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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for companionship, but mostly to walk him daily and thus getting you own exercise

They can help to make a family more outside active as of course most people love to take their dogs for a walk. They can also be companions, especially for people that live on their own.

Companionship.

I'm trying to convince DH we need a dog do I have to exercise

My family are all dog lovers, their reason for getting dogs would be for love of dogs rather than anything else. Personally I can't stand them! I am an outcast!

i have always had a dog from the age of 5 the are friendly they are my friends they are my company my protecter and feel like part of the family

I think a dog is a really nice idea to have with families, it teaches children responsibility and how to care for a pet.
We actually dog share with my mom as she works a lot of hours so it helps our little pooch not be on his own too much.
It also provides great exercise for us and lots of fun.

I have always had animals growing up and wanted my children to learn the same sense of responsibility, and getting out two dogs is the best thing we ever done as a family. All our dc's help with the care and feeding of them, from brushing, walking to picking up the poop and at the same time they are given so much love and have something to cuddle and confide in.

As parents we were raised with German Shepherds truly gentle giants, it taught us the love and care for dogs with the upmost respect.
And so when our children were at an age of understanding 5 and upwards we also got a dog for reasons of comfort, love, care and for our children to feel the feelings of loving a dog, we have more exercise as a family by taking the dog out for walks come rain or shine.

For a extra friend! or child in the home hehe. We love our dogs we currently have 2, We treat them as if they are our kids! after our 3rd child we didn't want any more so we brought a extra dog! It sounds bad but it isn't! we love them so much & my kids love them as if they are Siblings!
Say hello to Daisy & Chii x

I grew up with dogs and now I work from home was in a position to have one. We have a rescued greyhound he keeps me company during the day, makes me go out whatever the weather and I have made new friends and chat to lots more people. The kids adore him and he gets lots of cuddles and they sit and talk to him if they have had a bad day. We all love him to bits and couldn't imagine life without him he really is part of the family.

When my son wanted a dog, for years I said no, however 3 years ago we got a little Maltese, it was the best decision I made, at the right time for my family, it has made out house into a home, whatever kind of day you have, he always has a wag and a woof as he is always pleased to see you. My son looks after the dog, takes him out, and one important gift the dog has given the family is that he has changed my autistic son, and made him a lot more calmer, and he shows emotions he has never shown in the past.

I decided to get a Puppy 7 years ago as was working from home so could give Ollie all my attention, It was lovely and still now he is 7 years old, Fantastic with my children and just the perfect little boy to add to our family :)

getting a dog is great if you suffer from anxiety.A dog distracts you from feelings of panic and calms you down.Also good to get you out the house as I have to take my dog out for walks.

For exercise and keeping fit! Gets the family out and about every evening and not sure we would do it without the dog!

Originally I got a dog for company as I was living apart from my partner and didn't have children yet.
Now he is a family dog and very good with the children.

We are very determined that we walk the dog twice a day and this can become a chore at times now that we have 2 children. But I think the exercise is great and our children are naturally quite gentle and I think this is because they have had to take care around animals from such a young age.

I grew up with dogs and just adore them - i think its great for kids to have a pet and i hope my kids love always being able to snuggle up with their dog just as I did - esp when I had been in trouble or was upset!

To keep all family members mobile and healthy, but most importantly for the companionship, friendship and unconditional love they give.

i lost my beautiful boxer dog 3 months ago. he was 12 years old and we had him from a pup.

to make my self feel a bit better bought some expensive white bedding, always wanted white bedding but he slept on my bed so it was never an option. i had all carpets cleaned to get rid of any doggy odours and liked being able to open all doors without having to worry about him running out.
i tried to embrace life without a dog but i have failed miserably. the main things i miss are

1. cuddles ( he was the best hangover, sickness cure)
2. being greeted by him when we come home ( his tail wagging away even if we had just popped to the shops)
3. watching the kids play with him
4. having to pick up bits of dropped food up off the floor
5. the security of just knowing he is there

so i gave in to the urge and i have just chosen a new pup. i collect him on the 6th of july

I grew up with dogs and couldn't wait to get one of my own, but the circumstances were never right. I knew it wouldn't be fair to have a dog when I was working out of the house. When I started working from home I made my dream come true and got a Bedlington Terrier puppy!

Dogs really do make a family. My boy is so loyal and friendly. He is fantastic company and we share fantastic days out together. He curls up on me to sleep and is a terrific friend.

When I had my baby boy last year I wanted to make sure he didn't feel pushed out, and although it was a big adjustment for him he has accepted it so well. Now I can't wait for them to grow up together and experience what I did with my dogs as a child.

No matter what is going on in the world right now your always greeted with a wet nose and a wagging tail. Nothing can beat that! They love you no matter what! 💗🐾

An unconditional friend and companion. A love and respect that goes beyond words and money.

My husband and I were contemplating getting a dog for a while but what spurred us into action was our eldest son becoming slightly afraid of dogs. We now have a Labrador who is best friend to our eldest son! He is very companionable, I've just been swimming in the lake with him and he prompts us all to get out for more walks and fresh air and is very good company, one of the family.

We got a dog for the companionship, to teach the children some responsibility and so we would become more active as a family.

Friendship/company, walking for health reasons, positive 24/7, relaxing...