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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Bugsy used to be our dog .. Then we lost him the day we brought home out son!

My dog and son are best friends! We had bugsy a year before Seth came along and we were so worried at first about having a dog and a new born, from the minute we came home with our son bugsy has been by his side. He adores him! Mainly because he gets fed food he shouldn't off Seth! I.e. Chocolate and ice cream!

He's such a protective dog but also he kindest, most patient caring animal. He used to cry when Seth did as a new born, he often jumps the baby gate in Seths room just to be with him. If not he sleeps right outside the door.
There is no bond like boy and dog!

He was also really attentive during pregnancy, never left my side and started sleeping at my side of the bed (on the floor) when he knew labour was coming! I knew I was going into labour because of him!

Bugsy used to be our dog .. Then we lost him the day we brought home out son!

My dog and son are best friends! We had bugsy a year before Seth came along and we were so worried at first about having a dog and a new born, from the minute we came home with our son bugsy has been by his side. He adores him! Mainly because he gets fed food he shouldn't off Seth! I.e. Chocolate and ice cream!

He's such a protective dog but also he kindest, most patient caring animal. He used to cry when Seth did as a new born, he often jumps the baby gate in Seths room just to be with him. If not he sleeps right outside the door.
There is no bond like boy and dog!

He was also really attentive during pregnancy, never left my side and started sleeping at my side of the bed (on the floor) when he knew labour was coming! I knew I was going into labour because of him!

We got our dog 12 years ago when ds1 was 4 and Ds2 was 1. Ds3 followed a couple of years later. We got a puppy and spent a long time researching breeds to choose one which would suit us. She really is part of the family. It was my choice to get her and have always been responsible for her care. When the boys were little it was lovely to go for walks all together every day, it got us all out of the house and running around in the fields and park. As the boys grew up they didn't want to come so much so walking her became my own quiet time. She is quite slow these days and can't go very far. I miss our lovely long walks. I work more hours now than when we first got her but I hope she is still happy. We have 2 cats who she has taken to very well and they keep each other company I think. I really dread the day we will have to say goodbye, life would be very odd without her.

I wish I had a dog right now. Am weaning my 7 month old. A dog would help tidy up! I grew up with dogs and I think having a pet teaches kids so much - about love, life (and death sadly!), responsibility etc. And I remember telling my black lab all my secrets and cuddling him. My best mate as a six year old!

For friendship, loyalty and to help the kids learn about responsibility, caring for someone dependent on them and the rewards of a two-way freindship

My husband has a farm of sorts, so he needs a dog for the sheep. I also like having a dog around the place and taking him for his run makes me leave the house and get some fresh air and exercise.

We chose our particular dog because when we went to pick out a puppy, he waddled over to our toddler and sat on his feet. They haven't really been apart since.

Health benefits.

I got a dog because I wanted something to cuddle and because it makes me go out for walks more often.

I've wanted a dog since I was little but never got one (except for the robot thing that lights up and does backflips).
My cousin couldn't look after his dog any more so we got her.
She is a boxer who has been to the vet more times in the past two years than some dogs in their lifetimes. We spend a fortune on medicine for her eyes and her skin (everyday use for the rest of her life), the operation she had to have cost a bomb and the aftercare too, her food isn't cheap either, her hair gets everywhere, her slobbers make me want to vom at the best of times...

I could go on and on about the little things but the simple matter is she's mine. She's a part of me. When I walk through the door she does her little dance to greet me - even if I've only put the bin out. Her way of guarding the door to the bathroom when I'm on the toilet. How she gives me a paw just because she thinks I need cheering up.

Having a dog is hard work, especially when it's been as poorly as ours - but I love her more than words can say and I wouldn't change her for anything.

I couldn't be without our little hound, my husband wasn't sure when I first approached the subject. He had never had one, I had a border terrier rescue for around 8 years when I was a teenager and she was the best companion. Until you have had a dog you do not know what you are missing. They offer completely unwavering loyalty and love. Our little mutt is 3 now and hubby just wishes he had had him as a child, they get you out of the house are always happy and he has so much character he is a Jack Russell x never a dull moment but yet still happy to have a cuddle on your lap all the reasons above why I got our little mutt.

We got a dog for a few reasons. We got a Shorkie which was a dog I was drawn to as I had a Yorkie growing up. We wanted our DS to be more gentle with dogs. His Great Aunty had three dogs and they were all very boisterous and one in particular was getting quite big. (Actually it later very sadly had to be put down as it became a dangerous dog.) DS first reaction to dogs became to hit at them or to kick them to move them away as that was what he was used to, even if they were just coming over to sniff him or to be friendly.

