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Original poster

Does having a dog help calm you or cause you stress?

51 replies

Tryingtomakethebestofmylife · 11/12/2022 16:15

been struggling with a few health issues Physical and also have anxiety

thinking maybe a dog would be good
I do walk a lot I have to walk every so how day for anxiety
so walking no problem

Just trying to weight it all up

if you have a dog what’s been your experience ?

OP posts:
IToldYouAmillionTimesAlready · 11/12/2022 16:18

Instead of wondering what a dog could bring to your life, consider what YOU could bring to a dog's life. If you do get one, please get a rescue dog.

IwishIwasSupermum · 11/12/2022 16:19

Yes our dog is a calming stress reliever and keeps us physically active which aids stress, however you need a calm very good natured dog, a reactive dog will could to your anxiety on walks.

Blackeyesbluetears · 11/12/2022 16:20

I had a dog. I found it stressful tbh. I.worked hard to gently train him but he was reactive and nervous despite hours and hours of me working with him. He had cancer and died age 3. I was devastated but will never get a dog again

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Dogs
DuplicateUserName · 11/12/2022 16:20

I've owned dogs all my life and it totally depends on the dog and its personality, whether it's stressful, calming or both in equal measures.

And it'll also hugely depend on how your anxiety manifests itself.

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 11/12/2022 16:21

Could be stressful, and it could be calming.

A dog is a living creature, with its own habits, behaviours, likes and dislikes.

LenJ · 11/12/2022 16:30

I have a rescue dog who I wouldn't give up for the world. I think on the whole having him is good for my mental health, although he does have his moments! He can take a dislike to certain people and dogs so that can be awkward, however I've got to know lots of people locally through walking him every day ( other dog walkers) and he gives me structure which I find particularly useful.

I'm lucky in that I'm not in a rental property but I know that can make dog owning stressful, worrying about damage or being limited in options if having to find a new place. If you have health problems that may affect walking the dog do you have people who can help you out with this or could you afford a pet sitter?

As other people have said it very much depends on the dog. It might be worth researching different breeds and their temperaments/ requirements, or even better adopting an adult dog from someone who can tell you about their temperament. Puppies are hard work and pretty stressful I think, plus you don't know what their eventual character will be.

Els1e · 11/12/2022 18:11

My last dog was a stress reliever. I got him from a rescue as an adult, so they were able to give a good description of his personality. He was a laid back, easy going dog. Why not try volunteering first at a local rescue and see how you find being with a dog? They should be able to help you find the right one and you’ll learn about dog care in the process. Good luck.

Wolfiefan · 11/12/2022 18:15

Both. Puppies are stressful. Separation anxiety was stressful. Walking them is lovely. Making sure they’re never left too long can be stressful.
If you want a companion how about volunteering for a rescue.

Blahblablahblahblah · 11/12/2022 18:16

Both I would say 70% calming and fun 30%, 10% indifferent 20% stress. I would sign up to walk my doggie and see if you can get a match.
or borrow a neighbours or friends to get some doggie love before making the commitment because it is a big commitment.

Blahblablahblahblah · 11/12/2022 18:18

Should have removed the 30% previous post.

Suzi888 · 11/12/2022 18:18

Well it can be both. They can be sick, they can be messy, they bring a lot of love, they’re all hard work and can be expensive at times. Training can be hard, you have to put the work in.

Make sure you can afford a dog and if you’ve never had one I would volunteer at a rescue and consider fostering one. A rescue dog is a good idea, as they’re mostly already trained.

Do you feel like you can offer a good home to a dog? Would a cat be better? Have a good think.

WhaleInAManger · 11/12/2022 18:22

Having a puppy/teenage dog causes stress.

Having an older dog after putting in the years to mould into life together now causes me great comfort.

But really, the important bit is what you can give the dog in terms of a great life. What they give back is the bonus. Imo.

Landlubber2019 · 11/12/2022 18:22

I don't own a dog and never have, however I regularly look after a dog which is an absolute joy. But whilst I enjoy walks I do find the idea of losing him really stressful X

Claudia84 · 11/12/2022 18:23

First year = stress/ anxiety
One year + excellent for mental health

I would say you need to be prepared for the first year and it really isn't for everyone. Dogs want company too. Lots of people buy dogs for companionship and realise that it is very rarely on the human's terms.
When they need a walk they NEED a walk
When they need company then NEED company.

