To own a dog or not?

Question
I really want to get a dog, but I work full time and am gone all day - 10 hours. I am active when I'm home and on weekends though(running, boating, hiking). I have a house with a yard, no fence. I was thinking I could get a dog that's already house trained and then maybe take it to doggie day care one or two days a week. I also have a cat, no kids. So far the best candidate for a dog I've found is a Dakota Shepherd. So the question, do you think a dog could be happy in this sort of living environment? I can't afford doggie day care all week, but I was hoping it would learn that certain days were high energy play days and others were on the mellow side.

Answer
Hi Christine,

Dogs are social animals, if you are away all day,  it is important to make it up to your dog, you'll need to spend more time with him on weekends and holidays. If going out on the weekends and not taking your dog with you is a possibility, you should not consider a dog at this time in your life.

Regular vigorous exercise and mental stimulation, adequate socialization, and interactive play are all part of a necessary daily routine for a well-adjusted dog. If you can include time with a dog when you're not at work, then it may be possible to find a dog that fits into your lifestyle.

More than a particular breed, you need to look at an individual dog's temperament. You'd want to look for an independent adult dog, certainly not a needy or clingy dog, or a puppy. A low energy adult dog might not mind just sitting around all day.  Unfortunately, a dog with a low-key personality that would do well home alone for extended periods of time, may not be the personality that is suited to hiking or running with you on the weekends.

You are correct, it is possible for a dog to adapt to a schedule, so daycare may not be necessary everyday. However 10 hours really a very long time for a dog to go without going to the bathroom, and to be alone. Depending on the weather of where you live, 10 hours could be too long to be kept outside too. A "doggie door" may be a good solution, since you already have a fenced yard.

Is there be a neighbor (or neighbor's child) who could walk the dog once during the day? That might be more cost effective than doggie daycare.

So it's possible to find a dog that will fit into your lifestyle, but it requires that you really take the time to find the right dog. Most dogs do learn to be alone when they have to, and deal with it fine... and some don`t.

You should know that any dog left alone too much can develop a host of behavioral problems.

Alone for extended periods, a dog experiences "social deprivation" and will bark, dig and chew to regain access to the "pack" or to relieve it's discomfort. Left alone (inside or out) many dogs will develop a barking problem. They may bark from boredom and to communicate with the absent pack (attention-seeking barking). They may bark in response to noises they hear, such as neighbors or traffic. They may bark because of physical need (for food or water) or frustration, or to convey what they perceive as a threat. Excessive barking is largely self-reinforcing and, once established, can be very difficult habit to break.

Many dogs will develop a digging habit when left unsupervised in the yard, or in the house. Furniture can be destroyed in a matter of hours, or your yard can be turned into a minefield. Some breeds are more prone to digging behaviors than others (just as certain breeds are more likely to engage in alarm barking), but most dogs will eventually dig in response to a scent, to bury something, to be reunited with their pack, to conserve or disperse heat, or to entertain themselves. Digging can also be highly self-reinforcing and a hard habit to break.

Destructive chewing is another behavior problem that can develop in dogs left alone. Adult dogs chew mainly to relieve anxiety or boredom, or simply for enjoyment. Like barking and digging, chewing is a natural canine activity that we can anticipate and channel. Obviously, if you are not present to intervene (by substituting safe chew toys for inappropriate objects and offer praise for chewing the approved items), this behavior can result in destruction of property and serious harm to the dog, such as intestinal blockages or perforation.
Some dogs left alone can develop are self-mutilation (producing lick granulomas) to relieve their anxiety or boredom.

You also need to consider that a dog can live 13-15 years or longer! Depending on the size of the dog, it can be considered elderly at 8 or 9 years old, and would require extra care, more opportunities to go relieve itself, it would develop health concerns, and develop mobility problems. An elderly dog definitely can't be left alone for 10 hours a day!

Have you considered a cat? Some cats are more social than others, and can be very loving and "dog-like". Cat's don't mind being alone for long periods of time, and do not require the training, or care that a dog does.

If you feel that a dog is really something you want, talk to some shelters. Many shelter workers will go out of their way to match you up with a dog that is suited to your lifestyle.  

A really good place to browse adoptable pets is:
http://www.petfinder.com/

Best of luck,
Patti