I am seriously considering adopting a dog but I am having reservations because I will have to leave him/her at home for 8-9 hours a day during the week and I live in an apartment in NYC. Are there any breeds that are best for this situation or any ideas? If its not good for the dog, I won’t adopt.
14 Responses
2008 Oct 06
not good for a dog - get a cat instead.
2008 Oct 08
A cat,fish,or small animals would be a far better choice until there will be someone home more often. =)
Quite honestly,a cat or small animals (ferrets,guinea pigs,rabbits,gerbils,hamsters,chinchillas,etc) would love you for being gone so long and leaving the house quiet.
2008 Oct 11
if you’re set on getting a dog, an older (as in, not a puppy, full grown, already trainned) is a better choice, and it should be a smaller dog, maybe a pug or peikense sized thing since its going to be an apartment dog. but be sure that you have time to take it out and for walks, and to spend lots of time with it on the weekends and after work.
2008 Oct 14
not a Labrador or Lab mix…they need you around and require exercise
in any case….I would get a female in whatever breed, possibly older, but not too old…because then they need to go out a lot!
2008 Oct 15
Bad for you, bad for the dog and bad for neighbors. Not only can’t you be with the dog all day but it will tie you down if you want to go out all night, the dog will take revenge (soil things, chew things, bark or howl) it’s know as separation anxiety.
I had a dog for 12 years in a house with a large yard and it was still a problem. Never again while i’m single.
2008 Oct 17
chiuaha litter train them instead
2008 Oct 17
Get a cat. No dog should be left alone that long. They are social creatures and you would have a lonely miserable dog.
2008 Oct 19
Thank you for wanting to adopt, and yes, you can still have a dog if you have to work all day. Just not a puppy by any means!
Go to your shelter and look for a senior or overly quiet dog. Or check out and look for a retired racing greyhound.
There are some young dogs of certain breeds which would also be okay, but you just cannot be sure.
But do check out petfinder and scroll through the dogs in your area that are listed as senior or older adult
Thank you for rescuing!!
2008 Oct 23
If you work all day it is best you don’t get a small dog. Chihuahua’s have small bladders and need to be taken out frequently. A good quality to look for in a dog is their energy level, you do not want a dog with lots of energy to tear apart anything while you are at work. Puppies are not a good idea they need to be watched and trained. To potty train them you have to take them outside very often.
A great book that helps you find the right dog for you is called THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU by Daniel F. Tortora, Ph.D.
Another option since you work a lot is a cat.
2008 Oct 24
You shouldn’t adopt a dog at all until you have more time. He/she is going to need time to get used to you and if your never around it never will. But if you want to adopt, never, never, ever get a yorkshire terrier under those circumstances. My sister has one and when no one is around it will just pee on the floor or leave droppings everywhere. Like the others said get a different pet. Or go to a pet store or a breeder and ask for advice.
2008 Oct 27
Dogs are social animals and need to spend time with their humans. The situation you describe is not ideal but some dogs will adapt. Terriers and working breeds would not be your best choice. A small spaniel usually adapts well. Can someone exercise the dog at least once during the day? Most importantly remember to get your dog protected with shots and teach him as you would a human chilld. Lastly, try a rescue society. Many of these dogs are anxious for someone to love.
2008 Oct 28
Please don’t do this to a dog. I can give you fifty millions reason on why not to. But if you really think about it on your own you will know why. If you must get an animal …a cat will do real good for you. They are independent suckers and do quite well on their own. A dog doesn’ t do well being left alone for that length of time.
2008 Oct 28
you need to do some serious consideration if you really want a dog, but you need to pick a very small breed that can be in a crate all day, if you walk the dog before you leave and when you get home you sould be fine.
2008 Oct 30
If you can get a dog walker or come home during the day (lunch) then maybe an older dog. Honestly, you may want to get a cat. Maine Coon Cats are large cats with dog like personalities. Maybe a good choice.