jamesanddean Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 Hi We are a couple who both work full time and are planning to get a Golden Retriever puppy early next year. We will be getting the puppy at 8 weeks of age and plan to crate train him in the house, with him sleeping in the crate near us during the night. My questions are concerning what we do in the early stages whilst we are at work. I plan to take a week off work for the puppy's first week in our home to settle him in, but what is the best option for while we are at work during the day? - If we crate him, we would need to be able to get home to let him out every 2-3 hours which is difficult, so I am not sure what is the best way to look after him during the day - Would we be better to leave him in the laundry for longer periods uncrated during the day (coming home during the day to see him) - this will affect his toilet training I would expect? - Would we be better to leave him in a puupy run in the backyard with water, food, toys, shade, etc, but I would be concerned about his barking and our neighbours - How early would people advise we send him to puppy kindy/day care and how many days a week is "acceptable"? We have friends who have dogs who don't work who may also be able to assist with a daytime visit here and there and we will also look at a daytime dog walker - is this all OK? I just need advice on what to do during the work day, as I am sure many others have been through the same situation? He will get plenty of love and attention in the mornings, after work and on weekends, but I am conscious of what to do with him in the early weeks and months, and would appreciate any advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahona Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 Ooh James and dean! Hubby and I are in EXACTLY the same position, we want to get a goldie puppy early next year Difference being, we need to find a rental which will let us have dogs first! As far as I understand, a crate is not a good idea for long periods of time like that, you're much better off with the dog in a run in the backyard, with shade, food, toys and water. I plan to get it a clam shell pool filled with sand, and leave it frozen chicken necks and kong toys to keep it busy. If you can get someone to feed it lunch and play with it for a bit in the afternoon, that would be ideal, if not, what I've been told is one large meal before we leave, a large meal as soon as we get back and a smaller one at night. We do the best we can within our circumstances We'll be taking our pup to puppy preschool, about twice a week I think? Not sure how many days a week is ideal. A lot of other people will be in, there are some very helpful and knowledgeable goldie people on here! Come join us in the retrievers thread under general discussion Good luck! a. HiWe are a couple who both work full time and are planning to get a Golden Retriever puppy early next year. We will be getting the puppy at 8 weeks of age and plan to crate train him in the house, with him sleeping in the crate near us during the night. My questions are concerning what we do in the early stages whilst we are at work. I plan to take a week off work for the puppy's first week in our home to settle him in, but what is the best option for while we are at work during the day? - If we crate him, we would need to be able to get home to let him out every 2-3 hours which is difficult, so I am not sure what is the best way to look after him during the day - Would we be better to leave him in the laundry for longer periods uncrated during the day (coming home during the day to see him) - this will affect his toilet training I would expect? - Would we be better to leave him in a puupy run in the backyard with water, food, toys, shade, etc, but I would be concerned about his barking and our neighbours - How early would people advise we send him to puppy kindy/day care and how many days a week is "acceptable"? We have friends who have dogs who don't work who may also be able to assist with a daytime visit here and there and we will also look at a daytime dog walker - is this all OK? I just need advice on what to do during the work day, as I am sure many others have been through the same situation? He will get plenty of love and attention in the mornings, after work and on weekends, but I am conscious of what to do with him in the early weeks and months, and would appreciate any advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 I work for an organisation that does not rehome puppies to homes where people work full time. They need extra meals and lots of attention whilst growing. It simply doesn't work but if you have the support network that might help. I don't believe in crating dogs for hours on end either. Sorry to be negative but I have fostered young dogs and as a full time worker, even though they other dogs for company and tons of exercise, it simply didn't work for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 When you say, "work full-time", how long will the pup/ dog be home alone for on the average week? Dogs are pack animals who need company, so you have to be realistic and think whether or not you're being fair to a dog/pup, leaving them at home alone for 8-10 hours/ day, 5 days a week. It's good you're thinking about it . Bored, lonely pups whine, cry, bark and destroy things. The neighbours won't be impressed. Pups don't need a 1/2 hour walk, but a walker who will play for a while, 15 minute walk and feed pup would be helpful to help break up the day. Many people here work full-time, but many have more than one dog, also. I have a human-orientated breed and work part-time. I'd need to be a dedicated owner to keep them happy if I was to leave them 8-10 hours/ day e.g. walk and train b4 work, toys/ chews for daytime and walk evenings, come rain, hail or shine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 I know I'm luckier than most but we took our dogs to work with us when they were puppies and still do take our Goldie at 