leemond2008 Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 rite then fellow VTers I am after some advice if possible. I am considering getting a dog, but don't know if its feasible or not. I have always had dog's since I was a kid and just lately I cant stop thinking about getting one to keep me company. the cons... I live in a two bedroom flat (it's a really decent sized flat so space isn't an issue) I live on my own I work (I'm normally out of the flat from 8am till 5:30pm) me and my old flatmate gave it a try before but the dog was seriously mistreated and had some major issues, you couldn't leave her alone for more than 90 seconds without her pissing and shitting every where or destroying everything, she would literally be left alone for 1 hour maximum when my flatmate was leaving for work and I was on my way home from work, it got to the point where we had to get rid of her. We did absolutely everything possible but after 6 months we realized that it was too much for us. the pro's the people downstairs have a boxer and he is absolutely fine (normally left alone from about 7:30am till 3pm. I could take it out for decent walks 2 or 3 times a day (before work, when I got home from work and again in the evening if needed) getting it out to do its business wouldn't be a problem when I was home (it's not like I would have to go down 5 flights of stairs every time it needed to go out) there are 3 good sized parks with in walking distance now if (and it is still a massive IF) I was to get one could it work with a dog being left alone for that long? what sort of breed would be the best to go for? preferably a medium sized dog which typically only needs small to medium amounts of exercise and is quite calm by nature. as I say it is just a question I more than likely wont end up getting one because of the time issue of it being left on its own but was just wondering what peoples thoughts were or if anyone here has had a dog in a similar situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coda Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I think a cat would be more suitable to your situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CI Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Could you afford a dog sitter during the week as those hours alone seem too long I leave my dog for about 2-3 hours max and it's fine never tried all day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leemond2008 Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 nah I wouldn't be able to afford a dog sitter, our old dog was left alone for a fair few hours at a time (normally something like 7 till 12 and then 1 till 5:30 and she was fine) wouldn't want a cat, plus the dog downstairs would probably rip it apart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarewsEyebrowDesigner Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Don't get a dog. Dogs need gardens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leemond2008 Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 Don't get a dog. Dogs need gardens. pretty much what I thought to be honest, I guess that the dog downstairs is just a rarity who gets on fine without a garden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coda Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Get one of them little dogs and carry it around in your man bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 (edited) Doesn't necessarily need a garden if you take the Dog for a walk every day, but a cat does seem more suitable. Edited January 13, 2013 by AVFCforever1991 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leemond2008 Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 a cat is out of the question, my mom and dads dog would never forgive me if I got a cat. the dog in a man bag is a good idea but I think this would be better 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davkaus Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Con: You'll start having to spend part of your day picking up dog shit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethRDR Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 leemond. Getting a dog. Nope, I can't get the opening scene of Tyrannosaur out of my head. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trekka Posted January 13, 2013 VT Supporter Share Posted January 13, 2013 Don't do it dude, not that I don't think for one second that you'll care for it and love it but dogs are very family-oriented pets. They love to be in company and get very lonely if not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogso Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 You could try this, answer the questions and get your ideal breed!...maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted January 13, 2013 VT Supporter Share Posted January 13, 2013 I think its cruel to get a dog then leave it on its own for that long TBH. The dog will probably start to look for its own entertainment, then you will have some fun on your hands! What do you do for a job, any chance you could bring it with you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 You could try this, answer the questions and get your ideal breed!...maybe. Love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maqroll Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Get a bulldog, they require less exercise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo985 Posted January 14, 2013 VT Supporter Share Posted January 14, 2013 I work (I'm normally out of the flat from 8am till 5:30pm) That right there is the reason you can't get one. 1. for the dog's sake. That's too loing to leave it on it's own. It'lll probably drive itself mental. 2. For your sake. If your dog has been home alone all that time, you have to spend time with it when you get home. You can't pop to the pub or the gym after work instead, otherwise it'll be alone for longer. And it'll drive itself even more mental if it's expecting you back in the evening and you don't show up. You can't leave it on it's own overnight, which means you can't ever spend the night away without getting a dog sitter. I sympathise with you, because I bloody love dogs and I seriously looked into getting one myself when I got a place of my own. But I decided that because I live alone, and I'm also out of the house all day at work, it just isn't practical. It's not fai ron the dog, and it's more of a burden than you realise. I know from going out with a girl who live don her own with a dog that it seriously affects your social life (assuming you treat it right) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjmooney Posted January 14, 2013 VT Supporter Share Posted January 14, 2013 I'd say the same rule applies to cats. I know people keep "indoor cats" that never get to go outside - in fact my parents did it when I was a kid. But I consider it unfair on the animal - they need to have some room to roam. To have a cat you need a garden as a minimum; for a dog you need someone at home during the day as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shillzz Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I agree, cats need to be able to go outdoors just as much, if not more so than dogs. That said, cats come with added awesomeness, which is something you might want to consider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogso Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 How about fish leemond, or a bird or a small mammal/reptile/rodent Look at this little guy ! hmm ^________^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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