Want a dog!!?

Question

I recently lost my horse to bad colic and my son is begging for a dog.He has a pup picked out in a friends litter.I would like to see him get this dog because she would be a good size and the parents are both good natured.My hubby says no.He says it would too much responsibility.I can understand him wanting to catch up mony wise but not response wise.I would like a dog and feel every boy needs a dog.my son is an only child who would benefit greatly from the company.I would be glad to assist him in caring for her.What do others think?A dog would also help me get over the pain of loosing my horse. Thank you all for your time.

Answer 1

While I think a dog is a fantastic companion, a puppy takes A LOT of work. There's constant house training, getting up in the middle of the night to let the puppy out, puppies pee or poop about 20-40 times a day, they pee when they wake up, after they have eaten, after they have napped and after they have played. Is your son up to the responsibility of training / housebreaking a puppy, are you? Are you willing to take the time to train your dog to be a "good canine" one that doesn't destroy your house, chew your shoes, wood floors, sofa's when you leave it alone, one that is socialized around people and other dog, or oen that doesn't show signs of aggression towards their toys, food, people or other dogs?

I love my dog, but when she was a puppy she was a lot of work, I got lucky I was taking time off from finding a new job so I was able to really take the time to housebreak and train. Once I got back to full time work I stopped spending the time to train her. She's almost 2 now and well behaved, but it was the first 5 months of constant training that helped a lot, along with puppy training classes.
Puppies are also expensive, they need all their shots for the first 15 weeks, then they need to be spayed or neutered, not to mention when they get themselves hurt because although cute, they can be clumsy.

I would discuss it with your husband first, if it doesn't work out with the puppy and you got it without his approval, you will never hear the end of it. I liked another person's suggestion of being a foster parent to a dog, that way your son gets all the fun and you get none of the expense or permanence if the dog doesn't work out, also if your son grows attached to the dog and it works out, you have the opportunity to adopt the dog/puppy.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

It sounds like you and your son would greatly benefit from having a dog, and it sounds like this particular pup would be good for you, since you know the parents well, which gives you a fairly good idea how this pup will turn out. If you are willing to help your son with the responsibilities, then I don't really see why your husband should have a problem with it. Does he believe his wife and his son combined can't handle one dog?

It is a big financial commitment, but surely a horse was as well? A dog won't cost you any more than your horse was already costing you. Sit down by yourself and go over your financial situation, and if you're sure you can afford it (it will be $700-$1000 in the first year), then talk with you husband about it again, and show him where the money will come from

Usually, even if someone in your family is against having a dog, they will change their mind within days of getting it. Dogs have a way of growing on you.

Good luck with everything.

Answer 3

If the hubby is adamant about it, then sorry, but the answer has got to be 'no', for now.

While your friends dogs may have a great personality, they are probably not dogs that should have been bred. Wait awhile and either rescue a pup that needs a home or take the time to find a responsible breeder. This will give your husband some time to mill it over and possibly change his mind. The ONLY way I would take the friend's pup would be if they used the money to fix their dogs. Otherwise, you'll just be supporting another puppy mill/Backyard Breeder situation.

In short, hold off until your entire family is in agreement and until you can find a better option.

Good luck to you all and I'm very sorry for your recent loss.

Where to buy your puppy: http://www.geocities.com/bluegracepwd/wheretobuy.html

Getting a dog: http://dogplay.com/GettingDog/index.html

http://www.petfinder.com

Answer 4

I would recommend a dog to any young person. It teaches responsibility and is a good companion and loyal friend. I as a boy got my first dog at age 8. I was solely charged with poo-poo duty, feeding and watering the dog as well as training him. It built character in me and I took that little dog everywhere I went. I have rarely gone without a dog sense and presently live in a rural area where I can currently own over ten dogs. They are an anti-drug, anti- depressive, good wholesome pastime that brings many rewards in many ways.

Answer 5

My opinion... if having the pup is going to cause money and family stress, then it's not a good idea. See if your husband will agree to let you and your son foster one of the pups til he can find it another home. Likely dad will fall in love and all will be well. And if not, no harm done in terms of false promises to your son about being able to keep the dog.

I'm sorry to hear about your losing your horse. Is your son old enough to earn any money himself (mowing or mucking or anything)? If so, and he could get his dad to agree to let him have the dog if he can save a certain amount of money in a certain amount of time ($100 in 3 months?), then that would show your son's commitment and responsibility. Good luck!

Answer 6

I think its a really good-natured idea, but a lot of the questions posted on this forum revolve around people not having the money to care for the pet they have and trying to cheap out on vet care, food, treats, etc.

If you husband does the bills, understands your financial situation, and thinks the dog is too great a burden on the family's finances, don't press the issue and then find out later when you cannot afford a $300.00 vet bill for the dog what a mistake it was. It will only cause more heartache.

Answer 7

Every child should have a pet, I agree. It's great when that pet can be a dog, I had one growing up and couldn't imagine not. Our situation doesn't allow us to get a dog, although the kids and I all desperately want one. We have cats and birds instead (until we get a house).

Thing is, your husband said no to getting a dog, and it needs to be a family decision. Everyone has to be on board. Sure you could get the dog anyway, but men have a tendency to take resentment out on the innocent pet if they didn't agree to it. That doesn't mean I don't think you should get the dog. Just that I think you need to do some major sucking up and convincing, promises, favors etc...to get him to agree to it. Hurry up before someone else adopts the pup you want.

Answer 8

I think it's great, seeing that you can take care of a horse (even though taking care of a dog is a different process).

A dog would be a great companion for your son, as long as he is responsible enough and understands that.

If you are in the general vincity of MA, there's a dog that sounds great. Her name is Bella and she needs an adopter or a foster home or she'll be put to sleep on St. Patrick's Day. Check it out on http://www.pittieloverescue.com/

Answer 9

First off, I'm so sorry abuot the loss of your horse.

Dogs are MUCH less expensive with horses, and easier to take care of. Dogs also require less responsibility. I think that you and your son will be able to handle a dog fine.

Good luck convincing your husband!

Answer 10

I say yes you sons an old child and you said you would help him with it. Why not? Besides having a pet help teach kids responsibility. Believe me when it's all over your husband will enjoy that dog more than you and your son.