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Thinking about getting a dog
- Thread starter Yinyangfooey
- Start date
I desperately want to get a dog but I live in a place where it's hard enough for a foreigner to get accepted into an apartment yet alone a foreigner-dog combo.
shiba is not good for first dog ? and what dog is ? there is not bad dogs just bad owners, i have a retriver and its all my fault it bites me, catches my socks and makes me go after him for 10 minutes, eats coal from the fireplace when i close my eyes for 5 seconds and jumps to the guests, humps guests legs , the other day runned so fast against my legs that i almost backflipped in the air.
FUCK I MISS MY CATS
dont get a dog get a cat....
FUCK I MISS MY CATS
dont get a dog get a cat....
Don't have a choice since my wife got our dog before I met her and we both work 12 hr nights
But we only work 3 days a week and she seems to be ok with it
But we only work 3 days a week and she seems to be ok with it
Sounds like you've met some extremely bad dog owners. I've owned dogs for over 30 years and I've never once come home to them barking at me. It's all in the training.
I'm afraid you're just not in a position to get a dog OP.
I would personally never leave a dog alone for that amount of time. Maybe 3-4 hours at most. Dogs are by default social animals and crave contact. Leaving a dog alone for that amount of time would result in a very unhappy and unhealthy animal IMO. Also having to hire a dog sitter for 60 hours a week would be crazy, not to mention expensive.
My wife and I swapped shifts in order to get our two dogs and I wouldn't have it any other way. Yes, for 4 days/nights a week we don't see each other, but our dogs are spoilt rotten and are never alone for more than a couple of hours. Just remember that getting a dog is a massive commitment, second only to having kids in terms of responsibility. They need a lot of care and attention, take up tremendous amounts of your time and most live 15 years +.
That said there's no better feeling than coming home after a long day at work to get mobbed by my two mutts as I walk in the door. It takes me a good 10 minutes just to sit down without them jumping all over me.
Goldfish are pretty cool OP.
I would personally never leave a dog alone for that amount of time. Maybe 3-4 hours at most. Dogs are by default social animals and crave contact. Leaving a dog alone for that amount of time would result in a very unhappy and unhealthy animal IMO. Also having to hire a dog sitter for 60 hours a week would be crazy, not to mention expensive.
My wife and I swapped shifts in order to get our two dogs and I wouldn't have it any other way. Yes, for 4 days/nights a week we don't see each other, but our dogs are spoilt rotten and are never alone for more than a couple of hours. Just remember that getting a dog is a massive commitment, second only to having kids in terms of responsibility. They need a lot of care and attention, take up tremendous amounts of your time and most live 15 years +.
That said there's no better feeling than coming home after a long day at work to get mobbed by my two mutts as I walk in the door. It takes me a good 10 minutes just to sit down without them jumping all over me.
Goldfish are pretty cool OP.
I got a dog from Humane Society and shes a sweetheart. After work I take her to the dog park every day. Two nights a week I go to the gym after the dog park. Works for us.
To the people that say op shouldn't get a dog:
I have an honest question, who should then?
I don't have any bias, I don't have a dog and don't plan to for now. But I feel like most people who have a dog also have that kind of schedule.
Do you have to be unemployed or a millionaire to get a dog in your opinion?
I have an honest question, who should then?
I don't have any bias, I don't have a dog and don't plan to for now. But I feel like most people who have a dog also have that kind of schedule.
Do you have to be unemployed or a millionaire to get a dog in your opinion?
Seems like you have a bad experience with dogs because they can sniff out assholes.
Vast majority of dogs do perfectly well being alone longer than 3 hrs. You're just babying them. Though like I️ said earlier, OPs away for to long.
Though I️ do agree. Goldfish can be pretty fun
Honestly the biggest issue was he went to the gym on his way home. If he went home walked the dog for an hour then gym then home it would be fine. 12 hrs is way to long. Plus the breed is pretty active. Wouldn't get a puppy
Let me stop you right there.
Shiba's aren't "beginner dogs". They are very high maintenance and hard to control unless you have experience with dogs, which you don't.
