Key reasons for getting a dog - share them here - chance to WIN £300 NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Calling all dog owners, or previous dog owners - please share your key reasons for getting a dog in the first place. What prompted you to get a four legged friend? Was it for you, for the kids or the family as a whole? How has having a dog improved your life? Does having one make you go out more? Has it taught your children to be more responsible? And are dogs something your family have always had or were you new to dog ownership when you got one?

The team at Pedigree would love to know all about why having a dog is brilliant! Pedigree® and the Waltham® Centre for Pet Nutrition have clear information on how to care for your dog – from information on diet and dental care to tips and tricks for training- over here: www.mumsnet.com/microsites/pedigree/feed-the-good

Whatever your advice, please add your comment below and you'll be entered into a prize draw, where one MNer will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice.

Thanks
MNHQ

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Part of the family. They give you unconditional love and are so lovely to cuddle.

It forces you to get out and about and so you naturally exercise and have a more active lifestyle without noticing.
It encourages you to be more sociable...everyone assumes you are friendly and want to say hi if you have a dog!
It is fantastic to watch the relationship and love between the kids and the dog grow, such kindness and affection from both sides.
We love our dog and couldn't jmagine life without her!

Keeps everyone fit with all the walks, someone to cuddle if feeling sad, calms a frightened child at bedtime, funny, playful, loving - however, dog's hate to be left alone and do get bored as they are pack animals so there is a payoff for all the joy they bring. Too many people get a dog for their needs but fail to adequately consider the dog

To make us all get out into the fresh air as the dog has to have its walks

We got a dog for each of our children for as soon as they were born. As an animal lover I really wanted my children to appreciate and grow up with an animal companion, friend and confident. Both my children now really love animals and respect and care for them. More recently my elderly parents have rescued a dog and I believe it has given them 'reason' to get out and walk as well as a lot of love in the household

Pop outside the front door for ten minutes and you will be greeted on your return like you have been away for weeks! A dog is somebody who is always pleased to see you, always listens to you and always has time for you. Having a dog means I have to get up and get dressed because we need to go for a walk - no slouching about in PJ's all day (they won''t let me). The times we have been without a four legged friend have been awful - the house may be clean (no hair everywhere) but it is oh so quiet and empty.

To encourage myself to get out walking everyday once the kids were all at school and to help my kids care for an animal.

I think having a dog teaches responsibility and caring for another being, by taking it for a walk or feeding it. It also gives a certain companionship and believe every child should have a pet.

My reason for getting a dog it it learns you childern how to look after & take care of somthing. but my other reasons that mad me decide to get one was it also, which i believe gives a family something to do together like going for long walks & playing with the dog, the also give children someone to talk to & open up to as they look on them as a brother or sister there are many reasons for getting a dog, and all should be considered

It is lovely being greeted like a long lost friend in the morning or when arriving home. Our dog, STANLEY, is always making us laugh and keeps us fit as he has 3 walks a day. He is a great companion and we love him.

I have had dogs as far as I can remember I am a huge animal lover thats one of the reason I became a vegetarian at the age of nine I just couldn't bare the thought of animals being harmed ....anyway I have three dogs yes three I know am probably mad but I love them all so much I call them my babies there spoilt but they make me smile everyday there always happy to see me and my family they make our little family complete. We walk them for miles which is good excercise for us and them and we take them on holiday with us that how much there part of the family were we go they go.

It is a great source of company and it gets them outside taking it for a walk.

I wanted a dog for my son to teach him loyalty,empathy and responsibilty it turned out to be his best friend.

I don't have a dog at the moment as I work full time but when I retire I probably would get one as taking regular walks would be of great benefit health wise

For company as I am home alone all day

We already had a cat but my son kept asking for a dog and we thought it would be good addition to the family.

Our DD faces many difficulties everyday and one is being social, we decided to get a dog not just for a family pet but as a companion for our daughter. Its amazing how a pet can help children with special needs cope with things better then then would before.

It helps children learn how to care for others

We don't have a dog, even though I would love to have one. The reasons for this are that we both work and our house is too small for the dog I would want. I don't feel I could give the dog enough of my time as this point in my life. The reasons for having one though are that they are very affectionate and are good company. They can help relax and calm you.

We decided to get a dog when my children was young as they both love animals so much and what a joy she bought to the family she was first thing we all saw and spoke to every morning and last thing at night, We all ended up feeling more protected at night times because if anyone came on our back garden, boy did she let us know that someone was there. The love and respect she gave us was unbelievable, When dogs are treated with respect they are truly your best friend. Having a dog does really change your life for the better.

Black and White
Thick and furry
Fast as the wind
Always in a hurry
Couple of spots
Rub my ears
Always comes his name he hears
Loves his ball; it's his favorite thing
What's most fun for him? Everything!
Great big tongue that licks my face
Has a crate, his very own space
Big brown eyes like moon pies
He's my friend till the very end!

We got a dog when my daughter was young as she is autistic and was petrified of dogs. The dog which my daughter named Amy was 8 weeks old when we got her and is now 4, she has grown up with my daughter and given her confidence to be around dogs and other people. Amy is a big part of our family and a great part of my daughters therapy and we wouldn't be without her.

Companionship is the main reason for getting a dog, they are man's best friend after all but they're also good for making sure you get some exercise. Sadly I can't have a dog as I'm disabled & can't even walk myself, let alone a dog so I have cats instead as they look after themselves

We already had our pooch before the kids arrived, but only just.

Our key reasons - friendship, love, loyalty, responsibility and unfortunately death.

Companionship, an intelligent partner, loyalty, exercise, teaching children about respect for others ... the list is nigh-endless!