To be terrified of getting a dog?!

[Pullyers]

To be clear I LOVE dogs, I'm not terrified of actual dogs. I'm just terrified of the change to our life. I can see so many positives and we have all the basics covered ie I don't work, can afford it, v suitable lifestyle etc. Just something in the back of my mind a bit like terror! What if getting a dog feels like a mistake, we couldn't rehome it obviously so would just have to suck it up. Is this apprehension normal? Any advice?!

Oh, I do have anxiety and a tendency to catastrophise.

Yes, and completely commendable way of thinking. At least you aren’t doing it on a whim.

Don't you mean dogastrophise?

Can I just say - please choose your dog wisely. Speak to vets/vet nurses about breeds. Listen when they advise against certain breeds. Get it insured.

It shows you are responsible and can see the less positive side of having a dog. This is a good thing and reflects well on you, you're going into it with your eyes open.

Normal and sensible. It is a huge life change and commitment. I adore ddog and 18 months on its our new normal but nothing can be spontaneous anymore. I can still do stuff but I do have to plan around the dog.

It's a good sign you are feeling like this. It is a huge, and long, commitment.

Yes completely normal, adding a dog to our family felt more scary than adding a child but it worked out well despite the puppy blues and the adolescent dog trauma

Oh and lurcher is the only breed you need

I had wanted my own dog for over 20 years but the timing was never right. A couple of years ago DH and I got a puppy as we could now fit one into our life and my god I regretted it for several months as the change and responsibility was enormous.

However, right now I have a 2 year old gorgeous cocker spaniel lying next to me and I can't imagine life without him. Yes they are a tie, yes they cost money and yes they can be bloody hard work. But he is the best friend and companion I could ever have imagined and DH and I love him so much that none of the negatives matter any more.

I found having a puppy as hard as having a baby! They're a lot of work OP.

Thank you. We have already decided on a lab - biddable and good for a first time owner. We live in the countryside and have plenty of time for walks. We have researched re hips eyes and elbows etc and would insure with petplan. If I am brave enough to make the leap....

I second lurcher 😉😁❤️

I was very worried before getting our first ever dog (in my fifties!) But she has improved my life massively and makes me so happy. But I'm dreading the day dear dog dies because I love her so much. You just can't win.

We’ve just recently got a new puppy. We’ve got three kids and two have Sen. I was panicked as well. And we’re only a few weeks in. Toilet training is a bit tricky and it is an added stress but our children adore her. She’s very sweet and gentle. It is a bit commitment but definitely a worthwhile one.

Tbh, if you feel like that, I would say that a dog is not for you. Especially if you get a puppy, because it can be sheer hell for quite a few months, and you will probably end up despising the animal. You really need to be full of enthusiasm to get you through those times (although of course, some puppies are easier than others). If you are not fully committed before you start, you could end up with an unhappy dog and unhappy owner.

I wish everyone were like that, we'd have far less dogs in rescues if everyone took it so seriously, did their research and went into it warily!

There ARE trainers/behaviourists who offer a 'before you get your dog' service where they will give you sensible answers to all your questions, hand hold whilst you work out what breed, find a breeder etc.

Ok I am one that offers this service LOL but there are others too so have a look around - I'd recommend practitioners from the IMDT www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer and also anyone registered with the ABTC www.abtcouncil.org.uk/index/abtc-members-by-region.html

Def one of these...

Thanks so much for all the replies it seems it's quite normal to feel apprehension and not just blind excitement! I am realistic, I know it's hard work taking a puppy outside every 20 minutes to toilet train etc. I suppose I just have a real gut fear about introducing a pup into our family. We have a lovely life, what if it changes it for the worse? See I'm dogtastrophising again.....

Oh and lurcher is the only breed you need

You spelt greyhound wrong 😉

My first dog was a lab, he ate through a kitchen wall, just saying

Just remember that you will have all the work (whatever anybody else says!!!!) walking, toilet training, obedience training, vets appointments, insurance vaccinations, feeding, watering, grooming and day to day care (letting out for wee, not letting get bored and chewing) Get a contract drawn up with DH and kids if you want them to do anything!!!

Whippet or lurcher would have been top choice but we have 4 doddery cats and 2 younger rescues and I would prefer a breed with lower prey drive.

If you aren’t 100% committed, then please don’t do it. Having a dog and looking after it properly is a big undertaking. It will be an expense, vet fees are not cheap, and it will need routine stuff like flea treatment, wormers, maybe grooming and/or clipping. Then there’s the exercise. At least two good walks a day, all weathers, in the dark in Winter. Have you thought about holidays? Take it with you, kennels or home sitters?
You get unconditional love from a dog, but they are very dependent upon you, and too many abandoned, mistreated show just how thoughtless some people are about owning a pet. No matter what you get, if you let it live indoors (for us the only way, or why have one?) your home will not be the same. They can be hairy, then can be destructive as youngsters, they may be incontinent as oldies, you have to consider it all. But I have never been without at least one from the day I married my OH, and never regretted owning and loving them. Training is the key, train a dog well, and they are a delight. Don’t do the training and much like children, they become a nightmare for everyone they come into contact with!

Kennels when on holiday, neutering!!!