My wife and I have been thinking very hard about getting a dog. We don't jump into anything without first doing as much research as possible.
So.............
We know we want a dog, we know are ready for the committment to add a new member to the family and gladly take on the added resposibility and financial committment as well.
However.................
My wife and I both work M-F, 8-4 jobs. My biggest concern is what do we do with the puppy while we are at work?
I have looked into doggy daycare and it is very expensive. In my area it is around $40CAD per day (not including taxes). Considering the breeder will give us the puppy at 8 weeks, this can get really expensive.
I don't really have the option of a full time family member living with is while we raise the puppy.
My questions are:
1. At what age can a puppy be left alone in the house (in a crate of course)? For how long? We can also dedicate a room to the puppy if need a crate is too small for the day.
2. Would it be ok to have the puppy crated and have a dog walker come in at lunch everyday?
We could probably swing Doggy Daycare for the first few weeks after we get the pup, but after 12 weeks it will get way to pricey. A dog walker is only about $15/hr.
Because of the breed we are interested starting from a puppy is pretty much our only option.
Your help and thoughts are greatly appreciated. Puppy hood although an important time is only a small part of the dogs life. We don't want to miss out on a new family member because someone can't be there 8-4 during the day for the first 8 months.
Many thanks
Detox
So.............
We know we want a dog, we know are ready for the committment to add a new member to the family and gladly take on the added resposibility and financial committment as well.
However.................
My wife and I both work M-F, 8-4 jobs. My biggest concern is what do we do with the puppy while we are at work?
I have looked into doggy daycare and it is very expensive. In my area it is around $40CAD per day (not including taxes). Considering the breeder will give us the puppy at 8 weeks, this can get really expensive.
I don't really have the option of a full time family member living with is while we raise the puppy.
My questions are:
1. At what age can a puppy be left alone in the house (in a crate of course)? For how long? We can also dedicate a room to the puppy if need a crate is too small for the day.
2. Would it be ok to have the puppy crated and have a dog walker come in at lunch everyday?
We could probably swing Doggy Daycare for the first few weeks after we get the pup, but after 12 weeks it will get way to pricey. A dog walker is only about $15/hr.
Because of the breed we are interested starting from a puppy is pretty much our only option.
Your help and thoughts are greatly appreciated. Puppy hood although an important time is only a small part of the dogs life. We don't want to miss out on a new family member because someone can't be there 8-4 during the day for the first 8 months.
Many thanks
Detox