Considering getting a dog but have absolutely no experience of dog ownership

[loubielou31]

My DH and I have recently started talking about maybe getting a dog but as neither of us have ever owned a dog before nor had them as pets as children I just don't know where to begin or what things we need to consider before deciding if it would be right for us. Where do we go for sensible information about all the implications of dog ownership. Google just seems to throw up so much info it's hard to know where to look.

Do you have, or are planning to have children? If so what are their ages? Do you have a secure garden? Can you afford a dog? Think about the initial purchase costs, plus things like insurance (essential), feed, collar, coats, grooming for certain breeds, holiday arrangements (as expensive as another person going on holiday at peak times at popular kennels). What are your working arrangements? If you both work full time out of the home, it's really not a runner, unless you live very close by or have someone who is willing to help you out every day, or are willing to shell out lots of money for a professional dog walker.

One of the best ways to get experience is to go along to your local dogs home/rescue centre and offer to help out with dog walking. Make sure you do this at regular times every week, in all weathers, fine or foul. Not only will you be learning about dogs and their behaviour, but the commitment will be an excellent way of assessing your JOINT commitment - can't stress that enough. Every adult in the house should be equally signed up to the commitment of dog ownership, if not it will be unfair on you and the dog.

Think about your lifestyle. If you are a design conscious person with white sofas, who likes spending weekends in Barcelona, going out a lot in gorgeous clothes then a dog probably won't fit with your lifestyle. If you don't mind mud, hair, oomska, if you are happy wearing wellies, enjoy being outdoors, and are willing to give possibly around 15 years to making a home for a creature who will be your best friend, as well as drive you potty at times. There's a lot more housework with a dog, and they will often take over your furniture. When they die, which always happens too soon, you will feel a grief that will shred you for years.

Also go along to local "fun" dog shows - just google companion dog shows in your area, or look at the websites for your local rescue charities. Most of these will often run things like fun shows (classes for best rescue dog, waggiest tail etc) or have other social events or meet 'n' greets. These are great, as you can have fun and talk to people about their dogs. Also find out if you have a good vet near you, and if there are obedience classes nearby.

Think realistically about allergies - and the size/temperament of the dog. do you have a car? If so is it suitable for dog transport?

Also, you are in the right place here, as once you start to have specific questions there are lots of people here who will be able to help. The above is not everything but will do to get you started.

Scuttlebutter, thankyou.

We do have DCs 3 and 1 but would not be in a position to get a dog for at least a year. I am a SAHM and atm DH could take a dog to work with him which means in lots of ways it would be a good time.

Going to dog centres and dog shows is a good idea, I'll look into what's around.

I'm now going to watch the buying a puppy programme on More 4. See what it tells me.

Do you know anyone with dogs? You could talk to them about the ups & downs that they have experienced, also maybe you could offer to do some dogsitting?

I have found having a dog is a bit like having a baby, no matter how much reading and preparation you do the reality is still a shock

Nearly all our neighbours have dogs. Mostly very well trained ones which I think makes owning a dog seem much more appealing but of course I haven't seen the hard work it's taken to get there. Untrained dogs much like untrained children are my idea of hell, and I already have two untrained children :o

I don't know if you're thinking of looking at rescue dogs, but many of them have already had a good amount of training from their previous owners and know all their basic commands - you might have to practice and reinforce some things (e.g. recall) to make sure you're confident the dog will respond to you, but it's a lot easier than teaching a puppy or untrained dog from scratch!

would recommend going to a reputable rescue centre as they will guide you through what dog is best for you (crucial to long term success and happiness for you as well as dog. even though breeds have well known characteristics each dog is very individual so matching a particular dog - not just breed - is important) as well as giving you back up for the rest of the dog's life

We took the plunge in New Year (I've always been owned by cats, particularly a very cantankerous wonky moggy). Hubby claimed he knew what to do from childhood pets but in reality it's been muggins who's done all the training and the like.

It's caused arguments galore, me to bust my ankle, hubby to bewail the loss of his lie-ins and killed one hoover already with the dog hair.

Wouldn't change him for the world - it's hard to come home grumpy when you're greeted with a tornado of tail-wagging woof. I'd suss out where there is locally that you can walk it (we're lucky there's an off-lead dogs OK playing field round the back of our houses, plus numerous other parks and woodland with varying degrees of mud nearby), make sure you can transport it in the car (learnt from experience that while our main car has dog bars fitted easily, our backup Micra can't take them well, and so he has to go on a harness and seatbelt clip combo in there), and work out roughly how you'll fit in walkies at least twice a day - especially when it's winter and the nights are dark (playing hunt the turd in the dark isn't fun).

Mine's a rescue by the way - got incredibly lucky in that he's so calm, non-reactive, friendly, out-going and hilarious - but I wouldn't recommend the rescue I got him from (and I'll be going elsewhere for number 2 once I've cracked hubby) as their assessment of the dogs was somewhat limited really.

The mud's not that bad - we only ever use the back door into our kitchen in our house (cos the front door lock's borked basically), dog doesn't get let out of the kitchen until he's de-mudded... have towels in the boots of the cars and pet wipes, and the boots lined with fleece throws that wash and dry quickly so we can get the worst soggy dog off before getting home anyway. Fur gets everywhere - I've just found some in a sealed packet of butter and I'm still working out that one!

Oh and be careful walking in the ice ... I do NOT recommend slipping over and landing on a full poo bag which promptly exploded all over me for an introduction to pet ownership.

You may prefer to get a rescue dog but if you are thinking about a particular breed then I'd recommend the Discover Dogs section at Crufts (sadly just over for another year). We went and had a look there as they have a stand for every breed (with at least one live exhibit) and enthusiastic/knowledgeable people who are happy to give you information on what sort of dog they are and any pitfalls to ownership.

We chose to have a Japanese Shiba Inu after seeing one at Discover Dogs 10 years ago and have never regretted our decision.

LOL at the exploding poo bag, Emptyshell

Make sure you choose a breed that suits your lifestyle, not just one you like the look of!

Cavaliers are often recommended as a good first time dog, be prepared to hunt around for a good breeder who does all the required health checks and then some, be prepared to wait, many good breeders have waiting lists and brace yourself for the cost, you'll be amazed at how much they cost!

Remember puppies are hard work! It'll be a bit like having another kid and almost as much of a commitment.

If you decide to rescue you may find some of the bigger Rescue organisations will turn you down because of the age of your kids, often the smaller ones are prepared to be more flexible so do persevere.

Are we allowed to recommend other forums? Check out Dogsey.com, very informative and dogsblog.com will give you an idea of the range of dogs in rescue. Also if you decide on a specific breed all the Breed clubs have a rescue arm so you can still rescue if that is what you decide to do.

Finally Discover Dogs will be on again in London 12-13 November and is an excellent way to meet different breeds and talk to the people who own them.