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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Top of my list for getting a dog is security. Doesn't have to be a big/fierce dog, just having a sensitive alert pair of ears is enough to help keep the family safe.
(PS top of OH's list for getting one is next door's cat!)

For great company, love and to make the family complete

Both DH and I had dogs when we were growing up and we always went on long family walks in the evenings and weekends. We decided that we would love a dog to join our family and to bring along on our walks and he has been a fantastic addition.

He's funny, smart, loves a cuddle and is teaching our children loads about responsible pet ownership and caring for something other than yourself!

The girls love our dog. we've bonded more as a family as we go out together loads so it keeps us fit and healthy

Te best reasons to get a dog would be security and companionship

lots of benefits in having a dog, the companionship, the experience of having a pet, getting exercise from lots of walks. having a dog is a major commitment, you have to really want and be able to afford a dog, it is not something that should ever be done on a whim, it must be carefully considered.

Having a dog is good therapy for the whole family and it teaches children how to treat animals.

Our reason for getting our dog was so they both (our child) grew up together and had each other for friendship and fun! its so cute.

Having a dog is hard work but so rewarding. They offer so much love and children get to know what sorts of things you need to do in order to look after them. Plus just sitting with a dog and stroking them can reduce stress.

We haven't got a dog but are planning on getting one later this year. We have been dog sitting a friend's dog regularly to make sure it is the right decision for us, and it has made me realise just how good it will be for our two boys. The companionship, sense of responsibility, and just the relaxing affect of having a pet to cuddle, talk to and stroke have made them very happy. Oh, and the extra reason to get outside in the fresh air for a walk whatever the weather is a bonus too!

We had a dog when I was younger, they are lovely companions, loyal and loving. We loved taking her out for walks and she did so many things that used to make us laugh, we used to give her leftover roast dinner food and she used to line up all the brussels sprouts next to her bowl, no way was she eating any of them!!

We got a little dog so we could enjoy lots of family walks together.

I was unsure about getting a dog at first, having always had cats.. :o Now though, I'm so glad my husband persisted as our dog, Gordy, is such an important part of our family & we wouldn't be without him :)
The exercise element has been really good in getting us out of the house & getting active, even on rainy days.
Dogs are far more loyal & affectionate than cats - who are largely very independent. Nothing beats a good snuggle with the dog after an afternoon at the groomers! :)

Reason for getting a dog: having an excess of love and needing a bottomless vessel for it.

to complete your family

Having a dog has definitely enriched my life - I have to push DH to get her and although he insisted he would take no ownership of her and she would be solely my responsibility he wholeheartedly fell in love within 24 hours. Having a dog means our toddler has no irrational fear of animals and a best friend at home. She keeps us active and has helped us make so many new friends in the neighbourhood through dog walks.

She is my first baby and I love her that much. It breaks my heart when she's in pain and the thought of losing her reduces me to tears. Her life is so much shorter than ours that I really feel like we need to cram as much love in as we can.

My children want a dog, mainly my daughter does. but I'm saying no, as I'd be the only one to feed it, bathe it, take it for walks. I suppose having one would make me get off my fat bum and get some exercise though...

the company :)

Friendship, loyalty and a good excuse for regular walks

Exercise and the important values our daughter learns from caring for someone

Just the Joy and fun of having a dog, someone the children can play fetch with, a reason to get out and walk every day

exercise every day, come rain or shine

I could do with a dog to keep my cat in line

The main reason we got our first dog Mitsy was because she was left stray in the street and we saved her! Since she came, our life changed and she became part of our family. Holly, her naughty sidekick came by choice and needed to fit Mitsy and our whole family. Dogs to me are the same as children in so many ways and my life's work is with children so the link is undeniable for me. They need your, they give unconditional love, they do whatever they want when they want without thinking of what others will think, they are always ready for fun, they area clearly here to make grown ups remain like children! We have too many responsibilities in life, so for me getting silly, dirty and playful with your dog and your family is the ultimate release. They keep you fit, they are loyal, they stay beside you when they are sick, holding their toilet because you can't get out of bed to take them, they know when you are happy and sad, they never let you down intentionally, they don't manipulate, they always show love even in their dying breath. That's enough reasons right??

Felt lonely during the day, working from home alone. Having a dog is amazing company and brings such joy to the family - there's never a dull moment with her around and she is such a loving companion. I can't imagine the flat without her!