OT: Dog Rescue

[i'vegotwinners]

Sounds like your singular experience.

Yeah, I live in such a place right now. Dogs can be unleashed on their own property. Leash law applies to public spaces, exempting dog parks. No breed restrictions, which sound silly, anyway.

One time when I was walking my son as a baby in the stroller, had a big growling pitbull wander up to us on the sidewalk ... complete with the archetypical idiot owner calling after it but not actually running and grabbing the damn thing. That wasn't the first time I had that experience with a pitbull, but having it happen with a child was infuriating and scary.

Countless times, you get the random dog running up to you on a trail or at the park, sometimes while you are on a bike, with the, "Oh sorry" owner jogging behind. Just last week, I almost ran over a pit-looking dog absolutely tearing down the trail playing fetch with the owner. I'm always cool about it so long as the dog isn't aggressive (this one wasn't), but I shouldn't have to be.

And are you saying that you don't have to pick up sht from your free-roaming dog? Just wipe it off on the grass?! That doesn't work at all ... unless maybe you have completely flat, smooth soles.

I've had active breeds, two retrievers at one time, and really can't shed any tears for dog owners who find it too difficult to either walk their dog regularly or buy a fence. Don't buy an active breed, then (or probably any dog at all if that's the attitude one brings to it).

prior to leash laws for all, nobody had pit bulls outside bad neighborhoods, because pits etc had to be on a leash and walked many times a day, while non aggressive breeds didn't, so people didn't have pits and aggressive breeds then, or large dogs, and the very few who did, had to have them leashed or fenced just like today.

pit ownership only became a big thing, after leash laws for all, and the huge disadvantage of owning them no longer was present.

the explosion of pit ownership and larger and aggressive breeds, is a direct, if unintended, consequence of leash laws for all, because said laws eliminated the very reason people didn't have them prior..

if your smaller dog doesn't have to be a 2nd job and a pit or large dog does, 99% go with the smaller/medium dog that isn't a 2nd job.

but those wanting a bigger or aggressive breed, were in no different situation than they are now.

they still could have one, but they had to fence or leash them.

 

[yesrutgers01]

prior to leash laws for all, nobody had pit bulls outside bad neighborhoods, because pits etc had to be on a leash and walked many times a day, while non aggressive breeds didn't, so people didn't have pits and aggressive breeds then, or large dogs, and the very few who did, had to have them leashed or fenced just like today.

pit ownership only became a big thing, after leash laws for all, and the huge disadvantage of owning them no longer was present.

the explosion of pit ownership and larger and aggressive breeds, is a direct, if unintended, consequence of leash laws for all, because said laws eliminated the very reason people didn't have them prior..

if your smaller dog doesn't have to be a 2nd job and a pit or large dog does, 99% go with the smaller/medium dog that isn't a 2nd job.

but those wanting a bigger or aggressive breed, were in no different situation than they are now.

they still could have one, but they had to fence or leash them.

oh- just never mind- lets all just keep it on target for the OP

 

[i'vegotwinners]

I grew up in the 60's/70's/80's - had Irish Setters, Beagles and a bunch of mixes. We had half acre and no fence and they ran free, as did many other dogs in the neighborhood- I did not grow up in rural but not in a neighborhood with fences. No one walked their dog.
Different times my friend. My same neighborhood I grew up in has almost 3 times the number of homes.

I currently have had boxers and a german shepherd. I have a 1 acre property in suburbia. Before the dogs, only a fence around the pool. When we decided on dogs- we knew we wanted to let them run , so part of the decision was the cost of a fence, medical, care if we decided to go away, insurance and many other things....Why, because it is not the f-ing 70's.

If, in the 2020's, you are deciding on dog ownership- take all of this into account. and give your dog a great fun life- hell, even in an apartment- you give that dog a great life with love, and play and walks and dog parks if you wish.
In this day and age- your dog is not my dog. I love them but I do not love them when the parent is not there with them.

