I’m going to start the academy at the end of this year/beginning of next and am looking to eventually get a puppy. I just don’t know how training, potty breaks, and all the other factors of raising a working dog could be successful working 12 hour shifts. Proper training for a working dog takes dedication and time, which I am not sure I can provide adequately during the start of my career. It would be unfair to the pup if I can’t tackle both. It’s just me, I don’t have any friends or family that live in the county either. I know some supervisors that let you run home to do whatever real quick but I live in the neighboring county😐. Won’t hurt to ask them, but I’m gonna assume that only applies to folks that live nearby, which I completely understand the difference.
Anyway, I know it’s not rocket science to have a puppy as a leo. But if anyone has any advice or has been in the same boat, let me know what you did.
I appreciate it!
Comments
Adopt an older dog. Forcing a puppy to be alone for 12 hours a day isn’t cool and you’ll likely have a very hard time potty training. I know very few people that are allowed to “stop home” while on the job, especially those that don’t live within their jurisdiction
This is a pretty bad idea.
A 12 hour day can pretty easily turn in to a 14 hour day and will probably happen pretty often while you complete your probation.
You are going to need to get a dog walker / sitter and those add up pretty quickly ( just ask me how I know).
I have to get a dog walker 5 days a week for my girl, and it’s about $150 a week for that.
Ehhh, I have a pup and he’s home 10-12 hours a day. When it’s a late arrest it sucks but we manage. I also have a mal. It’s not for the week, because I train and bond with him everyday for a couple hours at least.
Msybe wait until you are done with the academy and start the job for real before you take on a pet. That way you’ll better know what type of schedule you’ll have and what breed of dog works best for your lifestyle. And maybe get 2 so they’ll have a built-in friend!