Yup, I have to agree with you. I have two dogs and three cats and we both work all day.
I wonder would you consider something like a greyhound?, not a popular choice I know but great animal, require very little exercise and very gentle/passive??
Different situation when the dog has company during the day in the form of another dog (pack member).
People need to realise that a dog requires a committment and responsibility, walks and exercise twice a day, company, mental stimulation, good living conditions etc...
Ney001 - I disagree that greyhounds need very little exercise, they need as much as any dog, walks twice a day plus off leash exercise.
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A relative of mine had a dog that he and his wife loved to bits in the evenings and weekends. But it drove the neighbours crazy barking all day long and it turned into a very aggressive animal. A dog lover myself, it was dreadful to see what had been a promising pup go off so badly. The dog lived for about 12 years and spent most of it wandering around the back garden alone. I think that is a cruel way to treat an animal.So, because we work all day (my husband will go home at lunch), you state we can't own a dog even though it will get loads of love off us in the evenings and weekends.
If you have lots of space perhaps you would consider getting two dogs rather than one so that they have company during the day. That said, you will then have a problem if for some reason they don't get on with each other.So, basically, anyone who works two jobs in a household, which most couples do, you can't own a dog, even though it will have a large pen and kennel. Get a life.
Well most places wouldn't give you one. From :I am sure a wee dog in a kennel would love to come to our home instead.
There has been a recent thread where someone suggested restraining a dog in a garden on a spike and chain! I honestly dont know where ignorance ends and cruelty begins.
If you have lots of space perhaps you would consider getting two dogs rather than one so that they have company during the day. That said, you will then have a problem if for some reason they don't get on with each other.
All due respect Truthseeker, no dog owner is going to be perfect - it's not always possible to walk a dog twice a day even if you are at home! What you can do is provide a good home, clean bed, good healthy food and regular exercise as well as lots of attention and love. Owning a dog is not an exact science, usually it's trial and error, you don't have to stick to a regime of two walks a day etc - regular exercise and common sense will do.
i know plenty of farmers who tie their dogs up at nighttime. Would call them cruel at all.
You would be very busy in the countryside so.I would. And I would report them for cruelty also.
You would be very busy in the countryside so.
Can i give you a scenario, a farmer has a dog who is a bit 'mad' and runs about all over the place when loose.What would you suggest he does? Put the animal down? Send to the pound? Lock him in a shed?
I agree - the optimum is walks twice a day plus off leash exercise, but deviating from this should be considered the exception rather than the norm, to start off at the outset with a plan to leave a dog alone all day in a 'large pen' is not putting the thought into the responsibility that comes with an animal.
It really depends on personal circumstances, if a dog is being mentally and physically stimulated by being with people all day who play with him and throw a ball etc... then he may not need so much 'formal' walking.
Not to detract from your long quote but I wouldnt take much stock in random webpages - check out the DSPCAs website and their section on Lurchers (greyhound crosses), they recommend the same amount of exercise as any dog, as do the staff in Kerry Greyhound Connection - who are a great resource for rehoming greyhounds and lurchers with years of experience. In my personal experience I find them to be 'couch rockets', 23 hours a day asleep on the couch and then madly running around for a half hour twice a day - lovely dogs actually, very gentle with kids as well - although some of the larger ones may be too big for someone without experience to take on.
You would be very busy in the countryside so.
Can i give you a scenario, a farmer has a dog who is a bit 'mad' and runs about all over the place when loose.What would you suggest he does? Put the animal down? Send to the pound? Lock him in a shed?
Okay, Paws website recommends a couple of short sprints a day, again specifying that greyhounds are not an endurance animals. In my experience they do not require the same amount of exercise as other dogs and if your garden is big enough they could sprint there.
Exercise aside they are a good choice of dog to have around the home.
There are dogs out there who can adopt to being left at home, particularly if somebody pops in during the day as OP stated her husband would be doing.
I have been a dog owner all my life and I have to tell you it's not always black and white, sometimes you have to make exceptions and sometimes the dog has to fit in around your schedule but that's life, if you miss a walk on a Monday, do it on Tuesday!. Relax, have fun with your dog and above all enjoy.
No offense but no farmer I know would keep a dog who is a 'bit mad'!
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