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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If you put a smear of peanut butter along your dog's top lip, the mouth movements they make trying to lick it off makes it look like they are talking. You can then add your own voiceovers. This, was probably one of the key reasons we got our dog.

I don't have a dog and I never have but reeeeeally want one, mainly for the children. They are desperate for one and I love the idea of them becoming firm friends. I'm aware of how difficult it would be and the main reason stopping us is work, it wouldn't be fair. Just wish I could give my children what I always wanted.

Having a dog is brilliant. We got our first family dog 18 months ago when we moved to a new area. He has given us tons of exercise, helped us meet lots of new people and dogs, helped my children get over the difficulties of leaving their old friends behind when we moved. He has also helped us get to know our new area really well, because we have explored so many wonderful locations while finding good places to walk him. He has taught my children about looking after a pet. The total, unconditional adoration he gives us has been a revelation to my husband, who had never had a dog before, and is enjoying being the dog's favourite!

We got a dog as the children were desperate for a pet. I did not fancy looking after rabbits or guinea pigs, so preferred the idea of a dog. I grew up with dogs as a child, and wanted my children to have the same experience, and he has become the 5th member of the family!

We've only had our dog for two months but already can't imagine life without her. We got her as an unofficial autism assistance dog for DS1, but she is the most amazing friend to all of us.

It's a funny thing that when you go out for walks on your own you get completely ignored, but if you've got a dog with you then absolutely everyone stops to say hello! We now know more of our neighbours to say hello to, purely through dog walking, and have met several elderly people on our walks who've told us that if it wasn't for their dogs then they wouldn't go out and no-one would ever talk to them.

Originally I got our dog as company for myself and children but he soon became far more than that! He is a member of our family and the children adore him. He is an amazing source of therapy for me, I suffer from anxiety and find that his comical personality and soothing snuggles always distract me. I was never a dog lover until having him but none of us would be without him now.

Companionship & Exercise

Dogs are pure love :)
A dog is always pleased to see you and just happy to spend time with you.
When I was off work ill for a month my lovely dog, Scooby, followed me around and took up the same position, lying by the sofa, whilst I rested.
A wonderful friend.

We originally got a dog to keep me company on long walks and because we felt that we should have a family dog.

She is so much more than that. She makes us laugh, keeps us company, makes me feel safer when my dh works nights, is a reason for us to get outside whatever the weather, is a particular companion for my ds2 with hfa, swimming companion in the sea or rivers, an excellent Hoover for under the table when we are eating, running buddy for my dh(although sometimes she runs and hides when he gets his kit on) and sofa warmer on cold evenings.

She is also borrowed by my parents and grandparents when they want a stroll.

I can't imagine family life without a dog.

For me, a dog (or two dogs) make a house a home! I couldn't contemplate life without canine company and they are the only thing I miss when I'm away on holiday! I have owned 5 dogs since becoming an adult; they have supported me and given unconditional love during happy and sad times. They have fulfilled various roles with ease: protector, comforter, soother, non-judgmental listener; friend, sibling, exercise partner and a reason to get out of bed during times of depression. Our 3 month lab is also an unofficial alarm clock! Dogs don't care if you're happy/sad, rich/poor, fat/thin, young/old, black/white etc. They love and accept you because you love and accept them. 8 years ago my dogs welcomed 3 adopted children into our home; automatically giving them love, acceptance, understanding and comfort too. My kids are already talking about the dogs they will have as adults! I am a very proud and grateful dog owner.

My main reason for getting a dog was double ended. I suffer with a lot of pain and therefore struggled to get out or have the motivation to get out. We had recently moved from a flat to a house and we had always said that if we had a house we would get a dog. So getting a dog was a way of having a new family member and also a motivation to get out, aso he needs to be walked daily. Our little bichon cross terrier, Teddy is now my best friend. We are both learning and experiencing new things, meeting new people and gaining confidence every day. He has improved my mood and is a joy to be around... mostly. I say that as he is in his teenage phase and is sometime a bit like my son another moody teenager. We wouldn't be without him now. He is full of fun and has increased my confidence to go out and experience new things. He loves to ride in the car and chase anything that moves in the park. A total joy. We love him lots

I don't really know why we got our 2 and half year old labradoodle else (named by 6 year old DD). I think it was lots of small reasons. Growing up we were never allowed a dog, but DH had always grown up with dogs! Once we finally got a house we decided it was time but we were really careful about what breed of dog we then got. We researched for a long time and finally decided on a labradoodle, they're easy to train but very loving and energetic. They are a low shredder which was important to me. And I wouldn't change a thing... my children adore her and she is very loved she's a big part of our family now and for as long as possible I hope she stays one too.

Elsa* not else lol

Fitness, you have to walk the dog whatever the weather. It means my teenager gets some exercise as she no longer has compulsory PE at school.

