Should I give in?

[Yabayabadoo]

For getting a dog? I am not 100% I like dogs but know the majority of the responsibilty will fall on me.

no. No no no no no no no. I am one of two caregivers for the ddog and while he’s great, I’ve lost every second of my free time, we can no longer go for days out as we have to get back, holidays are a nightmare (got a phone call from kennels to say he wasn’t doing great), play dates are hell (ds has two friends who are afraid) etc etc. And this is outside of him waking us in the morning so he can go to pee and having to go last thing at night. if you don’t adore them, if everyone doesn’t adore them DON’T!!!!!

No don't do it unless you're 100% sure it's what you want. Who wants a dog?

Ps if anyone suggests cats- no to that too- she follows me about all day long, wants to go out then in then out, has peed inside and hidden it. If you love cats then go for it but otherwise they are not easy dogs (a lot of mners think they are!!)

I wasn't going to suggest a cat - but they really are a lot easier than dogs. 😁

OP - just say "No'. If you don't want the tie of a pet then don't get one.

No, don’t do it, unless you are fully committed. The dog will be around for potentially 15 years - it is a huge commitment.

I say yes. I didn’t love dogs and still don’t but got one because my children wanted one.

I knew I would do the majority of looking after it but I quite like that it forces you to get up in the morning and to go out for walks. She is 14 1/2 now and too old for going far and it seems a waste now when you go for a walk and don’t take her!

I won’t get another dog as the children have all left home and I am still not a dog lover but I wouldn’t be against it!

Look into fostering a rescue? Depending on the age of you dc as many rescues won’t allow with younger dc. It would give you some insight on what it’s like having a dog without the commitment. We dog sit and love it, we don’t currently have our own dog but would like one.

I said no as I do like dogs and would love one most of the time but not full time.

We looked after friend’s dogs - that was ok but even then by day 3 kids had lost interest.

So if you want a dog then go for it, if everyone else wants a dog for you to train and look after, just no.

You shouldn't have any kind of animal if you aren't fully committed to looking after it (regardless if it's a dog, cat or rabbit!). Animals are a commitment, for the duration of their lifetime. If you aren't even sure you like dogs, then that's a real reason not to have one. Don't feel pushed into having an animal, especially if you will end up being the one caring for it 99% of the time.

God, no. I’ve been saying no for years.

Are you prepared to do 95% of the work? If so then crack on. If not - no.
Im a single parent, work FT and have a dog. I’ve always had dogs, had 2 before DD was born and we only lost the last one 3 months before the new one arrived. But I’m used to it - I’m up at 6am and out by 7am walking before work, every lunch hour is spent walking him (wfh). When I have to travel for work I have to pay for doggy day care etc etc etc. I wouldn’t give him up for quids but it’s a huge commitment.

I wasn’t 100% but had promised the kids we could have a dog when my working life allowed it. We got a dog last summer and honestly it was the best decision.

Yes it’s a lot of work, I’m up at 6 to walk him, holidays need planning and I’m more tied to the house but he’s fantastic. We’ve had him from a puppy, and the early puppy months are very hard so you need to be able to power through. He’s got such a fabulous nature, so loving and funny - I’d not be without him.

In saying that, we had dogs growing up I knew what I was getting into, there’s a good network of dog walkers and day care if I do need to be out of the house for long. He’s happy to be left alone for a couple of hours, isn’t reactive and is equally happy with hiking for 4 hours or a couple of half hour walks. You have little way of knowing how your dog will be though so think about what you can commit to. Dogs do need a lot of care, so if you’re not willing or able to provide that then don’t get one. They can also be costly in terms of grooming, day care and vets bills so think about finances. Having been persuaded, I’d make the same decision but it is a commitment.

I do feel a little pushed into it, my DH is v enthusiastic but I am realistic of where the responsibilities lay and my DC will probably walk the dog when it suits them

No. I say that as someone who adored my dog and loved every minute of having her. Here's the reality -

Who will train the dog and spend the months of settling her in to your family life?
Who will look after the dog when the family get invited to parties, weddings, days away, a day on the beach, a park you can't take dogs to, holidays?
Who will walk the dog twice on wet and cold days, every day, Christmas day, when you feel ill?
Who will groom the dog, take it to the vet on work days, administer medication, look after her when she's ill? Stay in when she's ill and you'd planned a family day out.
If you get a young dog now, she will be getting older and slowing down just when your children are leaving home and you should be getting more free time. Your dog will be slow and won't want long days out, walks, hot summer holidays.
Who will tidy the house - fur - so much fur, toys, muddy footprints, wet towels, wet bedding.

Those muddy footprints happen every single day, often for months on end.
As your children get older the times 'when it suits them' will become less and less.
Your time will not be your own. You will not be able to pop into just any shop, gallery, library or cafe when you're out and about walking.

If you are not keen all of the above is a pain in the arse.
If you are keen, it's not a moment's problem because the dog will be a total joy to you.

I'd love another dog but the above is giving me serious pause for thought...it's been two years without now. Do not do it unless you are 100% committed.