3yrs of age. It's great bonding for you and pup and as they get older you can gradually wean them off so they stay home for longer. Twenty years ago when it was not possible to do this I would leave my dogs with my sister who was home and had a fenced yard. Maybe you might know someone who could do this for you. With a beautiful pup like that I would think there'd be plenty of volunteers (but I'm a bit biased towards Goldies ). I definately recommend the crate training (I used it for the first time with my Goldie). It's usually used at night only as he can be trusted to have the run of the house during the day if I need to duck out for a minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 I would have the pup in a secure yard outside with shelter, water and toys. Feed before work after work and night. As for daycare, carefully find out how their day is scheduled and how it is organised. Pups need a lot of rest and daycare can be full on. You also don't want the pup overexercised, overtired or bullied by larger dominant dogs or learn to bully others. I certainly would not send a young pup to daycare everyday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spanner Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 (edited) jamesanddean, have you considered getting an older pup????? Yes I know that "baby" pups are adorable and who doesn't love those cuddles but there are some awesome advantages to having an older pup and the "baby" stage doesn't really last very long anyway. A lot of breeders have older pups for sale due to deciding that a particular pup isn't quite right for the showring/breeding etc. This is what happened to us. We arranged a visit to our breeder with the intention of buying one of their pups but they also had two 9 month olds for sale as well so I thought well thats good we'll meet the older pups so we can see what they are like when they are older etc. Keep in mind I took my 3 kids with me who were hell bent on getting a "baby" pup........well we met this gorgeous 9 month old pup and we all fell in love! We discussed things at home....weighed up the pro's and con's and talked about how a baby pup would be as big as the 9 month old was very quickly anyway and all decided there were some incredible plus's with having an older pup. We brought him into our home and to our delight he knew that outside was for going to the toilet (not inside!) and even sleeping indoors overnight....no accidents! We have no digging up the garden, and pretty much no destruction (unless we have left something outside that we shouldn't.....and that's our fault, not the dogs). He is extremely well behaved and due to his time in the showring walks like a dream on his lead (no pulling). He knows the sit command but not much else but he's due to start classes in two weeks time. A big plus is we didn't need to do anything to our gates because by 9 months he couldn't fit through the opening at the bottom like a "baby" pup could and after spending a few days at home with him and watching him in the garden knew that I could safely leave him outside when I was at work. I've had two pups before from 8 weeks so I know how much work they are and to be honest I cannot believe how awesome it has been having this older pup come into our lives. I know his temperment is good as he has been raised with lots of kids around (the breeders have very small children including toddlers and the dogs behaved wonderfully around them) but I am still careful not to leave my youngest alone with him just to be sure though as you should with any dog whether they have been with you since 8 weeks or not. He is still a puppy so he enjoys playing with his toys and racing around with my kids but being older I have been able to go out for walks with him everyday whereas with a "baby" pup you have to wait for vaccinations plus not doing too much until they are older because of bone/joint development etc. Anyway sorry my post is long but I thought I should share our experience as I think it could be a fantastic option for you. Edited November 7, 2007 by Spanner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 (edited) We recommend dogs of 4+ for people that work fulltime. Most dogs have a lifespan of 10+ years except the giant breeds. I have referred 4 unwanted Golden Retrievers to Golden Retriever Rescue in NSW in the last fortnight. Those dogs were all in NSW and aged between 2 and 7 years of age. Nothing wrong with any of them except they had the misfortune to end up with owners that were not committed to the dog for the term of its natural life. That said, there will always be good reasons for having to rehome a dog such as death or serious illness. I don't consider moving house to be a good reason however (the reason in 3 cases). If I move, my dogs will be coming with me. Edited November 7, 2007 by dogmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahona Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Hey Spanner Thanks for that idea ^^ I think an older pup would suit us well, much as I love puppy kisses, so I'll have a look around and see what I can find when we start looking! a. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Ahona - are you in NSW? I can provide the Golden Retriever Rescue group's phone no if you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahona Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Hi dogmad No, I'm in Victoria unfortunately! That said, if we could find a dog that was a perfect match, I'd be happy to pay for inter state adoption. Like you, a dog is for life for me, and barring death or extreme ill health I cannot imagine re homing a dog! We're going to rent and have already lined up 3 places that will take our soon-to-be dog temporarily, so that we have time to find a pet friendly rental if evicted with not much notice! How do I go about finding goldies up for rescue in Victoria? Thanks Ahona Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 You could try contacting the Club first: GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB