During my childhood we kept Boxers, however on leaving home I lived in a flat and was therefore unable to keep dogs. We have since moved to a house and although we now have the room and the financial side of it is not an issue I have some concerns that I would be greatful for some answers to. Exercise is not an issue and my parents live on a farm and have agreed to look after any pets while we are on holiday. My main concern is that we work during the day. People I know with dogs work during the day and they say that the dog is perfectly happy. We have every intention of letting the dog in the house when we are home but would probably leave it outside during the day and although it would have a kennel I am concerned that it may be too cold during the winter. Would they get bored? - would it be better to have two for company? Also as we work we would not be able to give the necessary time to a puppy so would like an adult dog. I have been told this is possible as show dogs are retired quite young. We are looking to get a dog at Christmas as we have 2 weeks off and feel this would be a good settlling in period. I would be grateful for any comments.

How long would you be looking to leave the dog? Some dogs are happy being left while their owners work, but I would seriously look at the hours involved. I think to be honest you have already shown that you have doubts about how fair it would be for you to have a dog. You say the financial side is not a problem, have you thought about daily dog-walkers? Not ideal, but better than a dog being left alone. People will say their dogs are happy, but then many will tell of dogs that have been quite the opposite. Having two can help, especially if you are looking to re-home together.

I would very seriously look at the timing though. Unless you have very very quite Christmasses with few or no travel/visitor plans, I would totally avoid getting a dog/dogs at this time. Many will not allow pups to go to homes over Christmas. I expect the same would apply to re-homes too. You don't say if you have children, but the vast majority of homes with children are pure chaos over the Christmas period. Most homes are busy at this time with people coming and going and no routine. Dogs need routine especially when going to a new home. This equally applies to adult dogs.

As for kenneling outside during the day. I'm sure they would find it cold during the winter, especially coming into a warm house when you are around. Dog's that live in kennels cope with the weather well, but to put a dog outdoors when it is used to being in is not such a good thing in my mind. You also have to watch for the poor neighbours. Many dogs that are outside entertain themselves by barking. You could become very unpopular very quickly!!

Please don't be lulled into a false sense of security over timing. An adult dog will need just as much time as a puppy would. It is still facing a wrench from its current life into something totally new. The main difference, hopefully, would be that an adult would be housetrained, although not guaranteed if getting from show stock where many are kept in kennels and therefore not housetrained. Nevertheless, it would still need to get used to your house and garden etc as well as you.

Sorry all these seeems very negative, it's not meant to be. You seem keen to do the best thing here. In my view, if you have doubts then you should wait. When yuo no longer have doubts, then go for it.
Good luck in your quest.

Replying to the bit about keeping dogs in kennels and in the house. I don't know if a boxer would stand the cold or not; my experience is with gundogs. I have three gundogs outside in a kennel during the day (gwp, two english pointers). They are in the house when we are in but outside whilst we are at work (we both work full time). I have never seen them cold. They have a kennel and run. Inside the kennel is a smaller box which is their sleeping area. We use straw which is easy to keep clean and dry. They are fine in the kennel and they are fine in the house. If money is no object, you could always have a heated kennel.

It can work having a dog and working full time, it does for me and I can honestly say, I have no problems whatsoever. My neighbours say they bark when the postman comes but are quiet for the rest of the day.

Helen

I own two boxers 1 1/2 and 24 week old pup,trust me they are not happy to be left alone,they can be destructive.We have built an outside run but they only go in for a period of 1-5 hours after this time they get bored,start digging chewing ,even barking.what will the neighbours say??they crave attention,and are very boistouous but i would never put my dogs out in the run at winter unless it was an indoor kennel,with heating.I bought my dogs as part of my family,and this is where they stay in the family home..(2weeks is not along time to settle an adult dog in especially at xmas time with people coming and going...)