The big problem is that my partner and I both work full time.
We’d be able to give the dog 2 walks a day, one in the morning before work and a longer one in the evening. In fact, a doggy jogging buddy would be awesome if it’s up to doing a 5k a few times a week
It would sleep inside at night, but be outside in a dog run during the day. And in general we wouldn’t be around from 10-6 ish.
Now obviously that’s not ideal, but is it worse than life in a shelter would be for a dog? Would getting 2 dogs be a better idea so they could be company for each other? Or is it just not feasible?
My adult dog stays in all day while I’m at work and is perfectly happy. He came from the shelter as an adult and had previously been an apartment dog - he doesn’t want to go out more often. All dogs are different, of course.
The first thing that popped into my mind is that you sound like ideal candidates to take in a retired racing greyhound. As I understand it, they’re actually pretty lazy couch potatoes until it’s time for a run, which would work with your schedules and your 5K exercise. The only drawback I can see from here is that with their short coat and almost complete lack of body fat, they can’t stay outside if it’s cold.
Most dogs, you should leave in the house when you’re at work, not outside (assuming they can hold it that long - you want a dog who can.) A greyhound would be perfect.
Assuming you can get back home at a reasonable time (out by 7:15, back by 5:45?), an adult dog can hold it with no problem. You then avoid all issues of a) a noise-ass dog outside driving your neighbors batty, b) having an outdoor dog inside the rest of the day, c) jackasses who steal dogs that are left outside, and d) trying to figure out what to do on days that are pretty miserable for anyone to be outside. Plus, you get a dog that appreciates the comfort of a couch.
I got my rescue Toby when he was 1, so he’d mostly outgrown being a puppy, (and the tiny bladder that goes with it), and he TOTALLY recognizes how sweet his life is.
Hmm, you make a good argument. My biggest issue is that I’d have to put in a baby gate or something to stop the dog going upstairs where it’s carpeted when we’re not around.
I’m not sure about getting a greyhound though. Greyhounds/lurchers here are usually used for racing or coursing so it’s unlikely that one would be housetrained. Also, they’re really more sprinters than distance runners. (Actually I think most greyhounds/lurchers in shelters here end up getting sent abroad to be adopted, as they have more acceptance as pets abroad :().
You might have a point about the sprinting vs. long distance thing. I don’t think housetraining would be a stumbling block, though–I believe most greyhounds are fostered for a while before being adopted out, so the foster family would do the housetraining.
A greyhound could probably jump over a baby gate, so that would require some thought too.
If you want a jogging partner, a lab mix/largish mutt from a shelter might do better.
In any case, there are plenty of people who work full time who have dogs. You’ll have to make sure not to get a dog with separation anxiety, and one who is capable of settling down when appropriate. A dog who has been fostered by a rescue group might be a good choice, because the foster family will be able to tell you about the dog’s energy level and ability to be left alone without destroying the house.
I have a coursing dog and he is housetrained. We were planning to rescue a greyhound ourselves to be his buddy (he has separation anxiety).
I wouldn’t recommend an outside dog run for a greyhound unless you have a 6’ wooden privacy fence. And they (coursers in general in my experience) are definitely couch potatoes, they’d be miserable outside all day.
Why not a doggy door? I have 3 in my house. By dog run do you mean a lease tied to two trees? Check your area, chaining a dog outside is illegal in a lot of communities.
House is rented so we can’t really put a doggy door. Even if the landlord was ok they’re sliding glass panels to the back garden so I don’t think it’s possible.
By dog run I mean a large kennel (almost like a small stable) that opens into a fenced area of garden.
I like the retired racer idea. They are sprinters but 5K would be nothing. Also, at least here, retired Greyhounds are fostered in homes before adopted out, so they’re pretty much fine with being house dogs and trained. A Border collie on the other hand would most likely go insane being left alone all day with “only” a daily 5K run.
Another vote for adult dogs being just fine (and safer, and probably happier - mine are) indoors while you’re at work. I have three dogs plus a foster; I work varied hours but they’re all fine inside while I’m at work. In fact all of them would be distressed if left outside all day - if alone, they’d be lonely and would start barking and woo-wooing to come inside.
Two dogs is also a good idea, (I’m a fan of multi-dog households) but two at once may bond with eachother more than with you guys. Also with two, it’s more work to walk and spend one-on-one time with each…get one, then if you are moved to get a second, only do so when the first is trained and bonded, and you are sure you’ll have the resources for a second.
