As a single fireman I would need to leave a dog alone for 24hrs at a time. What breed is best for me? feeding ideas?

A dog should not be left alone more than 6 to 7 hours. They need companionship, as well as walks daily. You would have a very unhappy dog & probably it would develop some serious problems being left alone like that. Just like a human they need interaction & puppies need lots of play time as well. I urge you not to do so.

Guest 846658 answered on 8/27/09. Helpful? / 0

I agree a dog shouldn't be left alone for 24 hours. Now let's talk about alternatives. I wouldn't start with a puppy. An older dog could be left in a kennel during your 24 hours shifts. As a regular, you might be able to negotiate an affordable rate. Could you leave it with a friend? You know your life and can better check alternatives in your area than I can. I don't think a second dog is a good idea either.

As for food, any of the common brands are fine. In general, when getting any dog, it is wise to stick to what it was eating before. You will get many pushing this brand or that expensive brand, but they have nothing to go on but marketing hype and speculations. They may even have a financial incentive.

Aster answered on 8/28/09. Helpful? / 0

I also have to agree that a dog is not right for you just yet. My hubby is a firefighter as well, not easy work and I can understand the want of a companion.
I am a dog person, but have you thought about a cat? At least with a cat it will be litter box trained, and can find ways to entertain and exercise themselves, but dogs are pack animals and need thier humans there daily to feed, play and walk them daily.
Boarding the dog on your work days could get expensive since you probably work 3 24hr shifts a week, plus if you get overtime there's another day in a kennel, not exactly a fun life for a dog.
Not unless you can convince your chief to allow a firehouse dog then you could take him to work with you, but then you have training issues with getting the dog used to the sirens, bells and alarms.
I say get a cat for now, and wait on the dog. That's probably what would be best for the dog.

Max (aka Sebastian) answered on 8/28/09. Helpful? / 0

there is no dog breed that can be left alone like that.
Be fair about it and buy a fish or some other reptile.
On week ends they need voluteers at the shelters for walking.
Or maybe if you can wait til you have a wife then on the off days she can care for the dog while you are gone.
But, a dog right now would not be advisable.

Dieta answered on 8/28/09. Helpful? / 0

I agree with the rest. Dogs need interaction and they need to streach and run (and go to the bathroom at least 2 if not 3 time in 24 hrs.

If you cant take it to work with you, Id suggest you get a reptile or a fish.

Neka answered on 8/28/09. Helpful? / 0

I agree.
A dog should not be left alone for more than 8 hours tops. Even an adult should not be kenneled for so long. Please be fair to your dog, get a fish. Even cats don't like to be alone for so long, I would know, I have three.
Actually, where I live, if someone reported you, your dog could get taken away. Over here, if you leave an animal alone for 24 hours or more, they consider it abandoned and take it away. Which they should, no dog OR cat should be alone for so long. Fish are fine, as long as you feed them. I would actually consider getting a big aquarium. After a day at work with a stressful job like yours, watching an aquarium of fish can be quite relaxing.
Best of luck, and please be fair to the dog.
~ Rosie and mom

♥Rosie♥ answered on 8/28/09. Helpful? / 0

Anyone leaving a dog for 24 hours at a time needs no dog at all. I don't know about you, but I can't hold my bladder for 24 hours. Also, a dog ages 7 times faster than a human. This would be like a week of solitary confinement per human day. Wait till you are retired to get a dog, or make arrangements with your place of employment to allow you to keep a pet with you, prior to adopting or acquiring a pet. Another possibility would be marriage, where the wife is at home to give the dog attention and attend to it's needs, both physical and emotional.

K-10 Von Canein answered on 8/28/09. Helpful? / 0

I know everyone says now is not the time to get a dog, but there are options. You can hire a pet sitter, or there are doggie daycares/boarding facilities, that you can leave your dog in which will play with and feed your dog.

I have had many different breeds of dogs, but have come to notice that the most low key dogs have always been my shepherds. You may want to not get a puppy, as puppies go through destruction and chewing phases, but an older dog that you can rescue from a pound or shelter may work out just fine. Anyway whatever dog you choose do your research. My basset is very low key but sometimes when left alone he howls. Good Luck!

Obi answered on 8/29/09. Helpful? / 0