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Original poster

What's the worst thing about having a dog?

185 replies

Blankiefan · 25/10/2020 20:00

I've never been a pet person but recently have been toying with the idea of a dog. DD is an only and is 7. She could do with a bit of companionship but it'd be my dog I think. I'd expect to do the looking after/ training/ walking. I'd only consider a smallish dog but ideally a rescue dog and not a puppy. I don't know if this is an idealistic view (Do rescue dogs always come with emotional baggage?)

My plan is to wait another year or so to consider it and also to see how life pans out. Currently both DH and I are at home all day and anticipate this continuing (each 2-3 days per week) but I'd like to see that play out.

I'm only at the start of thinking this through but thought you all might be able to give me some stuff to consider over the next year.

OP posts:
Champagneforeveryone · 26/10/2020 12:51

The hair is the sticking point for me. We have three dogs and have stupidly ended up with a configuration of colours so that whatever you wear, there will always be a dog hair to show up on it.

DH doesn't see it and in any case thinks it's less of a problem. It's the constant bane of my life and has driven me to actual tears on rare occasions.

Original poster
Blankiefan · 26/10/2020 13:14

Thanks everyone for your comments. Loads to think about and I think you're tipping the balance against getting one.

Either way, I'd want to leave it at least a year as life is so odd currently that I don't think it's the right time to make a big life decision. We may come back again to consider it in early 2022.

OP posts:
vanillandhoney · 26/10/2020 13:46

Separation anxiety will not develop if you address the issue as soon as your puppy arrives.

Sorry, but that's simply not the case. We worked on it from day ONE and we still have a dog with severe anxiety. Posts like this really piss me off - like it's the all the owners fault if their dog has issues.

Separation anxiety in beagles (my breed) is a well known issue. They have been bred for centuries as pack dogs and they often struggle on their own. Sadly we're not in the right place to get another dog so we have to accommodate his anxiety in the best way we can, which is to leave him little and often, and not to push his boundaries.

Sometimes dogs have issues and there's nothing you can do about it. You can work with behaviourists, go to training classes, socialise them and use positive reinforcement as much as possible, but sometimes it's still not enough.

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Dogs
Zaphodsotherhead · 26/10/2020 14:36

I agree with vanilla. Some dogs are just difficult.

Mine has no separation anxiety at all, I can leave her happily. She's also not a destructive dog. But oh my god, take her out of the house and you have to avoid anything and anything that moves, any animal or human who may approach you, and also run the legs off her.

House angel, street devil, isn't it?

They are all so individual too, but yes, you can't always behavioural train your way out of a problem.

jennie0412 · 26/10/2020 14:39

House training, I've got a retired greyhound and almost every morning we go out and are greeted to the smell of pee. We've had him 5 years and while we would never send him back, it is draining.

Sertchgi123 · 26/10/2020 15:35

@vanillandhoney

Separation anxiety will not develop if you address the issue as soon as your puppy arrives.

Sorry, but that's simply not the case. We worked on it from day ONE and we still have a dog with severe anxiety. Posts like this really piss me off - like it's the all the owners fault if their dog has issues.

Separation anxiety in beagles (my breed) is a well known issue. They have been bred for centuries as pack dogs and they often struggle on their own. Sadly we're not in the right place to get another dog so we have to accommodate his anxiety in the best way we can, which is to leave him little and often, and not to push his boundaries.

Sometimes dogs have issues and there's nothing you can do about it. You can work with behaviourists, go to training classes, socialise them and use positive reinforcement as much as possible, but sometimes it's still not enough.

Sorry if I made light of separation anxiety. I would say though, that for the majority of dogs, getting things sorted when they are small puppies does work.

Perhaps researching your breed might be beneficial @Blankiefan as some breeds are easier than others.

vanillandhoney · 26/10/2020 15:40

Sorry if I made light of separation anxiety. I would say though, that for the majority of dogs, getting things sorted when they are small puppies does work.

I would agree that it does work for most, but I do think it's important to remember that some dogs are just difficult and no amount of work, money or time will solve the problem completely.

We're very fortunate that we can afford to adapt our lives around the problem but I do think most people would re-home in our situation, or struggle on in misery!

PepperPotty · 26/10/2020 15:49

The worst thing for me is when they get ill/injured. PFD (precious first dog) got meningitis when he was 1 and I was so worried. It’s like having more children to worry over!

TibetanTerrier · 26/10/2020 17:46

@TheoneandObi
That dog taught us to be dog people, and his ashes are in a pretty box on our bookcase, with instructions that they're to be buried in a woodland alongside me when it's my time. Its a somehow comforting thought.

