Looking to get a puppy-which breed?

[sam]

Hi all!
My partner and I are looking to get a puppy. However which type is realy dependant on our circumstances. My partner works mon-fri 9-5 and I work at a hospital and do 4 shifts a week. Due to the nature of the shifts I do the puppy may be by itself for a maximum of 2 days a week. This is from 8.30 till 16.00 (when I am on an early shift- my other shifts are noons and nights thus I would be home during most of the day).
My partner may be able to nip home on these days but this is not a dead cert. I am well aware that this is too long for a puppy to be left alone, so my first question is this:
Are these 2 days going to be a major problem in preventing us from having a pup? I cannot cut down my hours, hence why I am researching this before we dive in and buy a puppy. Most people work 9-5 so there pets must be at home by themselves for a large majority of time?
We would love an english cocker spaniel- my partner used to own 2 untill they sadly passed away 6 years ago and he always remembers them with great fondness. We are well aware of excersize needs etc, when I lived with my parents I had a labrador untill last year when he died aged 15. My partner and I have our own place, we both love dogs and feel now may be the right time to look into buying one of our own, the only factor being the one above as I have mentioned!
Any replies would be appreciated!
Sam

[hunnybunny]

Hi,
Your right in saying you cant leave a pup for this long, if you really cannot find a way round this problem, maybe you should set your sites on a slightly older dog. There are thousands looking for new homes, Im sure if you looked into that option you would find yourself a dog that would be more suited to your circumstances. I know its not quite the same as having a new puppy, but there are so many unwanted wonderful dogs out there that would give anything to be in a loving new home like yours.

[Princess]

Hi,
Sorry, only just seen the thread.
This was nearly a month ago, have you got a pup yet?
If not then, it is recommended that dogs are not left for longer than 4 hours on their own. If you have your heart set on a pup is there no one that could 'babysit'? Or someone that could pop in just to check up, maybe a neighbor?
Also, another way would be to book a holiday off work and get the pup at the start of the holiday, just to get him/her used to his new home.
You could also corner off a little section for the pup to stay while theres no one home, make it big enough so the pup doesn't feel to cramped and be able to fit a comfy bed, water, food toys and training pads so he can go the toilet. Also make sure there is nothing the pup can chew or hurt himself on. There are plenty of full time workers with dogs and it shouldn't stop you giving a pup a loving home

I am definatly all for getting dogs from a rescue home, but, i wouldn't advise leaving a new rescue dog alone for long periods of time as you don't know if they would chew stuff and going to a new home maybe scary enough for them, without them staying alone. But i do think it is fantastic getting a dog from a rescue home.

As to what breed, i would honestly say go for what ever breed you want. Do some research on any breeds you want as some are more relaxed, some are more active, some are prone to medical problems ect. Also, try to see both the parents of the puppy and ask the owners as many questions you can think of. If they owners really care about the dogs then they won't mind a bit and will try to answer any questions.

Hope i have helped and good look with getting a new dog.
x

[mac.]

I have had three puppy's and all of them have been left for this amount of time give or take an hour without being seen throughout the day, all three have been fine, the trick is to give a long walk in morning before you go and do not give dog fuss just before you leave for work this is what can cause the aggitation, when you get home walk your dog straight away,
the younger they are the easier they get used to being left whilst your at work, my dog is really good during day whilst im at home, or the other option is get it a companion to keep each other company whilst your not there.
hth.