Do I want a dog?? Do you regret having one?

I call my poodle my little chicken. Does that mean she a chickapoo?

Is a chickapoo a cross between a poodle and a chicken?

Currently on my sofa under my literal pile of dogs. All different breeds, large and small, old and young. All rescue. Happy to confirm you are quite wrong.
Out if 40+ we’ve had, probably 30 have been absolutely fine with no issues, health or behaviour wise. The other 10 or so we knew had issues but have been able to resolve them without spending thousands on training or hours and hours on training.
And no, I don’t agree “it’s fine” to buy a puppy because so many come from puppy farms. Don’t believe me? Have a look at Many Tears Dog Rescue. They have hundreds of dogs, most in a terrible state, most ex breeders, most of the people who bought puppies from those dogs thought it was fine. It’s not.

Agree! Mine has lovely soft silky fur, no flaky skin, and the groomer and vets always say she’s in lovely condition. Probably helps her shampoo costs four times mine and lasts half as long. In fact I usually look like a scarecrow! Regular baths for mine each week as she enjoys splashing around in muddy puddles.

Some folk just like to criticise anything relating to dogs. In fact there’s a big CON to the list - the ignorance of dog haters (of which the same two or three regularly crop up on MN).

A lot of dogs give so much joy to life - so do cats. They’re a massive rock of support in difficult times and are truly part of the family.

No, you are wrong. Some dogs do not smell and therefore the houses they live don't either.

There are so many different breeds and their fur or, in some cases, hair is different.

You have not been to a home which has every single breed of dog in the world living in it so, sorry, but your comments are bullshit.

As I said, my MIL said our house did not smell and she would definitely have told us if it did and would have delighted in doing so. She liked to comment when we had cats that our house smelled of them. We have never used deodorising substances on our dogs except shampoo when we bath them and that is not the frequent.

I have an extremely good sense of smell and some of my friends who have dogs definitely do not have houses that smell whereas some do. Most of the friends whose houses do not smell have the same breed of dog so no coincidence...

You get that doggy smell more when they haven't been spayed/neutered, it makes a massive difference. Keep their bedding clean & clean your house properly it's not difficult.

@mydogisthebest we must have different perceptions.

I stand by my view that using various deodorising substances on dogs' coats can't be good for their health (skin and respiratory system). This is not 'bullshit'

And yes, some breeds smell less than others but the homes they live in do keep a dog smell no matter how clean the dog, their collar/coat or the house are. Some smell stronger than others and some can be very unpleasant. But it's just something dog owners have adjusted to.

I'm not a dog hater, have lived with dogs since the age of 5, I can't imagine life without dogs. Our current home is what you might call minimalist In design with lower percentage of soft furnishings compared to a standard house, very efficient ventilation and easy to clean surfaces, precisely because I am fighting a constant battle against dog smells which I can't smell myself but I guarantee they are there.

I think a lot of people don't realise that different breeds have different types of fur and that makes a difference as to whether they are likely to be smelly or not. Also, obviously, how much the houses are cleaned, what sort of flooring there is, what the settees are made of etc.

Unless the people who insist all houses smell have been to homes of every single dog breed in the world (obviously they haven't) they are just spouting nonsense.

Agree. I have actually only been in one house which was a terrible overpowering dog smell and that was many years ago. They had two bouvier's in a small house but TBH I think it was just lack of general cleaning etc. Most houses don't smell. I had a two bedroom flat for a while when my marriage broke up and carpet cleaned it weekly. My friend who doesnt like dogs would comment on how amazed she was it didnt smell of dogs. And to suggest people with dogs clothes are dirty is just nonsense. I would suggest that if the poster is being genuine about being able to smell dog to that extent, she is extremely sensitive to smell and is in a minority. Most people don't smell it and certainly not outside the house on people's clothes! Obviously you do have to clean more, and I have found it much easier now I have a house with a utility room, but as I have said my dogs give me back far more than they take. My child can be a pain sometimes! But she gives back more as well :D

Rescues are full because of morons getting dogs that aren't bred to be pets because they have a false idea of being able to change it into something that it's not, rescues are full of rubbish breeds prone to resource/dog/stranger/small fluffy aggression or dogs that need an unreasonable amount of exercise. I wouldn't go anywhere near a rescue as someone wanting a pet, they're fine if you're into training and helping a dog but alot of people just want a pet and it's fine to buy a puppy instead of taking the risk that a rescue dog has been badly raised/bad genetics and have the next decade of your life ruined once you get attached to it. Even experienced rescues can't guarantee that a dog isn't masking issues in foster placements/kennels.

I like both cats and dogs, but I have the same idea as you. I will only raise them if I have enough money. Animals will shed their fur, just like humans lose their hair. Go ahead and raise one. I support you.

Newsflash - Dogs smell doggy! It's not by default an unpleasant smell - it depends on your taste. If you like dogs, it's quite a comforting smell and not overpowering if you keep your house generally clean. I used to like burying my head in my dog's long coat when I felt sad and smelling his doggy smell. We bathed him about once a month to get rid of general dirt or as needed if he'd been somewhere muddy and got filthy, so any smell was his natural scent.

