seems that if a dog suffers from separation anxiety, another dog won't help the situation.

A walker or doggie daycare are really the only options that I can see.

seefin · 17-02-2018 04:13PM

the beer revolu wrote:

Quite simply, these are things you should have thought about before getting a dog.

Separated from partner who used work from home. You're not being helpful. Mods can you close this thread as it's not getting response I was hoping for. I put my dog before my own needs always

Rubberchikken · 17-02-2018 04:15PM

Does you dog show signs that she is upset by being alone 8 hours?
You sound like a kind person who loves their dogs but you could be putting unnecessary guilt on yourself.
Are you taking she out for a good walk each day?
She can go out to the toilet and probably sits outside if its fine.
Has she a kong toy to chew on?
Older people with some time on their hands may be a better bet than students. Is their any older persons group in your area you could contact to see?
Hopefully you find a solution. The alternative is too drastic and unnecessary.

denismc · 17-02-2018 04:17PM

Op, I am a little worried about your thought process, there is absoloutely no need to put the dog to sleep!
The country is full of homes with dogs left unattended during the day, its not ideal but the dog if the dog has a good quality of life then its not the end of the world.
If you think your dog is getting very distressed and ripping up the house then consider re-homing them.
Putting the dog to sleep is not a soloution, and it will cost you money.

seefin · 17-02-2018 04:19PM

Yes tried borrowmydog last few weeks but no luck. Guess that did sound dramatic but honestyI'd prefer her or any animal to be put to sleep rather than be unhappy . The same as I think a human is better off dead than having a miserable existence. That's my philosophy of life and not everyone might agree.If anyone is interested in a companion dog, PM me. Thanks

Ajsoprano · 17-02-2018 04:22PM

What did dogs do before humans hung around with them all day?

Cheshire Cat · 17-02-2018 04:27PM

seefin wrote: »

As for them having the odd scrap, how do people who adopt a second dog cope when they leave them alone the first few weeks?

I didn't leave them alone for at least 6 months. Separate rooms at first. Then the little one in a crate, she loves it and feels safe in it.

.red. · 17-02-2018 04:41PM

http://www.pawsandpencils.com

We used this girl a few years ago when we were away and couldn't put our fella into a kennel.
Lovely girl and lives for animals.
I think she still does dog walking so might be worth ringing. She could be your area a few times a week and willing to agree a good price if it's not costing her petrol money.
Her name is Heather and I'd happily use her again if needed. Worth a call anyway.

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5 · 17-02-2018 04:45PM

Don't mind the people chiming in spectacularly unhelpfully, they're like flies to sh1te on threads like these.

It's a nice idea to have a companion dog but there's a lot of uncertainty involved; you know your own dog but you'd be relying on a stranger's word and judgement about the other dog.

I'd say just keep plugging away looking for a walker, it might be something people are more interested in in the summer months.

Is the dog actually distressed? Is she wetting inside, digging holes, chewing things up?

I'd say you can give yourself a bit of a break, it's not ideal but it's not the worst conditions at all. A lot of dogs would be lucky to have such a concerned owner.

noodler · 17-02-2018 04:50PM

the beer revolu wrote: »

Quite simply, these are things you should have thought about before getting a dog.

Bit late for that, now, though.
It seems that if a dog suffers from separation anxiety, another dog won't help the situation.

A walker or doggie daycare are really the only options that I can see.

Again, ignore this poster.

beveragelady · 17-02-2018 04:59PM

Some very strange responses in this thread.
OP, you sound like you want the very best for your dog, and nobody knows your dog as well as you do. You will know if she's unhappy, but it's entirely likely that she takes herself off for some intensive napping while you're at work. As long as she knows for certain that you're coming home she probably won't be distressed during the day. If you're in doubt you might be able to set a camera, maybe the webcam on your laptop to watch her and see what she does on a typical day. I found that mine slept, occasionally getting up to stretch and yawn and make sure the bowls were definitely empty, then slept some more. The only time there was any real movement was when my car pulled up outside.
The idea of pairing her up with another dog during the day is perfectly viable. It's just a matter of finding the right dog. Put the word out, give it time. Do you meet people where you walk her? I made great friends when I used to live in Dublin with my dog and the same people had the same dogwalking routines every day. We often took care of each other's dogs, and I know of a few who had day-care arrangements with each other. You'll know if your girl is comfortable with another dog, and if you're happy to leave them together then do it. I hope it works out for you. The guilt can take the fun out of dog ownership.

Austria! · 23-02-2018 09:22PM

Don't even consider putting the dog down. The dog is likely fine with being home all day if you give it enough attention in the evenings. Our dog at home sleeps half the day away whether anyone's home or not. They don't need a crazy amount of activity unless they're a husky or border collie etc. One thing I used to do with my dog for my own amusement was put a doggy biscuit slightly out of reach of the dog when I left. Little bit of stimulation.

Your idea of a companion dog is good, and if I was in a similar situation I'd go for it. Another option could be to split the walking with a retired neighbour that has a dog. She takes the morning you take the evening.

the beer revolu · 24-02-2018 12:32AM

Austria! wrote: »

Don't even consider putting the dog down.

No one on this thread has suggested putting the dog down. The OP said "what can I do short of putting her down?" That does not mean that the OP is considering putting her down.

While there may be some disagreement on what the solution is, no one thinks that euthanasia is the answer!

