Do you own a dog - please give me advice?

Question

I really want a dog but want to know exactly what I'm getting into, please can you tell me the best and worst parts about having a dog? Some of the less obvious answers would be appreciated.

Answer 1

getting away for weekends and holidays is difficult

vets are expensive


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Answer 2

We have an 18 month old Boxer. Be prepared for the expense! Vets can be expensive but I insure our dog for £12 a month. The kennels we use charge £8 per night. We have to feed our dog premium food as we discovered he has a very delicate tummy, £35 per bag which lasts approx 4/5 weeks. Depending on the breed, exercise. We have a large garden but we walk our dog at least once a day for an hour. Being responsible is key, a well trained dog is a must. Our dog came with problems so we had 6 one to one lessons with a professional trainer at £20 an hour. You will also need a good hoover for the hair! We thought short hair would mean less shedding! No! Having a dog is just as much responsibility as having a child. If you aren't ready for kids, you're not ready for a dog. There are websites which will suggest certain breeds according to your answers to multiple choice questions. If you do get a dog good luck, and as we did consider a rescue dog. Our baby was severely neglected by his original owner, he now has a life of luxury. He is so wonderful, sometimes you'd think he was grateful for us taking him on. We wouldn't part with him for anything. Do plenty of research, try borrowing a friends dog for a day or two and see how you get on. Remember that a dog can live for a long time and its a huge commitment but a very rewarding one at that. My husband works away from home and when the kids are in bed he's company for me and his warning bark when the doorbell goes is reassuring too. Good luck again.

Answer 3

Well done for posing this question. So many people buy a pet on a whim without the consideration to its life and how it will affect you.

Firstly, the dog will become part of your family, like a child would. This means every time you leave the home without the animal, you will have to consider the length of time you have been away. Dogs are pack animals and it would be unfair to leave it more than a few hours alone. Don't listen to those who say they leave their pooches all day.....they are bad pet owners and should be fined and thrown in jail and made to scrape pigeon poop off the roofs of buildings!!!!

A pet is for life and all its responsibilities such as all jabs, vet fees, check ups and accident repairs. Expensive business. If you cherish your family member this would not be an issue unless you were less well off. There is no excuse for lack of care.

Your pup will crave your attention and your guidance and a well trained dog is a happy dog. He must be obedient and take instruction from you at all times.......

After all this, money, effort, love and time, are you still keen? If yes good luck, if no, or maybe, reconsider. Buy a cuddly toy!

Answer 4

Firstly dog's are the best animal you can 'adopt'.

I've never understood the fascination with cats, they are extremely ferrel and only appreciate you as someone they recognise as opposed to a dog who literally 'will be your best friend'.

Secondly its a huge commitment, you need to be certain. I can't stress that enough. For instance if you consider yourself to be decent kennels are not really an option - that means a restriction on holidays, unless you have family/friends etc.

I see others have commented on vet bills - insurance is an option, I have a GSD insured and it costs £180 a year (direct debit monthly) but I pay the first £50 of every vets bill. This basically equates to no massive outlay should something go wrong...

You need to research your breed carefully, I opt for GSD's (Alsatians), I'm on second already, Sadie sadly passed away in March of 2005. I now have Max whom is a very handsome animal...

The reason I say research is because I want 2 Huskeys (littlest hobo type) but cannot at present as they require 10 miles of walking a day and I work - you have to consider the animals needs as well as your own...

Lastly please consider a Rescue Dog (vigilgsdrescue dot co dot uk), these are animals that have usually been severely mistreated. It probably will encompass behavioural problems but can also give you immense satisfaction...

To sum up if you are capable of looking after a dog then do so the rewards will become clear, you will have one forever afterwards.

Answer 5

The worst part of owning a dog is that their lifespan is much shorter than ours and if you become really fond of your dog it is upsetting when it comes to the end. Dogs are not cheap to own.Even the healthiest of dogs will need the attention of a vet from time to time and vets are expensive.Even if you live in the country you will have to clean up after it at some point imagine picking up poo from a St Bernard! don't kid your self that you will train him to go when it's convenient when he wants to go he'll go. A dog is a pack animal and the family is his pack and YOU must be the pack leader. You should choose a dog that suites your lifestyle. If you are a fit active outdoor person get a dog to match but if your not a small placid animal might be better.Temperament is important and different breeds are known for there different characters. First crosses are usually okay and can be brilliant but beware mongrels can be a gamble unless you know the parents. Having a dog can be great or it can bring heartache, Good luck and enjoy your pet.

Answer 6

You already know the best parts of having a dog - thats why you really want one!

