So, question.

I've ALWAYS wanted a dog but my parents didn't want it but now that I'm on my own, I'd really like to get one. However, I work 9-5 and my roommate gets home at 4 so the dog would be alone from 8-4.

So to all the dog owners out there: is that okay?

Small dog or big dog?
House, apartment or condo?
Are you going to adopt a dog at a pound or raise him/her as a pup?

Perhaps you can adopt an older dog. Most people go for the cute pups, so it would be a good deed, and there is a stronger chance the dog will be relaxed, at ease with itself, etc. and therefore less in need of constant attention, basic house training, etc.

You don't need to go too old, maybe 2 or so, there are also different kinds of dogs though that are used to being left alone. You want to stay away from the really playful ones like labs, collies, golden retrievers, etc.

I think one of the big rules is when your own, get a plant first, if you can keep it alive for a few months despite having a career, move on to a pet. Also remember cats and other kinds of pets can be left alone for long periods too.

Goldfish you mean
And yeah I see what you did there with cats.

Turtles, hamsters, rabbits, snakes lizards, etc. Dogs are definitely more conditional because they go to the bathroom outside and cats don't need to. They also eat a lot less.

If you have a job where you can make it back on your lunch break to take it out would make it ideal too.

Get a chinchilla.

as long as you leave water and food, nothing will happen to it. Ive had dog and cats all my life.

A high energy dog would be a bad idea, it would be better to go for a house dog, like a pug or a bulldog, very mellow breads, they would react much better to the long periods without attention.

http://listverse.com/2007/12/21/top-10- ... zy-owners/

I've got a pug, and outside of the excessive shedding, its ridiculous how much he sheds, he is totally awesome, and I'm gonna replace him with another pug when the time comes.

Dont get a retriever or lab, they are ridiculously energetic dogs.

mostly true, it depends on how much training you intend to give the dog, more lazy breads just need to know to the relieve themselves in the apartment/condo/house.

It all depends on if you live in a house or apartment and if you're gonna get a puppy or a grown dog.

If you have live in a house with a backyard, getting a puppy would be fine, but I would suggest going home at lunch for a bathroom break for the puppy. Mainly for training purposes. I lived in an apartment when I first got my puppy, and I was gone for about 6 hours a day and he was fine outside of a little destruction. And I always suggest getting a large breed dog. Because small dogs are annoying.

Was looking to get a puppy in an apartment. Hmm.

Yea get a big dog so you can clean up giant droppings and potentially vast pee stains. Also, big dogs can be louder, eat more food so they cost more and can be more aggressive where they can hurt folks. A small dog may be annoying (depending on the breed) but they can't kill you or someone else by mistake.

No folks, I recommend getting a chinese pug. I have one and she's lovely and they are fun to play with. Get a black one. The white ones aren't too bright.

Chip is right on all accounts. Never get a dog if you live in an apartment even if its a small dog unless you have someone you trust to monitor the dog in 4-5 hour intervals.

If you do go forward to it, expect to see some of your possessions get destroyed in the early stage and at least your carpet getting soiled twice the first 4 weeks of adopting the dog. Did I also mention the barking too and there may be an occurance where the dog bites someone so carry some home insurance?

If you were living in a house or a condo, the situations maybe difference because the dog has access to a bigger area so less anxiety and a backyard to poop in.

Little dogs are annoying too but you can't blame them because of their small brains and overcompensating.

Dogs are pretty much useless unless they’re cute little ones and even then the cons of owning one outweigh the pros. They’re, needy, annoying, smell, leave hair, and are not suitable replacements for human companionship. I honestly don’t understand why people like them. Or why anyone would want them. They growl, snark and lick you, destroy your possessions.

I do not like. I cross the street when one gets near me.

The evidence for why y'all are single is piling up.

Are dog lovers less likely to be single? Choosing other human beings as companions instead of dumb animals is hardly helping me stay single, I think.

Does cybering with an emotionally unavailable long lost love count as single?

Yes.

How's that second option working for you?

In other news, my 12 year old lab was just diagnosed with bone cancer. So, yes, having a dog now sucks.

Just fine. I’m sure I’ll find someone eventually. Content for now to love my life the way it is. Many loving friends and a fulfilling life. Thanks for asking!

I'm truly sorry to hear that.

I had to let go of my own pug due to a long term health issue just last year so I know this pain especially when you've had them as a puppy.

My condolences and sorry for your loss. Just remember he lived a very long life for his breed while most other dogs dont have that type of privilege. My almost 10 year old German Shepherd had to be put to sleep just a month ago. About 2 weeks before your dog. He had cancer to his liver and we didnt know about it until the surgery was about to be started

Took me about 2 weeks to get over it and still remember all those times with him. Im now looking at rescue center and going to adopt a dog at least 2 years and older. Most of the puppies are going to be adopted anyway so its better to give an adult dog a chance