connorsj

Thank you everyone for your advice, you have given me plenty to think about. I appreciate that if I was to get a dog it would be necessary to walk him/her in the morning as well as the evening come rain or shine! I will have a good think about the impact on my daily routine and lifestyle before I think more seriously about getting a dog. I was hoping to get a medium sized bitch, and I am fond of cross breed dogs. I would prefer a breed that is not too hyper (e.g. spaniel), and one that is good with other dogs, cats and children. With my situation in mind could anyone recommend a breed?

Anne Grose - I have thought long and hard about having a dog for two years and as you said I thought it is not really practical and would be unfair, but I do not see my circumstances changing anytime soon (other than getting a job closer to home that would mean less time out of the house during the day). That is why I am making sure I have considerred it carefully, and why I have sought advice here! I do have lots of friends and some familly close by that could help if need be, but I do not want to have to rely on anyone else. I was hoping that it may be feasible if I got an older dog that would be happier left at home during the day, though in hindsite I suppose although older dogs do not need/want as much exercise, it does not mean that they are happy at home alone for long periods. Could I compromise by getting an older dog as well as a paid dog walker to visit during the day? I rarely go out in the evenings during the week, however if I did I could get family/friends to see/feed the dog in the evening.

Hello, thank you for your prompt reply. Do you think that one possibility would be to look into a local dog walker who I could get to visit the dog in the middle of the day for a walk? Though from what I gather this can be quite costly if on a daily basis (e.g. £8 a visit?). James

I am a 31 year old male living on my own. I grew up in a large family and as a family we always had dogs cats etc. Now that I live on my own I want my own dog, but I understand that it not an ideal situation. I live in Stockport and work in Liverpool, therefore I leave the house at 07:00 and return between 17:00 and 18:00. I was thinking that I could get an older dog from a rescue home, ideally a dog that would be happy to be left at home during the day. I was also thinking that I could fit a dog flap as I have a long (80ft) thin back garden (mid-terrace) which is secure. I would not really have time to walk the dog in the morning, but would walk the dog in the evenings after work. I think that this sounds reasonable if I can find the right dog (ideally a dog around 7/8yrs?). I would like a medium sized bitch, probable a cross, maybe a collie or a whipit-type cross. One concern that I have is that I think that it would be hard to settle an adult dog into my house if I am going to work every day. Any comments/advice would be much appreciated. James