Im not at home for almost 9 hours a day. So is it okay to buy a pug?

1. 49

   Daphne Mckenzieposted 8 years ago

   Im not at home for almost 9 hours a day. So is it okay to buy a pug?
   
   I'm 16, so I have school. And I really really want to buy a pug, but I don't want its health to be affected because of separation anxiety or whatever.

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2. 0

   threekeysposted 8 years ago

   Dogs, out of all animals, are very social and need companionship which involves having you, going for walks and  sharing dog talk conversations. Dogs are for you when life is quieter. Unless you have friends or parents who could have the pug at their place for the day while you are at work? Or, possibly getting two pugs so they are company for one another, while you are hard at work?

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3. 90

   lisavollrathposted 8 years ago

   NO!
   
   Dogs are social animals. They're happiest in a pack, interacting with other members. To leave a dog alone for nine hours a day is cruel.
   
   You're 16. The average pug lives 12-15 years. What are you going to do with your dog when you leave school? Are you going to college? Moving out? How will you handle apartments that don't allow animals, or require a large pet deposit?
   
   Lastly: if and when you're really ready to take on this responsibility, please don't "buy" a dog. Adopt from a shelter or rescue.

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4. 81

   peachpurpleposted 8 years ago

   nope, if you are a student with hectic schedule, your pug will be sad and lonely, plus feeding problems and pooping.
   
   Unless someone can take care and love this pug when you are not around

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5. 78

   Diana Leeposted 8 years ago

   Pugs are very sensitive dogs. Before any decision is made, please do some research. My son and his wife have one they got as a pup (now an eight year old) named Rocky. Rocky from the very beginning would eat to fast and had to be watched carefully as to how much he was putting in his mouth at a time. They nicknamed him Hoover and you can imagine how he got that because he loves to eat. One time he had to be rushed to the vet late in the evening because he choked on a doggy treat that most dogs would be okay with. He was crate trained and stayed in the crate with his favorite blanket, toy and bowl of water while they both worked until they were able to work opposite shifts to have someone home with him. Now he seldom uses the crate.
   Now Rocky is a diabetic and needs insulin twice a day, another pricey  expense to go with his special diet. He also has pancreatic cancer which could be why he's diabetic. Anyways now he has vision problems and sometimes coughing spells and breathing issues. It's only a matter of time before they fear they'll have to have him put down. This dog has been just like a child to them. He is very much loved. And their six month old son may never have a chance to enjoy him.
   Think about it. Know what you may be getting into first before getting a pug. See if your parents or guardians agree to be there to help.

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6. 100

   DrMark1961posted 8 years ago

   Daphne, it is not cruel to leave a dog alone during the day, but as Lisa points out you do need to think about where the dog is going to live down the road. You can read my hub about the best dogs for people who work all day, and as you will see the Pug is not on the list.
   Make sure your Mom or Dad are okay with this, and will help you with some of the expenses later if you are not able to handle them. Not all dogs are as prone to health problems as Pugs, but no matter what dog you choose you have to consider health expenses.

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7. 74

   LiveMusicLoverLynposted 7 years ago

   No, not a Pug.  9 hours is too long for any dog to be alone, if you have 2 dogs and they have access to go outside when they please that would work as they'd have each other for company. 
   
   My advice to you would be to get a laid bag dog that will sleep for much of the time, many of the cute little pocket rocket dogs are very active and needy of company.  I'd recommend a Greyhound, look at getting a retired racer and pay someone to go in the middle of the to walk him or her and give them some attention.

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