Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Thinking of getting a dog, what did you consider before getting one?

llwhiteoutll · 09-05-2018, 09:38 AM

I've always wanted a dog and I think I'm at the point where my work is stable enough that I can seriously look at getting one.

I've considered where I live and it seems ok. I have a detached house (smaller backyard) and am close to a large off leash area and plenty of walking trails. No neighbor concerns with getting one either.

Costs don't seem to be a major concern, I'm assuming that the cost of care for a medium sized dog is around $300ish a month? Food, health insurance, regular checkups at the vet, toys.

My main issue is work. I'm out of the house from about 630AM to 500PM. I'm concerned that 11 hours is a long time to leave a social animal by itself, especially during the day. Is 4-5 hours of waking interaction every day, plus weekends enough and/or fair to a dog?

I was thinking about adopting from the SPCA, with preference to Goldens, Labs or a similar sized dog

Are there any things that you'd recommend thinking about before going further?

09-05-2018, 09:38 AM	#1
llwhiteoutll Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Dec 2013 Exp:	Thinking of getting a dog, what did you consider before getting one? I've always wanted a dog and I think I'm at the point where my work is stable enough that I can seriously look at getting one. I've considered where I live and it seems ok. I have a detached house (smaller backyard) and am close to a large off leash area and plenty of walking trails. No neighbor concerns with getting one either. Costs don't seem to be a major concern, I'm assuming that the cost of care for a medium sized dog is around $300ish a month? Food, health insurance, regular checkups at the vet, toys. My main issue is work. I'm out of the house from about 630AM to 500PM. I'm concerned that 11 hours is a long time to leave a social animal by itself, especially during the day. Is 4-5 hours of waking interaction every day, plus weekends enough and/or fair to a dog? I was thinking about adopting from the SPCA, with preference to Goldens, Labs or a similar sized dog Are there any things that you'd recommend thinking about before going further?