Like everything else- take a self assessment and some consideration for others. If your small to medium dog who you love decides to come onto my property or walk with my dog- are you ok with what happens, no matter what it is?

get real, and get over yourself.

A) not everyone who wants a dog without committing to a 2nd job can afford a fenced 1 acre yd in suburbia.

B), if your yd is fenced with your machco dogs, nobody else's dog is coming into it.

if small and medium non aggressive dogs run your neighborhood, you're none the worse for it, other than your dogs now being insanely jealous.

that said, if it weren't for the leash laws, i'm betting you'd have beagles again instead of boxers and a german shepherd.

and if you still wanted the bigger aggressive breeds you now have, you'd still have that option with the fence you now have.

your situation would be no different than it now is, other than with another great option you now don't have.

while everyone else would have the beagle option without committing to a second job or a $500,000 dollar acre yd with a fence, or whatever that costs where you live..

"like everything else, take a self assessment, and some consideration for others".

 

[fsg2_rivals]

prior to leash laws for all, nobody had pit bulls outside bad neighborhoods, because pits etc had to be on a leash and walked many times a day, while non aggressive breeds didn't, so people didn't have pits and aggressive breeds then, or large dogs, and the very few who did, had to have them leashed or fenced just like today.

pit ownership only became a big thing, after leash laws for all, and the huge disadvantage of owning them no longer was present.

the explosion of pit ownership and larger and aggressive breeds, is a direct, if unintended, consequence of leash laws for all, because said laws eliminated the very reason people didn't have them prior..

if your smaller dog doesn't have to be a 2nd job and a pit or large dog does, 99% go with the smaller/medium dog that isn't a 2nd job.

but those wanting a bigger or aggressive breed, were in no different situation than they are now.

they still could have one, but they had to fence or leash them.

Completely false...as I literally just explained about my 'leash laws for none' neighborhood.

The rest is just a bunch of terrible presumptions and/or you repeating your previous non-sensical talking points.

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Completely false...as I literally just explained about my 'leash laws for none' neighborhood.

The rest is just a bunch of terrible presumptions and/or you repeating your previous non-sensical talking points.

completely false.

you just said yourself your leash laws for none had no breed restrictions, and the issues you had were precisely because of the no breed exceptions, including pits.

i was specific that that leash laws for some rather than all i referred to, that used to be commonplace all over the US since the Mayflower, other than very high density areas, specifically only freed up dogs under 30-35 lbs, and no aggressive breeds like pits exempted..

and under the old rules, like i said, nobody had pits outside bad areas.

pits and aggressive breeds only became a thing, when the huge 2nd job disadvantage of owning them was removed from the equation.

and which would most people prefer?

wiping poop off your shoe in the grass maybe once every three to five yrs tops on average, or picking up and bagging and carrying around and disposing of in it's designated place, every poop their dog makes.

i'm guessing 999 out of 1,000 prefer the former.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

completely false.

you just said yourself your leash laws for none had no breed restrictions, and the issues you had were precisely because of the no breed exceptions, including pits.

i was specific that that leash laws for some rather than all i referred to, that used to be commonplace all over the US other than very high density areas, specifically only freed up dogs under 30-35 lbs, and no aggressive breeds like pits exempted..

and under the old rules, like i said, nobody had pits outside bad areas.

pits and aggressive breeds only became a thing, when the huge 2nd job disadvantage of owning them was removed from the equation.

Yeah, no they weren't. They were because of ****** owners. There were laws for all the encounters described because they were all on public property. Have had 10x the number of obnoxious small dogs come up on sidewalk or trail and yap at me, nip at my dog, etc. So your 'some but not all' nonsense is a non-solutuon I assume you advocate for only because you own a small and/or medium dog.

****** owners are the problem. Not sure if you are one, but you're certainly in the habit of making terrible excuses for them. Keep your damn dog on your property and under control and you won't have any problem.

 

[MADHAT1]

all this talk about dogs and the interaction about breeds and size,
one thing needs to be pointed out is,
the way the dogs act usually is because of how the owner trains them or lack of training.
Dogs considered vicious can be gentle around people if the owner takes the time to train them right.
Gentle dogs can be biters if the owner neglects to take the time and teach them how to act around people..

