Working Mums

[CarolineL]

I do agree with everything you say Nic - I guess from my POV my only worry is that one of these days I could be someone who might have to leave Hurley every day. And although he would go to daycare a couple of days a week - if that option was taken away from me - I dread to think that I might have to take the option of rehoming him (which would probably upset me far more than him in the long term anyway).

[bev6951]

It is possible to have dogs and work but you need to get the balance right. There are other ways to perhaps break up the amount of time they are on their own. only a few months ago I replied to a thread on here about doggy day care and now take care of a puppy two days a week for a really nice couple as it fits in with me (I am lucky enough to be at home everyday) and them, and is more of a pleasure than a chore. They both work but thought about the pups needs, and took annual leave to spend the first few important weeks with their new puppy and now he has the best of both, he is home alone for very short periods some days with lots of love and cuddles on their return and then comes to me to play with my lot on other days so is being well socialised too. You may not be lucky enough to find someone who is able to do this for you but it may be as simple as asking a neighbour to pop in for 20 minutes or so once or twice a day, you never know unless you ask, even if you would prefer to pay them a small amount it could work.  

[Nicola]

I do agree with everything you say Nic - I guess from my POV my only worry is that one of these days I could be someone who might have to leave Hurley every day. And although he would go to daycare a couple of days a week - if that option was taken away from me - I dread to think that I might have to take the option of rehoming him (which would probably upset me far more than him in the long term anyway).

Oh I know hun, I wasn't getting at you at all. I really won't judge anyone else, I can only say what I've done myself and what I would do if I was in a different situation. It's a difficult one as I know I'm going to have to go back to work again soon (bah!) and I have 3 dogs which makes everything more difficult and more expensive but the way I see it is that it was my choice to get them and therefore it's my responsibility to give them the best life I possibly can. Call it catholic guilt, and I'm not even a catholic    I don't think you'll have to rehome Hurley though   there's always a way around these things, for me it involved almost bankrupting myself on a monthly basis but for me it was worth it for the peace of mind and if I'd had to look I could have found a cheaper option.

[Robbie34]

When I went for my second Cocker, Benjie, I was given the first degree by the breeder - Mrs Smith from Clitheroe.  She was very responsible and caring, and made it clear that she wouldn't let me have him if he was left home alone during the day.   Fortunately, I was able to persuade her that Benjie would only be left home alone under exceptional circumstances.  He accompanied me to work daily and stayed in my office with me.

I'm sure that a lot of behavioural problems are due to dogs being left alone for long periods.  Although Benjie came with me to work, it was impossible for him to be by my side every minute of the day.  When I acquired Charley I had recently taken very early retirement, consequently, he has very rarely been away from me: of course, he is left in the car on shopping trips.  Charley's behaviour is quite different to that of Benjie, and I put this down to him being with me almost permanently.  I was also able to spend a lot more time with Charley's socialisation and training when he was a puppy than I could with Benjie.

I have never had any behavioural problems with any of my Cockers, but Charley has been the softest, and the most trusting, of the three.

[Hurtwood Dogs]

Hannah - my head agrees with you completely but I also think that it is quite possible my OHs working hours will change again in time and it is also quite possible that Hurley could be left at home alone on a day to day basis probably from 8 til 4.30, although I would end up sending him to daycare. I can't be the only dog owner who would have this dilemma - if our circumstances changed - should I rehome him because we don't have the ideal set up or hope that he deals with it ok? He has access to the garden so is not expected to hold himself all day long and I have to weigh up the risk of him being dognapped against his comfort (his comfort won!).

However I think it is equally unfair to presume that those who work from home, have the luxury of being able to afford to send their dogs to daycare everyday, have friends/family/neighbours who are kind enough and able to look after their dog or are in the fortunate position to not have to work at all are the only ones who should be blessed to have a dog in their life.