Shiba Inu's are like the Dark Souls of dogs.
Seriously, if you really want a dog badly start out with a small breed that's easier to maintain.
Can really recommend a Havanese.
First, don't get a dog.
If you must get a dog, don't get a shiba unless you think chew marks and tears on everything you own is your aesthetic.
Also if you're gone 12 hours at a time, you should adopt an old, lazy dog (like a retired grayhound) or two such dogs so that they have companionship while you're gone.
If you must get a dog, don't get a shiba unless you think chew marks and tears on everything you own is your aesthetic.
Also if you're gone 12 hours at a time, you should adopt an old, lazy dog (like a retired grayhound) or two such dogs so that they have companionship while you're gone.
Office dogs are perfect.
Even if you work 8 hours a day, you take your dog with you to work (which scientifically proven has an over all positive impact on everyones performance) you walk your dog during your break.
Taking shifts is another option (wife starts at 6am till 14 pm hubby starts at 10 am till 18 pm. The dog would never be longer alone than 4 hrs.
Having a granny at home who gives the dog company is another option, or a dogsitter who takes care of the dog for a few hours a day.
A dog who is your colleague is another option. Hospital, police, schools, ...
Who should get a dog? People who can make sure that their dogs enviorment is fit for them. At least 60-70 m2 and garden. No stairs, elevators or if stairs that you carry it. The reason why we went for cat was indeed our stair case. (4th floor)
Also people who are capable of offering their dog social contact at least 16-18 hours a day.
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Rory said:
I doubt you live in the US. Walking a cat is something considered "a little much" if you ask anyone that's not so obsessive about their cat they treat it like a genuine human child. And even people who claim their pets are their children would snicker at the idea of walking a cat.
And that's not me being an asshole either. Notice how you're literally the only one claiming that owning a cat is just as demanding as owning a dog in this thread? That's not a coincidence. We aren't being hyperbolic either.
Depends on the breed. Likewise, I've never had a problem walking my mom's pomeranian/pekingese mix because it's the size of a house cat. I want it to go somewhere? I walk in that direction til it follows. It doesn't have the weight to prevent me from forcing it. Now look at the poster here who complained in this thread about their Shiba Inu being stubborn and not going where he wanted it to. Bigger animal. Easier for it to defy you. Imagine if he owned a Pit or a German Shepard or Great Dane and was having the same trouble? Wouldn't you expect it to be even more difficult?
I guess this is just a matter of preference then. I'd rather have a pee smelling love seat than a love seat who's cushion has been torn through to the point where I just have to buy a new cushion. In fact I owned an ATV as a teen that my brother's German Shepard ripped the seat off of out of boredom once. Completely ruined. Couldn't ride it unless I wanted to sit on top of a battery.
Do you think a cat could've pulled that stunt off by peeing on the seat?
Sure, but that's also an option that doesn't require you to be there to make sure they have fun and exercise. A cat friend, and plenty of climbing/clawing toys for them to occupy themselves with.
I didn't say cat food was cheaper, I said feeding cats is cheaper. Because they don't eat as much as dogs do. It was reference to the size of a cat compared to the size of the type of dog the OP wanted (Shiba Inu). Or perhaps your cats are the size of Shiba Inus in which case... you don't own housecats, you own cougars. Which would explain why you think they eat as much as dogs, cause as much damage as dogs, and require walking.
Is greyhound adoption a big thing in the US? It's pretty huge over here in Australia and even though both my wife and I work all day, Jasper still copes pretty well being by himself (he has a big yard to zoom around in, though).
Just look at this guy:
Honestly, for a first dog I'd definitely go to a shelter before settling on a specific breed that's only bred to be sold. Plenty more little critters need your love!
Aww, what a handsome fella <3
Greyhounds are such loveable loafers, and yes x10000 on getting rescue over store dog, especially with greyhounds given their situation
You should get a girlfriend instead. Most are potty trained, shed hair all over your bathroom surfaces and love cuddling.
Yeah, don't get a Shiba with that schedule and as a first dog, they can be a handful.