Also every dog, big or small needs exercise.
When I first started owning dogs I usally had the larger type and took them for long walks and jogs.
As my age creeped up and exerciser creeped down, small dogs were best for me and for my dogs getting the exercise they should have..
I nave a larg yard , but still feel my little mutten-heads need more than that and it helps me take care of myself even though hit gym ( but far less than I should)

I like to say, if you don't want to take the time to exercise your pet , get a cat.
Also if you take your dog for a walk, clean up after it, your dogs mess is unwanted by others and since it's your dog, the mess is yours too.
By the way, walking your dog on a lease is the best way to keep your bowser safe.
Even the best trained dog can see something that makes it forget training and run into trouble , being hit by car is one.way trouble arrives without warning

 

[fsg2_rivals]

completely false.

you just said yourself your leash laws for none had no breed restrictions, and the issues you had were precisely because of the no breed exceptions, including pits.

i was specific that that leash laws for some rather than all i referred to, that used to be commonplace all over the US since the Mayflower, other than very high density areas, specifically only freed up dogs under 30-35 lbs, and no aggressive breeds like pits exempted..

and under the old rules, like i said, nobody had pits outside bad areas.

pits and aggressive breeds only became a thing, when the huge 2nd job disadvantage of owning them was removed from the equation.

and which would most people prefer?

wiping poop off your shoe in the grass maybe once every three to five yrs tops on average, or picking up and bagging and carrying around and disposing of in it's designated place, every poop their dog makes.

i'm guessing 999 out of 1,000 prefer the former.

I take it back. After your post edit above, I am sure you're a ****** dog owner.

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Yeah, no they weren't. They were because of ****** owners. There were laws for all the encounters described because they were all on public property. Have had 10x the number of obnoxious small dogs come up on sidewalk or trail and yap at me, nip at my dog, etc. So your 'some but not all' nonsense is a non-solutuon I assume you advocate for only because you own a small and/or medium dog.

****** owners are the problem. Not sure if you are one, but you're certainly in the habit of making terrible excuses for them. Keep your damn dog on your property and under control and you won't have any problem.

spare me your sad exaggerated tale.

i lived for decades in neighborhoods where small and medium non aggressive breeds were exempt from leash laws, with far less problems than we now have, because said exemptions meant people flat didn't have pits and aggressive breeds like they now do.

i even worked a door to door gig a couple yrs in college during the summers, with fewer problems than we now have, because the exemptions meant people didn't get pits and aggressive breeds, or large dogs.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Sure, bro.

Lol ...pit bulls were the Labrador retriever of mid-century America. But definitely, they only became popular because of the changing of half-measures to proper laws in the past 40 years or whatever arbitrary timeline you imagined.

Please drop off your dogs and the local shelter ...after cleaning off your shoes before entering.

 

[i'vegotwinners]

all this talk about dogs and the interaction about breeds and size,
one thing needs to be pointed out is,
the way the dogs act usually is because of how the owner trains them or lack of training.
Dogs considered vicious can be gentle around people if the owner takes the time to train them right.
Gentle dogs can be biters if the owner neglects to take the time and teach them how to act around people..

Also every dog, big or small needs exercise.
When I first started owning dogs I usally had the larger type and took them for long walks and jogs.
As my age creeped up and exerciser creeped down, small dogs were best for me and for my dogs getting the exercise they should have..
I nave a larg yard , but still feel my little mutten-heads need more than that and it helps me take care of myself even though hit gym ( but far less than I should)

I like to say, if you don't want to take the time to exercise your pet , get a cat.
Also if you take your dog for a walk, clean up after it, your dogs mess is unwanted by others and since it's your dog, the mess is yours too.
By the way, walking your dog on a lease is the best way to keep your bowser safe.
Even the best trained dog can see something that makes it forget training and run into trouble , being hit by car is one.way trouble arrives without warning

nobody cared a lick that dogs pooped in yds for 200 yrs.

and all non idiots would much rather deal with dog poop in their yd once in while, than have to walk their dog every time it has to go in all weather, and pick up, bag, and dispose of, every poop their dog makes every day, every week, every yr, when walking it.

what kind of total insanity world is it, where we have to pick up and bag all our dogs' poops.

i lived both eras.

