Working full time and keeping a dog

[smallpony]

I'd like to know what those of you who have a dog and work fulltime do with your dog whilst you're at work?

When we were kids, our dog would stay in the kitchen, with a bowl of water and dry food (was walked before and after work) while everyone was at work/school and coped fine.

A lot of people seem to say you can't have a dog if you work but it can't only be unemployed and retired people who keep dogs, surely?

Obviously in an ideal world everyone would be able to stay at home with their dog all day, but it isn't always practical/possible.

So, what do you do with your dog?

I don't currently have a dog, by the way.

[thompson-ponies.com]

Dog walkers take them on group or individual walks and do puppy pop ins. I'm lucky enough to have my dog with me all day at work

[nia2311]

Ours were like yours smallpony - had the run of a large kitchen & dining room while we were at work/school, had water etc down all day and either my brother or I took them straight out for a walk after school (about 4pm) and were walked before or on way to school. They seemed to mainly sleep all day! I think the animal rescues who refuse to rehome to working families are shooting themselves firmly in the foot.

[Tywood]

I walk someones dog for them 3 days a week for an hour daily, while he is at work, it breaks the day up for it and gives it a 'toilet break' I think it depends on how long the dog would be left alone, and how safe/suitable your home is, some dogs can be very destructive when left alone for long hours.
Maybe there is someone local that would be prepared to walk each day? I have 2 of my own dogs too but don't work!

[vikki85]

As a child we had a whole pack of dogs, my mum and dad worked full time but my dad did shifts so there was usually someone about at least for part of the day - also, as there were so many dogs, I don't think human company was all that necessary.

I now have a single dog and work full time - luckily for me my dad dog-sits! He was made redundant some time ago and has struggled to get another job due to his age. So he is a full time dog sitter for me instead lol. I'm very lucky to be in this situation though.

[oliver2]

Our dog is small enough to use the cat flap which lets him into the back garden which is totally enclosed. Means he can be in or out but is safe.

[livtom]

Both me and my partner work full time , our dog is walked before work for about 15 mins and then either left in my secure rear garden with all her toys and kennel or if the weather is bad she is left in the kitchen until about 3.30pm when my partner gets home!
she gets a good walk in the evening and is a really happy dog