What's the obsession with pets?

Question

My girlfriend really wants a dog but I can't stand them. They smell, bark a lot, need taking for walks, you have to pick their poo up when they do and they cost loads of money. They can also wreck your furniture or doors by chewing on them. What the hell are the good points?

Answer 1

If you can't stand dogs then don't get one. Perhaps you and your girlfriend could compromise on a pet that you both find acceptable.

The reason why I say don't get a dog is not because of you - it is because dogs thrive in good homes where they are cared for and cared about.

So it is for the sake of the dog that I think you shouldn't get one - if you disliked or resented it, the dog would be aware of your feelings and would be much better off somewhere more welcoming.

To cover some of the points raised - dogs which are groomed and cared for do not smell - but even a clean dog can smell if it is wet and/or hot and yes they do smell a bit if they roll in something disgusting.

Yes they need to be exercised and as an owner you have to take them out despite bad weather and the fact that you don't feel up to it. I enjoy walking and I'm often glad that I have made the effort and got up out of my chair instead of vegetating in front of the TV.

Picking up poo isn't as unpleasant as you might think - like nappy changing, you get used to it - and there are all sorts of poop-scoopers for the faint hearted.

They can be expensive to buy, feed , insure and keep healthy but I would rather spend my cash on my dogs than on beer, cigarettes or betting.

Dogs are only destructive if they are bored or untrained - mine certainly don't wreck my doors and furniture and I've had more damage done by clumsy or drunken guests at the occasional party.

You need to like dogs and own them before you can really appreciate all their good points.

Mankind and dogs started to bond thousands of years ago and some anthropologists theorise that the human race survived against all the odds mainly due to the cooperation of dogs in aiding the rather feeble human to hunt successfully.

Whatever it was that brought the first dog and the first man together (it is also said that the first domesticated dogs were probably puppies rescued by the women and children then spoilt rotten), I digress! Whatever it was the same bond is still there and is just as strong.

As we all know - men don't cry BUT the two occasions when they do is the birth of their child and the death of their dog.

P.S. This postscript is for Clive (the misogynist).

It is MEN who seem to think that you have to dominate a dog. Dogs are companions and we do not need to dominate our companions whether they are husbands, wives, children, cats or dogs. All we need to do is get along together and give each other the respect we deserve. Wild dog packs are not subjugated by a dominant animal. They all have roles to play and are led by a dog with the necessary leadership qualities. A dog pack relies on each other and is a good example of a working co-operative.

Answer 2

If you dont like dogs then dont have one for gods sake dont get one because your girlfriend wants one as it will not have a happy life
PLEASE DONT GET ONE
Dogs are great pets (Im bias here i have great danes ) but not everyone is a dog lover (cant understand that ) you may be better off getting a new girl as she will probably want kids and , I mean what are their good point. when all they do is smell scream you have to pick up after them and cost you lots of money and that goes on a lot longer than a dos life span
Also a dog doesnt talk back stay out late or get in family way(if your a responsible owner )
Good luck with new girlfriend lol

Answer 3

You have never had a dog so you really dont know!!
Your thinking of all the bad points , forgeting they are loving will give you endless fun! They are very loyal! If you dont want all the hard work of the training ,go to a rescue centre and get an older dog!!! Alot of them have had dreadful lives for one reason or an other and would love to be put into a caring home!!! Believe me I have had dogs all my life, and I would never be without one! There not just a pet they are appart of the family. You will find this out for yourself if you get one!!!! Once you have had one , you will wonder what you were saying about them! Honestly! Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Me and my boyfriend had the same debate when we moved in together last year. I've had a dog since I was 2yrs and he has never had a pet in his life. Anyway we had a puppy (8mths ago) and my boyfriend adores the dog. He says its different when it's your own pet, you can take it out for walks, good for guarding the house and they're really good company when your girlfriend is out. My boyfriend now takes the mick out of me because the dog loves him and gives him way more attention to me - he said he will never let me take the dog if we seperated. A complete U-turn with his thoughts - maybe you will be the same. Unless you've had a pet it's really difficult to see why people get so attached! Maybe you could borrow a friend's dog for a week to see how you go?

Answer 5

Well, some women get pets to foster their maternal instincts. I'm not saying a dog is equivalent to a child, or a replacement for a child. For some women, it's an easier option than having kids, and many women learn how to set boundaries as they would with children. It's something you have to feed, spend money on, spend time with, clean up after, etc. etc. etc.

Also, many people appreciate the companionship that pets provide. They are always there for you, and empirically proven to reduce stress. They don't judge you, love you unconditionally (you = food) or they don't think your butt looks big in those jeans. They also can be quite silly (always fun).

Answer 6

Well, if you keep them clean (BATH THEM) every month or so, they don't smell, they dont have to bark, you can teach them to bark only when necessary, your girlfriend can take him/her for a walk, picking poo up is not as bad as it seems with a "pooper scooper" and they don't have to cost a lot of money. Depends on the size, and if you tell them off when they touch your furniture, they'll learn not to.

All your qualms/problems solved...

Answer 7

You can train them to sit, come, stay. You can also teach them tricks like, roll over, play dead, bark on command, jump high for something, sit up, and many other tricks as well. They can get your newspaper for you. They are good company and guarding if you are alone by your self.....they dont smell unless you don't bathe them properly, they don't bark alot if you train them not to, they do need walks, but hey its exercise, you need it to, the don't cause loads of money if you take care of them properly or get a low maintenence breed. Read up more on care for a dog....a dog can be lots of fun....you can also play fetch with him, hide and go seek, frisbee, go swimming with him, go running with him, dogs are alot of entertainment and fun, all you have to do is take good care of them....believe me its like caring for a kid! This will be great practice if you want to maybe think about having kids in the future...depending on where you guys are in your age and relashionship.......

Answer 8

Because pets are cool!
They are loyal, friendly dont answer back............

I have 2 cats 2 horses and a dog, but i have always liked animals and have never not had some pets.
Maybe you and your girlfriend are not as well matched as you think, if she loves pets and you dont that could very well be a problem later on

Answer 9

attempt to be honest with your self. Do you think of you're waiting to bathe feed and brush an animal. you're able to be able to additionally study the animal and it will assist you practice to have the animal and your mum and dad will understand you're waiting for that duty. you're able to be able to additionally make a itemizing of the failings your gonna do once you get the puppy. you're able to start up with small animals to tutor your mum and dad your waiting like a fish and after your mum and dad see the best job you probably did attempt with larger animals like canines and cats. tell your mum and dad some puppy your pal has. you're able to coach duty by using paying for the animal with your very own funds. you're able to address greater duty around the domicile.

Answer 10

You are quite right about dogs, their place is in a kennel when they are not working.
I have noticed that in recent years, many women have opted for dogs as their preferred pet. I think that this a reflection of change in women's nature. I think that in the minds of some women, the dog is a surrogate husband that can be dominated but still remains obedient and loyal. Women who try to dominate their traditional pet, the cat, will see that it just finds a new home.