I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

About me:

--Work 40+ hours a week (youth minister)

--Occasionally have teenagers/youth leaders at my house for meetings at least twice monthly

--I live about 3 hours away from my parents and visit them about every 6 weeks.

--My job requires that I am away for a 2-3 night weekend in the fall and in the Spring, and for a week in the summer.

--I live alone in a one bedroom apartment

--I probably could bring the dog to work for part if not all of the day

--Am sort of weird about cleanliness, hate getting hair all over my clothes, furniature, etc.

--I do not have a yard but I would be willing/able to walk the dog daily.

--I value my sleep.

I know that all dogs are different, and one may adapt to my life better than another, but I would really like a pet, and I can't seem to make a cat work. At the same time, I don't want to go through the heartache of adopting a dog and having it not work out, and having to give it back (have already been through this with a cat a while ago).

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

I have a pom and I live almost exactly the same as you. Also a youth minister a lot of conferences I take the youth too allow me to bring my dog with as long as they know ahead of time and I bring a crate for at night(depending on the conference). Sleeps through the night. They usually get up at about 630 in the morning for a pee and climb back into bed. You can paper train them or littler train them fairly easily. They don't shed much but need a walk everyday of at least 20 minutes. I have 2 so I only bring them to work 2 days a week because they keep each other company. They don't take up much space but enjoy sharing a bed. They entertain themselves and love to cuddle.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

Maybe I'm wrong, (maybe you got rid of the cat for different reasons) but if a cat didn't fit into your lifestyle, a dog definately won't fit!

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

Look into rescuing an adult dog. This way, you won't have accidents all over your workplace (which would stop you from bringing the puppy quickly), they'll be calmer when strangers come in, they won't chew, you'll know exactly what size they'll be, and won't keep you up at night as often. You can even ask the kennel workers if any of the dogs have been raised in apartments. You will have to do obedience training no matter how old you get a dog, though, to ensure they will be well behaved when guests come and when they come to work with you.

Have the dog boarded when you go away.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

I would say that if you have ANY doubts then don't adopt a dog right now. Your lifestyle may change in the future and you could adopt one then. I'm so glad you are putting so much thought and consideration into this.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU FOR DOING GODS WORK ON OWNERSHIP OF A DOG WITH ALL THE HOURS YOU ARE AWAY, UNLESS YOU CAN TAKE IT TO WORK%26lt; ECT. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A PET OF ANY KIND UNTIL YOU HAVE TIME TO LOVE AND PLAY WITH.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

well my advice for you is to get a small pet first like a hamster or a bunny

then when you move into a house and you have more time you should get a dog.

GOOD LUCK

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

It is wonderful having a dog as a pet. But, it does take a lot of time.

My life style has really changed since I got my dog, 5 months ago. You can't just up and leave all the time. I get up at night and take him to the potty.

But, the good outways the bad. I love having him. Just takes alot of work.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

doesn't sounds like your schedule will permit you to make the commitment for 15+ years to a dog....

all dogs shed, some more than others.......and most all puppies will wake you during the night....dogs are pack animals and NEED to be in contact with humans or other dogs.... leaving a dog alone for this amount of time is NOT a good idea. They require much attention, love and affection.... if you can't make a cat work in your situation...no way a dog will work!

So, unless you have a very close friend/relative that you can count on to take your dog when your away...best to wait till your schedule settles down a bit.....

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

If you can take it to work most days, I would recommend a small, adult dog. It would be housebroken and portable. A "lazy" breed, like a bassett hound might not mind laying around and being your calm companion at work as much as a terrier may...

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

Foster a dog, that way you won't have a 15 yr commitment. Most fosters are adopted out within 6 months. Although I do know one that has proved to be quite difficult to place.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

Trust me, it wouldn't work out. For at least ten reasons that your question highlights. Get a goldfish or hamster.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

If you really, really want one, then you can make it work. Most of us work 40 hours a week. I have two dogs. It will take time to train them, so your best bet is being able to work shorter days for maybe the first couple of weeks to get the dog used to your routine. Also, a puppy may not be the best bet because they would need to go to the bathroom more often. An older dog may already be house-trained.

Please take your "list" above to a shelter and talk to them about what kind of dog would fit into your life. They are there to help you find the right dog because they dont'w ant that dog showing back up at the pound.

Although I think it is great that you are wanting to adopt a dog, I seriously think you need to completely get rid of the thoguht that you may have to "give it back". A dog is a LIFE LONG commitment. It is not something you take in for 6 months to a year and then give up. Most people don't realize that if you stick through the hard times, you will end up with the best friend in the world. You have to take the good with the bad. And all dogs can be trained. It just takes time.

Unless you really plan on keeping that dog for the next 7 to 14 years, don't get it.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

You didn't say why a cat doesn't fit your lifestyle, but a dog is much more responsibility than a cat. A cat practically takes care of itself.

Meanwhile, a dog requires a lot of care. This is a big decision. Please don't adopt a dog if you think it might not work out.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

I think without a yard and with your long hours, it would be difficult. Perhaps possible with an adult dog that has a good temperament that is already house-trained...but definitely not a puppy. Puppies require more socialization and time than your schedule permits.

If you have a doggy day care facility near you and/or could afford a dog walker daily to give your dog a break during the day...MAYBE.

If you don't like shedding some kind of medium sized, poodle mix dog might work well for you...since poodles shed less.

But going one by one:

"Work 40+ hours a week (youth minister)" -- IF You could hire someone to give your dog a break daily or take it to a doggy daycare place...this would be okay. However, would you have time for TRAINING classes in the evening if the dog wasn't already well trained or mannered?

"Occasionally have teenagers/youth leaders at my house for meetings at least twice monthly" --- THIS Is not a problem if your dog has a nice temperament and has manners/training. THis part is totally doable.

"I live about 3 hours away from my parents and visit them about every 6 weeks." -- Do your parents like dogs? If so you can take your dog with you. DOABLE.

"My job requires that I am away for a 2-3 night weekend in the fall and in the Spring, and for a week in the summer." -- CAN you take your dog WITH you? IF so, doable. If not, can you hire a dog sitter or afford boarding?

"I live alone in a one bedroom apartment"--NOT a problem if your apt allows dogs.

"I probably could bring the dog to work for part if not all of the day"--again not a problem if you could drive your dog back home or hire a dog sitter/daycare.

"Am sort of weird about cleanliness, hate getting hair all over my clothes, furniature, etc." --- 1) You may fall in love with your dog enough so that none of that matters anymore...believe me it happens all the time...or 2) Get a dog that doesn't shed much like a poodle or a poodle mix (multigenerational labradoodle, australian labradoodle...in a medium size)

"I do not have a yard but I would be willing/able to walk the dog daily."-- You can do it without a yard, but it makes life harder every time your dog has to potty, you'll need to leash it up and take it for a quick walk. Sucks if your dog needs to go out in the middle of the night (most dogs don't, but we all have bowel problems NOW and then).

"I value my sleep" -- Don't get a puppy. I'm very much a lover of my sleep too...but when I got my puppy I was so crazy about it it didnt matter. Get an adult dog just in case, if you still want a dog, but be prepared for an occasional disturbance of sleep.

I really want a dog, but am not sure that it would work out?

the dog looks nice probably would be better in the country tho.Here's my advice: go to or phone the SPCA or a similier agency and ask if they know of a pet or animal counselor who will counsel you on all you need to know about getting an animal. They help you choose the right one.I wish you all the best on this.I wish I had a cat,that's the animal I miss having the most,I live in a small basement suite,and the landlords don't like pets.God bless.