Dogs don't work on your schedule and that's the biggest stress when you first get one. Be aware of this.

Someo · 11/12/2022 18:25

Honestly? Both!

Sometimes when I'm upset due to family stresses my dogs will come up to me and put their head on my lap.

Other times they're under my feet and scare the hell out of me when they bark unexpectedly at the postman. 😂

AwkwardPaws27 · 11/12/2022 18:27

DDog had an upset stomach last night so this morning was pretty stressful as he had diarrhoea all over the floor.
The thought of walking him often feels like a chore but once we are out it's relaxing. However he is a low stress dog when out - good with other dogs, decent recall etc. If he was reactive it would be very different.
I don't go out as much as before having him though (other than our walks) as trying to arrange occasional dog care is a massive barrier for me. I'm not even sure where to start to be honest, for one off days out.

BiteyShark · 11/12/2022 18:31

Both.

Very stressful for the first year due to his age. Very stressful every time he has an injury, accident or illness and there have been lots.

Very calming as a faithful old dog. I have been ill recently and he seems to know and has been sleeping a lot beside me as I rest which is so comforting.

SeveruslyFrazzled · 11/12/2022 18:35

Calms me but she is very, very good.

GetThatHelmetOn · 11/12/2022 18:39

It could go either way, a well behaved dog when you have time for them is a blessing and definitely helps with the stress.

A badly trained dog that starts destroying the house because they spend far too much time on their own is a curse.

Only get one if you have the time, money and inclination to do what it takes to raise it well.

HeBeaverandSheBeaver · 11/12/2022 18:41

For my dh and kids he is a wonderful addition.

For me the constant walks mess and neediness isn't for me. I have 3 cats and they are put together easier than one dog.

I will NEVER get another

autienotnaughty · 11/12/2022 18:48

We got a puppy as we have young children so worried about a rescue and a lot of rescues have a age limit. Very stressful doing training, during adolescence. Needs a lot of walking as high energy. Costs a fortune so financial stress.

walkinginsunshinekat · 11/12/2022 18:50

I look after a dog for someone now and then and see both sides but for me, its all calming, she is needy, demands exercise, will take food from where she can get it BUT the way she looks at me and her excitement when i collect and cuddles in by the fire... its fantastic.

I think the owner finds her a handful though, so a bit stressful.

I ve had lots of dogs myself and have found them all great fun, whats most important is you have time, almost all dogs do not like being locked up all day which is what most people do, thinking a walk or two is all they need.

Timeforachangeisitnot · 11/12/2022 18:54

It can be stressful. I have 2 adult dogs. They are trained and fairly calm. They have seen me through some extremely tough times. They make every day better.

That said, I frequently worry about them if I have to leave them - they are fine, but I don’t enjoy leaving them; if they are ill, it can be very worrying - they can’t tell me where it hurts ; and sometime, possibly fairly soon in one case, I have to make THAT decision.
I adore them, but it’s not entirely stress free.

beachcomber70 · 11/12/2022 18:56

I'd say just remember a dog is in your life 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you are out with friends, at appointments [and not sure how long they will be], if you want a weekend away or a holiday....they have to be thought of and catered for. You cannot leave them in hot cars in the summer, and walking in the rain [some don't and won't] and mud isn't really fun. Separation anxiety is a thing and house training puppies is a time consuming task. Pets bills, and pet insurance is expensive as is treatment for behavioural problems and doggie daycare.

I think a lot of the downsides are minimalised and people who aren't suited to dog ownership don't realise the commitment involved, hence many. many rehomes through not having a full realisation of facts. And it's painful for the dog and owners to part with each other...of course the outcome can be very good for the dog. I believe dog and owner need to be well matched, in temperament, personality and needs.

Just being realistic here...if the good bits outweigh the negatives then that's great.

ApolloandDaphne · 11/12/2022 18:57

My dog was stressful as a puppy. We put a lot of work into training her and at age 10 she is a complete joy. Well behaved, relaxed and utterly lovely. Wouldn't be without her.