Absolute bullshit

When people (usually dog haters) absolutely insist that ALL houses and people with dogs smells it makes me laugh but also makes me angry as it is absolute crap.

Yes quite a few dogs smell doggy but not all do. Depends on breed. Most of my friends have dogs and some of their houses smell doggy but a lot don't and they are friends who have the same breed.

If my house smelled of dog my lovely MIL would delight in telling me. She told me often enough when we had cats that she could smell them. In fact she has said a few times that she is surprised our house does not smell when we have dogs.

Nooooo don't do it.

Clickbait

Don't do it. I did it as a single parent and it's so tough. Found myself constantly saying 'got to get back for the dog' - shopping trips/meals with friends - anytime you leave the house. I had a dog walker for my WFO day but felt really guilty leaving him. I also didn't go for a new job in my local city that wanted 3 days a week WFO. I think owning a dog is a two person job, wait until your dd is a teenager.

There are limited dogs in rescues that they will rehome with kids.

I adore our dog, as do my kids, he fits well with my WFH job but I’m very aware that other jobs later in my career may not be so dog compatible, In didn’t think so much about that. WFH works really well with primary age kids, when last one goes to secondary and I might look at my work options dog will only be 6.

I think you sound like you'd make a good dog owner!

We adore our young dog (working line labrador) but she has completely changed our lives. She is out twice a day for an absolute minimum of 45 minutes each time, no matter the weather, and we also spend a significant amount of money on gundog training, obedience classes, as well as fun activities for her like scentwork classes and mantrailing. We have also spent hours training and socialising her in various scenarios, and this will be ongoing for a few years yet. I mostly work at home but I have to be out of the house two days a week for around 5 hours at a time and we will still get a dog walker on those days.

We live in the country so she has plenty of enriching and varied walks; we are also child free so can dedicate the time to her. I'm not sure she'd be such a good dog if she didn't have all of this time invested in meeting her needs and drive to "work".

I'm not trying to put you off but if you do get a dog, I would advise you pick the type of dog very carefully. I know of a few people who have got working cockers or "poo" dogs thinking they will be perfect family dogs, but they've ended up with anxious, boisterous dogs who haven't properly had their needs met.

I have two dogs, I became dog obseesed after the first one.I had never had one before.No young children, I have my daughter and a dog walker during the day.
Both dogs are the type you zake to a doggy hair dresser, one is from a dog home.I feel the dog from the dog home, is so grateful to have a home, but they give me so much as well.
I personaly like getting up early so I like that even in winter.
They are a lot of work, so not sure if I would be happy if I had young children.

Other idea, could you take care of a friends dog sometimes? Or regularly, I have a friend who has her friends dog 2 days a week.
When her husband works nights.
Good luck

Never. The thought of picking up poo in sideways rain...no thanks!

I adore my dog, so do my kids but I won’t be getting another until later in life (if ever). It really is a tie. It depends if you have family who can help I guess. Not just holidays but having to make sure you’re back to feed - walk the dog.

I have a dog walker, as i’m in the office most days. That costs me between £250-300 a month. Insurance is £75, and rising as he had glaucoma and is going blind, and from next March we have to pay a 20% co-payment. Essential to have insurance in my experience, i’ve claimed well over £10,000 in the 7.5yrs i’ve had my dog. Grooming is £45 every 7wks and he’s on a particular food I can’t changed due to some mystery illness. So full price that’s £21 for 6 tins.

So he costs me a small fortune. He is worth it, but my youngest is 17 next month, and I want some time in my life where I can go travelling without needing a baby or pet sitter. I also currently have 2 dogs to care for as my close friend is sadly dying from cancer. Getting a dog can and is wonderful and I have such a close bond with my dog, but don’t underestimate the tie, and cost!

I've had my dog for 9 years.
The days of spontaneously being able to go out for the day with dc to theme parks, going out to the theatre or cinema in the evening when you've been at work during the day, holidays abroad without worry, those will all go.

You'll be constantly checking for dog friendly beaches,dog friendly cafes/restaurants, dog friendly cottages and the commitment to walk in all weathers

Would I change any of that? Not a chance.

The reward you get in love and companionship is priceless. Life will be very different and you'll have to stay one step ahead when making plans. But certainly not bad.

It doesn't matter how much you wash, brush and spray a dog, the house will still smell of dog.
Most dog owners tolerate the smell or become less aware of it.
Also, I'm not convinced washing a dog with shampoo on a regular basis is good for their coat. And I suspect most sprays are not good for a dog's health, probably very irritating to dogs. Even if these are products formulated for use on dogs. We are exposing them to so many unnecessary chemicals already (fabrics coatings, exhaust fumes, room deodorisers etc).
It is not a winning battle, homes with dogs will smell of dogs no matter what.