Need advice about getting a dog for an office-goer

I wouldn't do it - unless your dad works in the sort of office that he could take the dog with him-but even then I can't imagine him dealing with a pupppy and working at the same time.

A puppy of any sort can't be left to run loose around a house all day. S/he'd have to be left in a cage - and that's just not right to do to a dog.

Maybe you could get him an older adult dog whose already been trained.
but I wouldn't get him any dog without asking him if he wants one first.
Maybe he'd be better off with a cat. Aren't they more independent and less dependent on humans for social interaction?

Don´t ever give a dog to a person who has not wished to have a dog nor has a chance to pick it out him/herself.

It takes a few weeks to train a dog to be house clean. Can your father take a few weeks off to train the dog?
A dog should never be left alone at home all day.
A dog also makes life more difficult for your father. He has to get up earlier every morning. A golden retriver needs about close to an hour´s walk in the morning - no matter what kind of weather.
A dog can hardly stay clean for 8-9 hours. Who is taking the poor dog out during the day for a walk?
Your father has to get home every evening in time to take the dog out again for a long walk no matter how tired he is or if he would like to do other things.
Dogs like company - they are really group animals. Leaving a dog alone without company - don´t tell me the TV could be running - is misuse of the dog.
Dogs like to use their brain - being alone all day will break down their natural intellegens.

Your idea is basicly cruelty to animals. As you say your father is a kind man who would make a good man for a dog - you are probably right and that is one reason he has no dog.

Did he specifically say that he wants a dog? Buying a dog for sommone who has no idea that hes getting it nor the time to "buy into" the idea, is like buying a house FOR aomeone, its not a real good idea unless hes the one who proposed it.


Be careful about this whole thing. If you tell us that your father is really looking to own a dog, then its ok to have this discussion, otherwise, buy him a radio.

I agree with the others - first make sure he wants a dog. Then some thoughts - like others said it might be best for an older dog - one that is already trained. It will be difficult to housetrain a dog when you are not home all day.

Also, a golden retriever usually needs lots of company - if you do adopt an older dog you can find out if he is the type that will do o-k without someone home all day. And even if you find the right dog, I would suggest getting a dog walker to come in the middle of the day to walk the dog - it would be tough for almost any dog not to get out in the middle of the day. Or there is always doggie day care!

I'll just say I don't recommend getting a pet for anyone else and leave it there.

I agree with all the "no" votes. A cat might be OK, but not a dog that needs company and exercise to be happy. If you really, really can't stop yourself (and I think you should) at least get a dog from a shelter that might be on death row. It's new existence might not be ideal, but it would be better than a fulltime cage.

Is any of this making sense to you? Im a dog owner (and a cat employee). Its really bad for the animal especially if the owner os only half commited and not home much.

Oh I should have clarified. It's not a surprise - I asked him and he wants a dog.

My earlier question was mostly to find out if it's ok to leave the dog alone at home...the answer all of you gave was "no". The person who was giving the dogs away also told us that the pup wont/cant stay home alone.

Here's the latest.

we saw the pups last evening...we took my dad along (i didn't mention that i know).

He does have a few days off now - 15 days. He can stay longer at home and work from home. He has time to train the pup....and spend time with the pup.

The only hitch is his dayjob. Although he works from home sometimes, he goes to office at least 3 or 4 days a week. I could give him a cat and though he likes cats, a dog would be preferable, because my Dad needs exercise and "work". He wakes up very early anyway and goes for long walk or a jog all by himself.

But my father has taken to the idea of having a dog in a big way now. We've said we will get back to them (the dog seller) in a couple of days...

You all sound hurt by my question...I guess thats so because you all love dogs...

He can (and badly wants to) do everything that you're talking about, saab.
Except for his day job my dad stays at home. He does not have other commitments or other activities that would involve leaving the dog at home. He doesn't enjoy TV and but likes reading and has visitors come over for an evening chat over coffee- thats it.

I know golden retrievers need a lot of exercise which is precisely why i thought of them...because my dad likes that...

Yes, we need to find an answer to the not being at home between 9 am to 6 pm problem.

You sound as if you have looked into things more seriously than your first question suggested.
I have reason to sound negative.
Three families in our street got dogs - without thinking about the problems.
First family had to give away the dog, which developed from being a nice puppy into a depressed and agressive dog.
Second family is walking the dog, it is their third dog by the way - and all of them because of lack of nearness to the family have turned into very aggresive dogs which we all are afraid of.
Third family has a dog and a garden and the dog is never taken for a walk and is never in the garden. It can only bark - that is all.
Fourth and fifth family does what every dog owner should do - the dogs are happy, the dogs are fun and we all like them and pet them.

Does he have any neighbors who stay home during the day who like dogs?
I ask this because I have friends who love dogs, but don't want one of their own because they like to travel. They're both retired.
The family next door have a big black lab - both parents work and the kids are at school.
Whenever I go over Anna's house, Molly (the black lab) is there. The dog spends the day at Anna's and Ian's and then goes home when the kids get home from school.
This makes everyone happy - my friends who love dogs but don't have one - the other family who would hate for their dog to be alone all day and most especially - the dog.

This is a big problem. It is way too long for a young dog to hold it's urine on a daily basis. 15 days is not enough time for a puppy to be trained. Puppies need to go out every 4 hours to learn the difference between outdoor behavior and indoor behavior. Young dogs need regular mid-day feedings until they are at least 6 months old. Young dogs need companionship in order to be properly socialized. A puppy left alone for this many hours will become hyperactive, destructive and neurotic.

Golden Retriedvers have been breed for hundreds of years to be on the move hunting. They have a genetic need to swim. Swimming keeps them healthy. It is recommended that they have the equivalent of a fast 12 mile run each day to keep them healthy- physically and mentally. A young golden will not be happy sleeping or being alone for 9 hours a day. You need to hire a dog walker or put the dog in a doggie day care at the very least.

Your father does not have the time to devote to a puppy and a Golden Retriever belongs on a farm or at a country house. I hope he will at least consider getting an older do that is already house trained and not as energetic.

Time is an important as love when considering a pet. I am sure your father has the love, but I am not sure he has the time for a whirlwind of energy like a Golden.

Could you get a dog walker on the days he goes to work? Or is there a doggy daycare nearby? Or can your dad get home for lunch? Of is there a neighbor willing to help or even you on days when he goes to work?

I know many office workers who have dogs and have used one or all of the above.

that is what makes an active puppy an inappropriate choice

Like others said - maybe a little older dog would be better as he would already be house broken.

I haven't used it, but good friends of mine have used petfinder.com and have had great success - both in adopting their own dog and helping others find an appropriate pet.

((((((((Sakhi))))))) Good to see you! I'm hoping all is well?

And most people work. If your dad's a loving man when he comes home; the dog will love him right back.