Everyone wants to get a dog! Help with pros and cons please

[SecondhandRose]

I can't stand the thought of picking up poop in the garden or anywhere else or the kids walking in it.

I worry about going on holiday and being out all day.

I wouldn't mind so much if it was a little dog as he'd need less exercise, take upless room and perhaps he could have a dog flap.

What about when they go for walks and get all wet and muddy, what do you do with them then when it's time to come in the house!

I am not completely barmy honest! Doggy advice needed please.

[Newbarnsleygirl]

I cry at the RSPCA adverts!
I love animals. When our dog Oliver ripped the sofa last month it was a bit like the final straw for us and both dh and I mentioned giving him away but everytime I thought about it I got so upset and I could'nt imagine him living anywhere else. I think it would break his heart.

[lucy5]

My sister's dog used to do this and then she found a dog whisperer, they had three sessions and he explained about dog psychology and he's never chewed since.(the dog not the the man hahaha)

[Tortington]

dontdo it - they are like kids in that they look cute on the telly - its when you get them home the shit begins - literally

[miranda2]

Don't do it!
We got one a few years ago to make us take exercise. Worked fine until we had kids.... Now I just feel guilty all the time about how few walks she gets. Plus it is a real pain having to organise for them to be looked after when you go on holiday. At least a cat can be left with biscuits and the cat flap for a weekend!

[suedonim]

If you're having any doubts - don't get a dog!! Ours is hard work and demanding and it's the last thing I need. I said to dh yesterday that once this dog goes to the Great Kennel in the Sky he's not to let me have another dog, no matter how much I beg. As he rightly said, there are so many lovely dogs about but they all have the same disadvantge - they leave piles of sh*t behind them.

[lilsmum]

3 simple words ......DONT DO IT!!! lol, my 11wk old lab pup is currently chewing everything and trying to bonk everything very annoying, i am living in hopes it will stop soon, but doubt it!!!

[polly28]

don't do it.If you are worried about picking up poo and dealing with muddy dogs there is no point in getting a dog.

I'm probably nt in the best frame of mind to answer this as I've just cleaned the kitchen floor that the dog had diarrhea (sp?)all over and trampled all through the house...nice!

[mears]

My kids want a dog but we got rabbits instead

We had a dog when I was a child, however, reasons for not getting one....

1. House smells of dog even though you think it doesn't
   
   
2. They are too tying - can't leave them to go away weekend etc.
   
   
3. If working, not fair on dog IMO.
   
   
4. Shit in garden sticks to feet and is trailed through house
   
   
5. Hate clearing up shit
   
   
6. It breaks your heart when they die...and they do.

[charleypops]

Hi SHR - This is my advice:

It is vital you go out of your way to socialise a puppy with other dogs and continue to do so otherwise you could easily get a dog that goes into meltdown (agression, or fear aggression) everytime he comes across one, which is very stressful for everyone.

IMO, a dog's personality is largely determined by genetics, so really check out the parents' temperaments. There is a series of about 10 puppy tests that can indicate what type of temperament the dog will be likely to have and I'd do these before selecting a pup in the future.

We love our dog, a lab, to bits, we feed him chicken, he sleeps on the bed with us and, as long as he gets at least an hour and a half of off lead exercise a day he's very laid back, probably because we're laid back with him. Dp works funny hours and often doesn't get up until nearly midday, Ddog sleeps on the bed until dp gets up - no freezing early mornings for us! He is fine left on his own for a few hours and doesn't utter a peep (we leave football on the tv for him). He has the complete run of the house, sits on the sofa etc and that suits us fine but he's not a dominant dog, if he was, I imagine we'd have to impose a lot more rules to show him who's boss.

He can be a pain in the arse, and is a huge responsibility and a tie, but we have a lovely very doggie lady who can look after him for a few days if we want to go away somewhere we can't take him.

I agree that the dog's care will probably be down to you, so if you don't have a fundamental love for dogs, it's going to be a real burden, the dog will be unhappy and probably display unwanted behaviour as a result.

Lucy5

[SecondhandRose]

How about a tortoise? !!

[charleypops]

I've got a tortoise! He's at my mum's house. Had him 30 years. He's lovely