please tell me about getting a dog for the first time...

[juicychops]

good things, bad things, unexpected things, difficulties you dont think of in the beginning, expense etc etc etc

im only considering it at this stage as no where near 100% sure yet. im more a cat person. my beloved cat died a few months ago and as much as i try and pay extra attention to my other cat i just cant fill the void that my lovely cat has left.

i have decided i need to get another cat. but before i do i am thinking about a dog and need advice.

ive never had a dog before, but i had never had a cat before my lovely one that died and i ended up loving him to bits. so thought i would at least consider a dog

i wouldn't want a big one, only a yorkie sized little one.

please tell me about caring for dogs to give me a better idea

I have had kittens in the past and I now have a puppy.

First thing I will say is that pups are much more work than baby cats - e.g. housetraining takes a lot of patience, and some pups (mine!) take ages to get the hang of it

Pups chew everything, they need a lot of time and attention, they need to go out in all weathers. you need to invest a lot of time to train them to behave the way you want them to.

It might be an idea to avoid the tricky puppy stage and get a rescue dog - already housetrained etc.

I've had 2 dogs. The first I had from a puppy, was a complete nightmare for 2 years! He destroyed something every day - was a lovely natured dog though. The one I've got now is a rescue greyhound - a complete pleasure, and has been no problems.

If you have a dog you have to take the time to train them, housetrain them, walk them. I've always had pet insurance too. If you put in the effort you'll get it back tenfold. I wouldn't recommend having a dog if you're working fulltime - think that was my mistake with my first dog - he was left on his own too long.

Hope this helps, if you want any more info, just ask.

I find it really hard to advise someone on getting a dog. I love my dogs but they are a big commitment
I was desperate for a dog when I was growing up. I never had one and the first thing I dod when I moved into my house was get a dog.
I always wanted a collie but didn't think I was ready for a collie so I got a mongrel puppy from the RRSPCA. He was lovely but very hard work. We came to the conclusion he was a sheltie cross, very clever, overly friendly to people and very noisy.
I have had dogs ever since. When I'm not rushing round after the children I am doing 'dog stuff'. (obedience, agility, sheep herding!)
I have only had collies, collie crosses, spaniels and my sheltie cross so I don't know much about keeping small dogs but I do know some of them need more exercise than larger breeds.

Don't expect to get a 'perfect' dog. Some people are lucky other people train for years to get the same results!

You should ask around, maybe go to a training class speak to the trainers and owners of different breeds and see the characteristics of different dogs. Of course you may see some out of control dogs there too. Don't want to put you off!

thanks everyone thats helpful. i would definately rescue a dog so it prob wouldn't be a very young dog. oh i dont know!! maybe the not knowing if i want one or not means i shouldn't get one

i only work part time so am at home each day a lot and have plenty of free time for walking etc. but one day in the future i will be working full time

i would love to live on a farm and just have loads of animals all running all over the place! but at the moment i only live in a 2 up 2 down terrace

Juicy - I am sorry about your cat. I know only too well how hard it is to replace 'special' cats

tbh I think it sounds like you are still grieving for your cat - understandably.

I have had dogs all my life and love them to bits - I couldn't imagine not having them. When I got one of my dogs from Battersea the form asked 'why do you want a dog?'. I really struggled to answer it because for me it was a bit like asking why do you want to breathe?!

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that they are hard work (at times, very hard work) so if you're at all unsure, don't do it. At least give yourself time to really get over your cat.

hth, but if you go ahead I am always (over) keen to give advice

On the plus side, I think dogs are better company than cats. When mine isn't sleeping (!) she follows me around. If you're thinking of a rescue one, you maybe able to have one on a weeks trial or try fostering?

Getting a rescue dog is a good idea you wont have all that training to do or put up with chewing of furniture, shoes (but all dogs need some training). We got our dog a couple of months ago just before the owner was going to send her to Battersea Dogs home where she would've been put down. Shes a Bichon Frise and is the best family dog we've had. Before that we had a yorkie for 13 years before he died. It took me about 4 years before i even started to think about getting another dog. I would def look into getting a rescue dog.

We got a rescue a couple of months ago and tbh I do regret it. I knew that a dog would be a commitment but it is more that we anticipated.
I work part time but still have come home regularly to lots of damage and accidents. Mind you we intended on getting an older dog and ended up with a 10 month old boxer/staffi cross which I don't think is the easiest combination, and I am sure that things will get easier as she matures.
Things I would consider are how much you are out and about ? How would you really feel about your house getting damaged? Are you ready to get up early every day and walk the dog (we do this before the children are awake) even in the bad weather, and late at night. They're like children - you don't get any time off and don't always do as they're told. Then there are the costs, food, insurance, vets fees, toys, replacing the things they have eaten!
This sounds like I'm painting a really negative picture and I don't mean to, but if you're not sure then don't..until you are.

Morleylass xx

I would have to agree - if you're not entirely sure, or have any reservations, don't do it.
I love my dogs to bits and desperately wanted them but they are hard work and a huge commitment - neither of which I mind as they make me so happy - but I can imagine that if you're not that sure then these things would not be so easily overcome.

read buda's thread

I personally think the fact you are taking your time to decide and getting all the pros and cons etc is really good. So many people rush into buying dogs without any second thought.
Having a puppy is pretty much like having a baby, so dont really need to explain further!
If you are happy to get a rescue dog (no reservations with regards to young children etc) then a rescue one would be a better choice.