And honestly, with that schedule I can't think of a dog that's more suitable for you unless you can bring it to work, you're just away too much.
And honestly, with that schedule I can't think of a dog that's more suitable for you unless you can bring it to work, you're just away too much.
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Yep, the lifestyle described in the OP is not compatible with dog ownership.
Maybe check out some of the services that exist these days that enable you to volunteer to walk someone else's dog if you want some K9 company.
You don't know cats very well if you think that is true. Yes they can handle you being gone for longer and if it does upset them you are not going to come home to chewed up furniture. But they do very much miss their owners, at least if you have out the time in to bond with them. I got a cat now that if I have long shifts often gets very clingy and when I come back for vacation won't let me out of her sight. Same with my Siamese I had. My first cat would get angry at us leaving and since she was an indoor/outdoor cat she would pout and refuse to come home for exactly three days after we came back for vacation (and she was always very cold with the cat sitters). When I worked at the vet the cats that stayed there always were visibly happy to see their owners.
Most my cats like to hang in the same room as me when I am home even. Even my two current ones that fit a lot of the negative stereotypes about cats (at least on the surface. They do care but you have to know them to see it).
Anyways, I also echo getting a cat. While they will miss you they can handle being alone for long periods of time. Just know you get what you put into a cat so if you don't interact with him or her much, he will be indifferent to you.
Where I live its frowned upon too. Which is the readon why 60% of cats who live in the US suffer under too much weight.
People claim cats are not social as well. Just because a lot of people dont have a clue doesnt make them right.
A cat cant be walked like a dog, its not about physical strength or whatever. Its simply not how you walk cats. You cant put a leash on acat and expect it to behave like a dog, they are totally different animals to beginn with.
My cats dont pee on stuff, but other cats pee on your cloth, in your shoes, on your fridge, in your bed. They destroy electronics by peeing against them. They chew on cables just like dogs do. Also they nag on wooden stuff etc.
Cat pee cant be easily cleaned, you need a special product and even then its usually not 100% gone. The visual damage not to mention. On wooden floorboards for example cat pee means you have to exchange all damaged boards.
A cat friend isnt enough. A few cat highways arent enough either.
Cats need the chasing, hunting etc. while a cat partner can fullfill that need to a certain degree, it doesnt mean you can simply leave it all to him. Else you will have conflicts raising.
according to this site:
http://www.montego.co.za/faq/what-is-the-correct-amount-of-food-to-feed-my-dog/
The difference is actually there, which does surprise me. But not in favour of your argument. Young kitten eadily eat 500g a day, if you let them, simply because they are so active. Which might give you an idea why you need to spend so much time with them.
Cats are smaller, therefore require way more energy to cross distances.
My cats are way cheaper to feed than my dog, even when I feed them top of the line and the dog gets a decent quality but not as good food. Why? They simply don't eat near as much as the dog. I'd say money wise my dog is about three times as much as one cat. And she's a medium size dog (about 40 lbs). After having a dog I realize why pet stores always have much larger dog sections. Dog owners simply spend more.
And I love cats and agree they do miss you (see my above reply to some one else), cats can handle people being gone for longer. For one they will use a litterbox so they are not reliant on you coming home in time to relieve them. And they simply are not as needy as dogs (I never realized how needy a dog is until I got one). And usually if you ignore them they'll just go around ignoring you (they won't bond which is why you get people who stereotype them as not caring about people. You get what you put into your cat. They won't just like you because you are around unless you get one of the super friendly ones).
And I'm a couch potato. I play with my cats when I want to, not to stimulate them. I have only had one cat that was a problem (current little psycho that terrorizes everyone in the house including his sister and the dog). He does take out extra energy on everyone else. Or maybe he just needs more tiring out so he can't terrorize others. And honestly we joke he must have cat autism cause if you get to know him you can see he likes attention and it seems he may even want to be friends with the other animals but he has no idea how to properly ask. When he wants me to pay attention he comes up and bites me for example. And I think he sees terrorization of his sister as play (even when she expresses she doesn't like it. She's at the point she does not really care for him). Never name your cat Salem, he's living up to his name.