I've done both and I fully sympathise with the worry/angst you have. In fact when I got my first cocker 7 years ago now, I was working full time and had no idea how on earth we were going to do it... circumstances and opportunities arose that meant Trev actually was never really on his own that much although there were some days that happened. On the whole... if you have a dog and your circumstances change and you want to keep him there is always an answer of sorts that might not be perfect but isn't the end of the world. We are talking about circumstances changing here when people already have a dog though - whilst the OP is looking at adding to an already not ideal situation and is essentially what my posts are written for as the decision hasn't been made yet...

However, I would tend to agree with Nicola's sentiment that it's not a right to have a dog whatever a persons circumstances - it is a life we're talking about afterall and sustaining a 'life' in our world does require a level of finance and commitment in time and care. Older dogs are more adaptable to changes in circumstances and short term situations that may not be ideal but it would still remain in their best interest to stay with their current family.. However, I don't think a conscious decision to take on another pup bearing in mind the OP's circumstances is a 'good' decision for the pup or existing dog that's all.

Hannah x

[Coco]

I do agree with everything you say Nic - I guess from my POV my only worry is that one of these days I could be someone who might have to leave Hurley every day. And although he would go to daycare a couple of days a week - if that option was taken away from me - I dread to think that I might have to take the option of rehoming him (which would probably upset me far more than him in the long term anyway).

I think it's very different when you have a grown dog and your circumstances change unforseealby (is that a word?!?)
We had two dogs when I was young and it was a school hours home alone day for them. It was fine.
Wherry on occasion has been left for the day when things have over run etc and luckily I can ask people to pop in for her but once or twice they have all been otherwise engaged. I felt bad but really the odd day here and there for more than 5 hrs when it's unforseen isn't going to ruin her. (She hasn't ad any accidents though once shredded the recycling newspapers   I wouldn't punish her for either though, I wouldn't expect her not to)  I think they could cope with day care or a walker 3 days a week and lots of fun at the weekends without becoming wrecks, they are adaptale to routine and i'd rather do that than rehome, not for me but for the dog. Balancing the two options in terms of stress etc, i'd go for a couple of days at home IMO.

I think it is also dependent on what they are used to and how they react to being left. This can't be predicted with a pup which is why again I feel it's different.  

IMO there is always another option, you can find dog walkers for as little as £5 and though I know money can be very very tight but i'd have to find it. Again circumstances change but if money was that tight i'd not have a dog.

ETA; Typed at the same time as Rob & Trev

[chudleigh]

Is it not illegal to leave a dog in a car ?

I hope you can work something out, could you and you r husband do  flexi hours to over lap a little
so the dogs would have more company ? Or is there any one else close by to you who you could
take turns in walking each others dogs etc.
hugs
Val

[flyingspaniel]

Wow, you really are a useful bunch, lots of constructive criticism and now I know I'm not alone in my angst. Will definitely start looking at some assistance with Abby and shelve the 2nd dog idea (no more looking at puppy photos for me  ).
I also totally take on board the fact that I would be adding to an already not ideal situation and am fortunate that Abby accepts the current one.
Hopefully this has also encouraged people to consider their options should their circumstances change, enabling the dog to stay in its' rightful home.
Thank you once again, I shall enjoy this forum xx

[Jan/Billy]

Hannah - my head agrees with you completely but I also think that it is quite possible my OHs working hours will change again in time and it is also quite possible that Hurley could be left at home alone on a day to day basis probably from 8 til 4.30, although I would end up sending him to daycare. I can't be the only dog owner who would have this dilemma - if our circumstances changed - should I rehome him because we don't have the ideal set up or hope that he deals with it ok? He has access to the garden so is not expected to hold himself all day long and I have to weigh up the risk of him being dognapped against his comfort (his comfort won!).

However I think it is equally unfair to presume that those who work from home, have the luxury of being able to afford to send their dogs to daycare everyday, have friends/family/neighbours who are kind enough and able to look after their dog or are in the fortunate position to not have to work at all are the only ones who should be blessed to have a dog in their life.

Agree completely Caroline

[Jan/Billy]

Wow, you really are a useful bunch, lots of constructive criticism and now I know I'm not alone in my angst. Will definitely start looking at some assistance with Abby and shelve the 2nd dog idea (no more looking at puppy photos for me  ).

