Training a dog takes constancy. All the hours you are away from home are hours that the puppy is learning nothing. When the pup is not crying it will be sleeping. You will have a lot of cleaning up to do when you get home and your pup will need a lot of interaction and exercise.
It is rough on a pup to be alone several hours a day but it can be done. I really think that a person that is gone 9 to 12 hours a day does not normally need a dog. By the time they get off work they are tired and need to get to the store, take care of social obligations, and the many other priorities that life throws at us. A dog is a very social creature that craves the attention of it's owner's. Unless there is someone else in the home to help care for the dog it is going to be difficult on the dog and owner.
Cannot even begin to tell you of the number of people who rehome pets because they find they do not have time for them.
If you really feel you need a dog consider getting one that is already an adult and house trained. A more mature dog is sometimes more willing to sleep while you are gone but will still need a lot of exercise and interaction when you get home.
A couple of oriental breed cats is also something to consider. They interact much like a dog but do not require the kind of work a dog needs.
I realize you really want to get a puppy but think about what you have to offer a pup and count the number of hours you have to give that pup. |