OF VICTORIA Inc. Shane Addison Narre Warren Ph: 03 8794 9388 Mobile: 0438 523 526 Email:[email protected] www.grcv.org.au Another thing you might be able to do initially is "foster" a particular dog, that way you can see how it all works for you. Thanks for being open to suggestion on what is the best thing for the dog, if only everyone thought like you our pounds would not be so full of unwanted dogs. All the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahona Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Thanks dogmad, I appreciate your help I'll contact the club and other rescue orgs when we're closer to being ready to own a dog. Hopefully not too far away! You could try contacting the Club first:GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB OF VICTORIA Inc. Shane Addison Narre Warren Ph: 03 8794 9388 Mobile: 0438 523 526 Email:[email protected] www.grcv.org.au Another thing you might be able to do initially is "foster" a particular dog, that way you can see how it all works for you. Thanks for being open to suggestion on what is the best thing for the dog, if only everyone thought like you our pounds would not be so full of unwanted dogs. All the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlelabrador Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 I think theres also a labrador rescue society in NSW. Thats how my Dad got his black lab. He was in a pet shop window for 4 months !! (5.5months when we got him 10 yrs ago). We rescued him for the princely sum of $200, they wanted $800, no wonder he didnt sell. Imagine that long in a pet shop. Disgusting. Beautiful dog he's been too. To jamesanddean, you need to think long and hard about a puppy with full time work. We have a 12 week old labrador and i can tell you, SHE is a full time job. There is no way i could or would consider getting a puppy and working full time. Its just not fair to the dog. They need company, care, attention, feeding, playing, walking, grooming, etc. Not sitting in a crate, and not left in a yard all day. I do believe the type of dog you end up with reflects the care and attention, or lack thereof, it recieves as a puppy. Just my personal opinion. Same as i dont agree with people leaving little babies in daycare all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
First Time Puppy Owner Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...&start=4305 Come into the GR thread - link above! ;) Also read the link below http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...olden+Retriever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahona Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Thanks Littlelabrador. I think hubby and I have settled on a goldie for now, we want something just a little quieter than a lab! I do think it is possible to raise a puppy properly, even if you are working full time. Hard yes, but doable, with the right amount of care and attention before and after work and on weekends. I know my hubby and I will make fantastic dog (or pup) parents, despite being away from home 9-5 4 days a week, simply because we are committed to the dog and socialisation/training and just cuddling and loving it. I think quality takes preceedence over quantity in some instances and you can be home all day and still neglect the dog or leave it locked out in the backyard. Not everyone has the luck to be able to be home all day, but that doesn't mean they cant be responsible parents, or dog owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle. Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 My husband and I both work fulltime and our teenage daughters are at school during the day. That didn't stop us adopting an Australian Shepherd puppy earlier in the year, and it's worked out great. We have an elderly Lhasa Apso that keep him company, but he spends all day in the backyard with access via a doggy door to a small roofed porch area. Before and after work we spend loads of time with him, and weekends we go to obedience classes and take him to the beach, park, on drives etc. He has a sandpit to dig in, toys to play with, bones to chew and space to run around in. According to our next door neighbor, they never hear him during the day so he's obviously content while we're at work. I would not keep a large puppy like a Goldie crated during the day. I'd be more inclined to secure the yard or build a puppy run and leave him in it with plenty to occupy him, plus a warm dry place to snooze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlelabrador Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 haha, i dont think there is much difference between a lab and a retriever, i grew up with both ! They can be just as boisterous. Only thing is the retrievers coat requires so much more attention. We will have to agree to disagree on the full time work thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahona Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 I expected retriever puppies to be rather boisterous ;) I remember how absolutely MANIC my lab pup was, with the running around, biting, chewing and jumping. Tiring pups they are, but so gorgeous ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesanddean Posted November 7, 2007 Author Share Posted November 7, 2007 Thanks everyone for your advice to date...it is very much appreciated. I agree that as we work full time we have to find a way to make this work for the puppy and ourselves. We are dedicated to the long term commitment of purchasing a puppy and need to make the changes in our lifestyle to accommodate him. On these forums you get a wide range of views but we are committed to making this work whatever it takes. You see so many people who purchase pets (and have children) who are not committed and neglect them. Although we are not home all day I don't want it to be a reason for us not to proceed, but rather an opportunity to find a way to make it work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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