The worst parts you won't realise until you've had one for a while and these are the worst for me.. (had dogs all my life)

They make a mess in your house: fur/mud/scratches/fleas/chewing stuff/smell. You can't ever escape it and you either spend all your time cleaning up after them or you give up. Best strategy is don't let them everywhere in the house - restrict their movements or you'll go mad or be dirty!!

They need you and you can't turn them off:
Cats look after themselves, dogs are like babies forever. They don't grow up and will need walks even when its raining when they will roll in mud and then rub against your walls. They will need hours of your companionship everyday or you will break their heart and they start trashing stuff!! They don't understand when you are busy or if you need a break - you will still have to walk, feed, play, clean and entertain your dogs!

If you have a good sense of humour you will be able to deal with the worst features of dog ownership and turn them into some of the best times.

Dogs are amazingly loyal and affectionate and adaptable and are one of the only domestic animals that can actually live as a family member. It is argueably the closest relationship you can have with a living being from a different species. Incredible experience!

Answer 7

having a dog is a gr8 experince but on the other hand shudnt be taking likey hun they can last up til there 16 depending on wot breed u have so they are a long term commitment vet bills can be hefty if u dont insure them as pups but they give u all the love an affection of a partner without the answering back part hee they are litterally a man/womens best friend and will remain faithful throughout all there ive had dogs all my life sinced i was 5 im 28 now and have really only regreted 1 dog and that was mainly because the little terror was 2 boistrous round my son and 2 destructive in the house he was a x staffie pitbull ie an irish staffie that was a bad choice which i wont b making again hee gudluk with your choice and make sure u luk up about the breed od dog u wont read all about its gud and most of all bad point and enjoy the experince u wont regret it i promise u gudluk hun and be happy with ya new pup all da best

Answer 8

I've had dogs my whole life and I even used to dog-sit in the summer for both my (now ex) girlfriend's family and her neighbours so, if you hadn't guessed, I love dogs!

No matter what breed, dogs are the most loyal animals on God's Earth; it's no wonder they're called man's best friend. But you need to reciprocate that love. It's like a cross between having a child and a best friend. If you get a dog you'll never be lonely - guaranteed. When I moved out from my parent's house I really noticed the one thing missing most from my new place was the constant companionship you get from having a dog.

Don't mean to sound too mushy but I'm obvously a big fan!

Answer 9

Size matters. And research. Look at your lifestyle first. Are you home enough, or do you work a lot of the day? Some breeds are okay with being alone, others need lots of attention and when they dont get it they act out by destryoing your house, biting themselves, pee/pooping in the house, etc. Are you a neat freak? or does a little pet hair not bother you? Also make a decision that everyone that lives in your home is involved in. You dont want someone resenting you or treating the animal wrong.

Dogs are great, but puppies are A LOT OF WORK. They WILL pee on your carpet, chew things, bite/play too hard sometimes.....it takes about a year to two years for the dog (if trained and attended to well) to settle dog down. Go to pet adoption events, there is one every weekend in my area..that way you can get to know different breeds. The people there will NOT pressure you, they want people to be informed pet owners.

Mixed breeds in my opinon are the best. Also, please adopt. Look for months if needed before you find the one for you. A year or two or three year old dog may suit you if you do not want to deal with the puppy years. Also if you do like a particular breed, check online for specific breed rescues that take in and place pure bred dogs. DONT go to a breeder or a puppy store, these places do NOT care- just want to make a profit, not a "right fit" for you and your family with a new pet.

Answer 10

It mainly depends on what dog u are getting!
I have had my dog for 18 months now and the worst thing about her is that she barks alot but she's a jack russell so u have to exspect that.since having her we have spent about £150 on vets bills for her (that was for har injections when we first got her another injection a year later wormer and front line for fleas and ticks every few months) I personally don't think this is that much but obviously you have to take food in to acount and toys and bones.If you go out a lot then i would say that maybe a dog isn't for you!! I am able to take my dog to work with me which is a bonus and i have friends and family that will look after her if i go away and cant take her with me! I love having her around when my partner is on lates at work and its a good reason to just get up and go for a walk twice a day even when u can't be bothered cos u know u have to cos of the dog.
So what you have to ask yourself is can you afford a dog and do you have time for one?
good luck if you do decide to get one!!

Answer 11

I think before you get a dog you have to do some considerations about your life style, the exactly amount of space that you have to offer to a dog, and what you expect about a dog. A good way to decide it is get some information about different kinds of dog. Before a adopted my dog from Humane Society I read a book call Dog for dummies. This book talk all about dogs and maybe will help you decide have or not have a dog in your life right now.