Hi everyone
I've been reading through this site for a while now, and finally decided to sign up... I'm at the point where the breeder I'm comfortable with has a Morkie available, and I'm trying to make a thoughtful decision rather than a heart-based/I-want-her! type decision...lol
Reading through threads, I think I've been able to figure out what I need and what I need to be prepared for/commit to... I'm just not sure how to tell if I'd make a good Morkie owner... I've never had a dog before, only looked after friend's dogs when they were away etc, so I'm not quite sure how to judge myself...lol
I have a home with a yard, I can financially look after a dog, I can provide the things (food, vet care, crate/pen, toys, etc) that a dog would need... Right now I'm off work so I have unlimited time for the training of a puppy... When I go back to work (which would be in months, not weeks), I work shifts, so I have been reading a lot about training a dog to use both a litter box and to go outside... That would be the ideal - if I was a bit late getting home I know they would be comfortable/healthy with a spot to go... And my immediate neighbour has two dogs that I'll let out if they're away, so I'm sure they'd do the same if it was a situation where I was going to be more than a bit late...
I suppose what I'm trying to figure out, is if a dog would be happy with my schedule... Breeders I've talked to have said that if you start a puppy with that schedule it will be 'normal' to them and will be fine, but hearing other's first hand experiences would be really helpful...
I work 6 day shifts and 5 night shifts a month, with never more than three in a row... I don't have any hobbies/regular commitments that couldn't include bringing a dog along... One motivator (not sure that's the right word), for getting a dog is to help me with some social anxiety I've developed... I have found that it is almost non-existent when I've walked/been out with a friend's/neighbour's dog... I've always wanted a dog - but in the last 2 years I've noticed the calming effect they've had on me... I suppose I'm a bit worried that's maybe a selfish reason to get a dog? I want to know the dog would not only be well looked after, but be happy...
I also have an indoor cat, if that's maybe a factor... She was born and fostered with a family that had dogs and was fine with them, but she hasn't been around dogs since then (5 years)...
Please feel free to ask anything - I was worried about making the post too long... Any thoughts or feedback would be helpful...
Thank you