To not understand the appeal of dogs as pets?

[Gardentiger]

I just don't get it and would love to understand! As much as I like certain dogs I meet and think they are cute, the list of downsides is massive

• they smell and make your house and car and clothes smell bad

-they can't be left alone for a length of a working day -behavioural problems and agression -if you get a barky one it can ruin your relationship with neighbours -the amount of time you have to spend training them -some seem to need constant supervision -chewing things and generally wrecking the housr -having to pick up warm freshly baked turds

I walked a friend of mines dog the other day and it was awful! He pulled on the lead the entire way, and kept trying to pee on people's doorsteps / flowerpots.

So what is the appeal!? I say this as an animal lover who has had pet rabbits, cats and hamsters in the past.

@Menora

I really don’t mind that he might smell like a dog

Did you ever smell their feet? Hmm dog feet smell 😍🤤

That’s apparently because that’s how they sweat so no, OP, they don’t need constant bathing. They also regulate their temperature when they’re hot by panting.

I have a teenage boy. The dog smells lovely in comparison and is nearly as funny.

Puppies and kittens are far cuter than human babies. I mean I thought my baby was cute but I'd rather cuddle someone else's puppy.

@Jayteedee

100 pc agree OP. I am convinced people in this country are strangely obsessed with dogs. People will coo over a puppy far more than a baby. I find that very odd because babies are to me far cuter.

I disagree

I think that both babies and puppies are extremely cute, and so are little kittens. Why does it have to be a competition??

@LifeinPieces21

Puppies and kittens are far cuter than human babies. I mean I thought my baby was cute but I'd rather cuddle someone else's puppy.

I find this so weird. I have no wish to pet someone's dog...I'll happily hold any baby handed to me.

I don't understand why any one keeps rabbits. They are completely unsuited to being pets.

Cats can see your soul more than dogs....and eploit it. That's why i think they are far superior to both dogs and humans!

For me kittens win. But it's not that way for everyone and that's fine. As much as I don't get much out of dogs, I have loved the stories of love between owners and dogs on this thread. It is beautiful to see.

But which smells better? Dog ear or dog paw?

@malificent7

Cats can see your soul more than dogs....and eploit it. That's why i think they are far superior to both dogs and humans!

Cats are more superior to every living thing. And they know it.

Cats are better. They never pull on a lead because if you put a cat on a lead it will sit down and refuse to budge.

@LibertyMole

But which smells better? Dog ear or dog paw?

I say my dog doesn't smell - she does smell as all living things do. I'm not nose blind as I can smell it and I've smelled smelly dogs when I've lived with them too. Her ears smell like the rest of her body, sweet, a bit like cut hay. Similar but not quite as good as a horses nose. The paws are like popcorn. I'd say the paws are better 😆. She doesn't go out in the rain though so rarely wet. Wet dog smell is less nice

I love mine to bits and the feeling is mutual. He makes our house a home.

I like other people's dogs but it seems like way too much effort to me. I think I run from anything 'needy' (same reason I'm childfree). But I get why people have them. For me personally though, I'll stick to my cat (who is sweet and affectionate at times, despite what people say about cats not being affectionate).

My dog brings so much joy, love and laughter to my home every day. He and my children get so much pleasure out of each other.
YABVU. Dogs are the best.

These threads are very useful for ringing alarm bells when people are so sociopathic. I wish there was a function where the people who scare and disturb us could show in red, there should be a button for it. It's such a shame about capnocy, we have all lost so many people to it... It happens all the time. Not.

I've learned something knew from this thread, that people sniff dogs' feet! And like the smell! Life is always an education :D

I agree! The only compelling reasons to have a dog in my opinion are if you're blind or have a lot of sheep.

@DeloresPickleRick

Well dog owners will be along to tell you that their house doesn't smell, isn't flea infested and isn't covered in dog hair.

Since I started WFH I no longer have problems with asthma and a constant stuffy nose. I'm convinced it's because I'm no longer working with people covered in pet hair anymore.

Win-win then.

It’s unconditional love. In both directions. My dog took a piece of me with him when he died. I mean - did he smell? Maybe? My teenager does too sometimes, it’s not a dealbreaker. People that hate animals however - massive red flag.

My dog doesn’t shed hair and doesn’t smell. He is cuddled up with me now.

Without my dog I would have topped myself. She is my guardian angel, my therapy and the love of my life. YANBU though, until you have a dog like this you have no idea of the richness they bring to life.

My dog doesn’t shed and can be left alone for a working day.