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having a yard isn't necessary for a dog. just required for bad owners.
mine sheds way more than my dog ever has. I don't think she likes me pointing that out
First let me say my dog is one of the best things I had/have in my life. I love my dog more than anything in this world and he brings a smile to my face every day....
But be aware of your duties as a dog owner. He needs attention and lots of walks/exercise. He will get sick and you will have to pay for vet bills. Food and toys are not exactly cheap...so you have to be aware of the financial burden too.
Training the dog to be a "goodboye" takes lots of time and dedication. Or else you have a bad behaving dog which only will give you trouble...
Your lifestyle is similar to my lifestyle. I work 8 hours daily and I live alone. My dog sleeps mostly while I'm gone but I make sure he walks an hour before i go and after I come home. If I don't do that he has to much energy and starts barking or chewing on things...
So in my opinion you can get a dog but only if you are willing to accept the negative aspects of owning a dog...
But be aware of your duties as a dog owner. He needs attention and lots of walks/exercise. He will get sick and you will have to pay for vet bills. Food and toys are not exactly cheap...so you have to be aware of the financial burden too.
Training the dog to be a "goodboye" takes lots of time and dedication. Or else you have a bad behaving dog which only will give you trouble...
Your lifestyle is similar to my lifestyle. I work 8 hours daily and I live alone. My dog sleeps mostly while I'm gone but I make sure he walks an hour before i go and after I come home. If I don't do that he has to much energy and starts barking or chewing on things...
So in my opinion you can get a dog but only if you are willing to accept the negative aspects of owning a dog...
Dogs are the best but they change your life. If you're not willing to adapt to the dog's needs, then don't get a dog. Like, if you leave the house at 7am and don't get home until 8:30pm, first, that's outright harmful to the animal even if you have a dog walker take the dog out for exercise in the middle of the day, but, second, it's harmful to the dog's psyche and your dog will be destructive.
Dogs are social animals and they're specifically social animals with humans. A cat can go long stretches without regular human interaction, attention, and play, but dogs cannot. They're animals that have been socialized and bred over tens of thousands of years to be companions with humans.
Dogs are great, but my dog really really changed my life ~8 years ago. Having a dog can be like having a human who goes from being a perpetual toddler for 5 straight years, to being a grandfather for 8 years. If you're a responsible person, dogs can really be great at forcing you to be an adult and think about something/someone other than yourself, or your own needs.
Dogs are social animals and they're specifically social animals with humans. A cat can go long stretches without regular human interaction, attention, and play, but dogs cannot. They're animals that have been socialized and bred over tens of thousands of years to be companions with humans.
Dogs are great, but my dog really really changed my life ~8 years ago. Having a dog can be like having a human who goes from being a perpetual toddler for 5 straight years, to being a grandfather for 8 years. If you're a responsible person, dogs can really be great at forcing you to be an adult and think about something/someone other than yourself, or your own needs.
Yeah, it's definitely the dog owners in this thread who have a legit mental deficiency.
Dogs are idiots. Think about it. If I came into your house and started sniffing at your crotch and slobbering all over your face, what would you say?
this is a really good post. I got my dog 3 ish years after college and it certainly made my life infinity better. I was incredibly depressed and was getting tired of going out for drinks and what not and was tired of my friends that only wanted to do so. I'm leagues happier, more active, cleaner, more responsible, have a better relationship w/ my folks, etc and its honestly all thanks to getting the dog
I know his keyboard literally typed dogs instead of babies, it's weird
Question kinda unrelated to the OP: Is it enough if the dog has another dog as their companion when the owner is out? Like, during work hours?
I ask that because my parents have 3 dogs, a bigger one (mix of Dobermann and German Shepard) and two smaller (one is a Chihuahua and the other is a Pinscher) and they spend most of the day playing on the big backyard by themselves or sleeping. The house is almost never empty, but nobody is actively playing with them most of the time and they seem just fine. But I wonder if they were left alone they would be upset and bored even if they are all together.
