Can I get a dog?

10+ hours a day is a long time for a pup to be alone. Do you have a neighbor child who would be willing to come in after school and play with your dog for a little while? This is often the solution working families find for their dogs. A child will be very happy to receive $25/week to play with your dog for 30-45 minutes every day. It's a good way for them to learn responsibility and get a little money while safely close to their parents. It's also an excellent way for your dog to get some much needed attention in the middle of the day.

Most cities also have doggy-day-care. It's like daycare for a child but for your dog. The prices vary and it can be an excellent solution. A local vet or yellow pages should have numbers for you.

I would also strongly suggest going with a rescue organization so that you can get an adult dog. This way, you will not have to go through the puppy stages.

If you have a laundry room that you could install the petdoor into I think that is fine idea, however, most dogs are safer and happier in a crate rather than having the run of the house while you are gone - it helps keep them out of trouble. Just something to consider.

Good luck and I hope you can work it out to have a companion.

Little dogs (under 15 pounds) are very energetic and also have smaller bladders and usually more accidents. And with you being gone for 10 hours a day a small dog with so much energy would very possibly tear things apart (furniture etc). When introducing a dog to a new home you should probably be with it 24/7 for a few days for training. Also the best idea would be an older dog(adopted) that has already been trained so it is easier with such long days. reasearch everything about that breed of dog before you make your decision. try to go for a low energy dog and adopt an independant dog to avoid separation anxiety.

Doesn't sound like a dog would be a good fit for you. If you're not opposed to cats, however, that could work. Cats are much more independent and the whole litterbox thing negates the idea of having to come home every few hours to let them out or crate training, etc. People do definitely live in apartments and condos and have dogs, but they don't (or shouldn't) leave them home alone for that long without coming home to let them out or having someone else do it. It is a great thing that you're thinking of this BEFORE you get a pet--too many people don't realize this issue until after they've already gotten it and they end up in shelters.

You're right...it isn't fair to the dog...even IF it can get to relieve itself. How would you like to be left alone for 10 hours a day, have a few hours of companionship, go to sleep and do it all over again 5 days a week?

I don't agree with someone who is away from home for that length of time getting a dog. Cats are different. They're more independant and could care less if you are home or not (at least mine are) as long as you feed them.

If you are going to be away that long each day, I do not recommend getting a puppy. Why don't you get 2 small adult dogs from a shelter?

- Adult dogs can be alone way longer than puppies

- They could keep each other company (Just make sure they get along well before you leave them alone)

- If they're from a shelter, they were probably getting way less human attention than they would at your house. They may have even been neglected completely before they came to the shelter.

I would seriously not advise you to get a dog, ESPECIALLY at 10 hours a day. But if you believe you must, and are craving a long-term companion, consider adopting an OLDER dog from the shelter. They have lots of small dogs there that'd love a good home. And get HIM a buddy.

Otherwise, stick with a fish, hamster, or a canary [with a friend].

Good luck.

10 hours is far too long to leave a dog alone, and way too long to leave a puppy alone. They need far more attention than what you would have left in a day after taking care of the other things in your life, don't forget, you'll have to sleep 6-8 hours a night.. Out of 24 hours you have a mere 6 hours left each day for laundry, dinner, house chores etc.

That is a long time to be away... but I believe personally (I have dogs and I am gone about 9 hours a day) that if you spend enough quality time with them when you are home, then it is ok. If you ignore them then too, it isn't ok. After I get home, it's all about the dog. I have household things today, but as I put clothes in the washer I talk to him and give him an occasional pat... I make sure he is involved in whatever I am doing.

Someone I know lives in a condo, has 2 dogs and is gone for 10 to 11 hours a day at work. Her dogs do fine! She also has a yard. She even has time to teach her dogs tricks! I think it would be fine! I would get 2 dogs, if you can, so they will keep each other company! Just remember when you get home to give them lots of love and attention! Hope this heps!

How do you feel about cats? They are wonderful pets and would fit in with your busy lifestyle well. I have always had both, and although they are very different, they are both wonderful companions. Cats are more independent and can emotionally handle your schedule better than a dog. That doesn't mean that a cat won't greet you at the door, curl up in your lap and purr out of sheer happiness that you are home. My cat also licks me more than my dogs does!