so much for crating the pups when I'm out, Just back in from play and found my mobile phone charger chewed and no cable left to speak of. somehow it must have been dangling over the crate. they dont miss a trick, do they :)

One of my sisters and her hubby utterly and desperately want a dog,actually 2 golden retrievers.But they will not even contemplate getting a dog while they both work full time as they think it would not be fair on the dogs.

She is 41 as still hasnt had her first dog because of the above reasons.Sometime in the future she may be able to go part time,even then she thinks it's still too long to leave a dog and will probaly get in a dog sitter or something similar but until that day arrives she will hold off on their dream of being dog owners.

I really admire their patience and common sense,i know my life would be empty without my dogs in it and couldnt even contemplate what it would be like to be dogless!

When I worked full time my mum used to take the dogs.  I really missed them when I was away from them and I had a really demanding job.  I left work and started my own dog walking company which meant I could be with my dogs all day.  This has now progressed through research I did to have my own pet treats business and, again, I am with my dogs all day.  The only problem I now have is that I feel really guilty when I have to leave them with a pet sitter when I go to shows etc.   I do find that my dogs' behaviour is much better since spending more time with them because they are only having to answer to me.  I recently got a Bracco puppy and I'm soooo glad I don't have to leave her with people on a regular basis because she is as bright as a button and would have them besotted in minutes with those doe eyes.  Re crates.  I have used them for the pups in the past but I do think that I wouldn't want to leave any dog in one for more than 2-3 hours.  It just doesn't feel right to me.  What about considering a dog walker to come in at lunchtime for people working full time.  You have to be very careful because there are a lot of them that don't have much experience with dogs.  A lot of people find this helpful when working.  If you make sure that the DW knows what commands you use etc., and what sort of training you are doing to maintain consistently, then it can work.  Also, make sure you are not letting your dog be walked with too many dogs.  I used to take a max of 5 and to be honest they were all really sweet, well trained dogs so my life was easy.  I know some dog walkers who take 8 or 9 and it is a free for all.  You have to be very careful and vet them before allowing them to take your precious babies.  I have a wonderful girl now who helps me out when I am busy or have to go away on business or to shows and she just loves my dogs (and they love her! which is the most important bit).  My working cocker goes absolutely nuts when she comes in the house because he knows his day is going to be full of fun things!!  A bit like the granny syndrome when I was small.  I loved going there because I got away with so much more than with my mum!!!

I think with this type of post we all have to agree to disagree.  I do work full time for a firm of Solicitors that I used to be able to take the dogs with me, there was a 100foot garden at the office so their toilet training was done at work.  I got a transfer to a new office and now the boys arent allowed in with me.  Luckily though my OH has found himself a new job where he works from home for the majority of the time.  The boys are only left on their own 2-3 times a week for maybe 2 hours or so.  I do use crates but the doors are off as the dogs love them for their beds.  The youngest was crate trained as he used to mess during the night and crating him sorted that out within a month.  The youngest did chew for months every time we did leave them.  He destroyed a sofa, tv unit with shelves and side board.  He started when he started teething and just didnt stop as I think he had got into the habit.  We got new furniture and coated it in vicks vapour rub and he has never done it again.  When we do go out without them they both have filled kongs and treat balls to keep them entertained together with hiding squeeky toys around the house for them to find.  Having dogs is very hard work indeed.  We have sacrificed alot for them but wouldnt change a thing, I wont put them kennels so we dont go abroad anymore and go camping instead in this country.  If we have to go out for an evening my brother comes over and dog sits.  Every spare penny goes on them.  They're worse than kids really!

If you work all day can you get home lunch time? There are many diffrent types of dogs, with diffrent needs, check the breeds! some small dogs, do not need so much exercise. some are couch potatoes,
have two dogs together, they are also company for one another. have an older dog that has been
house trained, some older people who cannot cope any longer look for new homes for there dogs.
It doesn't mean the dog has a problem. check the net. Choose a breed, if your not going to show the dog,
go to the breed of chose, rescue page. They get dogs from as little as 5months old that are house trained.
Just do your homework. Best of luck.

Denese