Dog Nation

Shetland Sheepdog

It has to spend 10 hrs a day home by itself? You don’t need a dog, you need a cat.

No dog comes pre-programmed, you’d have to train it, and in the meantime things get chewed up. Out of boredom alone, something will get torn up!

10hrs is a mighty long time for any animal to be left alone. I would suggest crate-training, but seriously, someone has to come by atleast three times, to let the poor dog outside to do his business.
I do NOT recommend leavin’ a dog outside for that amount of time, either.

I work in a vets office and there is no dog that can handle being alone for 10 hours…

oh wait yes there is.. it’s called a CAT

Please don’t get a dog if you will be leaving it alone for 10 hours… it will be a miserable experience for you, the dog and the kids… leading to eventually getting rid of the dog because it either wasn’t house broken, or its a terror because you did no training.

I ahve a 5 year old pit bull, he stays home alone all day while I work. He doesn’t bother anything. I tell him “watch the house” and I know he does, all day long. Any dog can be taught to stay home alone.

Personally, I have found chows to be very good on their own. If gotten as a pup, they will be great with the kids. They are very smart, loyal and protective friends. For a first time chow owner, I would recommed you do a lot of research on the breed. You could start here, as I think this site gives some very honest views on this breed.

If you decide to get one, go to obediance training, as they can be stubborn dogs (but learn VERY quickly). But with the proper care nd the right owner and training, they make great pets that are loving, but still independent.

Also, please do a LOT of research on the breeder, and do not buy from someone unless they are a respected breeder. (and that goes for any breed that you decide to go with)

Anything made by Gund. You are not being realistic.