100 times better then, for both dog and owner.

and none of you self professed dog lovers seems to care a bit that your dog is now effectively jailed their whole life, as opposed to having some freedom and fun as they did for the preceding 200 yrs.

 

[Mikemarc]

Would I be alright leaving a dog alone 8-10 hours a few days a week?

I assume depends on the breed, age, etc?

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Guy, you're just lazy and self-absorbed.

Your arguments are horrible and have convinced no one.

Enjoy stepping in ****.

 

[MoreCowbellRU]

Boy this one went off the rails.
To the OP, dogs are great companions. Have had at least one since I was born. Back in the day we had German Shepherds for watch dogs and beagles for hunting. For a house dog beagles can be yappy and annoying . Shepherds are wonderful, loyal and docile unless their service is required. My most recent have been a black lab (who I rescued from abusive owners) and 2 Border Collies. The lab was maybe my best dog ever after adjusting to not being abused. I cried the day I took her to be put down(med issues). I don't cry when people die. The first border was great (same sadness losing him). Found by my brother as a pup on police patrol lived to 17yrs. Current border was bought and is just as great as the first.
If you get any dog you must establish that YOU are the boss or you are finished from go. I giggle my *** off watching people plead with their dog to do something. Never gets old.
I tell mine to do something, he does it. Don't ask them, TELL them and mean it.
Good luck

 

[yesrutgers01]

get real, and get over yourself.

A) not everyone who wants a dog without committing to a 2nd job can afford a fenced 1 acre yd in suburbia.

B), if your yd is fenced with your machco dogs, nobody else's dog is coming into it.

if small and medium non aggressive dogs run your neighborhood, you're none the worse for it, other than your dogs now being insanely jealous.

that said, if it weren't for the leash laws, i'm betting you'd have beagles again instead of boxers and a german shepherd.

and if you still wanted the bigger aggressive breeds you now have, you'd still have that option with the fence you now have.

your situation would be no different than it now is, other than with another great option you now don't have.

while everyone else would have the beagle option without committing to a second job or a $500,000 dollar acre yd with a fence, or whatever that costs where you live..

"like everything else, take a self assessment, and some consideration for others".

As I said- our back and forth has nothing to do with the OP and their wonderful inquiry- let it go for a different thread.
min sure we can all do that. Thank you

 

[loki_dog]

Another option is to get acquainted with someone that fosters dogs for a rescue group. Volunteer to occasionally walk/play with their fosters. They'll probably foster a dog at some point that you fall in love with.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Would I be alright leaving a dog alone 8-10 hours a few days a week?

I assume depends on the breed, age, etc?

That is a long time. Should be okay for a younger adult dog but would work better if you have a dog door or someone to let it out midday.

As for leaving dogs in general, depends most on the dog itself. Since you're adopting, best to find a dog that is used to it and not super-needy or anxious. Best to trial shorter periods before the full 8+.

Crate training works well for puppies or dogs that get anxious, destructive or relieve themselves all over the house. I wouldn't leave a dog crated that long personally.

 

[Jm0513]

Would I be alright leaving a dog alone 8-10 hours a few days a week?

I assume depends on the breed, age, etc?

