I want a dog, DH doesn't... Is he BU?

[Kushti]

I am very keen to get a dog and so are DC's but DH is adamant he doesn't want one and will not even consider the idea as he just doesn't want animals in the house, and as we rent it would be impractical.

Is he being unreasonable to have the final word and not even consider it? Obviously there is no way we can get one if we aren't all in agreement.

I couldn't even converse with someone who didn't like dogs, let alone marry them. HOWEVER, I'd wait until you own, rather than try to do it while you rent. Too much stress.

I hate animals in the house and wouldn't allow it in mine. Dogs smell, they shed hairs, ruin furniture, doors, floors and skirting boards (guaranteed deposit loss if you rent), jump up on you (horrible if you hate them near you, not nice for visitors who aren't fond of them either) and if you get a puppy it will piss and shit everywhere. You can't have a properly clean, lovely smelling, comfy home with dogs.

Yabu to expect him to share his home with animals and suffer the filth, mess, smell and permanent discomfort.

Since you rent you probably can't anyway.

Dogs are a huge commitment and people who don't think so aren't doing it right.

They involve pet insurance, constant cleaning, food, worming, deflea-ing, around two walks a day in ALL weathers, kennelling if you want to go away for a holiday or a long weekend, picking up their poo in a plastic bag when you go out, getting them registered at the vets, hiding anything chewable and making sure someone is home often enough to keep him company.

YABU. I don't blame your DH and your resentment of him for this is misdirected and unfair.

Don't forget about the environmental impact of having a pet too:

www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman/2009/11/time_to_eat_the_pets.html

Maybe there should be a mass kull of cats and dogs squirrelz!

bobbledunk what a load of crap you just spouted!! Not all dogs smell, some breeds never lose hair at all, well behaved dogs dont jump all over visitors, as for ruining furniture, well mine never have! Puppies should not be pissing and crapping everywhere if toilet trained properly.

so do you think we should let domesticated animals free or die out 2rebecca ? which would it be , pets can enrich human live as well as canine lives they like the company being a pack animal and all that that is why humans domesticated them for comfort company initially for hunting and guarding , It would be unfair to let dogs die out dont you think ? and when my dog was alive she pissed and shit out side not in the house , and a hoover or brush gets rid of the hair , sigh

YABU.

OH was brought up around dogs - I was not. I wouldn't consider it because I don't like dogs! That does not make me unreasonable.

yabu - my kids wants pets, dh could probably be convinced but I have said no way. Adog is a massive commitment - an extra expense when you go on holiday and even something to consider when you have nights out...etc.

Can you not compromise and get a smaller, easier per such as a hamster or a guinea pig, something that is not so expensive?

To everyone saying he's being U for not discussing it.

I bet he's given plenty of thought to it. And come to a conclusion, which is "no, no and no". And he knows that as soon as he gets into a discussion, all these reasons for having a dog will come out, along with "and I promise to do all the cleaning" etc etc. And the OP will make him feel so U for not wanting a dog that he'll give in. And then it'll arrive and he'll hate it, it'll hate him, it'll cost a fortune, etc, etc. So it's easier just to say "no".

After all, isn't "no is a complete sentence" quite a common MN thing to say?

It wouldn't matter how long we discussed it for, my answer would be no, no, no to a dog. DH would like one, but I feel really strongly that I never want to have a dog.

Time to get to the MN party line...

Leave the bastard. Go live with the dog.

Problem solved

He does not want a fucking dog. End of discussion.

I don't want a rabbit. We will never have a rabbit. There is no particular reason - I just don't want a rabbit. I don't mind playing with other peoples' rabbits, I quite like rabbits, they're nice and fluffy. I just don't want to own one.

I suspect you forced your DH into making up some specious reasons why he didn't want a dog when the only real reason is I don't want one

There is no discussion. He doesn't want a dog. It isn't fair to the dog.

I like dogs - used to have one. I like most animals - BUT

Dogs smell - they really do and no matter how much you clean your dog and reckon it doesn't smell your house will smell and even though you never smell it everyone else will know you own a dog the minute they eneter your home (even if they never see the dog) unless you smoke of course (as that seems to be the only thing that will mask it!).

Plus if you're only buying a pet for the children buy something with a shorter life span (ie rabbit) or you will be tending the thing long after your children have lost interest or left home.

If I wasn't already sure, this would have made my mind up!

Please don't suggest a rabbit. They are very high maintenance when you look after them properly ( i.e don't shove 'em in a hutch in the garden ) I have chickens, a cat, a hamster and a rabbit. I always wanted a dog DP didn't. Having a few pets has made me realise that I do not want the work of a dog. However, now DP really wants one!!