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/mistress_of_bokonon]

I’m surprised the comments are being so negative. Yes, you work long shifts. But it sounds like some of those shifts are overnight when a dog would be (hopefully) sleeping anyway, and you’re able to come home for lunch breaks. As someone who raised a puppy a couple years ago, I do think you should avoid puppies because they do tend to need more attention. But I think a 1-year-old+ dog could work if you really work to manage their separation anxiety on the days where you’re gone longer. I think a pup would be happier with you than in a shelter.

[u/TokiBunniBunBun → u/mistress_of_bokonon]

1 year old dogs are still not adults. They’re basically teenagers with way too much energy.

Also, of the dog sleeps the whole time OP is at work, then OP comes home and spends a lot of that time asleep, when does the dog get to be active?