My daughter’s father used to leave his Boxer/something while he was in the office. The dog hated being left alone and literally started eating holes in the living room wall. He tried to give her away, but I intervened and she ended up
going to a very expensive boot camp. She learned to walk in a pack and build her confidence, she was trained to be in a crate if he went to the office etc.
It was very hardcore training. Even walking her was a structured task.
They followed through with the trainers protocol for maybe a month.
Luckily her bad habits improved and she is now a good girl. Except when she escapes and the police bring her back.
Here she is with a silly toy I got her. (The claws are long here. She was due for a trim)

I did not crate my dog. She might have liked it(see below)
I had a octagon playpen for a baby that she stayed in while I worked. Lol
I can leave her 11 hours. I don’t like to do that, but she doesn’t require the same exercise the dog above does.
My next dog will be bigger. This is like having a cat that barks.
The weirdo voluntarily sleeps in a $5 laundry basket.
I just adore her.

Another option- You can hire someone to come walk the dog while you’re at work or whatever.
Even one walk to break up the time inside should be ok.
My cousin has 3 little dogs. She has this cool doggie door system. The dogs wear a collar with a sensor that slides opens the door for them. This way they can go do their thing outside whenever they please.

 

[Mikemarc]

I also don’t work traditional hours, so I’ll be at work overnights…(6pm-4am)…three days a week.

will this have a negative impact on the dog? Will likely be harder to find a walker at that time, I assume.

But will the dog have a tough time adapting to that schedule?

 

[Mufasa94]

I also don’t work traditional hours, so I’ll be at work overnights…(6pm-4am)…three days a week.

will this have a negative impact on the dog? Will likely be harder to find a walker at that time, I assume.

But will the dog have a tough time adapting to that schedule?

Assuming you are single and the only one looking after the pet, there are a couple questions:

Are those the hours you would be gone, or are those the hours you work? Factor in travel time.

Do you keep the same approximate waking schedule on non-work days? Dogs definitely function better with a routine. Would have to think the hours you mentioned would be unique for a dog.

I’ve never been the only one to have to look after a dog and have never used a walking service. Consider whether you want to have a stranger have access to your house/apt, and for your dog to accept a stranger entering your house/apt when you are not at home.

When I wasn’t working from home, we had no issues with any of our 3 dogs (one at a time) being alone for about a 9 hour routine with exceptions as long as 12.

 

[Mikemarc]

I’d be gone 6-4, working 7-3. Just to be clear.
And yes, I live alone.

 

[dfr1966]

Rover is a service that you can use to hire someone to walk and take care of the dog during long absences. My daughter has been contacted through them and all has been well. You get to pick who you hire based on online profiles.

 

[Mikemarc]

Rover is a service that you can use to hire someone to walk and take care of the dog during long absences. My daughter has been contacted through them and all has been well. You get to pick who you hire based on online profiles.

would they walk over night if needed?

 

[29PAS]

Contact your local seeing eye or fire and rescue dog organization to see if they have any dogs that failed out. Typically they are trained and socialized just not up to the task of leading a blind person across the street or helms with a water rescue. Will cost you but the trade off to get a dog you don’t have to bust your *** to train.

This is great advice. Plus it increases the odds you’ll get a Labrador retriever, which is the dog everyone should get anyway.

 

[dfr1966]

would they walk over night if needed?

I think so. Some will even stay overnight with the dog if you're away for a few days.

 

[yesrutgers01]

there are a ton of great responses inhere for the OP- but...as the last few have pointed out since you gave some personal details- dog ownership becomes very complicated for a single person that works a 9-5 type job that is away from home.
My dogs were all crate trained and as they get older, the crates become their comfort spot/safe space. So, to have the dog crated for 8 hours may be the way to go if you crate train them. We always keep a soft mattress in the crates for comfort.
if you were only away for the work hours, I wouldnt be too concerned. And if trained correctly and when they get out of the crate- they get to run and play- the breed won't matter. We had a boxer and a german shepherd that were crated. but both also got lots of play time as well in our acre fended yard.

The more concerning, is your work hours. If it were a true nightshift, not a problem as it would coincide with a normal sleep pattern. But if you feed it dinner in the 4-5pm time frame, you would have to make sure to walk them right after and make sure they do all their business. And then, when you get home at 4am- that is your first priority again. And what is your normal sleep pattern- do you usually go to bed shortly after getting home and wake up at 1-2pm or so?
That would have to change or the dog will go the 8 hours crated and then have you sleeping- that is a long time for a dog with no play or interaction. Plus, it would be ready for it's next meal.