I understand that completely. I have the ashes of all the dogs and cats I've had as an adult and my will stipulates that when I go they're all to come with me.

TibetanTerrier · 26/10/2020 18:09

@PopsicleHustler
My granny keeps the dog in the shed. They made it really nice with cushions and dog bed and a radio lol. Sont ask me why for the radio. Its apparently to keep him company because she wont have his trails of urine running through the house. Fair enough.

I'm sorry, but that's no life for a dog. They are pack animals and need more than a radio to share their lives with. Did your grandmother keep her children in a shed until they were toilet trained? If the dog leaking urine is an incurable problem your grandmother should use dog nappies in the house as many true dog lovers do if this problem occurs. It's easy and quick, the dog doesn't notice, and it enables them to live with their family as they should. Being kept in a shed is a horrible life for a dog.

Helloyouthere · 26/10/2020 18:12

This time of year for me it's the muddy, wet paws everytime you let them out for a wee.

TheDogsMother · 26/10/2020 18:12

The worst thing is the heartbreak when they go. Its still raw now and we lost ours in April.

Other than that though the hair, the mud, the destruction and the tie. But even with all this I wouldn't change a single day of the 15 years we had him.

Mydogmylife · 26/10/2020 19:18

[quote TibetanTerrier]@PopsicleHustler
My granny keeps the dog in the shed. They made it really nice with cushions and dog bed and a radio lol. Sont ask me why for the radio. Its apparently to keep him company because she wont have his trails of urine running through the house. Fair enough.

I'm sorry, but that's no life for a dog. They are pack animals and need more than a radio to share their lives with. Did your grandmother keep her children in a shed until they were toilet trained? If the dog leaking urine is an incurable problem your grandmother should use dog nappies in the house as many true dog lovers do if this problem occurs. It's easy and quick, the dog doesn't notice, and it enables them to live with their family as they should. Being kept in a shed is a horrible life for a dog.[/quote]
Agreed , this sounds really grim for the dog. I don't even get the trails of urine thing, unless your dog is unwell this just doesn't happen!!

Bananaman123 · 26/10/2020 19:28

The backchat, she is worse than a teenager!

Deathraystare · 27/10/2020 10:14

That it is NOT a cat!

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 27/10/2020 10:18

@NomadNoMore

Hair....everywhere....even places she can't go, like inside the freezer. Still wouldn't be without her Smile
Yes. This. My ndn has to dust her satellite dish because of it. Admittedly it's not as bad now I don't have Bernards but the Goldie still does a pretty good job of instantly making the freshly vacuumed black mat blonde again Grin
PopsicleHustler · 27/10/2020 13:26

@mydogmylife
@tibetanterrier

Apologies. The shed is open for the dog to run wild in the good sized garden. It's literally a shed for the dog only like a big old dog house he can go in to sleep and when it's raining and so on. He is not locked up in it, sorry if my post made it sound that way.

Tvci5 · 27/10/2020 13:40

They don't live long enough

Mydogmylife · 27/10/2020 16:15

[quote PopsicleHustler]@mydogmylife
@tibetanterrier

Apologies. The shed is open for the dog to run wild in the good sized garden. It's literally a shed for the dog only like a big old dog house he can go in to sleep and when it's raining and so on. He is not locked up in it, sorry if my post made it sound that way.[/quote]
@PopsicleHustler
Phew - had me worried there!!

NotExactlyHappyToHelp · 27/10/2020 16:34

Our DDog is an elderly lady now, she’s been perfectly housetrained and never had an accident until recently but now she can’t control herself. I pick up poo from our floor probably 3-4 times a week at least. Vet said she’s in good health and in no pain so we’re just accepting the situation as is. Not her fault but it’s not pleasant.

Caring for a dog in their last years can be just as time consuming as a puppy.

When you get a dog you are in it for the long haul, the good the bad and the steaming turd on your new rug.

ouchmyfeet · 27/10/2020 16:45

Surely it's got to be the smell.

Amber0685 · 27/10/2020 16:47

The hair.

Pipandmum · 27/10/2020 16:48

Days like today - constant rain but they still need a walk! And kennel bills when you go on holiday. Odd flea infestation - only had it once but it was a nightmare.

Sertchgi123 · 27/10/2020 20:01

Having a dog on a rainy day is a very good thing, it means you have to go out for a walk.

We keep our dog clean and fresh. She has plenty of grooming, clean bedding and a bath when she needs it. She's not allowed on sofas or beds.

Girlintheframe · 27/10/2020 20:41

The having to go for a walk when you really, really cba or feeling ill/tired/horrendous weather but the positives outstrip that x 1000000

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