I'm thinking about getting a puppy, but I'm in a dilema because of work.
I work 12 hour shifts three times a week and mostly night shifts. i've been desperate for a dog for a while and the opportuinty has arisen to have one.
Has anyone got any views on how I could manage this?

I work 7-7 that's either day or night varies each week. How long would a puppy/dog be able to 'hold it'. Do you know anyone who you would trust to go into your house and let the dog out? What about keeping a dog outside (which I wouldn't really want).

Am I just living in a dream world thinking I can do this. I have got time to care for the dog and walk it - my problem is work!

Also what are your views on puppy classes, any idea how much they cost?

Thanks in advance

Do you have anyone to take out the dog when you are at work?. being honest rather than critical here and speaking as someone who owns 9 dogs, 8 of these raised from pups, That amount of time is too long for a dog to be alone.
a puppy will be unable to 'hold it' at all till he/she is houstrained and then will only hold it for a short while (probably minutes to an hour) till about 6 months old. An adult can possibly go 8 hours, though not all will, but 12 hours is just too long. try yourself if you can drink normally and not use the loo for that amount of time. You could have a run, but then you would have to address bordom and maybe barking. If you have someone who can go in and take out your dog you may be ok, but would think carefully about a puppy and possibly consider a calmer adult. How about a retired greyhound!, they are prettty relaxed characters by all accounts

I would suggest an older dog. Maybe as BV suggested, an ex racer as they do tend to relax all day and only need two short walks a day. However, it still wouldn't be able to wait 12 hours and you have the worry of any dog getting bored and taking to barking or destruction (much moreso with a puppy).
Dogs can adapt to being left but not really for 12 hours and you'll need to sleep at some point too!

I think it's great that you're asking instead of just going straight into it - I'd be cautious about keeping a dog outside unless your back yard is totally secure - there's a lot of theft of dogs going on, sadly.

Puppy classes are well worth it - or even if you get an adult dog - taking it to a basic obedience class is a great idea as long as the dog gets on with other dogs - however, they're not cheap. The one I help at is £50 for a 6 week course but is definitely worth it.

Could you look into a dog share? So that you can take care of someone else's dog on the days that you're not at work or for certain hours but don't have the full commitment on the days that you will be working?
There are often people who find they can no longer care for their dog and look to rehome it, but by taking up a dog share, they are able to keep their beloved pet and someone else gets to share in it!

Yeah I would condider a rescue dog as you can pick one that will fit in with your needs. I have been told greyhounds a suprisingly lazy dogs so a retired one sounds like a good idea.

At the end of the day if you work nights and the dog is kept in a dark room at night anyhow I cant see the difference if you are in or not.

all great ideas thanks guys. I'm moving to cornwall next year to be with my partner he said we can definately have one then but I was so desperate to have one now anyhow I don't think it's possible - if I'm being sensible. But I'll look into dog sharing sounds a great idea. thanks xx

Our dogs are in the fortunate position of never having to be left alone for work reasons. hubby is full time day worker, im full time nights. If Ive been on nights and hubby is not at home, I sleep on the sofa downstairs, so im around with the dogs. My lot are a pretty lazy lot and will mostly lounge around till i get up anyway.