Should we get a puppy?

[RoaKim]

Hello, new to Mumsnet here!
DH and DCs all want a dog but I don't like animals in the house at all as I like a clean house with no odours. We have a cabinet in the living room filled with expensive items like antique teapots and Swarovski ornaments which I don't want the dog to knock over!
I have been round to my friends houses (the ones who have dogs) and they all reek of that doggy smell and their sofas etc are all broken. We have a big garden and there is a place we can put the dog at the back behind all our flowers.
But can dogs live outside? In winter especially where it gets to as low as -15 degrees here? Are there any types of dogs that can withstand the cold?
Another thing is that DH has a very busy job that involves him being on a computer all day and he goes on a lot of business trips so the dog will get very limited exercise in terms of walks etc. DCs are only 5 and 7 so there is no way they will be able to manage it. The other DC is 14 but she does not like dogs either so there is no chance she would go and walk the dog when DH is not here. DH has always wanted a dog since he was a child and he says he will make time to take care of it. However I don't really think that is possible considering his job where there are many necessary business trips he has to make (usually on the other side of the world).
So that is 3 people wanting a dog and 2 people not wanting one in our family.
What do I do? Shall I say yes or not?
I don't want to get one but then have it getting bored and making a lot of noise in the garden.
Any advice appreciated!

No don’t get one. They need to be in the house, not abandoned in the garden.

No absolutely do not get a puppy.
Of course puppies can’t live outside, let alone at -15!

It sounds like a really bad idea as not everyone wants it, and it would be very cruel to keep a dog outside when it gets that cold.

No.

Don’t get a dog. It wouldn’t have a very good life. You obviously don’t like them.
By the way not everyone who has a dog has a house that “reeks”.

You would consider keeping a dog outside in -15 degrees?
Just awful. You should absolutely not get a dog, I already feel sorry for the poor pup

Absolutely do not get a dog. You strongly don't even want one, and a guarantee you would be stuck doing all the work. And of course the dog can't live outside. Don't be ridiculous.

Honestly people like you exasperate me. You sound like exactly the kind of person who would be carting the poor thing off to the Re-homing shelter in a couple of months. If you live in the UK our climate is unsuitable for an outside-living dog.
You know you don’t remotely want one so do not even consider it.

This has got to be a joke , dogs are not animals that can be shut out in the garden and got out for a walk now and then , they are members of the family and want company indoors . Do not get a dog . Totally agree with pp that not everyone who has a dog has a wrecked , smelly house - ours is pretty much immaculate and my dog smells beautiful .

I’m leaning towards a wind up post. There’s a place to put the dog behind the flowers? . Ridiculous.

No waaaaay!

No you can’t keep a dog outside, someone will report you I’d imagine. It’s cruel, what’s the point.

You can have a clean house and a clean dog but it takes a lot of work.....

Offer to walk someone else’s dog for them

Just no

You and half the family don't want it

The ones who do aren't there or are too young to take care of it

Puppies are sometimes as hard as babies and without you loving it there is no point

Jesus christ. Do not get a dog!

Don’t. They aren’t worth it. You don’t even like dogs and your house will smell of it, no matter how much you clean (don’t believe dog owners who say their house doesn’t smell of dog, it does).

Thanks for your replies everyone.
@Suzi888 Thanks I think I will stick to that idea.

No.

Your husband will make time to look after it, and then after a few days, he will lose interest and it will be your responsibility. You clearly hate dogs, which is not a bad thing at all- they aren't for everyone and you're right, they are fucking annoying. But they are also wonderful animals and your home is clearly not the right place for one. Could your husband walk your friend's dog instead?

Buy do stand your ground on this one- unless you all passionately want a dog, don't get a dog.

"antique teapots and Swarovski ornaments"

Of course these would be an issue for most dogs, they have a modicum of good taste. (Although maybe if you get the right breed line of Afghan Hound they'd be partial to that sort of thing.)

I'm hoping this is a wind up but here goes...

Should you get a puppy? No!!

1 - you don't like dogs
2 - you don't want a dog in your house
3 - you've openly admitted you wouldn't
bother walking it when your dh is
away, just awful op, really shit
4 - worst of all you have actually asked if
you can keep a dog outside in sub zero
temperatures!!!

You sound heartless and cruel, please please don't get a dog.

Oh and my house smells great. People often comment on it.

@OpalExtra

"antique teapots and Swarovski ornaments"

Of course these would be an issue for most dogs, they have a modicum of good taste. (Although maybe if you get the right breed line of Afghan Hound they'd be partial to that sort of thing.)

Amazing

Do NOT get a dog. It will ruin your life and you will ruin its life. Totally wrong for your household.

Are you taking the Mick?!? Please never ever ever get a dog. Or even a goldfish

Stimulating first post, OP

Having said that, of course dogs can live outside in -15 temperatures. Has no one on MN ever heard of a husky? Dogs in most of the world, including Russia, the Alps, central Asia, and the Canadian arctic survive outside in lower temperatures than that. But they need to be the right breed, and to live outdoors always, so that their coats become thick enough.

A goldfish would be just fine if you can find a Swarovski one to put in the cabinet- you wouldn't need to feed it - just dust it hourly.. it sounds like you would enjoy that and it would be the ideal 'pet' for your home.

Just please please don't get any sentient beings..

@MissLucyEyelesbarrow huskies require 2 hours exercise per day minimum.. She doesn’t have time to exercise the dog. They also require a lot of socialisation or you can get one very peed off husky.
Unlike a lot of people at least she’s sought advice before purchasing a dog, it clearly doesn’t fit her lifestyle.