To get a dog?

[setitup]

I’m in my 20s, single and live alone. I’d love to get a golden retriever for company and exercise but the problem is that I live in a small apartment.

I have a courtyard area plus lots of parks nearby, but not much space indoors which I’d feel bad about.

Aside from that, I’ve been working from home recently so I’d be able to spend time with the dog. But it could be a problem when I return to hybrid work.

I’m not sure how much a dog may cost on an ongoing basis but I earn a reasonable salary so could probably make it work (£40k)

It’s a choice between your freedom or a dog.

The best laugh today!

I'm sharing this on Facebook to amuse my friends.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

This is the weirdest reason for not getting a dog that I've ever seen

I don't know how hard it would be in an apartment. I imagine quite difficult initially with house training plus they're not allowed on walks until fully vaccinated. Looking back, I think my puppy went for a poo about 100 times a day 🤦🏻‍♀️
It was probably closer to 10 times a day, but he still pooped a lot. He pretty much peed constantly 😂 We got him in April so warmer weather and we spent a lot of time in the garden training and learning to toilet before he could go on an actual walk.

They cost more than you think. Mine is about £300/month on regular costs and then you have other costs on top. He's similar size to a Golden Retriever (Lab X Setter).

£100 - food (obviously this can be much cheaper, but I feed raw which costs a lot more than kibble)
£35 - insurance (only set to rise each year)
£20 - vets (this covers flea, worming and 6 monthly checks, vaccinations)
£100 - day care (£25/day)
£50 - other stuff (treats, poo bags, balls)

Will you go to puppy classes?
All the things you need: leads, harness, toys, crate, beds, grooming equipment, bowls add up too.

Vet appointments and medication is expensive. Probably over £100 if they need anything. I spent £500 on an infection.

I WFH 3 days a week, in the office 2 days. He goes to daycare once a week and then DS or a friend has him the other. A dog walker here is maybe £12 for an hour (group walk).

I was really flexible with working from home and was able to dedicate time to training every day and I worked when he slept. Not sure if your employer is ok with that?

You are tied down. I don't leave him more than 4 hours in the day. He's fine for longer in the evenings if I go to the pub or whatever.

I take him on holiday in this country but haven't been abroad since I got him.

I have met loads of people walking him, and have a few groups we meet up with (both with the dogs now and without). He brings so much joy and I love him to pieces BUT when people tell you it's hard ... Think about it. It is harder than you can possibly imagine, especially with a larger dog who can do things smaller dogs can't do.

Borrow someone's dog for two weeks, makes sure it's a large dog that sheds a lot as a goldie will cover your whole apartment in hair. You can't leave a dog alone all day while you're at work even an older dog so factor in paying someone to take them out for a walk or doggy daycare. Keep in mind that puppies are extremely hard work and the chewing stage can be a nightmare - nothing is safe!
I adore Goldies but I'd never get one as I can't cope with the shedding. I think your apartment would feel very full with such a large dog and they are really not suited to an apartment and courtyard set up.
Definitely borrow a dog for a couple of weeks before you make up your mind and then consider an older, smaller rescue dog rather than a Goldie puppy.

My friend had a dog. It was initially bought for her husband to look after when she was at work and he was at home.
Her husband instigated it.
Husband sadly passed away. Friend carried on looking after the dog obviously but it was hard because she worked.
She had to have help with dog walking etc during the day etc.

A few weeks ago the lovely little thing passed away.
Friend although fond of the dog has decided not to get another one.
She misses her, but she found it abit of a relief not to worry about her while working etc.
It's also difficult to go on holiday with a dog.
Hope this helps.

On the otherside, I have a dog but don't have children and don't fly abroad on holiday (partly because I have my dog to consider). Yes my dog eats meat, along with lots of veg, but I eat less. I'm very carbon conscious but do not feel guilty about having a dog.

What's it like being you?

lol

Please don't get a dog especially a golden retriever.

I would agree wholeheartedly about how much of a tie a dog is and how expensive too.

Also, thinking practically a muddy, wet long haired dog traipsing through a shared hallway may not be popular with your neighbours.

That may just be me though, I thought I was fully prepared for a dog and - for the most part I was - but I did underestimate the amount of extra cleaning and washing she would cause.

