My husband and I would like a golden retriever puppy and have very carefully thought out all of the issues of having a new puppy in the family. The issue we are most concerned about is that we both work (very locally) and we plan to come home once during the day to feed and let out the puppy at lunchtimes Mt husband would therefore leave the house at 8.30am, return at about 12 noon for about 45 minutes, before I return from work at 4.15pm. Obviously the dog would be walked in the mornig, with a longer walk/run in the afternoon. We live in a town which is surrounded by countyside for lots of longer walks, and have a large, well fenced in garden, and an area in the house which would be be ideal for becoming the puppy's 'base'. We have thought about everything, and believe we could offer a puppy a loving and secure home. Our worry is that a breeder would discriminate against us because we are out for part of the day? Does anyone have any advice they can offer us?

Hi
I am picking up a GR puppy this weekend.I work shift work as does my husband but
we also have some one who lives in the house full time who will be there for the puppy.
I spoke at some lengths with the breeder and found out all I can about this wonderful
breed when they are puppys.The reason for this is that I have a older GR but we have not had him from puppyhood so my knowledge is limted.
These kind of dogs need and want lots of time and attention,Walking when they are puppys is only very short at first due to problems with their hips.
What I am trying to say is that I think because of how long you are out of the house it might be better to look for an older GR that way you can save yourself and a puppy
any kind of distress ie:chewing things when left alone for so long.
If you still think a puppy is for you then please talk to some of the breeders what they may advise is to perhaps have a neigbour pop in a couple of times a days just to play with the pup and put it out to do its business as well has your husband coming home during lunch time.
Please look on the Breeders board for GR some of them have websites so you can see some of the dogs.
If you would like to e.mail me for advise then please feel free to do so.

Nina

I sympatise, I always feel bad when I'm at work and not with my babe but then I have to kick myself and I know that it's a better life then what she had for six month at the beginning of her life (not with me but other owners). Although perhaps some would disagree but I do my best and Bon loves and shows me that it's good enough for her. But, then I always and I mean always make sure even if I've had the worse day possible, that I get home and give love and full attention and then first things first out I go with Bon for a nice fun walk and let her know that I've missed her as much as perhaps she's missed me, (I love the walks too as they are good for me - rain or shine, snow, etc, etc). It took a little while to get adjusted to this routine but she soon picked it up. I walk in the morning with her for a good half an hour, then luckily my mum lives close by she will either let her out once or twice for a while to do any business in the garden, and give her some love, or she'll take Bon for a good walk, and even sometimes mum takes Bon with her for the afternoon and I pick her up after work. Then, another walk for Bon and time to then relax with her contented and cuddled up beside me.

I wish I was at home all the time, but as you know we unfortunately have to work, roll on retirement!!!

So really I suppose what I'm saying and again others might not agree but if you can make life as good as possible, things should workout. Hope this helps and I look forward to hearing if you decide to take on a pup

I'm not normally keen for people to have pups whilst at work, but for some reason I feel it may work for you. Mainly because you have givne it all so much thought :)

I feel that you must have a big think about such issues as housetraining (which may well be slower - can you cope with mess when hubby comes home at lunchtimes, etc? It will add to the stress and of course wont' be puppy's fault. Also chewing - wherever you keep the pup, the youngster wil find stuff to chew, even skirting boards and chair legs, carpets, etc. It may also learn to bark to amuse itself. I would recommend looking at all this and once again re-evaluating, and then if you feel youcan cope, work out a plan of action, so maybe a friendly neighbour as sufggested, stuffed Kong to chew, etc etc etc. Also read up on separation anxiety as the pup may get used to beign with you when you are at home, and then really feel it when you are at work, as many kind owners tend to try to make up for the time they are not with their dog.

THe idea of an older dog may well be a very good thing. I do wish you lots of luck in your decision and hope it works out for you.

Lindsay