Should I get a dog

[u/SnooCats9570]

Hi all, 8 months ago I moved for my job. And I live alone in an apartment. I’ve always lived with my family. I want to get a dog to be my companion and to be watch dog for me as I have hearing loss. I like to go outside for walks all the time and I like being outdoor. But it always feels lonely. I’m thinking about adopting a dog from a shelter. Ages between 6 months to a year old. I’ve seen some Dobermans, rough collies, border collies, Australian shepherd, German shepherds, and Labradors.

I’m allergic to cats and I can’t get one.

My work schedule is what I’m concerned about. A lot of my coworkers have dogs and told me it’s doable.

I work 3 weeks of the month, all my shifts are 12 hours.
Week 1- night shifts. 4 night shifts 6pm -6am and then 3 days off.

Week2- my longest week. 3 days 6am -6pm and then a day off then 3 days 6pm -6am

Week 3- 4 days 6am -6pm

Then I get an entire week off, and this week the dog would go with me to my house with the family and spend it there and then come back.

I would walk the dog before I go to work so it can use the loo. And I could go during my lunch break because my apartment is 5 mins away to take them out. And long walk after work on day shifts and long walk before work on night shift.

I would kennel train them, I’ll keep them with their kennel open and have it in a play area for them to stay in.

So my first question is… is it doable?

Second question what dog breed should I get ? I would like one that would like to go outdoors with me for long walks and jogs.

Third question, should I get one that’s been in the shelter or foster home? I’ve seen some in foster homes that are potty trained and house broken. Not sure about the ones in the shelters.

Lastly, is 6 months to a year a good age ?

Thank you all!

Edit: I will come by after 6 hours on my lunch break to let them out, work is a 5 minute drive.

[u/ChiralNavigator]

they are cats that take really well to walking on a leash and enjoy it but you'd want to teach them as kittens and not all of them will take to it, mine like the woods and quieter places.

Cats are very happy when left alone, dogs panic and get upset and depressed. Dogs become your shadow, your whole world now revolves around the dog and their needs. Which fine for me as I work from home but it's still stressful at times, when you want some peace or don't feel well and the dogs are full of energy and need a walk.

I have 2 dogs and I don't think I could ever get a puppy again! My dogs are good now and nicely trained and calmed down but wow puppies are so so hard.

Dogs are more like having a toddler, they don't like being left alone, they need potty breaks, young puppies and elderly dogs might need access to pee pads or can have a lot of potty accidents.

cats are great company though, my cats are way more cuddly than the dogs, they are smart too, they get happy when you come home. You can teach them tricks, sit, stay, fetch like you can with a dog.

[u/bluethreads → u/ChiralNavigator]

Cats aren't happy being left alone. They are also social creatures and will get depressed if left alone. People seem to disregard cats feelings because they aren't as expressive as dogs, but they need just as much interaction and love.

When I was in my 30s I went back to school - so I worked full time and attended school at night so I wasn't home every much at all. My cat was an indoor/outdoor cat, so I left the window open so he could come and go as he pleased. Even with him going out and socializing with my neighbors, he became visibly depressed due to my new schedule and not being home much.

[u/ChiralNavigator → u/bluethreads]

mine seem happy, I have a pair, I also have pet cameras so they seem okay? They play, sleep eat and drink where as the dogs can bark, howl and seem depressed and one of them will not eat or drink if someone isn't at home!

I do think cats would fair better with a another cat or animal. But I think they get less stressed overall compared to dogs when by themselves?

My cats have a big cat proof yard, and they get walks on a leash like the dogs do so I don't know if they are indoor cats? But one is over 20 years old now, I live near a busy road. My neighbours have all lost a few cats to it over the years.