Help.. is it right to get a puppy?

Hi,

I am looking to get a staff puppy.. but I work full time!

My hours are 8-6 including commute as I don’t currently drive, my partner will be away longer.. there is no way we can leave the puppy alone for this amount of time.. although there must be a way for full time workers to still be able to own dogs?

We have friends/family in the area that are happy to check in, feed and take the puppy out.. although this would only be once during our time away. Once I start driving there is a dog day care that we are looking to take the dog to. We are happy to kit the puppy out with toys to keep it entertained, I’ve heard keeping music on is great. Obviously long walks and lots of attention once we are home, also Happy to invest in training etc.

Hoping someone can give some advise on whether I should hold off or any additional advice.. last thing I want to do is bring a puppy into the wrong environment!

Hi & welcome to the forum  

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Hello and welcome.
Good to see you’re asking lots of questions before adding an extra family member. Acquisition is the easy part, then there’s all the rest.

These are my thoughts on the subject, a very subjective and controversial one I’m afraid.
I work full time too, leave the house at 7:30 and get in any time after 5:30 BUT I come home at lunchtime to let the girls out for their business and to give them some attention.

You have to bear in mind that a puppy needs to be offered toilet breaks for training purposes too at least once an hour. They eat 4 times a day. Definitely no “long walks” until adult and growth has finished - a puppy should be subject to “5 mins exercise per month of age” rule. A puppy can be given toys but must be supervised in case of accident, choking etc. Would you essentially leave a toddler home alone from 8-6 ?

Family, friend and dog walker/minder services are great but can be costly with professional services. It’s essentially a nanny service for your dog. And if you don’t drive, how will you cope with the potential of an emergency vet trip ? (Always have an action plan so you won’t need it).

Honestly, I would suggest that you make the most of completing your research on adding a canine friend to your family whilst you wait a bit longer, until you can at least get your driving license and solutions for day checks sorted.
Just one last thing, puppy toilet training in winter is no fun (Opium arrived in December versus Nifty in June) and as they say, the best comes to those who wait

Hi & welcome.

I agree with Nifty, I'm afraid. There's no way a puppy could be left for such a long time, even with someone coming in once a day to help.

Have you thought about an older rescue? One that has already been house trained & is at a stage where it can be left alone for extended periods? Someone would still have to come in once a day for toilet breaks, attention and fuss, though.

Hi from me & Katy
I'm afraid I have to agree with the others! A puppy needs a lot of time & attention (especially a staffy as they need human company) As Gilly suggested maybe a older rescue would be better for you.

Aww thank you guys for all you’re advice! Super helpful, i think I am going to wait for now!

You know by the time you’ve researched into the breed and requirements and done your virtual shopping plus searched breeders and find the puppy of your dreams, you’ll find time has flown past and I hope you’ll share a few photos with us

Oh, and just because you don’t yet have a staffy (or any dog for that matter) you ARE still more than welcome here so fire away with any other questions you might have.

Absolutely! You're more than welcome to stick around and enjoy the forum!