Planning to adopt a dog and I have some questions

[kimiad]

My main question and concern is my work schedule. I work 2-3 12h shifts a week (7am-7pm). However, my husband is usually off at 3-4pm (but he travels occasionally). Even tho I’m planning to adopt an adult dog and I don’t mind to consider daycare when my husband is traveling I’m really worried about the dog having accidents around the apartment.
If there’s anyone with the similar problem how do you deal with it?
Any answer is appreciated!

 

[res]

@kimiad Dogs, even adult dogs, will have accidents, more frequently when they get sick/older. You need to accept that you will be cleaning up piss, shit, and vomit. If this is a problem, then please don't get a dog, only to abandon it later when the reality of owning a dog becomes "too much".

 

[kimiad]

@res Thank you for your response. I’m totally fine with accidents and “mess” (I work in healthcare and cleaning up piss, shit, and vomit is a part of my job) but I don’t want a dog to be stressed and unhappy. I understand that having a dog is a lot of responsibility and that’s why I’m asking questions lol

 

[oort7]

@kimiad Is there anyone you are close with who would be happy to come over on those long days and take the dog for a walk? Or even hire a dogwalker for some days. It would make a huge difference for the dog.

 

[kimiad]

@oort7 My husband can walk a dog during his lunch breaks (his work is like 5-10 min drive from our place), and I’m considering a dog walker or day care when he’s not available to do that

 

[kumari5050]

@kimiad Nothing wrong with daycare or dog walker

 

[oort7]

@kimiad That would work. If it isn't too expensive, your husband may not even have to use his lunch to walk your pet. I think that plan would work put great for your new dog.

 

[chocolateguitar]

@kimiad Get a dog walker. Honestly it's the best thing for the dog. My dogs can absolutely hold it 8 hours if they need to but we do everything we can to make sure they don't have to.

 

[poorman]

@kimiad Consider piddle pad training or getting one of those doggy grass patches for your pup from the start like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-B...a5a96f11362333fbaae4df5bc223446d&gad_source=1

One of my pups came from a hoarding house situation (her and her sister plus another 63 dog were pulled out of a 900 sq foot home) via a rescue I work with and she had never been outside for the first three years of her life. Never even touched grass. Potty training her was a long process. We were able to at least get her piddle pad trained pretty quick and also by accident. We were putting the pads down where she went frequently and then she started going to that spot on her own. Now I train all my dogs that way so just in case I get home late or something happened when I am not there, they have a spot they know they can go to. At least I know where the mess is now instead of playing a messed up scavenger hunt around the house lol.

You may also look into one of the services that come to your home like a pet sitting service but only to stop in at a certain time to let him out and maybe a short walk.

ETA...ignore the stupid Bot that posted below. This apparently is a new annoying feature on Reddit.

I included a link as an example of what I was talking about. I do not own the item in the link I shared. I do not know one way or the other what the particular product in the link is like. Please do your research and chose the best option for you.

 

[michaelaland]

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[kimiad]

@poorman Than you so much for such a detailed answer and a link! That looks like a helpful item/device to have for a training. Also, I appreciate your advices I think it’s a smart way to train your dogs.

 

[alona]

@kimiad There are adult dogs who spend years in shelters (or are euthanized) because no one adopts them. While it sucks that most dogs have to spend time alone/in a crate at home, it is far better than the possible alternatives.

 

[spurs]

@kimiad Having a great daycare/boarding facility/dog walker when you adopt a dog is 100% recommended no matter what. If you're only working 2-3 12 hr shifts a week and you have a plan for those days this should be a good plan.

As a vet, I think the most important part is adopting a dog that matches your lifestyle and knowing what breeds are in your pup. Working breeds/sporting breeds/herding breeds need something to do with their brains and energy, for example. Then, the next most important thing is training. Don't make people avoid your house because your dog is poorly trained.

Also, look into insurance or starting a savings account. Vet care is expensive and you don't want to be caught without any way to help your pup

 

[kimiad]

@spurs Thank you for your response! Those are great recommendations! I have an insurance for my cat so I def will get an insurance for a dog too.

 

[oliviabrown]

@kimiad I don't see anything wrong with having a sitter/dog walker when your husband is away. It's not ideal, but you also get two extra days during the week that most people don't have to spend time with your dog. Most dogs are able to handle someone away at work for 8 hours without accidents, but yes they can occasionally happen, it's the reality of having something in your house that can't use the toilet.

12 hours is too long imo - I don't think even the best dogs can hold their bladder for that long, make sure your husband is on the same page with you, that he will need to walk the dog when he gets home from work.

 

[kimiad]

@oliviabrown Thank you for your response! My husband has experience with dogs and he’s fine with walking a dog after work, he even can walk the dog during his lunch break (his work is like 5 min drive from our place).

 

[believingingod]

@kimiad If that's the case then I'd say you're totally fine! If you walk the dog before 7, quick bathroom break at lunch time and out again at 4, that's great for the work day. If your husband's on board to do this on the days you work, I think you're set! I'd recommend keeping to the same schedule on your days off so your dog can know what to expect.

Eta: when your husband travels, a dog walker should maintain the routine!

I wish you mentioned this in your post. After reading the other comments, people seem to be under the impression the dog will be without a bathroom break for 12 hours. 7-4 is 9 hours and you can provide a break in between.

 

[kimiad]

@believingingod Thank you for your response! I’m planning to have consistant schedule for sure. Yeah I should’ve mentioned that my husband is able to help with walking during his lunch breaks and when he’s not I can do walker/sitter/daycare. He also works from home on Fridays and some occasional Mondays and always has weekends off. I would def not let the dog be without bathroom breaks for 12h it’s just cruel.