You never know, you may find a really good dog walker or a really reasonable day care and in the not too distant future be able to have your second dog 

[Countrygirl]

When I went for my second Cocker, Benjie, I was given the first degree by the breeder - Mrs Smith from Clitheroe.  She was very responsible and caring, and made it clear that she wouldn't let me have him if he was left home alone during the day.  

This is something that has always surprised me on this forum.   When we were looking for a cocker puppy OH worked full time and I worked 3 mornings a week within 10 minutes from home.  We found a wonderful breeder but she almost refused us the puppy because she would be left approximately 4 hours 3 times a week.  I eventually persuaded her by pleading that Ellie would have long walks the afternoons I worked, and obviously on the days I don't work, and as our hobby is walking and we live near the Peak District, so thats what we do most of the time, she would be spending loads of time with us.  I also plucked up the courage to say that I did think that dogs needed to left a little bit as otherwise you are making a rod for your back if you ever have to leave them.  Luckily she let us have Ellie.

As it was things changed as when Ellie was 8 months old OH had to have sudden major heart surgery.  He is fine now but has taken early retirement so he walks Ellie loads and she is only left when we go shopping, otherwise she comes everywhere with us.

I often wonder how those of you who work full time managed to persuade the breeder to let you have your dogs.  I am not, in any way, saying that you should not have them but I know that there is no way that Ellie's breeder would have let you have one of her puppies.

[Coco]

Not all breeders are as concerned as yours and people do lie. Our breeder took everything I said as golden. I could easily have been rejected else where, learned and lied. I think though that often it's the breeders that don't ask 

[Doggone Mad]

I'm fortunate in that I'm currently not working, although will at some point have to return to the world of work  , hopefully part-time.  I couldn't bear to leave Hamish on his own for more than 4 hours, let alone all day eg 8am - 6pm, so if/when needs arise I will use a dog walker and/or daycare.  I've already had to make sacrifices for him but thats fine with me - it was my choice to get him & I want him to be as happy as possible.

Although I don't need a dog walker at the moment, I used a dog walker for a few weeks earlier this year when I wasn't able to get out after my knee injury.  I still use this dog walker every few weeks to keep him used to the idea, plus he has a ball with the other doggies.  

Friends of mine have a dog and both work full-time.  They walk him first thing and then he's left for about 3 hours before the dog walker comes & picks him up around 11am, returning him around 2pm.  They get back about 3 hours later when he goes out for another walk.  How do folk view this - does this seem ok ?   He seems to love the dog walker (as does Hamish the dog walker I use) & goes mad when she arrives apparently, as seen by my friend when unexpectantly at home eg off sick etc.  

If money for a dog walker and/or daycare is very tight how about checking out if there is anyone local who would be willing to dog walk and/or dog sit in return for a service you could offer them eg ironing/baby sitting/shopping etc.  Your local gumtree site might be a good place to pop an advert.  My friends and I regularly swop items/help etc so is definitely worth looking into.  You may find for example someone who has newly retired & feeling a bit lost away from the world of work might like to do something like this for a bit extra cash, while bringing a bit of structure/meaning to their day.  Anyway, just an idea.

  

[Cob-Web]

I often wonder how those of you who work full time managed to persuade the breeder to let you have your dogs.  I am not, in any way, saying that you should not have them but I know that there is no way that Ellie's breeder would have let you have one of her puppies.

Molo's breeder was very concerned about this, and we had to prove that we had arrangements in place to ensure that he would not be left alone all day  Fortunately, she knows the walker/sitter we had made arrangements with, and we were able to prove that we lived within an easy walk home at lunchtime, along with assuring her that we had time booked off work, and had flexible working hours, she was happy - and being a member of COL helped, too 

[Coco]

Actually I was being a bit flippant, our breeder did ask and we told, then we spent a good hour or so there just chatting about shooting, farming, etc so I suppose he probably guessed we weren't lying but the rest of my previous post still stands.  I don't mean to back track but thinking about it I don''t want to be unfair and make it out differently