I would really like to get a dog but I work full time and just don't know if it's possible/ fair to do both. Can they be left all day or do they need to be let out for a pee during the day?
I'm not going to get one if I was going to be cruel by leaving it all day. I have house rabbits too so they could keep it company! I would be happy to take it for walk in morning and evening so that's not a problem...
Hello Flowingflower
Not really a good idea I am afraid to say. Because a dog is a pack animal, they are used to having company and I am not sure that house rabbits would quite cut the mustard. They can become destructive and develop problems with barking if left alone to their own devices for too long without company and being able to go out and have a pee etc. Being intelligent animals that, depending on the breed, may well descend from a working line, they need to be mentally and physically active for part of the day and being left alone for 8 hours is too much. When left alone a dog will do little more than simply wait for their owner to come home which just isn't fair on the dog.
Try looking on websites about dogs and different breeds etc and you will probably come across some advice. I am sure there must be some on the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home or the RSPCA website.
Sorry!!
flowingflower, I have to endorse what Delighted has said. Additionally, there's a pretty good chance the dog would KILL the rabbits, and I'm not being funny or nasty, believe me! 😮
May I ask you ... what do you want a dog FOR? There may be other alternatives to actually keeping one yourself, you see, if you have a genuine interest in and love of dogs, but I'll let you answer the question, if you want to of course, before elaborating 🙂
Holistic
Flowingflower
I feel terrible if my dogs are on there own for more than 4 or 5 hours, itching to get home to let them out. Would you be able to go out in a morning and leave them for that lengh of time.
I have to agree with Delighted and Holistic in that I don't think it would be a good idea. I don't think I would be happy leaving a rabbit and dog together either I would fear for the rabbit.
Sorry, I don't think that was what you wanted to hear.
Helen
To be honest I think it is confirming what I thought which is why I haven't got a dog so far...
I feel bad enough leaving the rabbits!
Thanks, I appreciate your honesty!