I ask that because my parents have 3 dogs, a bigger one (mix of Dobermann and German Shepard) and two smaller (one is a Chihuahua and the other is a Pinscher) and they spend most of the day playing on the big backyard by themselves or sleeping. The house is almost never empty, but nobody is actively playing with them most of the time and they seem just fine. But I wonder if they were left alone they would be upset and bored even if they are all together.
This just depends on the dog I guess.
I have three dogs too-- two shiba inu and a shih tzu/pekignese mix--and the shih tzu will sometimes bark/cry if he's left alone without either me or my SO being home with him, even with the other dogs there as company. It got to the point where the vet suggested anxiety medicine for him because of how attached he is.
Is greyhound adoption a big thing in the US? It's pretty huge over here in Australia and even though both my wife and I work all day, Jasper still copes pretty well being by himself (he has a big yard to zoom around in, though).
Just look at this guy:
Honestly, for a first dog I'd definitely go to a shelter before settling on a specific breed that's only bred to be sold. Plenty more little critters need your love!
Greyhounds have been called the cats of the dog world. They'll sleep all day as long as you give them love (and unlike cats, they won't take you for granted.)
They can run but they tire quickly. A couple of weeks ago in Jesmond Dene park we let our greyhound run after a Saluki . Around and around they ran, each time our greyhound trying to cut corners and catch that Persian, but she never came close.
She absolutely loved that run, but she was outclassed. Greyhounds can sprint, but they're not like other dogs. They lack stamina.
And that makes them great companions for people who can only spare a few hours every day. A greyhound will not destroy your furniture. A greyhound will repay any honest display of love, as any dog will, with an enthusiasm that encourages engagement. That's the important test Do you have room in your life for a dog?
every dogs different and it really depends on the breed. mines a terrier, and shes more of a people dog than a dog dog. when I first got her i'd crate her when I was gone, and after a few months I just started leaving her out. I got an app on my ipad to monitor her while I was gone to make sure there weren't accidents, she wasn't stressed etc. typically after i'd leave she'd eat her treat, stare out the window for a bit, then go mess up my bed and sleep. I stopped using the app cuz she honestly would just sleep the whole time I was at work apart from randomly eating some of her food/drink. never an accident, only time she barks is if they're mowing out side and even then she slept through most of that.
Cats do bond. Closely. Ask anyone who has bottle fed kittens and kept them as forever cats.
Cats stalk back home for long distance, they are very caring. When I started to be upset or even crying during job problems my cat would walk upbto me and be pet, despite him not being fond of being pet. When i fell asleep on the sofa, he'd fall asleep next to me and place his paw on my cheek.
The cat is not the problem, you are not challenging him enough. His behaviour is the result of years of not receiving enough stimulation.
Female cats and male cats play very differently, if you have such a pair such "problems" occure quite often if you dont stimulate your cat enough (toys, clicker training, smart feeding) in addition to a cat friendly enviorment (cat highways and such).
Even more so if they were taken away from their mother way too early (<14 weeks).
Just like dogs turn into "problem dogs" if not trained and cared for properly, so do cats.
The difference is, that people joke about it and dont take such things serious when its a feline companion...
^
I don't think this is correct lol. Maybe you mean kittens are more active, and even then I'm not sure I'd say they were more active than a puppy.
This whole post made me feel warm and fuzzy :) So right about stamina, too. We'll even go for a 20 minute walk and Jasper will be fucked, he'll just lie on the rug like he's suffering from heat exhaustion:
Also OP, don't make the mistake of thinking a whippet or IG are just miniature greyhounds. They have far more energy and whippets can somehow jump ridiculous heights:
This whole post made me feel warm and fuzzy :) So right about stamina, too. We'll even go for a 20 minute walk and Jasper will be fucked, he'll just lie on the rug like he's suffering from heat exhaustion:
Yes, essentially this is what you get if you keep a greyhound. This is a dog that absolutely loves human attention, but will happily sleep all day if you just give them a brief run.
This is the ideal dog for people who don't know whether they even like dogs. Just tell a greyhound how cute and beautiful they are, in a loving voice, and they'll respond in a way that brings out your latent love of dogs.