Doberman in my house??

[Bow_Wow]

Hi,

I am a single man who is thinking about getting a Doberman-Pinscher. The problem is that I work away from home for about 9 hours a day.

What are your opinions about whether or not it's a good idea to leave such an active dog home alone while I'm away for so many hours each day?

Thanks

[sixdogoldhouse]

We have had 2 Dobermans. I love this breed. Our first dobe was a big, red lady who graced our home for 17 years. Our present dobe is a black and tan which we got from a rescue. I don't know if you're planning on getting a puppy or adopt an older dog; just be aware that they each come with the usual dog "baggage". Our Sammy was a chewer as a puppy; she had an American Eskimo and a Dachshund for company, so it wasn't because she was lonely. Saleen has a timid, submissive side; probably due to an unstable previous life.

I'm rambling. What I really mean to say is this: for a person who knows the breed, having a Doberman is like breathing--ya just gotta do it. Do you know much about the dobie? If you do, then the fact that you are gone for 9 hours a day shouldn't be a big factor in your decision. A dobie isn't much different than any other dog--it'll need love, discipline, training, and lots of exercise. Don't expect it to be happy without some fresh air, a good long walk or run, and some one-on-one time with you.

Our dobes experienced much longer days than the 9 hours you are talking about. We are gone from 5 am to 7pm. Except for Sammy's appetite for furniture and rugs as a puppy, we have never had any destruction.

I say go for it--they are loyal, very obedient, tough, and big lovers. Respect them; don't get one just for bragging rights. I don't think you'll regret your decision as long as you are willing to live up to your committment.

[xtina]

hi i've got a 8 month old dorberman called boston.. he is the best dog i've ever had he fun loving and always please to see me. i'd say if your worried bout leaving him why don't you look into dog walking in your area. pay someone to take him out during the day,or doggie day care for when he's a pup.. ;)

[Carol]

I agree with the idea of a dog walker. When I had my Lab "Lady" who was adopted at age 4, I hated leaving her all day while I worked. The dog walker came everyday at lunch time and took her for a long walk and gave her any meds she may have been on. Lady loved her and I went to work not worrying.
This cost me $60 per week and it was worth every penny but it was a few years ago.

[Rottie_Owner]

Surely it doesn't matter what dog you intend getting its unfair to leave any dog alone for 9 hours regardless of the breed.

[Benji]

I would have to agree with the person who said that 9 hours is too long to leave a dog alone for, especially a large active dog which needs a lot of attention and exercise.Many people dont realise how much time and attention a dog needs at first.I know because i have a four year old labrador retriever and although i would'nt change him for the world i had no idea just how much time and committment it involves to maintain a heathy and happy dog.At the end of the day dogs are very much social animals and i believe it to be unfair and unhealthy to deny an animal the basic neccessities.After all a dog does not have a voice and cannot speak out about anything that it is miserable with.I would say put yourself in the position of the animal and consider how you would feel in that same situation and base your decision around that.

[KatzNK9]

I believe a dog walker would be a great idea while the dog is young. An older dog will adjust to your work schedule & entertain itself. Many people work & have perfectly well-adjusted dogs. I say this under the condition that as long as you're willing to provide the appropriate time exercising your dog in your off-hours & that it is YOU who provides your dog the most amount of attention & exercise & training.

Since you say you have a house, I'm assuming you also have at least a small yard area. If it is properly fenced or has an area where you can build a large dog-run, there's no reason your dog can't spend your time away if the area is protected & it has appropriate shelter from the elements.

I do believe that young pups need more attention & you would be well-served by having some hired extra attention from a trusted source while you are away.

[kyla1236]

Hi,

I am a single man who is thinking about getting a Doberman-Pinscher. The problem is that I work away from home for about 9 hours a day.

What are your opinions about whether or not it's a good idea to leave such an active dog home alone while I'm away for so many hours each day?

Thanks

Dear Bow_Wow,

I think its bad because when you come home your house will be messy. Or if you have a date your house will messy
Love Kyla1236

[Carol]

Anyone planning to own a dog and leave it for many hours would be wise to include crate training for it.
I would never attempt this with a puppy though because they cannot hold it longer than a couple of hours when very young.