OP, others have given you loads of good advice. Time, future work plans and changing your life so your dog is not left alone too long is a big one. If you get a pup, you're responsible for it being happy and healthy for 10-15 years and a lot can change in that time. You also need to do loads in the early months to socialise them and introduce them to everything they might meet in their life. Your accommodation is another and whether you're renting or not - it's hard/impossible to find a rental which will allow pets particularly as there's so much competition for rentals now. The toilet training in a flat will also be so much harder. And you need to consider what will happen when your potential dog is older and might not be able to do stairs. Also think about what you'll do if you need to go away - for work, for family, for fun, or last minute things like a funeral or medical emergency. And as others have mentioned, dogs are not cheap! The bigger they are the more they eat and the more they cost for say worm, tick and flea treatments as it's done by body weight.

I have a dog and live on my own. I'm glad I got him but I have changed my life to revolve around him (which is only fair), he costs me about £250-300 a month and he certainly doesn't make my life easier! If you decide to go for it, really think if and what type of dog would best fit with you. I wanted a dog for years before I got mine but it wasn't the right time. Instead I walked colleagues dogs and volunteered at my local rehoming centre. Others have mentioned the Cinnamon Trust or borrowmydoggy.

So a humans. However I’m vegan so does that offset my dog’s diet?

OP I’d go for a smaller dog- labradoodle maybe. One you can carry if need be. How would you manage a broken leg?

Yaaaaaaaaaawn

@setitup I became a dog owner at a similar age. I was at uni at the time but lived in a house with small garden and a huge park nearby.
I went for a smallish rescue dog as I didn't have time for a puppy.

This is 20 odd years ago, when you could just fill out a form about your circumstances ... then walk around the rescue centre and choose a dog.

Could you get a cat instead? They suit the single life better I think, they also make excellent companions and are good company! They're not as restrictive on your life as a dog would be and generally are less hard work!

I have both dogs and cats and I know which one I'd choose if I was single and lived alone.

Labradoodles are not in any way a small dog that can be carried, my neighbours doodle is bigger than my Scottish Deerhound 😂

We have a large rescue dog (the most recent of a series of rescue dogs) and she's our world. However, she came (like her predecessors) house-trained and we have a garden she can access very quickly. We're retired and don't leave her much and when we go on holidays abroad, she goes to superb kennels at £26 a day.

Her pet insurance is £1500 a year (older dog), her food costs - because she needs a special diet - are high and she was recently at the vet for tests and surgery which (thankfully) the insurance paid for (about £2000) pounds. She's now on daily medication costing £90 a month (insurance pays).

We didn't get a dog until we were not both working at the same time - because they really shouldn't be left for regular, long periods.

I really don't know how you'd house-train a puppy without immediate access to a garden, too.

I agree a smaller dog would be much easier. They have benefits of eating less, taking up less space, less hair to shed and doing smaller poos! My small dog lounges around all day and is happy with long or short
short walks. Other than dog walker and insurance she doesn't cost much. Do you have family who could offer holiday dog care? Lots of uk places are dog friendly though. Dogs live for many years so you should consider future plans carefully.

I think you'll be fine if you accept the restrictions having an animal can bring (need to plan around them etc). I have a golden retriever, she's only 25kg as she's a smaller field line golden. she could happily hike with us for hours but could just as happily stay inside as long as we're engaging with her on and off, doing tricks and brain games etc. if you're planning on training the dog properly which includes training it to be alone for periods (they need to learn this they cant just do it) they'll be ok. Our girl is very calm at home as we've trained her to be that way, so she wouldn't need a large living space. Bear in mind they are super excitable for about 3 years and do get surrendered because people aren't expecting this and can't cope. Goldens tend to just love being around you and having attention, so if you're willing to do that you'd be fine. Insurance is expensive if you get a good one and with a golden really you'd need high lifetime cover, ours has allergies which insurance covers. Just do your research :) and maybe meet a 12-18 months old golden before committing, as they are very different to a 4/5 year old golden.

I can see why you would want a Golden. They really are lovely dogs, but I think the advice on this thread is well founded. Sadly, you are not really set up for a dog of this size and needs.