We wanted to promote a nicer behaviour towards dogs and therefore got a puppy to grow up with him. While they love rolling around on the floor together and playing DS has now gained a much more loving approach to dogs and all animals, stroking, cuddling and kissing our dog which is wonderful to see. He really cares for dogs now and was rather moved when he saw a video of a dog being saved from being left on the street, something that he would have shrugged off half a year ago.

We've 2 dogs, had from before we had kids. It has been lovely to see our daughter growing up with them, now at three she totties round the garden, bossing them around and telling them what to do. They can be quite boisterous dogs, especially with each other but they are both exceptionally gentle with both the children-it is lovely to see. Our 9m old sons face lights up when he sees the dogs as well. Both the dogs are getting on a bit now and I just hope that the kids remember them as part of their childhood. I wouldn't be without them, even though sometimes they are trouble!

I got a dog for a number of reasons. I wanted some company for me as I work from home and was on my own every day. I was also not taking any regular exercise so knew that getting a dog would force me out of the house each day for walks come rain or shine. Finally, my son is an only child and the dog is a fantastic companion for him and gives him a play mate who never gets fed up of daft games. Our lovely dog has absolutely fulfilled each of our hopes for her and much much more, couldn't be without her now.

To help remove a dog from a rescue centre and prevent him from being put down. Couldn't resist his face, that was it, love at first sight.
He was rather grateful and gradually his real personality came out. Loved to see dogs on the telly!
He really was better than any pedigree.

We got our lovely rescue greyhound once we were settled in our first house. I had always wanted a dog, but never had one growing up. We had also been trying for a baby for a while at that point, with no luck, and my need to love and nurture another living creature was becoming all consuming. We visited the kennels on my birthday, and this striking but standoffish hound stole my heart immediately!

Our funny, timid furbaby is the light of my life, she has blossomed from a nervous dog into a funny and affectionate thing, always by my side. Three years on, lots of heartache and still no babies, and I'm am so thankful for her. Our lovely dog makes us a family, and our house a home.

For the kids-a friend to grow up with and calm them down when they're stressed about exams etc. Also to encourage us all to get out and about more when the weathers not so great

We got our first dog to keep me company at home, we then added to the furbaby family with another Labrador and both dogs are a huge part of our family. Our kids adore them and love put beach adventures with their sniffy pups lol

to teach the kids about the rewards of unconditional love and the responsibility for a living creature.

Have never not had a dog. Our latest dog is our first rescue, though. So we had her for selfish reasons - even with 5 kids, the house felt 'empty' when our last, much loved, 14 year old dog died. But also for less elfish reasons - that we were giving a home to a beautiful, funny, friendly, sometimes plain daft, rescue puppy.

Also one of my sons has atypical autism. The light of his life, when he was younger, was his staffy. Now we have our little staffy/jack russell cross who is the new light of his life. She is the first 'person' he asks after when he wakes up and the last person to get a cuddle before he goes to bed! And the same with my other sons. My 15 year old is particularly bonded with her, and he had a rough time at school earlier in the year. Thinking about the dog helped him get through it.

She can be a twerp - but she's our twerp.

Also... Look at this face!

*selfish not elfish! Doh!

A great excuse to get out in the fresh air.
Fantastic company.
Helps to learn responsibility for looking after another being.
The cuddles and comfort you get from your dog.
Having someone to talk to that doesn't talk back :)

do more walking, and , best of all, have a loyal friend. I was never down when my dog was around. Sadly cant have one now, as I live in a flat.

My daughter agitated and agitated for a dog. Notes on the fridge, notes under my pillow... I thought it would be good for the children to care for a dog. So we got one. I was knocked for six. We had no experience of dogs. I was crying with the stress. Dog was boisterous, unruly, strong, and I prayed that some kind soul would turn up and relieve us of him. When we left dog training by "mutual agreement" (thrown out) I was convinced I had made a terrible, terrible mistake in getting the dog.

Now I look down at my feet and see my very best friend. I truly cannot imagine life without him. He is loyal, funny, cuddly - and we all absolutely adore him.

Because I've always wanted one! I spent about 99% of my childhood dragging various stuffed dogs around the place, teaching the cat to fetch and walking my friend's dogs.

Skip forward a few years and once I had bought my own horse, the only thing that was missing was my own dog.

He was my best friend, my partner in crime, he cuddled up to me in bed every single night.

Then I met the man of my dreams... and the dog also decided he liked him better.

As I write this MY dog, that I have known since was two weeks old and raised since he was 8, is (as usual) snuggled up on my partner's lap!

As the best company and antidepressant there is