Austria! · 25-02-2018 05:20PM

the beer revolu wrote: »

No one on this thread has suggested putting the dog down. The OP said "what can I do short of putting her down?" That does not mean that the OP is considering putting her down.

Here's a quote. Seems like a genuine question to me.

seefin wrote: »

It's this or continue leaving her alone all day . Is it kinder to put her to sleep ?

the beer revolu · 25-02-2018 08:21PM

I'd prefer to think it wasn't serious. More something uttered in frustration.

enfant terrible · 26-02-2018 12:14AM

beveragelady wrote: »

If you're in doubt you might be able to set a camera, maybe the webcam on your laptop to watch her and see what she does on a typical day. I found that mine slept, occasionally getting up to stretch and yawn and make sure the bowls were definitely empty, then slept some more. The only time there was any real movement was when my car pulled up outside.

Ya good idea I have this camera to keep an eye on house while at work, would work well for keeping an eye on your dog.

You can also speak to him through camera
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DU59PJ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

beer enigma · 27-02-2018 08:53AM

At the risk of getting a dig, please please do your homework on a companion dog before leaving them together for the day. Even when you think you have found the perfect dog, put them together on a non working day and go out for a while so you can come back at unexpected times to see all is well.

Our neighbour has fortunately found a good companion for their dog, albeit this is number 3 !. First one they 'matched' and left for work - the noise and fighting was extreme although stopped when they got home. We mentioned it several times, but it was only when their dog suffered a bite that they took notice. Second dog was fine, just again really really noisy all day (I work from home). The third one is a match made in heaven and its never been quieter

So, yes a companion dog absolutely works if you get the right one, but I guess from both your own dogs health/happiness and that of the neighbour, choose carefully.

razorblunt · 27-02-2018 01:13PM

beer enigma wrote: »

At the risk of getting a dig, please please do your homework on a companion dog before leaving them together for the day. Even when you think you have found the perfect dog, put them together on a non working day and go out for a while so you can come back at unexpected times to see all is well.

Our neighbour has fortunately found a good companion for their dog, albeit this is number 3 !. First one they 'matched' and left for work - the noise and fighting was extreme although stopped when they got home. We mentioned it several times, but it was only when their dog suffered a bite that they took notice. Second dog was fine, just again really really noisy all day (I work from home). The third one is a match made in heaven and its never been quieter

So, yes a companion dog absolutely works if you get the right one, but I guess from both your own dogs health/happiness and that of the neighbour, choose carefully.

Completely common sense.

Also, ensure the dogs meet on neutral ground first too. Nothing worse than just chucking a dog in with another in their own home.

bot43 · 28-02-2018 12:23PM

The sanctimoniousness of boards strikes again and not surprising in the least and some real asshole posts.

The polite thing to do would be suggest daycare or dog walkers without telling the poster they should feel guilty etc.

But then some people cannot help themselves at being twats.

04-03-2018 08:00AM

the beer revolu wrote: »

Having another dog visiting is not the answer to a dog being left alone all day.
Having someone call and walk the dog or doggie daycare is the answer. Or a change in your work pattern. You are right to feel guilty.

Most boards.ie answer ever! I wonder does it actually make people feel better being horrible to strangers on the internet?

Avatar MIA · 04-03-2018 08:14AM

Ajsoprano wrote: »

What did dogs do before humans hung around with them all day?

Simply they weren't dogs, which are a domesticated animal.

But, unless the OP's dog is distressed it's a non issue. OP's dog sounds lucky to have her .

jackrussel · 04-03-2018 10:27AM

Deleted User wrote: »

Most boards.ie answer ever! I wonder does it actually make people feel better being horrible to strangers on the internet?

i usually ignore what that person posts - have seen enough of them to know they don't warrant attention.

OP - have a dog myself. am gone from 8-5 each day but its walked 3 times a day - before work, after work & before bed with 30 mins play time when we get in from the after work walk. its a small dog so walks aren't long - he prefers to smell EVERYTHING so they're not fast walks either so I'm not sure how suited a dog walker would be.

have thought the same as you - what is he doing during the day, is he ok?. most of the time he's still in the same place i left him in the morning which is curled up in a throw on the couch. if not there, he in his bed because he got down for some water.

a friend of mine in the same situation got, like someone suggested, wifi cameras. he can look at the cams on an app in his phone to see what he's up to. theres also an IR beam on them that if it gets broken - an alert goes to his phone. he says they're great, gave him great peace of mind.

a neighbour moved in a few months ago and last week she offered to walk my during the day. i told her there wasn't much of a need but if she really wanted to, we'd look into it. (small bit wary as she has a 2YO at the mo and didnt want to burden her with having to walk my dog. she didnt/couldnt bring her dog over for a few reasons so is obviously missing her dog). there might be someone like that when you live?

OP - sounds to me like you're doing just fine by them.

bottlebrush · 04-03-2018 10:55AM

OP - is the dog showing any signs of distress. I am in same situation as yourself but am fortunate enough to work nearby and get home at lunchtime. my dog is much happier outside in his kennel than inside the house. most times when I come home at lunchtimes he won't even come out of his kennel to greet me! this week because of the depth of snow in the garden I had to leave him inside but when I got home he had wee"d and pooh'd and upturned his water and feeding bowls. he had wanted to get out to his kennel.
I think my dog likes his own space. he's pampered royally for the rest of the time I am not at work. I think you are being too hard on yourself especially if your dog is not showing signs of distress.

Anyone working full-time want their dog to have a companion dog?

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