I had always wanted a dog when I was single but work hours and there were times that I would get last minute travel plans...I decided not too.
It is easier to get a babysitter for an infant that it is for a dog...

Just all things to consider.

 

[fg7321]

What breed? Asking for a friend

all mixed breeds they look like hounds and labs

 

[Mikemarc]

there are a ton of great responses inhere for the OP- but...as the last few have pointed out since you gave some personal details- dog ownership becomes very complicated for a single person that works a 9-5 type job that is away from home.
My dogs were all crate trained and as they get older, the crates become their comfort spot/safe space. So, to have the dog crated for 8 hours may be the way to go if you crate train them. We always keep a soft mattress in the crates for comfort.
if you were only away for the work hours, I wouldnt be too concerned. And if trained correctly and when they get out of the crate- they get to run and play- the breed won't matter. We had a boxer and a german shepherd that were crated. but both also got lots of play time as well in our acre fended yard.

The more concerning, is your work hours. If it were a true nightshift, not a problem as it would coincide with a normal sleep pattern. But if you feed it dinner in the 4-5pm time frame, you would have to make sure to walk them right after and make sure they do all their business. And then, when you get home at 4am- that is your first priority again. And what is your normal sleep pattern- do you usually go to bed shortly after getting home and wake up at 1-2pm or so?
That would have to change or the dog will go the 8 hours crated and then have you sleeping- that is a long time for a dog with no play or interaction. Plus, it would be ready for it's next meal.

I had always wanted a dog when I was single but work hours and there were times that I would get last minute travel plans...I decided not too.
It is easier to get a babysitter for an infant that it is for a dog...

Just all things to consider.

I likely only be away for work hours. I also have family 20 minutes away I’m sure will be able to watch if needed.

Apreciate all the responses! As someone who grew up in a cat household…this definitely helps.

i guess I can always go the cat route if worse comes to worse lol

 

[RC1991]

Dog rescue is my wife's and my passion now that we're in our early 60's and the kids gone. She goes to adoption events and walks kennel bound dogs and I do other stuff ..more the financial side.

We lost our last Rescue Oliver this past March. An amazing story of street pit on death row to the loving best friend ever. I am in the process of building an agility course at his rescue ...11th Hour Rescue of Flanders/Rockaway. A commercial grade agility course in his memory.

He had his own Facebook page they created with 4k followers..

https://m.facebook.com/100063864993907/

Thanks for sharing that! What a great story and sorry that you lost Oliver. But you and your wife sure gave him a great life!

 

[yesrutgers01]

I likely only be away for work hours. I also have family 20 minutes away I’m sure will be able to watch if needed.

Apreciate all the responses! As someone who grew up in a cat household…this definitely helps.

i guess I can always go the cat route if worse comes to worse lol

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

lol

 

[RULoyal]

I commend folks who go the rescue route but you need to be careful. We got a rescue from St. Hubert’s. He was a poodle mix from one of those 30 plus dog hoarding situations in North Jersey. We had a meet and greet with the rescue dog and our West Highland terrier and the dogs got along great. Third day at home the rescue attacked our Westie twice. Once for walking past the rescue's crate and the second time for walking between my wife and the rescue. Took him back to St. Hubert’s and they tried to convince us to work with him but we weren’t prepared to do that. He was a good dog other than that.

 

[yesrutgers01]

I commend folks who go the rescue route but you need to be careful. We got a rescue from St. Hubert’s. He was a poodle mix from one of those 30 plus dog hoarding situations in North Jersey. We had a meet and greet with the rescue dog and our West Highland terrier and the dogs got along great. Third day at home the rescue attacked our Westie twice. Once for walking past the rescue's crate and the second time for walking between my wife and the rescue. Took him back to St. Hubert’s and they tried to convince us to work with him but we weren’t prepared to do that. He was a good dog other than that.

