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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I don't have a dog, but the people I know with dogs seem to use it as an excuse to take exercise they wouldn't otherwise take themselves, "the dog has to have his daily walkies".

Our dog is a very important member of our family, and he's changed our lives for the better!
Having our dog has improved everyone's mood, and also our physical wellbeing and fitness..
But most of all, our gorgeous dog teaches us everyday the meaning of unconditional love

we got a dog as my kids absolutely love them, he's a treasured part of the family who everyone adores who keeps us all fit and happy.

The best and main reason for getting a dog is that they will give you all the love they have and they will be your best friend until their dying day.

I think the key reasons for getting a dog are companionship, an excuse to exercise more and someone to cuddle when you've had quarrels - who doesn't take sides or judge you either way ;)

Fitness and gives me a little time to myself which is in short supply at home lol

Its a great excuse to get out of the house for some games and walks alone or as a family

Having a dog means at least one walk per day, or as they grow two. People are always friendlier and speak if you have a dog. It teaches responsibility to the family looking after an animal. It makes the home more secure & provides a sense of it. Unconditional love & company are the most rewarding factors.

Exercise - if you have a reason why you have to go out for a run/walk then there is no excuse not to.

My son was terrified of dogs to the point where he would scream when passing them in the street. We discussed getting a puppy and he said he wanted a tiny dog, we bought a beagle puppy over a year ago and he now loves him, plays with him it's the best reason we have ever got a dog

lots of fab cuddles, keep me healthy by taking for a walk, guarding the house and a good friend x

Companionship,friendship, reliability, trustworthiness.....and that's just what you can offer them!

I got to age 49 and always wanted a dog, due to allergies I couldnt have one then found Out I wasnt allergic to Westies. Got our westie girl and she is the best thing ever, makes us happy, life is more interesting , we go for walks so more exercise , she is cute, funny, naughty, happy and energetic and getting her is the best decision we ever made. I love that dog and would be lost without her! She is part of the family x

Having a dog is a great way for my son to learn responsibility and how to care for others. She also gives him lots of love & is a friend for him to play with :-)

We got an 8 year old rescue dog that had been a stray in Eire.

We really enjoyed having him in our lives, and we like to think he enjoyed living with us.
We found lots of new places in the country-side to walk with him, but his favourite walk was to wag his tail at people carrying takeaways near the kebab shop!

Companionship, fitness, security - for both me and my dog!

Definitely for the family as a whole - great reason to get out and about, especially in winter when we don't tend to get enough fresh air. It's also great for teaching kids a bit of responsibility, and to think about someone other than themselves!

Dogs are definitely part of the family, and as hard and heartbreaking as it is when you lose them (having had dogs for over 40 years, I've loved and lost a few) pets are often children's first taste of bereavement.

a loving, adoring companion that is always there for you and never judges you, always pleased to see you and never puts you down!

Having a dog is a great way of teaching responsibility and kindness but it's also fabulous exercise. Much more fun and sociable than the gym with fresh air thrown in.

The key reason for getting our first dog was the fact that we fell in love with it when we saw it.

My kids had been bugging me to get a dog for years. Then my mobility got a lot worse but they promised they would walk any dog we got.

In 2010 we adopted Sophie , a staffie cross, from the Dogs Trust and we haven't looked back. It keeps the kids active during the winter months as she needs walks, and being a nannie dog she is great company for me between times I have carers here as I am now mostly bedbound.

Dogs are great company and a great prompt to get out of the house to walk them during the winter months :)

A best friend that motivates the family to go on long country walks

Dogs can always cheer you up love you to death when people have let you down.

The reason we first got a dog was to teach my girls how to look after a dog, have some responsibility when walking him with me and my youngest was scared of dogs no matter how big or small, she now loves any dogs.

To get the boys outside for walks
Friendship
To be responsible