Border Terrier advice please

[Barnie]

Hi

We are planning to get a dog (puppy) and are thinking of a Border Terrier. I have done quite a bit or research, but have found conflicting information about leaving the dog alone during the day/ for parts of the day whilst at work.

Lots of people must be in the same boat and I would appreciate some advice. I want to make sure we make the right decision.:)

Many thanks

[Kaos]

Hi Barnie. I don't have a border terrier, but I do have dogs and work full time. It's not an easy balance, but with proper planning and forethought it can often be done.

Firstly the younger the puppy the more care he will require. Do you want a really young pup or would you be prepared to take on one that is a little older? If you decide on a young pup, you will need to either plan to take some time off work or have someone else to help you out initially (friend / family member?). A further option is some kind of doggy daycare arrangement, which could be replaced by a dog walker visit at lunchtime as the pup gets a little older.

The next question is how long will the dog eventually need to be alone for? If it is longer than about 4 hours I would say crating is not an option (although many will disagree with this). You will need to think about where your pup will safely be housed during the time you are away. He will need some space to move around and play with his toys. If you have to leave him early in life you will need to consider that he won't be housetrained, and won't yet be chew toy trained so this will cut down options for where is suitable. Some people use a kitchen or bathroom where the floor is wipeable but do consider that lino and the bottom of kitchen cupboards are very chewable. Getting puppy used to chewing on 'legal' items such as stuffed kongs can often help out here. An outdoor kennel and run is another option, depending on your climate, but you will need to bear in mind that some dogs will bark if the outdoor area is situated where there is heavy foot traffic, cats, birds or whatever.

Other considerations would include how much time you are able to set aside for training and exercising. Your dog is much more likely to settle easier and destroy less if he is happily stimulated physically and mentally. Problems like barking or separation anxiety can occur, but making arrangements to gradually acclimatise your young pup to being left alone for short periods is a really good idea.

Evenings. I think it is important if you work all day that there is somebody home to spend time with the dog most evenings, as well as giving them the usual after work walk etc. If you have a hectic social life the dog may not be a great plan.

If you want to give further details about your own situation I am sure we could help out with specific suggestions.

[sheplovr]

I would really hate to discourage anybody from what they want in a breed for a pet. I bred Airdale Terriers and Bostons, the Terrier group has tons of energy and must be given plenty to do.
If not u might find your place chewed to pieces. Terrier groups require alot of attention because they are so smart, they learn fast and therefore u must be on your toes all the time. Since your going to be at work some of the day I suggest maybe a quieter breed. I feel for your own good and not be left down after paying maybe a hefty sum for one that u might start to think of a breed that does not require so much work. I wish you the best in your choice.

[Kaos]

Sheplovr does have a really good point about how active terriers can be. But, it does also depend on your lifestyle outside of work hours. If you love to walk for hours at weekends you might still be ok with a high energy dog. My two are very active, but I think often whether or not a dog can be left comes down to confidence, or lack of, causing separation anxiety. An outgoing more independent natured dog (and this could describe many terriers) often cope much better than a timid, clingy individual of even a quiet breed.

[Barnie]

Hi :)

Thanks for the advice so far. We have quite an active lifestyle at the weekends - lots of walks and outdoors activities and would see the dog doing everything that we do.

The concern is during the week - finding the balance of a confident dog who will stay alone for a morning or afternoon and entertain himself (without chewing the house to pieces!). We would b around in the evenings for walks and playtime.

I suggested a puppy as I hope that it can adapt more quickly to our lifestyle. I am concerned about getting an older dog with an unknown background. We live in an end terrace (with quite a large garden) so barking is also a concern as I wouldn't want to annoy the nieghbours!

Lots of thoughts going around my head really. :confused: Any further advice would be appreciated!

Many thanks.

[pcleary]

couple of things.... it soundls like you are saying the dog would only be alone mornings, or afternoons, not for a 9 hour stretch for a full work day. any teenage or older dog can be left for a half day, or something has gone wrong! you will need to take a holiday and get a younger dog settled in and gradually start leaving it for longer periods to get it used to being alone- an 8 week pup straight from mom has never been alone at all and won't like it one bit!
maybe consider an older pup that hasn't sold or a teener that has been kept by the breeder as a show prospect and not turned out. these do come up, and you will know what the dog is like, because the breeder will have had it all it's life.
leaving a dog outside with no one home is a recipe for disaster- don't plan on going there, please!
puppy playpens for pups no ready to be loose in the house are a good interm solution. pam

[AnimalHouse]

Well IMO I like getting older Puppys.. Because they are old enough to start getting the idea of things.. and sometimes you can find one that has had previous training..With Housebreaking, Maybe a crate trained, or one with Basic obediance .. But Puppys, you have to start from scratch, and expecially terrier.. they can be a HANDFUL! I would agree with the others on the fact that they will need more attention,and DEFENTLY Will need to be played with more in the day, so if you were to get a YOUNG pup, I Would recommend finding a neighbor or someone that wouldnt mind coming over and playing with the pup some *Even some older puppys* But I personally would go for the older ones, Just because Pups will always have a home, and the Older ones are the ones that need a loving family. :D