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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Trying to see how a dog would fit into our family (mom, dad, 2 teens).  Do dogs sleep a lot? Or play by themselves? There’s an adult home everyday except Wednesday when both adults are at work so maybe we need a dog sitter for that one day. Do you take your dog when you run errands or leave them to roam around the house for a few hours? [/quote]

The dog's age and breed will dramatically shift responses to your questions, OP. Some breeds (pugs, most pitties, and, somewhat surprisingly, greyhounds) are all great snoozers. Aussies, heelers, weimeraners, not so much (they'll need significant physical and mental stimulation). Some dogs will entertain themselves, most will entertain each other (if they get along).

You'll definitely want a sitter for that day, if your dog is accustomed to being with a person all day. Either that, or two walks.

Do not take your dog to run simple errands unless you're going to a pet store, and even then, it's probably better to not. Most places people shop are for humans, not dogs. Pet stores are common sites for dog incidents, as many people don't properly train/attend to their pets. Don't be one of them. Crate train your dog and leave them home. Once they're older, maybe you can leave them loose in a secured room or space and see how that goes. Personally, I prefer crating my dogs so I know they're not getting in trouble while I'm out. It's easier on my mind than coming home to shredded furniture, and keeps my dog out of the vet's office.

As for what they do all day, that's up to you. The happiest dogs have jobs, even if that job is "lap blanket while I watch my shows" or "moral support while I work from home". They do well with structured routines; some of them will let you know when you're late for walkies, and most of them will alert you to mealtimes!

Your kids are old enough that a puppy might be a viable option, but as newer dog owners, you'd probably be just as happy with an older dog someone has already fostered and started housetraining. The puppy phase for most breeds is intense. They are cute, but most adult dogs are still cute, and they don't wake you up 2-4 times a night to pretend they need to pee and then go on sniff missions.  :lol:

That's a general overview. Like I said, it can vary a LOT by breed. Let us know what you're looking for in a dog and we can suggest breeds that might be a good fit for you and your family.[/quote]

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