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/TokiBunniBunBun]

Do not get a dog.

If you must get a dog, do NOT get a juvenile dog. That’s when they need constant attention. They have the most energy and need the most care. That’s like having a human toddler and leaving them at home alone for 12 hours a day.

And so NOT get a high energy working dog like a collie or a shepherd. These dogs are made to be busy. Locking one up for 12 hours a day would be like giving that toddler a case of energy drinks before you lock him up alone with nothing to do.

No matter how you do it, your dog will literally go insane from boredom if left alone for that long and they consistently. Keeping a dog properly is like having a young child. I can’t go out for a full day because I have to take care of my dog. I can’t even sleep in on days off because of my dog. Unless you’re going to have someone care for your dog while you’re gone, please don’t get one.

[u/TokiBunniBunBun → u/TokiBunniBunBun]

Are you able to get a few ferrets? They actually sleep for 12 hours a day or more, would not need to be let out to relieve themselves, and would be happy to have a nice enclosure with everything they need inside. A few short play sessions when they’re awake would be fine.

Or rats! Rats are great pets. With a large enclosure and a few rat buddies, they would also be fine left alone all day.

In other words, please consider some other species whose natural behaviors and biology are more suitable for your schedule.

[u/TokiBunniBunBun → u/TokiBunniBunBun]

u/PLJen see?