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Original poster

My DD wants a dog... We CANNOT have a dog.. What else?

90 replies

LashestoLashes · 25/09/2019 21:18

My DD 13 is desperate for a dog. We are not doggy people and actually I am phobic. I think she likes the idea of a dog, something to look after / love /play with.
Can anyone suggest any alternatives?! We live pretty much on a motorway so a cat is a no no. Im also not keen on rodents.
Can anyone recommend me a good pet for her?

OP posts:

TrippinOut · 26/09/2019 13:15

But yes rats are wonderful.

Mine know their names, come when called, can do tricks, they LOVE to cuddle.

Watch some videos on YouTube.

I call them my pocket puppies.

They are just like mini dogs.

Dieu · 26/09/2019 16:24

I am happy to back up those who claim that rats are good pets. It wouldn't be for me (I live in the New Town of Edinburgh, which is pretty much overrun with mice, so too close to home!) but I work with an autistic boy who has rats as pets. He loves them, and I love hearing all about their antics and different personalities. His fall into the categories of greedy, naughty and affectionate!

VetOnCall · 26/09/2019 16:57

If your DD is 13 then realistically if you got a long-lived animal the bulk of caring for it would fall to you. I've seen it a million times with clients once teenagers start dealing with exams, boy/girlfriends, socialising, part-time jobs etc., and then many/most head off to university at 18 so the parents have to really want the animal for themselves.

Do not get a dog, they're wonderful but they are a lot of work (training, multiple daily walks 365 days/year, can't be left for long etc.). A dog is a massive long-term commitment so you have to really want one.

I would look into a pair of indoor cats though - obviously if you like cats and are on board for a long-term commitment to a pet. Rescues often have cats who can't go outdoors for various reasons. You can also cat-proof your garden so they can spend time outside but stay safely contained. Alternatively I have a friend with a Bengal who likes to go into the garden and out for walks on a cat harness and lead.

I don't recommend rabbits as pets for children. Sweet animals but they are high-input and often don't enjoy being touched or handled. Rats on the other hand also require lots of care, space and attention but are very rewarding pets who generally like human interaction - they are intelligent, friendly and cute, and also (sadly!) less of a commitment in terms of lifespan than cats etc.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs

BarbedBloom · 26/09/2019 17:40

I also recommend rats, wonderful pets

I would maybe work on phobia though for the future. When she has her own place she will probably get one and it may rule you out being able to go over there

MrsJBaptiste · 26/09/2019 17:55

If your DD wants a dog then she wants a dog. Do not get another pet fir her instead as she just won't be bothered about it after a few weeks.

We only got a hamster as DS was so desperate for one and assured me he'd do all the cleaning, handling, running around after it and he has. Nearly a year later and he's still besotted - as we all are.

And I'm not an animal lover at all bit this little hamster... 😘

ThatLibraryMiss · 26/09/2019 19:28

I want long, naturally blonde curly hair and my rockin' 26-year-old body back. Some of us are just fated to be disappointed.

OP, if you get a pet, get one you want yourself. You'll be looking after it once the novelty wears off, and certainly when she leaves home. Don't believe all the "I'll take it for walks, Mummy, and pick up the poos" because she won't.

If you can find somewhere that will let her volunteer it might count towards her community service if she's doing DoE. If this happens and she's still doing it in all weathers by this time next year maybe you can reconsider.

PurpleCrazyHorse · 26/09/2019 20:01

I totally agree with looking at the lifespan of any pet carefully and where you all might be in 5,10,15 years time. You really need to choose something that you want, more than anything as your teen will soon be off out socialising, busy with exams and then there's the boyfriend/girlfriend scenario.

Out cat was PTS at the age of 12. We've not got another pet despite the children wanting one because I'm actually enjoying going away without needing to sort the cat out. Does your lifestyle suit a pet? What pet sitting options are there near you?

WildfirePonie · 27/09/2019 09:20

I would recommend a Savannah cat, they are very dog like and you can take them for walks once used to a harness. They are also indoor cats so you could build a little catio, even just a pallet with chicken wire and a few shelves is nice for them. They also love running on cat exercise wheels! They also come when you call their name and are very cuddly and loving. Very dog like and easy to care for

adaline · 27/09/2019 09:30

Savannah cats are lovely but they're quite a lot of work - they need play and stimulation and plenty of exercise - remember they are part serval after all.

They're definitely not comparable to your average moggy.

WildfirePonie · 27/09/2019 10:00

@adaline Yes that's true, we have one (F6) and she runs for hours on her cat wheel and we play with her in the evening when she's most active She also plays with our dog

At least you don't have to go out everyday with them like dogs or let them out for a poo when they want to go. They are just so much easier compared to a dog but very dog like. Best of both worlds!

ElizaPancakes · 27/09/2019 10:13

Am I mean that when my boys say they fancy a pet I just say no? When they’re grown ups they can have as many pets as they want but I don’t want any in my house .

And (probably like the OP) you can wax lyrical about your rats all you want, I’m never going to have one voluntarily in my home.

MrsDimmond · 27/09/2019 12:37

Of course Eliza you can decide not to have pets. It is unlikely to 'damage' to your children.

But it would be closing the door on some of the most wonderful home-based experiences children can get.

There is so much in the news about mental health problems, especially in children and young people. There is concern about social media and the impact of the internet etc.

Well, the therapeutic value of caring for animals is well documented and reasearched. And every pet owner I've ever met, would give anecdotal evidence of the calming, joyful and life enhancing experience of having animal member(s) of the family.

Interacting with an animal can be pure mindfulness.

I will be forever grateful that I grew up in a famliy with a pet. And wouldn't be without our animals now.

Sewbean · 27/09/2019 12:43

If your DD wants a dog then she wants a dog. Do not get another pet fir her instead

I was going to say exactly this. A guinea pig is not a substitute for a dog.

My kids wanted a dog. I got them fish. They don't care about the fish, they are not furry. I got them a hamster. They cared about the hamster for maybe a month. They want a dog, not anything else.

I care for the pets, I enjoy them. But I won't be getting any more substitute dogs, the kids are just not interested.

ElizaPancakes · 27/09/2019 13:35

Well, I was kind of just offering the opinion that OP can just say no!

LadyR77 · 27/09/2019 13:58

Got to love Mumsnet. "We're not dog people, and I'm phobic"..."Just get a small dog!"

"I also don't like rodents"...."Ooooh, get rats!"

Honestly, I'd just say no, if all she wants is a dog then she's not going to be won over by a guinea pig/hamster/rat/octopus.

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