[skippygurl00]

leave an active dog alone for so long,dont expect the house to be as you left it,when dogs get bored they get destructive and noisy!:rolleyes:

[May209]

I think that most dogs udjust to their owners schedule. I think the key is the dog getting the propper exercize is the key. As long as your dog learns when you come home is great playtime then you shouldn't have an issue. I like the idea of an indoor outdoor run for while your gone. Or the dog walking service. Although those are sometimes hard to come by. Anyway good luch. There are great ways to keep you pup entertaind while your away. Like Kongs full of kibble or peanut butter. Or the balls that hold dog food and when your dog rolls it around pieces fall out. I forget what its called but anyway there are options out there. Good Luck!!!:)

[shell]

I work a normal 8 hr day myself. I also have an 8-mth-old Mini Dachshund x. Before I got him, I made sure to discuss it at length with my family (I'm a single mom that lives alone). I made sure that there will always be some one around for my pup (a lot of siblings and step-siblings). My house is rarely empty (good for my pup) and its usually the same people hanging out. Besides, I've always had an open-door policy where my family is concered. It has worked out great so far. I have a happy, well-adjusted pup that my son and I are able to spend time with when we are home. When my son is with his Dad, I have some one around to keep me company. Thing is, if it weren't for my family, I wouldn't have gotten my dog... it wouldn't be fair to leave him home alone for 9 hrs. a day.

[texasgirl]

Nine hours is a long time to be alone in the house for a puppy. Consider an older dog. Go to the pound! Lots of dogs need loving homes, you might not even come away with a dobie, but it will be the perfect dog for you.

[shell]

I definitely agree with the rescue perspective. So you don't have the papers. Who really cares? You have just saved the life of some one that is prepared to love you unconditionally. All but 1 of my critters are rescues and they are all unique in their own special ways. I'm not knocking the purebreds- I grew up with RCMP-trained German Shepherds (who make awsome farm and family dogs after they retire). I just think that mutts are a little more unique and a little more mysterious. Other than the personality, you never really know what you're going to get. It's kind of fun to watch them develop. Good luck with your decision. ;)

[lamper]

Sorry to say that I think 9 hours is too long to leave a dog on its own. My son works all day, and got a dog, (Labrador) and realised that she just wasn't happy. He even constructed a run outside with access through a flapdoor in the kitchen. However, to solve the problem he drops her into me in the morning and collects her after work. This works well, because she is company for my dog as well, and I am usually at home all day.
Good luck, I hope you can find a way round the problem

[dobetaztic]

with careful training and adjusting a dobermann will become acustomed to your work pattern as long as when you home you exercise, train and give all the loving he needs and while out leave interactive toys for him. and a dog walker would be a good investment.

[katrina]

whith the idea of kongs in mind i just saw a kong despincer it holds 3 or 4 kongs and despinces one at a time at set times so your dog won't get board you could fill each one with a diffrent treat i think a dog would like that

[aripoll]

Does anybody wake up in the middle of the night to take your dog out?? Or do you sleep 8 to 9 hours and take the dog out when you wake up...

So basically the dog is holding it for 8 to 9 hours, and so are you...At least I don't have to go to the bathroom at night. And when you take your dog outside in the morning do you go 1st or you go outside and hold it?

I'm currently crate training my 3 month daschund and leave her alone for 8 hours a day. So far she's doing good...no accidents yet. I do take her out at least 3 times at night and 2 in the morning. Most of the people in my neighbourhood do the same. Does anybody work around here? or are you all desperate housewifes. In any case (Sammy) is a super happy puppie, dog parks, beach parks... you guys worry too much....

[lovethatdogg]

I love dobermans, but they are alot of work and energy. I suggest NO because they need alot of traning and if you are not going to be home much, it will be hard. Pluse they gey SO BIG that they need exercize and traning so they do not push you over. You should get a small dog and tak it to work with you...?
good luck