Anonymous wrote:Fences are expensive and you shouldn't leave a dog in the yard when you aren't home.

You mean when it's unfenced, right? Then I agree. If fenced, they can hang out outside all day with water, while owner is at work, if weather is not horrible.

But yes, dog-proof fences ARE expensive.

I have never crated my German Shepherd. And he's great with children, other dogs, and all people. He would never be able to live with a cat or smaller animal, though - terrorizes the crap out of them! High prey drive. Will chase after the fox that beds down in our backyard if the fox sleeps late in the morning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I should have been more clear about the crate thing. I work mornings and afternoons at two different jobs, so I would be planning time in between to let the dog out for 30 minutes or so, but may not have time for a proper walk during that break. But the dog would be in the crate from about 8-12, then a break, then 12:30/1-6 or so, then out with me in the evening until I go to bed, and at night I wouldn't lock the dog in the crate, but he/she would need to stay in my room.

This is why I was thinking that a partially fenced in yard might be a good idea. that way the dog could have some outdoor time for either the morning or afternoon blocks on days when temperatures are nice enough.

I can switch the longer walk to evenings and do more like 30 in the morning and 45 at night. Does that sound more reasonable? And as I said, would probably do playtime mid-day, but not necessarily a walk.

Thanks for the thoughts--especially those who got into related costs--keep it coming!

You need to have a dog walker come, then. This is not enough exercise for the dog, imo.

Yes. Too much time in the crate, and too little exercise.

That's fine on the exercise---you don't need a dog walker.

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I should have been more clear about the crate thing. I work mornings and afternoons at two different jobs, so I would be planning time in between to let the dog out for 30 minutes or so, but may not have time for a proper walk during that break. But the dog would be in the crate from about 8-12, then a break, then 12:30/1-6 or so, then out with me in the evening until I go to bed, and at night I wouldn't lock the dog in the crate, but he/she would need to stay in my room.

This is why I was thinking that a partially fenced in yard might be a good idea. that way the dog could have some outdoor time for either the morning or afternoon blocks on days when temperatures are nice enough.

I can switch the longer walk to evenings and do more like 30 in the morning and 45 at night. Does that sound more reasonable? And as I said, would probably do playtime mid-day, but not necessarily a walk.

Thanks for the thoughts--especially those who got into related costs--keep it coming!

You need to have a dog walker come, then. This is not enough exercise for the dog, imo.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I crate my dog when were at work 3 days a week. My dog has been crated since she was a puppy and quite often goes in there when she wants to escape the kids. Crating was highly encouraged by the adoption agency (Lost Dog) I also run most mornings with her 3-6 miles so she is exhausted. It is especially important to crate older adopted dogs because they often come with a lot of issues and cannot be trusted alone. We have a dog walker that comes daily costing us $300\mo. My dog has bad food allergies so that cost a lot of money getting DX and her food runs us $110/mo.

We did do training with her and it cost $1000. She now follows commands with military precision. I don't even have to leash her. She heels to my left and will jot break command unless told to. Having a trained dog has been a complete joy.

Would you share your trainers name/info?

I would also love the info on this trainer. Or any other dog trainer recommendations. Thanks.

^^ I also want to add that what works for other people might not work for you and vice versa. Every situation and dog is unique and (for the most part), if you have the means, time and love for a dog, you'll make it work out to the best fit for your life. Good example.... My sister owns a Siberian husky in NYC. Most people at first thought think that's terrible. However, the dog gets a run every morning of 4 miles, goes to daycare or the dog walker comes and then goes to the dog park in the evening and/or gets a long walk. That dog gets PLENTY of exercise. In fact, when I watch the dog, and I have a fenced yard, the dog gets less exercise. It's all about what you make of your situation and how you adapt.

To the OP:

I would think if you talk to some rescue groups, they could match you with a good animal for your needs. Ideally they can match you with a dog that has been in a foster home with kids and a cat so you have a better idea how the dog will respond to those situations.

I love having a dog and I think you will too- they add so much joy. Other tips for burning exercise is to plan either daily or a few times a week to go to the dog park. Another option is doggie daycare once or twice a week. We had a golden puppy and we sent her to daycare once a week which meant she was exhausted when she came home that day and then the next we had daycare hangover and she was still pretty low key and tired. So, we really got the benefit of two days out of it.

In regards to crate training. People get all worked up on these boards about it. Yeah... Should you have your dog in a crate 12 hours a day w/o a break? No. But 2 stretches of 4 hours is by no means inhumane. If the dog is fine loose then go with that. But if the dog might be destructive and just doesn't quite know how to behave on it's own, then crating is best (and safest) for everyone.

Good luck!!

Anonymous wrote:I crate my dog when were at work 3 days a week. My dog has been crated since she was a puppy and quite often goes in there when she wants to escape the kids. Crating was highly encouraged by the adoption agency (Lost Dog) I also run most mornings with her 3-6 miles so she is exhausted. It is especially important to crate older adopted dogs because they often come with a lot of issues and cannot be trusted alone. We have a dog walker that comes daily costing us $300\mo. My dog has bad food allergies so that cost a lot of money getting DX and her food runs us $110/mo.

We did do training with her and it cost $1000. She now follows commands with military precision. I don't even have to leash her. She heels to my left and will jot break command unless told to. Having a trained dog has been a complete joy.

Would you share your trainers name/info?