Would you get a dog now?

[Hippopotamus1]

I have wanted a dog for a while but planned to wait until next year when I hope to buy a bigger property. At the moment I’m in a flat (has a balcony, lots of dog friendly parks nearby). I’m wondering whether now is a good time now we’re likely to be working from home for long enough to settle him or her in! When we eventually go back to the office, dog would go to daycare three times a week but I work from home for the rest and can take regular breaks for walks. Would having a dog in a flat for up to 12 months and/or the pandemic put you off getting one?

[HasaDigaEebowai]

Both. you need to wait.

[BiteyShark]

Most people who make dog ownership work in flats do so by taking their dogs out for long walks. In this current climate that might be trickier as well as going to things such as dog training classes etc.

Another issue that would put me off getting a dog right now is the economy. Dog ownership can be very costly with insurance, food, worming, vaccinations etc and I wouldn't want to take on such an expense when jobs make be cut although I don't know how safe your industry or job is.

[Dreamersandwishers]

I am with Hasa. Your dog needs outdoor space ( it really cannot be allowed to pee or poo on a balcony) , and more socialisation and stimulation than you will be able to give it while isolating.

[Glassio]

also depending on what age of dog you were getting but puppies need a lot of socialising , meeting a variety of people, traffic, other animals etc which they wont be able to get now.

[copycopypaste]

It's not the worst idea, especially if you're going to be home a lot.

We're looking at adopting a dog this weekend (we already have 2), I work from home mostly anyway and I'm full time wfh now so it's a good time for me.

The only issue is that you don't have a garden and will have to use public places, if it's a puppy that's not house trained it might be a nightmare.

[frostedviolets]

I wouldn’t buy a dog right now

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I certainly wouldn't buy a puppy now - the issues around socialisation mean a puppy that only knows life in lockdown probably won't cope so well when life returns to normal. House training would also be a pain in the arse, to put it mildly.

A rescue dog? On the grounds that the key socialisation window is already gone, house training should be done or quicker, and rescues will need to free up space. Issue of reduced exercise could be solved by getting an older dog.

One other option to consider would be fostering (with an eye on adoption!) - costs are covered by the charity, the dog gets out of kennels, and if for any reason it doesn't work out you can follow the original plan of letting it be adopted by a new owner.

[ProfessorHasturLaVista]

No. We were looking to start applying to rescues over Summer but won’t be now. We can’t guarantee we will be well, for one thing, plus the usual socialisation etc as mentioned above will be impossible.

[pilates]

I would wait

[Scattyhattie]

You could offer to foster for a rescue instead, there's always a huge demand & its less of a long-term commitment both in time & finances, usually they cover vet bills some offer food too but that's usually more affordable part of having a dog.

I've lived in a flat with dogs & no garden, its doable, though I wouldn't want to puppy train without quick access to outdoors. You also have to consider the noise aspect more in flats so would avoid dogs that naturally more watchdog & barky types or high energy that likely to get restless.

You'd also need to work on dog being comfortable with time alone so don't end up with separation anxiety issues if & when normal routine resumes.

[Hippopotamus1]

Thanks, all. I guess I hadn’t thought socialisation through properly. I was hoping life would be back to normal by the time pup had had its vaccinations and was ready to go out, but perhaps that’s wishful thinking!

I would love to rehome an older dog, but I’d have to find one which was comfortable going to daycare for a few days a week. But I will look into fostering.

[OhLook]

When I was in Sainsbury's the other day, the dog food had taken a massive hit. I'm worried about it running out and not being able to feed my dog. Or cats for that matter.

[LookingGlassMilk]

It's probably not a good idea, but what is going to happen to all the puppies that will be born over the next year if people don't want them? Hopefully there will be fewer planned litters, but there will still be accidental litters.

We were hoping to get a kitten this spring, but we decided not to. Now I'm thinking there might be lots of kittens with no homes.

Will vets be working normally? Will there be more unspayed dogs and cats around as a result and therefore more unwanted litters?

[BiteyShark]

CatTangle the bar for dog ownership is unfortunately very low so as long as they have access to shelter, food, water and any required medical care then that meets the requirements in the uk. However, if he isn't picking up dog poo in a shared garden you might be able to complain to the flat management company about that.

[Aria20]

I was considering this too as we were planning to get a dog later this year after our holiday - which will not be happening now so I thought we could get one sooner but as people have pointed out there will be no socialising/puppy classes etc, vet access could be limited and you could struggle to get dog food and supplies. So on balance we will wait as I'd be anxious to take on the responsibility and then not be able to provide the right care.

[IndieTara]

I went to a dogs home yesterday. Was originally going to look from September when my job goes part time. But as I will now be wfh for the foreseeable I'm going to look now.
I have a small house but direct garden access so fine for a small dog.
I am finding though that small dogs get regimes very quickly

[MissBPotter]

We have been thinking about getting a dog for a while and we are still considering it for the following reasons:

1. We will be at home nearly all the time now
   
2. Our income is secure
   
3. We will need something to do during this time of no school, no activities and no socializing with friends or family
   
4. We live right next two both a large park and a big area of forest which should be ok to walk in with social distancing.
   
5. We also have a large, secure garden
   

However I am rather concerned about the possible problems. Just would love to have a puppy/dog bringing a little joy at this time. There are loads of puppies being born so don’t they need a good home? I agree that it wouldn’t be a good idea to breed puppies at this time though.

DH is desperate for a dog, does anyone think this could be a good idea?

[crustycrab]

Anyone even considered what they will do with these new puppies if they have to be hospitalised?

Of course it's madness to add to your family now if you can help not to

[Gingerninja4]

Also consider some places they are closing the parks a bourgh in London is

[copycopypaste]

We picked up our puppy this weekend.

I consider myself lucky as I work from home anyway, both myself and dh have secure jobs especially in this climate, we live in a very rural location. I walked for 5 miles today with my other dogs and didn't see another person. I also have two other dogs for socialisation. If I had to go into hospital I have my dh and friends who are also dog people who would happily look after her

[overandunder9]

We are in a very similar position to you @MissBPotter. My DSIL has 2 dogs that she would bring to ours to help with socialisation (she wouldn’t come in herself!).

[MiniatureRed]

@MissBPotter we are also considering getting a puppy for the reasons you've said.

[IndieTara]

I got my little rescue dog on Tuesday. Yesterday he had to go to the vet, twice! So I'm £575 down ( inc the cost of the dog ) and as he's no better today will have to go back to the vet for xrays.
I'm so worried about him

[MiniatureRed]

What's wrong with him Indie?
Poor pup.