[Ellyhm]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this. Well anyway,

Anyone here has a dog? If so, I need some tips on how to take care of one.
I'm planning to adopt a 2 months old puppy, but I am worried that if I end up adopting it, I might have to leave it alone for a few hours as I have school from like 7am to 2-3pm. My siblings have work from morning to night or even midnight so I doubt they will have time for it. On some days, I might have to go to work for about 5 hours. Is it recommended to adopt it and then house train it? Or even crate train? Advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[runeazn]

i dont know anything about this but ill say it would be hard on the puppy if it doesnt get much attention.

[Gogoku7]

I used to have 2 birds, they were fine being alone for days as long as they had food and water.

But for dogs, that would be a different story I suppose, I haven't had one, so I can't give specific hints, but I do suggest this...

Visit a good trainer or contact the breeder/house/ASPCA (o.O) where you want to addopt a puppy, because there are dogs that are acually capable of staying at home and not getting tired, agressive or too lonely when you're gone for a bunch of hours, it's just that those dogs are rarely found, AND they usually need to be older then 2 years to be able to do that, youngsters like the one you want need too much attention for your current state.

And don't forget they must atleast have a good run once a day, and be taken out twice or 3 times a day.

[Ohayo-san]

Defecating and barking are the two main problems when getting a new dog. Try positive reinforcement, but try not to use punishment as a means of training. If you hadn't got the time to train it, hire a personal dog trainer. If you are worried about living it at home alone, you might consider sending it to a dog daycare centre, and please thoroughly examine the place, daycare centres differ from one another, so it could be quite traumatic for the dog if it were placed in a really crappy centre. If none of the options are to your taste, watching Dog Whisperer might help, yes?

[WsE]

Waste of money.

[First1]

Make it simple: Don't do it! Make it difficult: It's too small and dogs need more attention. It will chew everything because the stress. Some dog can handle this maybe but my english setter made a big disaster in the house. If i were you i would skip it, but it depends on the area of the garden and on the dog characteristic, but if you grab it from its mother so early there is a bigger chance for a less patient personality.

If it's a chihuahua or other mini dog breed i didn't say anything, if you don't mind its chance for misery.

[Duratrix]

Dogs need a lot of attention.
If you want to train 'm then work with rewards and less with punishment. (works better)
But, if you really want to teach your dog tricks, the best way is to get a trainer.
Hint: Exert your dog so he's less energetic when you leave. (easy way is to just play with 'm)


Well if you're getting yourself one, have fun with 'm. :3

[digritz]

I have had over 100 dogs in my life including raising Alaskan Malamutes. I can promise you that if you don't have time to bound with a new dog it will bound to someone or rather something else. Most notably anything it can get it's teeth on.

Originally Posted by Gogoku7

I used to have 2 birds, they were fine being alone for days as long as they had food and water.
.

@Goguku7 what are you stupid? Birds require constant interaction with a bonded human. Over wise they can end up with serious metal problems. Before you ask yes I've raised birds too.

[zanpaktou0101]

Originally Posted by digritz

I have had over 100 dogs in my life including raising Alaskan Malamutes. I can promise you that if you don't have time to bound with a new dog it will bound to someone or rather something else. Most notably anything it can get it's teeth on.

this is true, a lot of time is necessary for raising a dog. Specially when they are puppies.

[druithleigh]

Puppies, in particular, need a lot of attention so you really need to consider whether or not you can provide the time needed to give ample attention to your pet. In answer to your main question concerning house breaking, if you aren't going to be home because of school or work, it's best to begin with crate training and as your puppy matures, move on to normal house breaking.