advice and thoughts on potential puppy purchase.

Hi folks this is my second post after saying hello in the newbie section!
im 43 and single, no kids and thats my dilemma...ive grown up with staffies in the family and am very familiar with the breed and know how much like human companionship, but living alone causes me a few concerns. Namely, i'll be solely responsible for everything, im out of the house for 3 days a week between 7-8 hours and one day im out for about about 5 hrs...our old dogs were often alone for this period of time, but we two so they kept each other company, plus for much of their lives, there was the typical chaos of family life...would this make owning a puppy unreasonable, or make training much more difficult?
Ive tried to think of my plans and potentially where i'll be in life over the 10-15 years, but its nigh on impossible...However, some of my plans include getting an extension built in the next 18 months..i dont fancy the idea of a lot of noise and disruption causing any undue stress on a pet...secondly, i have a dream of mocing to spain of italy in the next 10 years..the spanish are VERY anti SBT...i wouldnt like to take my pooch there, but the Italians have an attitude similar to ours thankfully..taking a dog would make any move more complicated, but it may never happen anyway..its very much up in the air....PLUS, as im single at the moment, i might meet someone who a) hates dogs, or worse b) loves cats!! it could generally complicate matters..That said, there's only so many if's, but's or maybe's one can worry about and perhaps it's better to cross these bridges when i get to them.
Should i wait, until ive had this housebuild finish?? Wait until im in a relationship again or what??
I would be a very good parent to a dog, and am very loving, patient and tolerant, but also would be quite firm if needed..i know from experience that Staffs can be headstrong buggers, but any love i give them will come back ten fold..i just love this sadly misunderstood breed..back in the 80's when we first had them, they werent the status dogs (typically owned by irresponsible people) that they are now..anyway, any thoughts or feedback would be appreciated..many thanks!

If you can give him 2/3 walks good food and be an good owner i can't see a problem

I personally would advise you wait. I am on my own with a dog and its hard work, I am lucky I have friends and family that help me out, but she is my life and anyone I meet would have to fall into her routine, you don't get a chance to think about yourself!

taking the pooch out on walks wouldnt be a problem. i live an active life (for the most part..ahem)..i used to do loads of mountain bike riding until a couple of years when i broke my neck..long story, so thats out of the picture, but i should be able to take a dog out at least once a day..luckily, i live bang opposite a park, so it wouldnt be impossible to give him a quick buzz around for 30 minutes before i leave in the morning..it just means getting up earlier...having a dog would definately be a lifestyle adjustment, and im the sort of bloke who would have the dog for life..i couldnt bare the thought of taking a dog to a rescue. its heart breaking when you see ads in the classifieds for so many staffies..i couldnt do that..thats why im taking this so seriously..its like having a baby that never grows up...(and never asks to 'borrow' a few quid or the car either)...

I do have a partner that I live with, but we're both very independent and spend quite a lot of time apart, so I look after biscuit on my own, he's never had dogs.. Loves biscuit but doesn't want the responsibility. I too had to leave her for 8-9 hours a day for the first 2 years of ownership, but I took her on as an adult and she's very settled when left alone. I do think 7-8 hours would be too long for the first 18 months of life and maybe beyond for some dogs, would you consider taking on an adult stafford with no separation issues that could slot right in? You never know what's going to happen, and I took Biscuit on at 20 so very young, but I would NEVER give her up, no matter who I met or where my life went,new have always managed. It depends how much you want your life to change I suppose, and how much you'd be willing to give up for your dog.

life when owning a dog does change but so much for the better!sash is the child me and my oh never had(i do have a son by previous partner) and we both love her to bits,if we ever split we would be in court fighting who would get custody of her!you never know whats going to happen in life but you own your own house,have the time to take a dog for a walk each day and are taking the time to come on here asking for advise,alot of people just get a dog first and then think about how it will change their lifes later,good luck to you and let us know how you get on   

thanks stella! more food for thought....im a guitar teacher so if im working in schools i get all the holidays off, and i can always try and get more private work and teach from home....it might be an idea to hold out and see about getting a piglet nearer the summer holidays...(i need a 'rubbing chin thoughtfully' emoticon)...

Why dont you foster?  then it gives you time to see how a fur baby would fit in without long term commitment.  Then when you see how that works you could think more long term - kind of try before you buy.  

There are loads of babies that need rescuing you - how about an oldie that you could give an amazing last couple of years to??  they often get overlooked in rescue but are still amazing.

Ive also had staffs for years mainly rescue ones and last year I took on my first puppy - he is 9mth now and as much as I adore the breed there are times I have regretted my decision and wondered what the hell have I done, I really underestimated a puppy and its been the hardest few months ever and I still cant see an end.  I adore my lil man but even though as much as I thought I was prepared for another dog I wasnt ready for a pup.  

We chose a pup so he would be ok with the cat, looked for ages for a cat friendly rescue and wasnt getting anywhere so thought we would be ok and under estimated what we took on.

So doing both ends of the spectrum I would plump for rescue/foster any day of the week a pup is such a massive shock to slot into life when your used to coming and going as you please and used to lazy days and the odd lie in.

Good luck with your choice and keep us updated

Much as we'd all love to spend 24/7 with our dogs, life does cause us to make adjustments.
I think puppies fall into our daily routines whatever they may be, and as long as the routine isn't broken too often they adjust accordingly.
I too am a single 'parent' but don't work full time so I'm lucky.
As the others have said, as long as you can give the dog enough exercise it should be fine..
There are many dog walkers around, so if you feel he/she will be left too long on certain days, this might be an option.
Good luck with your choice   

oh and P.S I wouldn't have a partner who did not adore my dogs!