I love having a dog!

[holmessweetholmes]

We have a 10 week old German Shorthaired Pointer puppy and he is fabulous! I know it is (very) early days yet, and that those of you with adolescent dogs will be shaking your heads knowingly but I was half expecting to be crying and surrounded by dog poo and shredded belongings by now. Whereas he's already hardly nipping, is kind of coming to his name, hasn't had an 'accident' for a good while and will repeatedly fetch a ball and give it to you on request.

This isn't supposed to be a boasty thread btw - I expect we have a lot to learn as dog-owners, but I'm just so glad I didn't let my worries persuade me out of getting him. He is currently sitting on my lap trying to tuck his muzzle under my armpit.

[pigsDOfly]

Aaw that's lovely. They are amazing aren't they. Is he your first ever dog?

It's wonderful when it goes so swimmingly. My dog was like that, a pleasure from the word go; although you're right about adolescence, but grit your teeth when it happens and you'll get through it:).

You'll get so much pleasure from him, dogs are amazing.

Also, if you ever need wise words or advice, there's a lot of very knowledgeable people on here.

[pigsDOfly]

Oops, I've said they're amazing twice; tend to get a bit carried away where dogs are concerned.

[holmessweetholmes]

We had a dog when I was a child (soppy, easy golden retriever bitch) but this is our first family dog for dh and me and the dc. And dh has never had one. He needed a bit of persuading but is now secretly a bit besotted too .

[holmessweetholmes]

No worries - I understand the enthusiasm! I just can't wait to be able to take him out and about. He has his last jabs on Monday.

[Agggghast]

I so agree, waited 50 years to get a dog and I love him so much. He is a constant source of joy and comfort. He is only 18months but amazing!

[insanityscratching]

Yes me too, Eric is always delighted to see me, he makes me laugh every day and I like how he snuggles up to me when he wants a fuss.It pretty much makes up for the times he rolls in something smelly, he climbs on the table/ cabinet/ fireguard/ window sill to retrieve something he isn't allowed, roots through the wash basket to steal dirty knickers to chew etc etc

[holmessweetholmes]

I guess I have some of that to look forward to...

[DevaDiva]

I'm totally in love with my dog too! My first ever dog (DH grew up with dogs) a 3 year old chocolate lab rescue; Bruce is an absolute star.

Can't believe I waited 38 years to get one

[Bassetfeet]

So pleased for you Holmes. A dog in the family is lovely.
If I recall you have moved to the Lakes? What wonder of delights for all of you hiking the fells and cuppas in the dog friendly cafés after .
He sounds scrumptious .

[NCIS]

That's lovely to hear, I've not really had many problems with my dog (he's 16 months old now) recall went a bit downhill when he was 7 months + and chasing bikes and joggers wasn't fun but they are being sorted out with the help of a fabulous trainer. An unexpected bonus is that I've met several new friends through Ddog and am off to France with them next year.

[financialwizard]

I love my dog too. She is nearly 21 weeks and I really don't know what I did before I had her.

Now wish I'd had dogs instead of kids. Far easier to train

[basildonbond]

I love my dog too :) he is a daily source of joy

My mum died earlier in the year and everything was so grim while she was ill and then when she died that I don't know how I would have coped without him. He gets me out of the house every day, training him gives me something completely different to focus on. He's fabulous with the children and is infectiously happy so you can't help smiling.

[holmessweetholmes]

Thanks Bassetfeet - yes I have indeed moved to the Lakes (well, just a bit to the south of them, technically! ). Of course getting Strudel (silly name, I know) means that there are no walks on the fells at all atm until he's had his second jabs, then only very minimal walks for a good while. That's the inly really frustrating thing about having him atm. We are desperate to explore our new area!

It will be worth the wait though. And we live right on the estuary and on the edge of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, so plenty of nice short woody or shoreside walks before we brave the fells!

[holmessweetholmes]

Basildonbond - it's lovely that your dog is such a positive force and a comfort. My daughter misses her friends back down south since we moved, and puppy cuddles are cheering her up too.

[holmessweetholmes]

NCIS - I'm hoping to meet new friends through Strudel too, especially as we've just moved 4 hours away from our friends.

[insanityscratching]

Well I love Eric even more today. I've had the worst migraine ever at just the time Eric was due a walk and he's not the most patient of dogs. But he seemed to know I was ill and laid down beside me with his paw on my arm not making a murmur until it passed. We've managed a walk now and he's cuddled by my feet giving them the odd lick.

[holmessweetholmes]

Aww - cute.