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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Grew up with dogs, they were part of the family. Our cocker spaniel skipper, my siblings and I still talk about how we'd go to find him whenever we were upset and I would often be found when very little curled up in his basket on the landing with him.

When I got my current dog I was back living with my mum, had a traumatic break up and was generally feeling sad. My mum actually rehomed him as a surprise for me, and he lived with us both, was great company for her and got her out and about in the day whilst I was working, but from the very second I met him was my dog. He put a smile back on my face, gave great cuddles, got me out and about in the outdoors. Through nearly nine years now he's been a loyal friend, by my side though changes, moves, bereavement etc and kept me going through it all as a dog means you have to get dressed and leave the house for walks even when you don't want to. My partner adores him too and without the dog I don't think we would go on so many walks or explore so many new places. He's a part of the extended family too, my nieces and nephews love him and he has such a soft nd gentle nature that they are able to enjoy spending time with him, learning about the happiness caring for animals brings as well as the responsibilities.

My first dog was so that I wasn't wandering about the house talking to myself like a crazy fish as my teenagers would keep vanishing all weekend

I got SweetPup in the middle of an extreme episode of depression; I knew, from growing up with dogs, that the unconditional love and understanding, as well as the need for daily walks would help. Talking to other dog owners eased my social anxiety. My ex partner disliked dogs, so I waited SO long for what I wanted, but he didn't only heal me: my husband fell in love, and the exercise has helped him reduce his diabetes medication; and my grotty, grumpy teenage son, cannot hold a grudge if the dog is in the room.
I'm well now, and every day, the houn's joy is infectious and life affirming.

We've both grown up with dogs so it was a fairly natural progression for us albeit in backwards order. DC, dog, marriage. I also find having a dog helps my mental health & I enjoy getting out each day as just the 2 of us. Dogs are brilliant when the children are in full on strop mode too, it's hard to stay grumpy when there's a big fluffy nose nuzzling your ear .

We got our beautiful boy after DH finally relented, then we got another. I don't think a house is a home without a dog and they are unconditionally loving and supportive when you are having a difficult time. DD adores her dog and they are best friends. Although she's too young to have the responsibility for caring for dogs she is already helping where she can.

Companionship and exercise! It forces you to have a healthier lifestyle and they are always there to listen

A dog lifts you up when the world has let you down.

Having been brought up owning dogs, I wanted to pass this experience onto my own children. It has taught my children about the importance of caring for an animal. Not only feeding, but walking, grooming, comforting when poorly (both for children and dogs!), company, walking adventures, fun at the seaside and responsibility. They have loved every minute of owning dogs and the two eldest children have gone on to own dogs and cats of their own. They have enhanced our lives considerably and we are fitter as a family as a result of walking them. They have brought fun and laughter to our lives and just add to the enjoyment of everything we do.

We spent 4.5 years debating getting a dog, we researched and researched to find breed to suit our family. We waited till the dd' we're old enough to understand the responsibility of owning a dog and finally out furry member of family came home last November. Our reasons for getting him were dh grew up with dogs and always wanted one, I work part time and he works shifts so was perfect timing that dog hardly ever home alone and dh parents treat him like another grandchild so the days we want a day out of work means we are our longer than normal they come and walk him (he has sleepovers there too if the dd's are staying over or we go away!) dd1 loves the dog but is the one that was least bothered by having him, she'll happily play with him or come for family walk but that's it.

Dd2 (aged 9) is his best friend in the world, she had been asking for 4 years for her own dog and patiently waited, she's been having a really really rough time at school lately and she has come home in tears, he seems to know when she needs him, last week he got her favourite box get and dragged it to her and just laid with her for 20 minutes whilst she ranted and sobbed about her rubbish day st school the love between them is unconditional and just to see their bond makes every puppy training accident, every training session on recall and obedience worth it I really can't I shine life without him, we have saved money not having days out because he can't come but spend more time together doing trips to beach, forests , new walks with him and friends and their dogs!

A million typos In that post (note to self wear glasses when typing on phone!) I meant dragged her blanket to her not box and hopefully you can interpret the rest!!

Because without a dog a house isn't a home.

Having a dog gets me out exercising in the fresh air, every day, without fail, no matter what the weather.

They're great company for introverts like myself.

We've not got one yet but we have it in mind to get one to keep DC2 company when DC1 (a few years older) goes off to 'Uni'.

