Tell me how to LOVE dogs

[OrangeFlowersAreLovely]

I just want to find ONE. Just one who completely captivates my heart. I'm not totally but almost facing a future alone. I am single and I don't want children. I am so, so intolerant and impatient. I'm squeamish. Also... most adults I have loved have let me down so spectacularly. So why can't I love dogs? IF by some miracle I changed my mind I'd want one quite big, like a lab or a huskie. I don't want to treat him / her like something to lean on like a Plan B. I know it would deserve better than that... but I'm a massive walker. Like 10 miles per day. It almost feels wrong that I don't like dogs. But if I could just find that ONE.. I sometimes thing fuck it just get one and learn. Why do people love dogs so much and WHY can't I just get it? For the record. I'm a good person. I would not treat a dog like a toy, I know it would be a life long commitment ❤️

I would definitely look into walking at your local rescue. To give you experience, as others have said, but also to help you work out if there is a 'type' of dog you maybe could fall in love with. I found that although I like pretty much all dogs, most of them I was happy to hand back after the walk, but just one or two (bully breeds are what i can't resist) I could have easily scooped up and brought home if I didn't already have one that would have been very cross about it! Pointy nose, spaniels, labs, don't really do it for me, whereas many people adore them. So maybe you need to try and find the right type of dog first. Husky would be a terrible idea for a first time dog owner, get something easier (I know someone whose husky actually ate the wall in their hallway!).

I'm also very squeamish and whilst initially with ours i struggled with picking up the poops without heaving, I did get used to it quite quickly.

Patience is key though...mine is currently going through a 4am wake up phase so I'm permanently exhausted, and she still has buckets of energy whereas I just want to cry from tiredness!

Yes totally agree with this👍🏼

I don’t love dogs, can’t see myself ever loving dogs, therefore wouldn’t ever consider getting a dog.

I knew someone that was looking for something that was missing from her life. She tried and failed so many times with different pets because she was trying to fill the gap. It didn’t work!
She soon realised that she didn’t actually have any feelings of any of those animals and she resented having to actually care for them, so much so, they were bordering on being neglected. Thankfully they were all rehomed before they actually suffered.

Its not a dog you need op!

I think it's a tragedy that you walk 14 miles a day without a dog !!! What a waste ! The best thing you will ever do is go to your local rehoming kennels and get a dog out of prison that needs a home. Honestly it is so massively rewarding. We got a lurcher out He is the sweetest boy and he was in a bad way. He is now unrecognisable and we love him to bits. Lurchers are easy to care for they love to sleep as do greyhounds. Often overlooked in the kennels which is sad and they are the most abused breed of dog which makes it even more sad.

Oh god don't get a dog if you're not mad keen on them!

I've always loved dogs and longed for one of my own but now I have one, even I get tired of my dog's annoying ways - it's only his cuteness that makes those times bearable 😂

Don't get one just because you think you "should". There'll be a better solution for you.

Very hard work and unlike children they never grow up, then you have to cope with their death if you do in fact love them. Working dogs a bit different but obviously they gave to be Working or even harder work! Huskies are massive too! Not for you, why not try finding male friends rather than dates and it may click.

This ^ 100%

I think have therapy focused on your relationship with your dad. If you get a dog, do allllll the work, alter everything in your life for the dog, love it or don't love it - the chances are your dad will come up with something else that makes you 'not good enough' and you will still have all those feelings AND a dog to look after.

You worship cats? Get a cat! Have a lovely cat cuddle when you get home after your amazing walks. (There are quite a few walks that are really difficult with dogs, especially if it's one that needs to stay on the lead, reacts to other dogs etc. And not all accommodation is dog friendly.)

I could have written this years ago!

My friend fostered dogs awaiting rehoming for a charity and was always turning up with different characters on the school run. I like dogs but never wanted one. One day, she turned up with a dog and, I can't explain it, we clicked! I instantly fell in love with his big stinky self. I always say that he adopted me!

He was 3yrs old when I took him on. He was pts last year at 14 and we were each other's shadow. I miss him terribly but I will never get another dog. I never wanted a dog and there will never be another dog like him.

So, be careful OP! You may find yourself getting adopted too!!

This is weird. A dog is a living animal with needs and feelings. They are sociable and want attention. They are a huge commitment and they don't grow up to become more independent. They need the same level of commitment their whole lives. If you are in a bad mood or feel overwhelmed you can choose to ignore them but their hearts will break a little each time. If you decide you just want a dog to walk with you then you have to know how to keep it safe, when it needs water, when it has walked enough and make sure you care for it properly. You have to make sure it isn't eating things it shouldn't and not being annoying to others. I find this thread so strange - I would suggest that your commitment issues are coming out in relation to getting a dog - you just need to find the perfect one. The one that makes your heart melt etc. I am not saying that is how your commitment issues work and I am not commenting on the causes for your issues. But deal with your issues and then see if you are capable of giving a dog everything it needs to have its best life. Because the dog only has one life and deserves so much more than being taken to a home where it is a big test as to whether or not its owner can meet its needs.

I wasn't a dog person before we got our family dog. But, our little spaniel just grew on me. Also, she chose me as her favourite human.

I would also recommend a spaniel. They like loads of exercise and mine is good company without being clingy.

But, they are a commitment, they are expensive, and it makes it difficult to go on holiday. I wouldn't get a dog unless you are ready to make that long term commitment.

But OP says she is a squeamish commitment-phobe who doesn't even like dogs.

I really don't understand why anyone would recommend any dog - let alone a rescue - in her situation. They deserve so much better than that.

I love my dog. She is a whippet. Quiet and regal. She doesn't moult, bark and is never annoying.

She loves being out but is a quiet couch potato at home. She does however, love to sleep on my bed (actually under the duvet)

Why don't you become a walker for your local dogs home? Every day there are so many dogs needing walks. They would love you.

Umm, I think you need to borrow a dog to go out walking with or to play with and see if you can learn to appreciate someone else's dog before you get your own. You may not "love" the borrowed dog but maybe you will learn a bit more about dogs and grow fond of one. Maybe that will help you make a decision as to whether you want your own or not. If you don't spend time with a dog or dogs you are not in a good position to think about getting one. Or find a friend who has a dog to walk with - even less commitment or responsibility but a chance to interact with a dog perhaps. You sound as though you'd like your potential dog to be clean and well kept & so on so look into the financial & time commitment too - grooming, vaccinations, insurance, food, training, bedding, brushes, bowls, toys, treats etc etc. There's a lot more to owning a dog than a big walk once a day.

I won't be getting a dog guys your advice is right it's just a daft pipe dream. Some of you have admitted you aren't dog people but fell in love with one randomly, if that happened to me then wonderful but otherwise I won't just adopt one on a whim.

Also... definitely NOT looking for any further relationships with a man! 😃

I'll check out local animal shelters to help out with walking.

Thanks again x

Why don't you join Borrow My Doggy and see if a particular breed strikes you? If not, no problem!

Dogs are a commitment for maybe 14 years
If you are squeamish, commitment,phone,no patience, how can you get a dog. You cannot "teach" some one to love dogs. I've loved all mine,I don't love all dogs,there are some breeds I cannot stand. Huskies are very hard work, difficult to recall, large,strong I love them, but would never have one. Find a fit female companion to walk with. Most dogs won't walk 14 miles. Puppies cannot walk far,I have a 7 year old border collie, now with arthritis cruciate ligament problems,I have to be careful with her. My last border was 17,no arthritis, but dementia and then kidney failure.