Was it for you, for the kids or the family as a whole?
DH and I grew up with dogs and rescued one when we were living in Spain. They are brilliant "burglar alarms" and we've always felt safer having one around. I think they also help to strengthen the kids' immune systems - my DD's best friend and confidant was our old GSD. They had a fantastic bond, especially when she was suffering bullying and depression at school.

How has having a dog improved your life?
There's something beautifully comforting about the unconditional love you receive from dogs. Their loyalty and trust, once earned is unequivocally yours until they pass. They're also great stress-relievers.

Does having one make you go out more?
Yes, I was far more active and healthy when I was walking one or both dogs.

The most wonderful dogs we've ever had have to be our two rescue dogs - Flake was 3 when DD rescued her - and I adopted Zeus at 10 weeks from an animal rescue. Both are Staffy-crosses and overwhelmingly affectionate. I keep saying, no more dogs when these two go, but I doubt I'll stick to it. I can't imagine how empty life would be without a dog!!

I read a Dean Koontz book in which a golden retriever was actually an angel - pathetic I know - but after years of being a cat person it made me take more notice of dogs. Then my MIL got an unassuming unremarkable pointer cross from the RSPCA and something about this dog made me love her.
I realised that I was ready for a dog and after much research, many visits to a fantastic breeder who vetted the whole family to assess our suitability, we adopted our beautiful malamute Eeve who has made our family complete.
Eeve is my work out, my go to gal when I need bolstering and a different focus when other family members are being annoying.

I love having a family dog. Our dog Kane passed away nearly three years ago. He became I'll and old very quickly over a couple of months and had a heart attack in front of me. He was a Collie crossed with a German Shepherd, he lived till he was 16 years old. I lived with my parents and they took on this dog from a neighbour/friend who could not looking after it as a pup. When I got my own place with my husband Kane was about 4 years old. My husband worked away so I was the closest to our dog and we enjoyed long walks/runs and playing in the beach and in the sea. He kept the whole family fit and made us want to go out even in the rain, hail and snow. Then we had our two children it was great to see how much they loved our dog too. We missed him when we went on holidays and Kane had to stay in Kennels. We loved our dog and he loved us so much, whether it be a wild day playing on the beach or a relaxing day brushing his CV oat in the garden lying in the sun. We really miss him in every way, our children still get teary three years on but end up happy laughing sharing memories. They would like another dog but I can't bring myself to get a dog just yet. I have promised in a few years when we move into a bigger family home.

I was worried about getting a dog but it was the best decision ever.

We bought our lovely dog because there was no chance of having a second child and I wanted our DD to have an "ally" in the home.

The love and companionship she has given us has been overwhelming. She has completed our home and family.

Because you don't mind picking up their poo, and do it EVERY TIME.

(Live near a park)

We decided to get a dog to encourage my husband to get out for walks. He's an outdoors person with a stressful desk job, but with a busy family I felt he needed an excuse to get out of the house. I'd also noted how our friends' dogs warmed to him (we borrowed a variety of dogs before we took the plunge :-) ). Finally, our children were nervous or scared of dogs as they didn't understand dog behaviour. This made even trips to the park traumatic. Now, although our pooch is quite small, my children instinctively understand inquisitive dog behaviour from quite big dogs in the park and no longer interpret it as threatening. They are still scared of dogs displaying threatening behaviour, but that's good and normal!

we lost our old girl 8 years ago when ds2 was a baby and I vowed we'd never have another, was heartbroken.
Ds2 is very clearly a dog person and giggled wildly when playing with friends dogs.
DH went on and on about getting him a dog (there's a 10 year age gap between dcs, so he felt like an only child sometimes). I refused - it would be me taking care of it, feeding, walking, training etc.
BUT then a friend's dog had pups and I just fell in love! We brought George home 18 months ago!
He's such a character! He's funny, loving, a fab cuddler, he sleeps with ds2, helps him feel less lonely and loves to play.
George has brought our family closer and I couldn't imagine life without him.

We lost our dog last year at the age of 17, my 2 older daughters had grown up with him - they were 3 and 2 when we adopted him. Having him in our family helped my girls to understand the importance of caring for another living thing as well as having a friend when they were sad, a playmate, a protector (one of the reasons we adopted him was that I had become a single parent and felt safer having a dog in the house) and a companion. I now have 2 younger girls and when Jasper died, (after initially vowing never to get another pet as I was so heartbroken) we decided to make another dog a part of our family - I don't want my younger girls to miss out on what my older girls did having Jasper in their lives. Our house just felt incomplete without a dog to greet us when we get home, or snuggle with on the sofa, or drag us out of the house for some fresh air and exercise. No other pet really matches the benefits that a dog brings to a home.

When your dc are getting a bit too old for regular cuddles a dog can take their place!

Reasons for having a dog are many but the very best bit is always coming home to an outpouring of joy and welcome. Just thinking about my beloved (late) dog's greeting makes me cry now.

My daughter has special needs and getting a dog has provided her and our family wonderful companionship and much needed laughter. Dogs don't judge people and their love is unlimited.