This is ddog and dd1. They are great friends as you can see. I am a single parent. I waited until dd2 (3) could manage without a buggy then immediately researched puppies locally. I have no regrets. I wanted a pet that could just jump in the car most places with us and I bought a static caravan in 2014 so any pet had to be able to join us!
Secondly I wanted something that almost enforced outdoor activities daily. Dd2 still moans a bit but the kids understand the dog needs a daily walk and it's tough luck they have to come. I have really noticed over this winter how snot free dd1 is now - huge immune system boost from the walks in all weathers.
Thirdly I always love having a pet. Dogs are very affectionate and cuddly and loyal and enjoy routine.
Ddog is happiest asleep next to us when we are at home altogether or leaping about in long grass while the girls climb trees and pick flowrrs. He loves the beach with us too.
Having a dog is great!

Love, unconditionally. Company, and my dogs make me smile every day.

I grew up with dogs so was used to them being part of the family, so when I moved out I wanted to have one of my own. The companionship is amazing, it gave me a reason to get out and about every day and we meet lots of people who stop for a chat. DDog is a very friendly boy so he has lots of friends! He is also great for DS, as we have brought DS up to be considerate of animals, not afraid of animals but still giving them space and not getting in their faces. My nephew visited and was initially scared (think shrieking and climbing on the sofa to get away from the dog) but after three days left loving the dog and insisting on a photo of them both to take home (and which is now framed in his room!). Dogs have (when properly bred and trained) all the best traits of humans with none of the bad ones.

I got a dog because I love dogs and we have a good, not perfect but good, environment for a dog whilst there are thousands and thousands of dogs needing good homes in the UK. It seemed selfish not to.

Now we have her, she's the absolute heart of our family.

We are much less stressed about life in general and things that once mattered just don't seem to matter as much.

Having a dog also gives you a legitimate reason to go to the park and stroke and talk to all the other lovely dogs around. If you do this without a dog people think you're weird.

Our dog provides us with company and fun. I great way to keep fit and gets you out in all weathers and I always feel better for the walk when I get home.
Another plus point my parents think they have 'a third grandchild' and treat him as one also when talking to my mother on the phone its always how is the dog, then it will be how are the rest of us!

Love him to pieces, wouldn't be without him.

I waited 25 years to get a dog, for the time to be right and it's been well worth the wait.
I got a dog to share my life, much like I got a husband.
For me to love and to love me back. To share long walks with and glorious days in the sunshine in the garden. To keep me company on cold winter nights.
I'd probably get rid of the husband but never the dog

I "adopted" my parents dog after they moved from France to Burma. They flee her over to the UK and I picked her up at the airport :) she is fab! She is such a happy dog, she is always so happy to see me whenever I come through the door, she "speaks" to me to let me know what she wants. I treat her well and she repays me with love and loyalty. She's also helping me to get fit.. a Cocker spaniel needs a lot of exercise! She's great to have for company and everyone who meets her, loves her!

I never had a dog growing up and always longed for one. My husband grew up with dogs around and loved it.

We have just had our first child - she is almost 9 months and getting a puppy for her first birthday - very exciting!

Our main reasons for going for it are so she has a companion at home, education around caring for animals, to encourage us to get out as a family more on walks and generally to give her another life experience she might otherwise miss out on.

Because they are SO much better than humans but not as clever as cats

We got a Golden Retriever puppy more than 7 years ago after our DS was diagnosed with autism. That was the main reason - we wanted a gentle and loving companion to a child, who does not really have friends. The second reason was DH's love of dogs - growing up, he always had a dog, and missed having one.
I trained our dog myself, and he is really lovely and well-behaved. I recommend this breed to parents of disabled children - Goldens are very laid-back and gentle, and are perfect for children with special needs.

We got our dog to keep me company and as protection while my husband worked nights.
Due to our dog being the biggest baby ever we had to get another to keep him company and to keep us both safe!
They are rescue dogs, 13 this year and we all absolutely adore them.

I have two gorgeous dogs, they make our family go out and walk in all weathers, they make us laugh with their silly behaviour, they make our house a home, but best of all they make me feel safe! I know that alrhough they are soppy and loving dogs they would put themselves between my family and any threat.

I was never allowed a dog when I was a child so as soon as I got my own house that was the first thing I did. I also love walking in the countryside and needed a walking companion. For the last 10 years me and my dog have been out in all weathers every day without fail. It was a great stress reliever and just time to think away from everything else. I didn't have to talk, we just walked. Now my dog has health problems and can't walk. I miss it like crazy. My fondest memories are of the long summer evenings, taking her out in the warm sunshine, looking at the trees and flowers and walking through the fields near our home. My DS has come along since the dog and she has been great with him too. It's such a shame they can't enjoy being out together any more. There will be a huge gap in the family when she goes and I'm dreading it .