I'm thinking of getting a puppy but am scared of the responsibility. I love dogs so am I just being a wuss?

Question

Did anyone else feel scared before they got their dog? Did anyone regret getting a dog? I'm thinking of getting s Springer Spaniel so it's unlikely to be aggressive, but I usually go on holiday 3 times a year, so will have to either reign it in or fork out for kennels.

Answer 1

If you don't want to leap into dog ownership, why not contact a local Springer Spaniel rescue group and offer to foster for them? If you can't find a nearby springer group, then offer to foster for your local Humane Society. This way you are helping them out, you will get a taste of what dog ownership is really like, and you don't have to make a long term commitment to a particular dog. And if you fall in love with a particular foster, you can apply to adopt it.

Answer 2

Everyone is scared of responsibilities of one kind or another. A few questions: Are you home a lot? Do you have time to potty train a puppy? Can you "puppy proof" your home? Do you have the time to spend with the puppy - as a puppy takes a lot of time!
Is there someone at your home to interact with the puppy at the minimum once every 3-4 hours? If you answered no to any of these, may I suggest an older dog - maybe 1 1/2 to 2 years old. Or - a "puppy" 6-7 months old that has been potty trained and maybe obedience school. If you don't have your heart set on a Springer Spaniel, check out the news paper and Craig's list and the pound. There are wonderful dogs there that really need love and would love to love you, too.
I have never regretted having a pet! They are total love - and all they want from you is love.

Answer 3

I have had three puppies, the latest one is 11 weeks old now and I can't stress how much hard work it is! It really is like having a baby for the first few weeks and all your time is spent caring for the pup. And once they get old enough they need exercise! Especially springers! Taking your dog for out for at least an hour every day, rain or shine, however busy your life is can be a real chore at times but you can't just decide not to do it - it's not fair to your dog - s/he can't take a walk without you. Having said that I wouldn't be without my dogs.

You don't say how long your holidays are. My dogs are quite happy to go into kennels for short periods (up to a week) but more than that and they take a longer time to settle back in at home. Also, it can get very expensive. We try to go on holiday where we can take the dogs with us and have had great times with them - they are part of the family after all. I wouldn't worry about leaving them behind for short periods though.

Some suggestions if you remain unsure: Why don't you try walking a dog at your local animal shelter and see how committed you are that way? Or offer dog-walking or dog-sitting services locally. If you do decide to get a dog you could try an older one first which might not need quite so much attention and, to be brutal, if you decide dog-ownership is not for you won't be such a long-term committment. Don't get a puppy unless you're absolutely sure you can look after it properly.

Answer 4

Puppies are definitely a chore! We've had two in the last 2 years -- we got the first one (a border collie mix) when he was about 3 months and for a puppy he was very well behaved, and I still swore I was never going through another puppy. Now here we are on puppy number 2, she's a 7 month old lab mix, we got her when she was 6 weeks old. Seriously if I ever even consider another puppy I should be shot. I'll take a grown dog (one or older -- but no more puppies!) Puppies will have accidents in the house, will more than likely chew things up (ours liked the couch, shoes, the wallpaper on the wall . . . ), and may cry all night long. When they are sleeping though, and not being rotten they are adorable!

Don't get me wrong I love my dogs, but they can be a serious pain in the rear at times. I wouldn't say definitely don't get a puppy, just be prepared for all the "joy" they bring -- if you don't want to deal with the headaches I'd suggest adopting an adult dog.

Answer 5

I have just bought two dogue de bordeaux puppies after deliberating for weeks. You see everyone said we would be mad to buy them as we both work full time but the thing is DDBs are calm natured and this should be considered. Springers are very bouncy and energetic and if you want to be sure about making the right decision you have to pick a breed that fits your lifestyle. We just lost a boxer after nine great years and we had the same doubts before we bought him but he fitted into our life perfectly.

Final word: If you love dogs then you are likely to give it a better home than those dogs on the street or in the pound and the fact you are considering it first shows the right ingredients for a dog owner. So go for it.

Answer 6

Wow, are you serious? That is the most honest and responsible thing I've seen here yet. Good for you.
Too many people get animals and have no idea that it is like having a child. No matter what kind of animal it is, they all require proper food, water, veterinary care, housing, attention/play/love/affection and exercise! Getting a puppy is a big deal--housebreaking is just the start.
I would suggest at least thinking about getting an adult dog instead of a puppy. I adopted two dogs, one is about a year old and the other is two years old. It is so nice not to have to worry about housebreaking, chewing on everything, etc. So that may make things easier for you.
Do your research, too. Make sure you understand the sort of behavior problems you will encounter and how to deal with them before they get out of hand. Choose a good veterinarian. Pick a good, responsible breeder (or shelter). Feed a high quality food. Have all of your equipment ready: leash, collar, bed, toys/chewies, brush, nail trimmers, etc. And have fun!

Answer 7

You should think very carefully about getting a puppy. It is a tremendous amount of work. It's not like a cat; point at the litterbox, done. Having said that, I LOVE having a dog. Also, ANY type of dog can be aggressive. Make sure to observe the puppy around other dogs and people before making a commitment. And when you go away, try to find a nice pet sitter or boarder, it will be much happier.

Answer 8

I don't think you're being a wuss, I think you're being realistic and its a shame more people don't think carefully before they get their first dog.
If this is your first dog, think carefully before getting a Springer, they are not ideal first dogs. I'd go for something more laid back and easier for a novice to handle and train, such as a Labrador or Staffordshire bull terrier.
Find a puppy training class in your area and go chat to the trainer. Explain how you feel and ask to sit in and observe some classes before you get your pet. The trainer may know of suitable pups available in your area.
Plus your trainer and a couple of good books can help you plan in advance. You can also listen to the questions that other owners ask. It'll give you a good idea of the problems you are likely to face, and plan how to deal with them.
Remember, you're not committed to owning a dog until you take it home, so take as long to think about it as you need. Uncommitted people don't tend to make great pet owners.

Answer 9

Scared is the wrong word. Yes it is a responsibility. A puppy will be completely dependent on you. It is a living thing. A puppy is not like a cat that can be independent. A puppy will need almost constant attention and love. Dogs have human emotions if not human intelligence. If you don't want the responsibility it may be best if you don't get one. Another thing as a former dog owner I can tell you it is impossible to be squeamish and have a dog. Yes, it is a responsibilty.

Answer 10

Get a dog that is a year or two old instead of a puppy. There is less work and responsibility. You will know the personality of the dog so you can know if it is aggressive or not. You might want to get a smaller dog as they are easier to take care of than the big dogs.