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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:
NeverDropYourMooncup · 11/12/2022 18:58

Like cats, both.

Running with the dog - total freedom.

Running after the dog - total stress.

Dog snoring by your side - absolute calm.

Dog going batshit because a fox walked past on the other side of the road at 3am and he can't get to it - absolute stress.

Theyvelasted · 11/12/2022 18:58

I adored my girl but in truth it was stressful. Mine was an elderly adopted girl so no chance to train her to fit to our routine. No regrets but it was stressful

glamourousindierockandroll · 11/12/2022 18:59

It would cause me stress. I don't have the time to give a dog a good life.

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Dogs
Floralnomad · 11/12/2022 19:00

Our dog doesn’t cause me any stress but that’s because I absolutely adore him and he can do no wrong . He is very well trained but that is because a lot of time and effort has got him to that point but he does have some undesirable medical problems that I’m sure not everyone would want to deal with . To me having a dog is like having a child , when you start out you have absolutely no idea what they are going to be like / what difficulties they will have and you just have to deal with what you get the best way you can .

blackheartsgirl · 11/12/2022 19:22

Dogs are stressful whether they are good or not.

I’ve had two adopted dogs, one was a rescue and my Nan fell and couldn’t look after anymore after adopting her from the dogs trust so we had her. Beautiful dog and crackers but stressful af as she had some health issues.

I’ve also got a Yorkshire terrier who belonged to my mum (moved in with her boyfriend and didn’t want her anymore) she’s 11 now and a proper lap dog, follows me everywhere and has been a comfort over the last 18 months but my mum never properly trained her, she’s reactive to other dogs, growls at toys, snaps if she’s tired and hates being groomed. And also incontinent. But I love her so that’s thT.

and then the pup. We have a cockapoo. She is hard work but we are putting the time in training her and she gives me a reason to get up in the mornings and out for a long walk and she’s very very loving.

only get a dog if you’re prepared to acknowledge the stressful part of dog ownership, rewarding but hard work

Riverlee · 11/12/2022 19:26

Both!

We have a 5 mo th old pup. At times he’s delightful, at other times frustrating.

Look at the Puppy Survival thread (in Doghouse under Pets);to understand what it involves. Puppy blues are a real thing.

Don’t expect to get a dog or puppy and everything will be rosy. You have to continually train them.

Thatwouldbeme · 11/12/2022 19:42

Both, I have wonderful walks with my dogs and I have had walks were I wish I'd stayed in bed. There's been eating poop a dead rabbit, any old bits of food and licking a jellyfish. Then there's a lovely snuggle on the sofa were all is forgiven.

if your unsure I Would ask any neighbours or local fb sites for any one needing help with walking there dog as that's what I'm doing for my neighbour while they work as my dog is now to old to enjoy the walks, it may help you make a decision

EIfie · 11/12/2022 20:11

Stress. Constant chore, constant bind, regularly picking up poo for 15 years, sometimes it's diarrhea and leaks into nooks and crannies on your floors, on soft furnishings. Vastly costly.

Stress of knowing you're pissing off various neighbours as the dogs yap and bark either crazy early or very late at night. Or both.

Many people I know have been sucked into the media narrative of a dog being necessary for our completion, but most of my friends who had dogs who passed say never again, and that now they feel liberated. Several have dealt with elderly dogs who come with myriad health problems = regularly cleaning vomit and poo out of their house, a stinking house (or freezing whilstvthey try and air it), and massive vet bills.

EIfie · 11/12/2022 20:13

Oh, and all the extra cleaning of fur and slobber from your home. It's never ending.

3ormoredogs · 11/12/2022 20:15

I adore my dogs. I love walking them and it’s my main bit of me time but they do create a lot of stress.

Worry about walking them enough, any health problems, behaviour problems over the years, the constant mess, organising dog sitters when I go out, worry about them not being walked/played with enough and being bored.

Probably get more stress than stress relief!

mincepiepie · 11/12/2022 20:35

My dog is massive stress. He is lovely to me though but only me.

You need a calm dog you can walk off lead that is good with people other dogs and kids.

Oh sorry - that's what I want. One day one day - sigh.

ClaireandTed · 11/12/2022 20:37

If you're considering a puppy, visit the 'puppy blues' forum on Reddit. I really really wish I had done this before getting a dog. I have a one year old and let's just say the puppy blues hit me hard. I can't believe how stressful things have been.
However from what I hear, adult dogs are wonderful. I'm waiting on that...

mathanxiety · 11/12/2022 20:49

I would recommend an older rescue cat instead.

Rachaelrachael · 11/12/2022 20:49

Totally depends on the dog and your home situation. Previously had the sweetest dog who I loved so much, she was like my baby and so gentle. Total stress reliever.
I have 2 dogs now, one who I took on as his previous owners couldn't cope with him. He spends all day barking, growling at nothing, stealing the kids toys and licking his bum. I'm a dog lover but he's definitely made me think twice about having another dog when he's gone.

mathanxiety · 11/12/2022 20:50

Agree with Elfie.

tunthebloodyalarmoff · 11/12/2022 20:50

I love having a dog and find it very calming and therapeutic but that isn't everyone's experience. It depends on the dog you need to think very carefully about the type of dog you get

Rockbird · 11/12/2022 20:54

Got a rescue puppy 6 weeks ago. She's just turned 6 months and she is a pain in the arse. So at the moment she's causing more stress! However, she's a sweetheart underneath and once she's got over this nightmare age she'll be fabulous. We love her to bits and wouldn't be without her but it's hard work. Definitely giving us something else to focus on, both dd1 and I have autism and a lot of mental health struggles.

Badger1970 · 11/12/2022 21:00

I'd say it's a mix of 50 % pleasure and 50% stress.

Paranoidandroidmarvin · 11/12/2022 21:01

Mine bought me a huge amount of stress. Would never have one again

Original poster
Tryingtomakethebestofmylife · 13/12/2022 16:16

Thank you so much. For your all honest views
it Being a mixed bag of stress and joy sounds about right
will think on your words very carefully

OP posts:
Wanderingoff · 13/12/2022 16:18

Both. It’s a huge commitment. But my dog has changed my life and the best thing I’ve ever done

mrsrobin · 13/12/2022 16:21

Honestly my dog brings me happiness and joy all the time! She never brings me stress but as some PP mentioned, if they are ill it is a worry. My dog is very well behaved, never barks and has no bad habits or bad behaviour. I have put in time and effort but it also does depend a bit what the dog is like. I hope the posts here help a bit, you do need to think carefully but best wishes to you :)

Thelnebriati · 13/12/2022 16:22

It depends on the dog, and whether or not you are a good fit for each other. It also depends on you having reasonable expectations.
Look at breed comparison websites, find some breeds that seem to fit what you want, and talk to people in the breed rescues. They'll be able to work out if you are a good match, and they can also warn you about the kinds of behavioural reasons people give up the breed for rehoming.

momtoboys · 13/12/2022 16:25

In my case the dogs bring me happiness and calm even though I am regularly cleaning up after one of them. I cannot imagine not having one in my life now. I know it probably sounds awful but i often look forward to seeing them when I return home from work more that I look forward to the humans in my house. :)

momtoboys · 13/12/2022 16:26

I also think that adopting an adult dog is much less stress. Puppies are difficult.

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