swap dog walks?

OpossumQueen wrote: I don't know your hours or what you want from a furry companion, but I have one suggestion. There are lots of great older dogs looking for loving homes, and many of them don't need tons of exercise, but mostly love and bathroom breaks outside. That could be a way for you to have a pet when you don't have tons of time for walking.

I second this...as a momma of a 9 month old puppy I can attest to the insane amount of energy these guys have. My critter is 5 lbs and he can walk for literally HOURS (we have walked 6+ miles in a day and he is still bouncing off the walls when we get home.) A puppy will NOT be fully tired out by one walk during the day....

Plus older dogs are sometimes pre potty trained...winning situation!

If you adopt from a smaller rescue group, they can probably match you up with a lower energy dog in that age range (probably closer to the 3 year mark). I spent a couple of years at a shelter where I got to help match dogs and adopters and we often had dogs that 2-4, healthy happy dogs that would be perfectly happy being left alone while you're at work.

If you get a dog that has been in a foster home, you may know more about it. My dog (and some fosters I had in the past) happens to have a "large" bladder and a pee break isn't urgent until 10+ hours. That might sound like a long time but he often goes that long over night and then takes his sweet time to find the right spot once we head out in the morning.

Anyway, if you do find a dog walking swap that's great so good luck! There are tons of dogs in the neighborhood.

You could also think about getting a mini yorkie, or a smaller breed that can be easily trained to use wee pads. Your daily walk with your dog before or after work can be more about just walking instead of elimination.

what area do you live in?

maisie wrote: thanks for the responses and advice. I am partial to large dogs --trying to sweeten myself on the idea of medium size dogs (for the landlady's approval) but I don't think I am up for a small dog.

There's always a Jack Russell - big dog personality and play style (think high strength tug for hours, lots of tennis ball fetch, etc.), small dog form factor And unfortunately a lot of them wind up in shelters/rescues because people think they're cute little lap dogs and then wind up unable to handle them...they're not lap dogs, they need exercise and discipline. Mine (adopted at age 3 or so) does well while I'm at work - she sleeps the whole time (I webcam her) and then we exercise and play at night. I only need to have a walker come in when I have to work late.

Good luck finding a doggie situation that works for you. My furry one and I just celebrated a year together - I can't imagine not having her...