Prospective Owner

[rexfire]

Hi, Im looking at getting a rotty, but I have some concerns. Im single and I work as a fireman. So with my work scheule im gone for 24 hrs at a time, occasionaly ill be gone 48 hrs straight, but that only happens once every other month or so. My concern is would a puppy be able to mature socialy with me gone for 24 hrs at a time? I have a 10x10 room with a concrete floor he could be in during that time, but I dont know about being gone for such a long time, what do u think about that?

[LavenderRott]

Personally I think that is way too long to leave a pup alone. You will never get it house broken.

Do you have a trusted friend that could watch it while you are on duty? That would be your better bet.

If not, I say wait.

[TerryR]

You could always take him with you and maybe get the rotty trained for "Fire and Rescue".

[Joe Walsh]

Hi,
All dogs can suffer from seperation anxiety when left alone for a prolonged period. A prolonged period can be a couple of hours, never mind 24 - 48hrs. Even if the puppy was to be left outside in a large pen with toys and other things to look at and do this is a very long (24hrs) time to leave him alone.
The 10X10 room you have is it part of your living space? If so you can be sure that any dog left in there for that long will:
1. Need to go to the toliet
2. Need to be fed a number of time
3. Need exercise (walking, not just space to move around)
4. Chew and bite anything he finds interesting as he will become bored.
To be honest, and I'm sure you'd love to own a rottie, they really are great to be around. But thats just it, YOU need to be around. I'd give it some time until you are able to dedicate more time to owning a rottie and both of you will be happier.

[rottmommie]

I have many friends that are either professional paid or volunteer on call firefighters. I myself was one of them. If it had not been for the other members of my household, there would be NO way I could have had a dog.....much less finish cooking dinner when those tones went off!
MOST of the guys, (and gals) that were on the department, were either married or living with a significant other......and guess what, the significant other took care of the dog MOST of the time. I actually quit when I realized that the puppy needed training more than I needed to have fun.......(it was fun, despite the work)! I now have a well socialized best friend!!
Dont try to get any type of dog, unless of course you are able to make the provisions necessary to make sure it is well trained, socialized, and happy. A dog alone for 24 hours will not be happy, so I suggest a cat.