Dog Time

Question
I have a question concerning the time I'll soon be spending with dog. On
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, everyone leaves the house at 7:45 and the
earliest person to comeback comes at 4:00. We wake up at 6:00 and go to
sleep between 10:00 and 10:30. Is this enough time to have a dog? What dog
that can handle being alone the most? Please answer both questions. Thank
you very much, I'd really like a dog.

Answer
Hello, Wayne. Dogs are very adaptable, and will adjust to your routine fairly easily. My dogs stay alone at home from 8:00am until 5:30pm through the week. I do not see a problem at all with your schedule allowing for a dog. However, certain breeds require more mental stimulation than others, and can become destructive without a proper outlet for their energy. ALL dogs need training time, play time, and exercise time each day. I do have a few questions I need answered before I can recommend for or against any specific breeds.

Have you ever owned a dog before?
What is your living situation (apartment, house, duplex, - alone, w/parents, roomates, etc.)?
Do you work, go to school, or both?
Does everyone in the home agree to getting a dog and being responsible for it?
Are you prepared to pay for vet bills and preventive care?