My partner and I would like two dogs. We have room and funds. I would prefer Cocker Spaniels; their temper and size suits me and we would like to train them as gun dogs. However, we both work full time at the moment, although I am only down the road and could come home for lunch. I realise that initially it would be a good idea to try and spend all day every day with the puppies/dogs, but even if I could work part time, I would still be out of the house for at least five hours a day. Are we being unrealistic to expect to be able to own dogs? At least two would be company for each other, as long as they don't encourage bad habits in each other! If the general opinion is that we shouldn't have any at the moment, then we won't just yet. I would love to have some dogs around the place; we just moved into our first home a year ago, but if you think it impossible please tell us. We would be guided by a professional opinion. I will probably only work full time for another three or four years, so we could wait if need be.

Yours,

Dawn Briers
(Email d.e.briers@btinternet.com, or tel 01986 781402 or 07789 374505)

Hi Dawn, this problem often comes up. I think 5 hours would be too long for a puppy, but for an older dog, would you have time before work to give it a good walk. I work full time and have two dogs but am lucky that either my son or daughter are around when I'm at work so the dogs are very rarely left for very long.
As regards gundog training, it is very time consuming although very rewarding, and you will probably find (like me) that every spare moment is taken up with training and exercising your dog.
Is there someone who could see your dogs while you were working, to either play with them or exercise them. I'd start with one dog if you do decide to have one now, and then get a second once you have got into a good routine and used to having a dog. Also once you have trained one dog, it is easier to know how to go about training your second dog.
It can only be your decision, but do some serious thinking, read up on your chosen breed and also read up on gundog training. You could visit the 'Discover Dogs' show which I believe is at Earls Court in November. There you could speak to owners of your chosen breed and find out a lot more information.
Lorna

Hi Dawn

All dogs should of course be capable of being left for reasonable periods of time but puppies need lots of time & attention spent on them & 5 hours alone is too long for a very young puppy to begin with. Yes 2 puppies can be great company for each other, but think also what mischief they will get up to if left alone for long periods - they will get bored & bored dogs will find something to do eg chewing, barking. Two puppies bought at the same time would need to be given individual attention & trained separately or you will end up with 2 dogs totally bonded with each other & not too bothered about you, the owner. As you are thinking of gundog training, then the Cocker Spaniel you are used to seeing as a family pet may not be the ideal choice anyway as this is the show-type, bred more to be a family pet & show dog than a working gundog. You should be perhaps be looking at the Working Cocker. Working Cockers look somewhat different to their show cousins & need lots of mental stimulation - they are very busy, intelligent dogs & would not I think be suited to owners who work long hours. If I were you, I would put your plans on hold for a few years until you can work shorter hours - just my opinion :-)

Jane

A pair of stable older dogs may adapt to your work patterns. sometimes when an owner dies and two dogs are left.

Older dogs often find it harder to find a new home, and the time you can spend with them before and after work is bound to be more attention than they will get in kennels.

I would go for two dogs of say 4 to 8 years, they will keep each other company, and by the time the older one goes you will be a few years down the line (and more experinced) and ready to cope with the demands of a puppy.

Working and dog ownership can work (as long as the dogs have canine company) if the ownere is prepared to put the work in. This would mean getting up at say 5am each and every work day to take the dogs out for a good hours walk, settle them while you change and have breakfast,,leave on the TV or Radio. Then pop in and let them out at Lunchtime, and on returning home in the evening a walk again for the dogs. come home make tea, and feed them after you have eaten.

If yopu have an active social life, then it won't work, as there aren't enough hours in the day.