Finding time for a dog

[Alpine]

Just got a miniature schnauzer puppy last Saturday with my gf and we couldn't be happier He's 10 weeks old now but the breeder gave me a pretty strict schedule to follow:
7am: out to potty for 15 mins
in to eat for 15 mins
out to potty for 15 mins
in to play for ~45 mins
back into crate to nap

12pm: repeat

5pm: repeat

9pm: repeat, except we do not feed him at this hour.

Needless to say, it would have been impossible for us to find time for him if I wasn't in between jobs right now. I'm sure the schedule will vary from breeder to breeder, but a dog will take more time and more devotion than you think.

Does your apartment have a balcony? My breeder recommended that if you have a balcony that you close off any gaps where the puppy could jump out and cover the balcony with astroturf. You can potty train him outside on the balcony, he can play out there, and you can just hose off any pee or poop.

[bballguy]

Originally Posted by Alpine

Just got a miniature schnauzer puppy last Saturday with my gf and we couldn't be happier He's 10 weeks old now but the breeder gave me a pretty strict schedule to follow:
7am: out to potty for 15 mins
in to eat for 15 mins
out to potty for 15 mins
in to play for ~45 mins
back into crate to nap

12pm: repeat

5pm: repeat

9pm: repeat, except we do not feed him at this hour.

Ehhh....that seems a little excessive....

[jeff19]

Originally Posted by !MiKrofT

Ok that definitely came out wrong. I'm trying to say having a big dog in a small apartment is not ideal due to lack of space. Big dogs need lots of space. They like to roam, play, etc.

FYI when I dog sit for my friend he goes out everyday rain/shine/snow as well I work from home when I do.

We're in a similar predicament as the OP but we are definitely waiting to get a larger place before we get our weimaraner.

^he's right. big dog's need space, an apartment is definitely not suitable for a large breed. they will rip shit up lol, unless you find one that has the perfect temperament, calm/submissive and super chill. Or if youre someone that has the motivation and time to walk the dog for at least 1-2 hours EVERY day. Some large breeds have so much energy build-up that they will literally go batshit crazy if they're left alone. You will definitely need to own a house or have a backyard.

[accordpoop]

It's well worth the headaches for the 1st few months. I LOVE coming home and she's always there waggin her tail giving me and my wife unconditional love

[spoon.ek9]

Originally Posted by itsCRAY

I do still live at home make with the parents. However I did mention the thought of getting a dog. The parents dont want to take responsibility to raising a dog. But yet both parents love dogs. If I ever got a dog I would find it unfair to dump the dog with them while I work. I really would like to raise the dog myself.

My point was, are there other people to let your dog go pee/poop while you are away and that sounds like a yes. The main hurdle in owning pets by yourself is leaving them alone for extended hours. Some dogs may develop separation anxiety, kidney infections (from holding it in too long) or just have accidents in the home while you are away.

If you work close to where you live and can come home during your break to relieve them, that would be a HUGE difference.