Thinking of getting my first dog, have a dilemma though

[uplandhunter870]

So just as the title says I'm wanting to get my first dog. Always had dogs growing up so I'm not a total newb . I have the breed narrowed down to a wirehaired pointing griffon.

My dilemma is that I have an hour long drive to work, I work 4/10s. So Monday through Thursday I'm out of the house at 0500 and usually not home until 1830. This would mean a new pup would be spending a lot of time kenneled during the week.

In your guys opinion is this too much time in a kennel for a pup? I have my opinion but I've also never owned my own dog before so please advise.

Thanks everyone

[fowl smacker]

Sounds to me like you don't have enough time to be a dog owner at this point in time.

[uplandhunter870]

That's the same thing I've been thinking. Don't want to be a bad owner....

[kselkhunter]

I wouldn't kennel a pup for that long. 

Have you thought about an older dog?   You can find started 1 year old dogs.  Easier to manage.  That's all I do these days.  Haven't had a puppy in over 20 years. 

[KFhunter]

It depends on the kennel if it's too long or not.  Kennels where they just sit there all day long in a small box then probably so, but not all kennels are equal.

[runamuk]

Do you have someone that can come midday for a walk and potty break?  Or a doggy daycare center? Puppies need a lot of attention if you want them well housebroke and well adjusted.  Older dogs can adapt to those odd schedules but puppies really dont thrive.

[ribka]

It depends on the kennel if it's too long or not.  Kennels where they just sit there all day long in a small box then probably so, but not all kennels are equal.

Griffs are very sociable breed and dont like being left alone for long periods of time day after day. Especially as a puppy when the socialization period is very important. Plus they need a lot of exercise every day plus training. I'd wait til you have more time to dedicate to raising a hunting dog

[nutntoit]

I agree with others. That is too long to leave your pup kenneled up alone. Socialization is huge for a hunting dog and this requires a lot of time and effort for a puppy. The idea of a started dog is a great suggestion as long as you can dedicate your evenings and days off to being with you dog, taking him/her to do and see new things and continue training.

Do you have the space to build an outdoor kennel? This is a must unless you can leave the dog in the house or garage with a dog door. Costco sells a nice one that can be set up for 5x15 or 10x10. This gives the dog some space to roam and do their business while you are at work.

[eastsidemallard74]

Do you have the ability to bring him along with you to work?

[trophyhunt]

Sounds to me like you don't have enough time to be a dog owner at this point in time.

[GBoyd]

I've got a two year old griff and I think you're right that 12 hours is much too long, especially for the first 18 months. Even now, I'd only leave him that long occasionally. They're really energetic and social dogs.

If you have the money, you can pay for someone to come play with your dog and run them a bit, maybe even some training. I have a couple friends that go that route. It can be expensive, but might be the only way you can work long hours and still feel okay about owning a dog.

[uplandhunter870]

Thanks for the input everyone. A lot of what was said is the exact same stuff I had listed as why now is not the right time to get a dog.

I live out in the country and I'm single so I don't have anyone that could puppy sit or swing by on their lunch. Where I'm living is on an alfalfa farm with no yard so constructing an outside space will cost as much as a quality bred pup. And taking him/her to work with me is not an option, I work as a habitat biologist and I'm in the field everyday. My field sites are boat access only and are riddled with rattlesnakes, not a good place for new pup.

[bobcat]

Here's what you can do. If you have enough room, put up a nice fence, and get two puppies. That way they can play with and keep each other entertained while you're gone, and in a big fenced yard so they'll have plenty of room to run.

Or do the same thing, except get an older dog that's already trained.

Most of my life I had at least two hunting dogs and I also worked four 10's most of that time and I made it work. Never paid anyone to take care of the dogs either.

[GBoyd]

Here's what you can do. If you have enough room, put up a nice fence, and get two puppies. That way they can play with and keep each other entertained while you're gone, and in a big fenced yard so they'll have plenty of room to run.

Or do the same thing, except get an older dog that's already trained.

Most of my life I had at least two hunting dogs and I also worked four 10's most of that time and I made it work. Never paid anyone to take care of the dogs either.

That's good advice. I'd say of the two options though, an older dog will probably be better unless you're already a good trainer. Training two pups at once sounds like a nightmare. We've thought of getting some cheap shelter dog as a pet for our hunting dog, so they can keep each other company during the day.

[addicted2hunting]

Pups that is a long time. If it is a started dog that is well adjusted I would say a good sized kennel is fine as long as you give it ample attention when you get home. If it sleeps inside and functions as a member of the family all the rest of the time you'll be fine.