Question for dog people

[Argo]

I'm considering getting a dog. I've been doing some research and honestly I'm a bit worried how well will I be able to care for it. Can do people provide some input on this. Few things about my lifestyle:

1) I live in a 1 bed room condo on 15th floor in a metro area.
2) I work full time, leaving at 9am coming back between 6pm and 8pm.
3) I should be able to walk the dog once a day, but I'm a bit worried about being able to walk it both before and after work.
4) Weekends should not be a problem

 

[KLin]

Get a goldfish.

 

[Sluggo]

This Saturday sit in your apartment from 9AM to 7 PM, no radio, internet, TV or reading...just look at the carpet for 10 hours. Also lock yourself out of the bathroom so you cant use that.

See how long it takes to get bored, thats how your dog would feel everyday.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: KLin
Get a goldfish.

And please don't get a dog. Please.

 

[tasmanian]

Dogs arnt really meant to be left alone all day. Get a cat if you want to work full time.

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: Sluggo
This Saturday sit in your apartment from 9AM to 7 PM, no radio, internet, TV or reading...just look at the carpet for 10 hours. Also lock yourself out of the bathroom so you cant use that.

See how long it takes to get bored, thats how your dog would feel everyday.

QFT ... your current living situation will not work with a dog.

 

[Leros]

A cat would suit you better. It can amuse itself all day long and go to the bathroom in a litter box.

 

[Shawn]

Even a cat would get bored and probably tear up your furniture. I second the gold fish option.

 

[Kadarin]

Your place would be pure torture for a dog.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: Kadarin
Your place would be pure torture for a dog.

Unless you got one from a taxidermist.

 

[RichardE]

I just had to send my dog to my parents because I'm moving into a 1 bedroom and going back to school

I got a goldfish

 

[Shortcut]

Originally posted by: Argo
I'm considering getting a dog. I've been doing some research and honestly I'm a bit worried how well will I be able to care for it. Can do people provide some input on this. Few things about my lifestyle:

1) I live in a 1 bed room condo on 15th floor in a metro area.
2) I work full time, leaving at 9am coming back between 6pm and 8pm.
3) I should be able to walk the dog once a day, but I'm a bit worried about being able to walk it both before and after work.
4) Weekends should not be a problem

An adult dog will need to be walked at least 2x/day (morning and evening). Puppies will need to go pee/poop MUCH more often than that.

Given your lifestyle, get a pet w/much easier maintenance requirements. Get a cat.

 

[RichardE]

Originally posted by: Shortcut

Originally posted by: Argo
I'm considering getting a dog. I've been doing some research and honestly I'm a bit worried how well will I be able to care for it. Can do people provide some input on this. Few things about my lifestyle:

1) I live in a 1 bed room condo on 15th floor in a metro area.
2) I work full time, leaving at 9am coming back between 6pm and 8pm.
3) I should be able to walk the dog once a day, but I'm a bit worried about being able to walk it both before and after work.
4) Weekends should not be a problem

An adult dog will need to be walked at least 2x/day (morning and evening). Puppies will need to go pee/poop MUCH more often than that.

Given your lifestyle, get a pet w/much easier maintenance requirements. Get a GOLDFISH!.

Fixed...

 

[FP]

Do not get a dog. That is way too long for it to be alone.

A cat might be ok... Maybe get two so they can play.

But I vote goldfish too.

 

[gamepad]

Get two kittens so they can become close friends.

 

[FleshLight]

Well it will most definitely shit and piss in your apt unless you train it to use a doggy litter box. You will need to walk it in the morning and when you come back.

 

[IGBT]

..I have 2 chihuahua's in a 2 bd.room house. They have great house manners (females) and are alert but not yappy. If they bark it's always for a reason.

 

[TheVrolok]

I love dogs, but I will not get one until I have my own house. I refuse to keep one locked up in my apt.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Being home alone isn't the problem... dogs sleep. And they get used to holding it.

The thing that sets off my sirens is "I don't know if I can walk him twice a day"

That's a must. My dog often sits at home for 7-8 hours at a time but he gets to run the beach twice a day. He gets LOTS of excercise. I couldn't live with him if I didn't let him out like that... he'd drive me nuckin' futs with the energy he has. You have to bleed that off or they will destroy everything you own. I've discovered that most dogs are nuclear powered. If you don't watch out they will melt down.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
Being home alone isn't the problem... dogs sleep. And they get used to holding it.

The thing that sets off my sirens is "I don't know if I can walk him twice a day"

That's a must. My dog often sits at home for 7-8 hours at a time but he gets to run the beach twice a day. He gets LOTS of excercise. I couldn't live with him if I didn't let him out like that... he'd drive me nuckin' futs with the energy he has. You have to bleed that off or they will destroy everything you own. I've discovered that most dogs are nuclear powered. If you don't watch out they will melt down.

Agreed. I'd never subject a dog to those conditions. We leave ours at home in the house for 9 hours, but he has a 1.25 acre lot all fenced that he tears up the place when we are home. We play ball and walk around the property, and also go for longer walks on leash.

 

[Mr Pickles]

You don't have to get a goldfish, there are plenty of other pretty fish that you can buy instead. Do some looking and find a cool one!

 

[sswingle]

We let our dogs run on the treadmill to get more exercise. Also, the wife comes home for an hour at lunch, so they are only alone 9a-1p, then 2p-4:30p. Any longer than that and I dont think they could hold it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You shouldn't get a dog. Dogs are very social creatures and they need that companionship.

 

[bignateyk]

If you are going to do it (which you shouldn't), you should get two dogs, and you should pick a breed that doesn't need a whole lot of attention (i.e. english bulldog)

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: bignateyk
If you are going to do it (which you shouldn't), you should get two dogs, and you should pick a breed that doesn't need a whole lot of attention (i.e. english bulldog)

No. Why should he even think about two dogs when he won't even be responsible enough to care for one dog?

No, dog for you OP. If you can't take care of a dog's basic needs of going out in the morning, during the day, after dinner, before it goes to bed. Get a cat or volunteer at your local animal shelter walking their dogs on the weekends.