Should we get a dog?

Question

Our family has never had a dog and we are thinking of getting one. The kids are almost all out of the house and it's just my wife and me. I am concerned I will get "stuck" with all the work. Is it really worth it? The family wants an Alaskan Malmute.

Answer 1

DAD!! stop asking stupid questions like this. WE ARE GETTING A DOG WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!! You know mom will be the sole care giver and we are more than willing to do the work. We have met with the breeder, done a lot of research and WE are ready. You aren't going to get stuck with all the work, its a team effort!

what do you mean the kids are moving out?? i told you I'm back home after college

Answer 2

I think you first need to decided how much time and energy you have to give a dog. You also have to remember this pet will be in life for a very very long time. And second before you get an Alaskan malamute you need to do a lot of research to make sure this is the dog for you and your family. When choosing a dog you need to make sure the energy level of the dog matches yours. And you also have to be aware of the cost for raising a puppy, you vet bills, shots, licenses, cost of food, and though little emergency that could come up with. Also you have training. And dogs need to be walked a lot they can get bored and and easily destroy your house. I would say when you do all the research and you decided a that a dog is for you, you should look at rescues or shelter dogs. they can be wonderful dogs. I will tell you having a dog around is alot of work but also is a lot of fun. They can cheer you up and a bring a smile to your face. I wish you good luck on your decision. I will also suggest they have quizzes out that can help you determine the right dog for you..

Answer 3

Dogs are a great addition to the family so I support you all the way for getting a dog. Now if your looking for a calm lap dog then an alaskan malmute may not be the way to go. Alaskan malmute are working dogs and they need alot of exercise. Fetching the remote doesn't count. lol

Answer 4

Alaskan Malmutes are working dogs and require quite a bit of exercise to keep them out of trouble. So you probably are going to get stuck with walks/jogs etc. Dogs in general are work, well worth it for the companionship and love they bring, but work nevertheless. Consider a dog more suitable for you and your wife since the kids are almost out of the house. Once they are gone, there is no chance that they will come back to walk the dog or clean up after it.

Answer 5

For most people, I think the "work" that comes with having a pet is worth it. I don't think anyone here can make that decision for you. But...I do have to say that an Alaskan Malamute is probably not the best choice for first time dog owners. These dogs have a lot of energy. They need to be kept active and require lots of attention. They get bored easily and can become destructive if not given enough to do.

Answer 6

honestly iam a dog lover but if you dont want any rest for the next 6 months or so i would say yes. just to potty train you will have to take your dog outside constently every day and sometimes it can 20 or 30 minutes for the dog just to finaly go pee. thats not counting your belonging chewed up, accidents in the house, barking and playing. if you realy are serious i would get a smaller dog an alaskan malmute is a very large dog with a large mouth to chew thing up, claws to scratch your doors and realy big poop to clean off your carpet.

Answer 7

You need to ask yourself some serious questions about your life style in order to determine if this is a good idea. These questions should focus on what kind of lifestyle do we live (i.e. out-doors active or couch potatoes), what type of grooming are you will to do, level of trainability, what type of time do you have in your life, is this a dog that will go every where or stay mainly at home, and what purpose do you want the dog for (companionship, performance events, companionship/protection etc).

A dog is a 12-15 year committment and takes a lot of time. Thus it's very important to sit down and have these conversations. A big piece of this has to involve you and your wife as the two of you will most likely be the caretakers. Thus, the dog ought to fit your life style first and foremost.

Secondly, if you decided to get a dog you need to do some research on possible breeds. Make a list based off of the research (go to www.akc.org), go the those breeds parent club (fo example, Alaskan Malamute Club of America) and check their breeder referral, lastly call these people and see about meeting these dogs in person. Explain that you are looking at a couple of breeds, but are not sure which you want to get. You want to learn more about them and get to know some. This will enable you to make an educated decision about the kind of dog to get.

That being said, i love malamutes, but they are not a breed i would recommend for a first time dog owner. That does not mean you should not research the breed and talk to some breeders, but please keep that in mind. Also, this is a breed that needs lots of exercise and in cold weather is going to want to be outside playing.

best of luck!

Answer 8

I've been a dog owner for over 50 years. When the grieving passes upon losing one, I get another. The first thing to consider is that owning a dog can be a long term commitment & they grow attached to you. Just as it is "your dog", you are "it's human" so it would miss you if you're planning to travel without them & you'd have the burden of finding a dog sitter or boarding kennel. Given ample & PROPER care & attention, they can be a lot of work but well worth it since they become whatever you make them. If you tie it up outside & ignore it, it's just a dog, a dog being deprived of giving all it has to give, a dog being deprived of reaching it's intellectual potential. But give it your time, patience, training, attention & love & you become wonderful companions for each other with a connection in comparison to that with your children. I've always adopted mixed mutts from shelters, yet all of them learned commands, tricks & good behavior, becoming devoted, loving friends & companions. Many people will agree, their dogs have been more obedient than their kids & more faithful than their mates! LOL!

Answer 9

Well first off, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that Malmutes eat like crazy and they leave giant mountains of defacatos everywhere. So yeah, I don't suppose your wife will want to step in that, she'll probably lose a shoe, and they shed alot too. Don't get a small dog though, they bark and bark their little shitty brains out.

Answer 10

Alaskan Malamutes are a handful, but wonderful dogs. If you really want a dog then get one, but make sure your wife knows that if she wants this dog as well she will have to take some responsibilty in caring for it.

Muts are the best!