Should i get a dog?

Question

My cat died in september and i want a dog. I am 13 and am willing to help out alot. I'm even ok with poop scooping. We are looking for a dog that is okay outside, we have a big backyard, not too small and not too big. We would not let it in the house too often just when it was a puppy. Should we get a a dog or no? If so what kind?

Answer 1

dogs are social animals and really shouldnt be left outside by themselves all the time. People who do have strictly outdoor dogs they are usually german shepherd watchdogs and although its not illegal it's a shame IMO. These dogs, all dogs, are capable of so much more, and have been domesticated to live integrated with us, in our homes. And yet they still have the instinct to be pack animals. Thats what makes it even worse when theyre outside by themselves.
Cats except for lions (or young cats and sometimes males that team up), dont live together socially. So its more ok for them to be alone than it is for a dog, although even pet cats i dont like them being outdoor animals IMO again, but too many dangers outside, when we take them as our responsibility.
I know you want a dog, and youre probably full of love and would care for it good. But its just not fair to the animal to leave them outdoors. If you truely love them, love isnt selfish, you'd wait until you can convince your parents to let the dog live inside.
why do your parents object to you having the dog inside? shedding? mess? barking? All those problems and more can be addressed! find out what your parents dont like about an inside dog, and ask on here for help finding a solution for you to give to your parents and maybe change their mind!

Answer 2

I would say no for two reasons, and I am not trying to pressure you either way.
First: When you replace a dog that soon you unconsciously expect it to be like the old one. And then your a bit disappointed when he is not.
Second: I believe all dogs should be inside at least for a while every day. Preferably over night. This has nothing to do with temperature outside but rather the fact that dogs are social animals.. They NEED to be around either other dogs or their human family. If not they get cranky. I have seen this happen so often in the neighborhood where I live because its kind of a bad area and people think they get dogs for watch dogs.

Answer 3

Kiki's right. If you're going to keep the dog outside - away from his family, his pack - lonely and all but forgotten, then you don't need a dog.

Dogs are pack animals and as such need to be near their pack. Since he'll be probably an only dog - the pack is you and your human family.

And Kiki's right - poop scooping is not the only thing dogs need - they need regular food/water, vet care, and most importantly, training & socializing. Unlike cats, who live by the "I'll have my people call your people" attitude, dogs need to be near and interact with their pack.

At this time, I would urge you not to get a dog.

Answer 4

No.
First, if you have to ask. That means it does matter to you.
Second, if you are going to let the dog stay outside, why get a dog.
Third, since you are only 13. Unless your parent give you a OK, otherwise, poop scooping is not just the only task you need to do to own a dog.

Answer 5

Dogs are pack animals that are very social, they love to be with their family all the time. A dog left outside is very lonely and does not understand why it is separated from its family. Some times an outside dog is so lonely it developes behavior problems like barking all the time, digging, or fence jumping. Also they are not ment to withstand all weather, sure they have fur, but they are still living creatures, and when its cold, they are cold, and when its hot, they are hot. Unless you can keep your dog inside where it is part of the family, I would not recomend it.

Answer 6

you can't keep an animal outside if it's domesticated. They get sick faster and succum to parasites. They are social creatures and need companionship.

I think it's great you are asking about keeping an animal outside, but you will not be able to socialize him if he's outside and his vet bills will be a burden. You will not want a dog that you keep outside after only a few months. get a cat or an older dog that is already house trained that you wouldn't mind keeping inside.

Answer 7

sure, you can. but i owuld say to wait a while, because of the recent passing of your cat. wait until you are sure youand your family are over your cat's death and have accepted it, then think about it. if you get a dog, dont keep it out as a puppy! when you get a puppy, thats the time to lay the foundations and rules! by keeping puppies outside, you're saying that you and the puppy dont have much of a bond, and it will stay like that! keep it inside when its a puppy, then maybe keeping it outside wont be bad, but spend time with it. as for which breed oyu should get, i have the perrrrfect link for you: http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Answer 8

With your circumstances, I say prob not.

But whoever thinks dogs being outside is "abuse" is contributing to the growing number of dogs in shelters all over America. I JUST CANNOT IMAGINE HOW CANINES SURVIVED BEFORE MAN HAD HOMES FOR THEM TO LIVE IN????????????????????????????????

When you treat an ANIMAL like a human, THAT IS ABUSE!!!

Animals are animals, and we have done so much harm with good intentions.

Answer 9

well talk to your parnets and see if they say yes go with a little dog that stays little so its not as much work ok

Answer 10

no!! puppies need time and care!!! You seem like a horrible owner!! How could you let dogs live outside!! What if it gets cold!! evil cruel owner. If you get a dog i hope it kills you!!