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

Also, mine has cost thousands in vets bills, literally ate the kitchen/ table/ skirting boards as a puppy, dug a hole in my lawn, and is still up once or twice a night wanting let out 🙄

Cats are the easiest option. If I could go back in time I would have another cat rather than getting a dog.

The difference for me is that a cat can use a litter tray, they are more independent. If it’s raining the cat likes to stay inside, they can be left alone easily with a timer feeder. But they also have lovely personalities and can be quite affectionate snuggled on your lap. They also don’t make lots of loud vocal noise.

The part I dislike about having a dog is having to go out whatever the weather, I find my dog smellier than my cat was, and you can’t be spontaneous or have long days out. It changes your life in a more extreme way than a cat.

I was in the same frame of mind as you OP, and have ended up setting up as a dog walker! I work in another role PT but now have a few dogs I take out each week - I get exercise, doggy company, and I use the money I'm paid to overpay the mortgage a little bit.

It was the holiday logistics that got me in the end.

Now I get to have other people's dogs instead!

Having volunteered with rescues for a very long time, the dog's behaviour isn't even the top reason that they end up in rescue. At the moment, it seems to be people who just don't have the time or money to care for them.

@And you might love long walks but what about the short, round the block walks in every weather, at least twice a day, every day ? That you'll have to drag the kids out on ?

I actually enjoyed walking every day even in the pouring rain as long as I had waterproofs on. Not so keen on snow but luckily we don't get that much of that. The enjoyment dogs get from their walk made it worthwhile to me.

Thank you, they are amazing, they barely leave my side when I’m home. I couldn’t be without them.

Well, you can guess my answer from my user name! I adore our dog, he has helped me through some very tough times and I wouldn’t be without him. Yes, they can be restrictive but I think you have to weigh up what you could potentially loose in ‘freedoms’ with what you gain in loyalty and love.

I'm so sorry for your loss 💐 it's nice to hear how much comfort your dogs and cat have brought you.

I never ever have regretted getting any of my pets. My 21 year old daughter died suddenly 3 months ago, and the two dogs and cat have been my saviour. Never underestimate the power of animals to help you through grief or trauma.

I’m not sure that’s true. My rescue was a stray in Ireland and the absolute best girl. She was 6 months old and behaved well very quickly. When we had the adoption talk at dogs trust they gave us a list of reasons people take their dog there, it was all sorts (many pathetic!) like dog has muddy paws or smells. They no longer have time, they are moving house, they are separating and no one wants the dog. It’s not because the digs are badly behaved. A goid charity will not re home a dog without testing their behaviour in various situations. Please don’t misinform people about rescues.

One thing I would say is, if you go abroad someone has to look after your dog in person or it has to go in kennels. My cat is ok to be fed twice a day (with cuddles) but a dog needs company.

I desperately wanted a dog and love him to bits, but it is hard work. He's pretty much taken over my entire life and I definitely feel like I've lost a lot of my freedom. It's not even like with a child where you know they'll get older and more independent at some point. My dog has an amazing life, but he will be our first and last dog.

I have two dogs and I love them to bits. I think they're great company but they're definitely a big commitment.

Lots of extra cleaning, every day walks are a must and they are expensive when you factor in food, vets, toys, grooming and training costs (not to mention the damage that they can cause to your house, especially as puppies)

Mine are getting on now at 13 and 15 and I wouldn't be without them. With that said I don't think I'll have another for a long time after they pass. Mainly because having dogs makes going out for the day or going on holiday a lot more difficult.

I think if you're realistic about the pros and cons then getting a dog could be great for you.

It’s all about weighing up the pros and cons isn’t it? We have a four year old dog and I love her to bits, but she does clip our wings. If we take her on holiday we can forget going to restaurants, although pubs are generally ok. We took her all over south of France last year and we had to take it in turns going on the beach because no dogs allowed. This year we’re leaving her with a dog sitter at £50 a day!!!
Also, if national trust places are your thing, you can forget going in and visiting the houses - you are destined to stay outside / in the cafe.

Most dogs I know have been owned by the owners since puppies and the majority have some sort of behavioural issue. Theres very few perfect dogs. Most dogs I know, rescued or not, could benefit from further training. Not all that dissimilar to how neither biological nor adopted children are perfect, really.

Get a dog! You sound like you'd be a perfect, responsible owner to me. If you want a trial, you could always sign up with 'Borrow My Doggy' and get used to taking other people's dogs for walks or for a few days to see how you get on.

They are hairy creatures, and they make a mess and they are a tie, but if you can put up with that, dogs are the funniest, most loving of creatures and so rewarding. I lost my collie almost two years ago and haven't got another one, firstly because he was irreplaceable, but now just because I'm single and they are such a tie, although I used Borrow My Doggy and friends and a dog walker. I started boarding dogs in my house to bridge the gap between no dog of my own and still having dog loves and my boarders are so rewarding.
As soon as I retire or I'm in a better position, I'll be getting multiple dogs again!

A dog doesn't even need to be abused to have behavioural issues the owners can't cope with, they might have lacked any socialisation or training, or be trying to act out the drives associated with their breed and be developing neurotic behaviours.

I would never get another one. Mine has issues. I never regretted having cats, get a cat.

Dog was great when kids were small. Once they got more independent/moved out. Then dog for me was bigger commitment and did not like to be alone. Could be more care commitment than a child.

Impact on me:

1. when I went back to work, dog care was a priority annoyance. Walker & access to home a stress when they would not be available or when walker got “friend” to help
2. lack of spontaneity, I could go away til I got someone or kennel to take dog which sometimes cost as much as my flights
3. You get issues if fog is a barker or destroyer when left alone

As you know, dogs are very hard work, especially when they're learning how to behave in their new environment etc and with my Border Collies, with the male one, I found him more exhausting as a puppy than my own baby lol, but I really don't regret having any of my dogs at all - not even when they're causing me worry with their health etc.
If you do your research properly and ensure you understand and can meet the dogs needs, then it can be extremely rewarding.

I grew up with dogs and my husband didn't - he was adamant that he never wanted a dog as that was how he'd been raised but then we took in an emergency rescue who needed a foster home instantly - we ended up keeping her (much to my delight) and now he's as mad on dogs as I am.

If they're introduced into the home correctly and are trained with patience, rewards and genuine love, it can be the most wonderful thing ever.

I've had dogs most of my life, but at almost retirement, I no longer want the responsibility for animals I love.

I want to travel the world without thinking about the well-being of my faithful companions.

I love dogs and my family always had them growing up (and my parents and siblings still do), but we don't because its just such a lot of work that I can't handle right now with young kids.
Also, we've always adopted dogs, and there's always something that makes things challenging, but I also know multiple people with purchased dogs and again, there's always something! We had one dog rescued from a puppy and she was so difficult, even more so than most of our older rescues.
But my sibling has a dog currently that is so food orientated and its such hard work to be around, will snatch food out of your hand, jump on counters etc. No training is working. So that's reminding me at the moment how difficult it can be!

Or have behavioural issues that are the result of being abused by children or adults.

Well that's bollocks. Most dogs that end up in rescues are abandoned by owners who didn't anticipate their needs or decided they didn't match the colour of the carpet or who dumped them after Covid returned their lives to normal.

Make a list of all the reasons why you shouldn't get a dog, and then come up with a solution to each of those reasons. If you can't, don't get a dog.
I was a bit like you, did a lot of research into training, breeds etc but in the end decided that I like my freedom too much, so have settled for watching a daily reel of dog videos on Youtube instead.
I still dream that maybe early retirement will be a good time to get one though....