We would have considered a rescue route ourselves, as we are also looking for a puppy. But...
We have a very specific breed we are looking for and have to be so careful with health of the breed we want- American Line German Shepherd.

Our first dog was adopted by our son but could have been considered a rescue. As she was the only survivor of an owner who through a trash bag full of puppies into a lake and our pup was the only one to survive. They did catch the guy and he still even had the parents information.

It is always so heart breaking for dogs that have gone through trauma in their lives.

 

[Jm0513]

I also don’t work traditional hours, so I’ll be at work overnights…(6pm-4am)…three days a week.

will this have a negative impact on the dog? Will likely be harder to find a walker at that time, I assume.

But will the dog have a tough time adapting to that schedule?

I’m not a dog expert, but I know they can’t tell time. Lol
If you set a routine of play/walks/stimulation during the day the dog will adapt and learn to their schedule.
You might find a walker for 11pm. Young people stay up late and need $$$.
I think most of their last walk times are 10pm. There are TONS of apps/websites with dog walkers.
I’m up most nights til 2.. what county are you in? I should start a company..“The Insomniac Tails” haha

 

[yesrutgers01]

I’m not a dog expert, but I know they can’t tell time. Lol
If you set a routine of play/walks/stimulation during the day the dog will adapt and learn to their schedule.
You might find a walker for 11pm. Young people stay up late and need $$$.
I think most of their last walk times are 10pm. There are TONS of apps/websites with dog walkers.
I’m up most nights til 2.. what county are you in? I should start a company..“The Insomniac Tails” haha

they certainly know time...our dogs eat at 6pm and there were times we got caught up in something until we got a wet nose nudge from our German Shepherd and wouldn't you know it...6:01pm

Our boxer has her own little funny quirk. Since we lost our GS in June- my wife does not like to keep the boxer home alone as she is still lonely. So, my wife brings her out with us almost all the time unless we are going somewhere that we cannot bring dogs. But now- as soon as she sees my wife put on shoes or sneakers- she starts hopping all around and runs straight to the garage door all excited. Before we even leave the bedroom.

 

[RULoyal]

Dogs don't know time. They know routine.

 

[Jm0513]

they certainly know time...our dogs eat at 6pm and there were times we got caught up in something until we got a wet nose nudge from our German Shepherd and wouldn't you know it...6:01pm

Our boxer has her own little funny quirk. Since we lost our GS in June- my wife does not like to keep the boxer home alone as she is still lonely. So, my wife brings her out with us almost all the time unless we are going somewhere that we cannot bring dogs. But now- as soon as she sees my wife put on shoes or sneakers- she starts hopping all around and runs straight to the garage door all excited. Before we even leave the bedroom.

I meant how would his dog know if he worked 8-6pm or 6-4am.
The dog will learn the routine and grow to learn a schedule.

 

[yesrutgers01]

I meant how would his dog know if he worked 8-6pm or 6-4am.
The dog will learn the routine and grow to learn a schedule.

You are correct. and what I had also hoped to convey in a post I did. Working overnights for years- my get home and sleep regimen was always tough. If OP has a routine- he will most likely have to change it somewhat as he will be sleeping during times most of us may play with the dog. I don't know if "normal" for OP is get to sleep as soon as get home- that would have to change for him. The dog just went 8 hours with interaction or bathroom- will be ready to go out to do business and either play or have human interaction.

 

[fg7321]

all mixed breeds they look like hounds and labs

here are the dogs that my rescue has available

https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/69733/available-pets/pets

 

[fg7321]

This is great advice. Plus it increases the odds you’ll get a Labrador retriever, which is the dog everyone should get anyway.

These dogs are almost impossible to get . Pro tip though if you want one of these dogs consider volunteering some time there

 

[fg7321]

Would I be alright leaving a dog alone 8-10 hours a few days a week?

I assume depends on the breed, age, etc?

That is too long to do regularly. Once a week would be ok once the dog is trained an a bit older. Find a dog walker to help you. Dog walking is going to be my retirement gig ...