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Here's the place to ask.

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Dear Redditors,

I need your second opinion about adopting a dog.

In a few months I’ll be living on my own. When I still lived at home we had two dogs, and later I helped take care of my ex’s dog (and no, for personal reasons I don’t want to continue looking after her dog). I honestly really miss having a dog around.

My first idea was to get a puppy—it seems super fun, and I always thought you might build a stronger bond that way. But after thinking about it more, I don’t think I can handle the whole puppy phase… I’m not motivated for the intensive training, housebreaking, etc.

My current situation:

• I work an average of 40 hours per week in rotating shifts.
• I sport a lot.
• I go on a flying holiday every year and I don’t (yet) have a regular pet sitter.

Sometimes a dog would be alone for 8 hours—and after a night shift, almost 16 hours. Honestly, that doesn’t feel okay.

At the same time, I keep thinking: a rescue dog deserves a second chance, instead of waiting in a shelter for a home.

And that brings me to my doubts: can I actually give a dog the attention, time, and stability it deserves?

I’m definitely going to live alone for a few months first to see how that routine feels before making any decision. But I’m curious about your opinion: in my situation, would you get/adopt a dog, or not?

Please keep it polite. I’m asking for advice, not judgment.

Thanks in advance!

Edit:

Sorry for the misunderstanding about the 16 hours. It’s not a 16‑hour shift. What I meant is that after my 8‑hour night shift, I can still walk, but only a little. I’m always extremely tired after nights and just want to sleep as soon as I get home. So basically, it ends up being around 16 hours with very little exercise.

UPDATE:

For those who misunderstood my original post: I did mention earlier that I plan to live on my own first to see if the routine works for me before even considering getting a dog. And of course, if I ever decide to get one, I’ll make sure to look for a sitter or a dog walker beforehand. I fully understand that leaving a dog alone for 16 hours is way too long — that’s exactly why I asked for opinions, suggestions, and experiences.

I’m also definitely going to look into fostering. Several people mentioned it, and it really does seem like a great way to see if I have a good connection with dogs before committing to adopting one permanently. Thanks again for pointing me in that direction!

and thanks everyone !!!

I have a weird situation. We have a stairlift for my daughter. So we have a piece of cardboard blocking the stairs. But after getting her into her wheelchair we always forget to close off the stairs.

I HAVE to have someway to keep the dogs from going upstairs and rummaging through her stash of snacks. We've had many thoughts, but it always come back to, she has no fine motor coordination, so she can NOT mess with a latch, at all. Was thinking about the old fashioned type screen doors that would slam. (Miss that sound at Gramma's!!) But going up might get a problem. Any ideas or suggestions GREATLY appreciated.

Hi,

I am planning to adopt a dog from the shelter. I had dogs as a child and I volunteered at a shelter for years during uni but for the past 7 years I had a cat, who sadly passed away and I am ready to be a dog owner again. However, I feel like my “dog knowledge” has faded away, so I want to ask some questions. For the record, I do not have the dog picked out yet but I am aiming for a small dog (below 8kg)

1. Is it better to use a harness or a collar?

2. What is the best feeding option in your opinion? I know some people feed only kibble, some people give wet food, or do BARF, I am looking for recommendations which diet to follow.

3. People who fly with dogs: is there a difference between the dog being in the cabin with you versus being in the hold? Is it harmful for dogs to fly short distance (2.5 hours) maybe 6 times a year? I used to fly with my cat in the cabin and I gave her some pregabalin so she slept through the flight. My reasoning for adopting a maximum 8kg dog is that I can take her in the cabin with me. But is there a difference if I adopt a bigger dog and put her in the hold? I mean in the stress it causes for the animal and the health consequences. Also, do you give mild sedatives for dogs (pregabalin) or they take the travel better than cats?

4. What are the products you would recommend a (kinda) first time dog owner to definitely get before bringing a dog home?

I hope it makes sense. 🙂 just want to be sure I am prepared and ready to give the best life to my future dog.

*ferric orthophosphate sorry

I have a packet or rice that contains this ingredient, as well as maltodextrin, niacinamide ( niacin), folic acid, thiamine hydrochloride (thiamine). Can I still give this type of rice to my dogs or not?

I hope it’s okay to post this here (as disturbing as it is) but I wanted to get as many eyes on this as I could. It’s absolutely devastating what’s happening in Morocco. If you want to be saved the read, street dogs are being massacred in the MILLIONS for the sake of making the country more “presentable” in preparation for the World Cup. Admittedly, I didn’t read the article to the end because I was so upset but has anyone heard about this and/or knows where our support would be most effective in ending this???💔

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15567173/dogs-massacred-firing-World-Cup.html

I’m boarding my dog for four nights and I’m wondering if those of you who have boarded think getting a suite is worth the money?

At this place there’s about a $120 difference in total. I am on a budget right now but I also want my dog to be comfortable. The suite rooms are quiet, and have a camera which I thought was nice. But they do have the same cot and water bowl as the other rooms. The other rooms seem very noisy and they face the other dogs, the doors on them have holes so the dogs can see each other and they do not have cameras.

What do you guys typically book?

Hi everyone,

I am following the winter Olympics and I realized that I would love to watch some dog sports events. Are there dog championships, "Olympics" or any big or small dog sports events that one could watch on TV or online?

I am fine with pretty much anything that does not include violence from this list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dog_sports

Thanks a lot!