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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

come give me a list of things to consider before getting a dog

13 replies

Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 18:58

I've always grown up with dogs and I think a dog 'makes' a home iyswim. We have a detached house with high fenced back garden but close to other houses, 2 kids - ds is 4, dd is only 9m and a housecat. I don't work, dh does.

What do we need to consider? I'd like a medium sized dog - ideally a bearded collie or sheltie or cocker spaniel (not springer - too mad).

Also, what's costs are there to consider long term that I might not have thought of?

OP posts:
Original poster
Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 18:59

We have dd AND a housecat not dd who IS a housecat!!

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Original poster
Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 18:59

We have dd AND a housecat not dd who IS a housecat!!

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chickchickchicken · 21/06/2011 19:18

firstly, will you be able to manage 9mo and a dog? can you imagine yourself out in the rain/snow/wind with a buggy and a dog? is dh on board and will he share dog walking and training? imo young dcs and a dog is hard work. its doable if you really want a dog, otherwise it will all feel like hard work

i would definitely not consider a puppy because of the work involved and you having 2 young dcs. maybe look at dog 18mth + that has been assessed as being suitable to live with young children.

costs - food, flea and worming treatment, insurance, vet bills, vaccs, boarding or possible extra cost to take dog on hols with you, possible damage to house contents

Original poster
Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 19:30

Thanks. Come august I will be walking 4 miles to and from ds's school come rain or shine. If he or dd were ill for example dh could take it out before work and I have a friend who would take it other times.

I am nervous about not taking a puppy as we have always had puppies before...I can definitely understand your point though.

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Original poster
Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 19:30

Thanks. Come august I will be walking 4 miles to and from ds's school come rain or shine. If he or dd were ill for example dh could take it out before work and I have a friend who would take it other times.

I am nervous about not taking a puppy as we have always had puppies before...I can definitely understand your point though.

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Happymm · 21/06/2011 21:05

Try reading the new puppy owners thread-it'll maybe show you some of the problems you may face!

We spent about £150 before our puppy even came, on crates, beds, leads, toys, food etc etc oh, and books, lots of books. Try the perfect puppy by Gwen Bailey.

They do need a lot of attention. Toiletting every 30mins, socialisation, training, puppy school, and my biggest problem jumping up and biting. Sees my DS who's 2 as fair game, and he's upright and steady on his feet, so maybe a puppy with a 9month old would be hard. Even my 7&5yr olds find it hard at times and I have to give them protected time. I know that things will get better, but it has been bloody hard work since we got her 3wks ago, and we're lucky that she slept through from night 2 :)

silentcatastrophe · 21/06/2011 21:12

It will be very hard work! The puppy will be lovely when you have it housetrained and get a bit of training done. Lots of things will probably get chewed. Adolescence is quite a tough time, even for dogs. Has anyone yet mentioned insurance? Food? Even if you want the dog to be a pet, you will still have to put in a lot of training. How much do you want to do? Do you go away often? If you do, you will have to think about the dog too. Our dogs are lovely, but it's hard work. I think you really have to want a dog a lot as it's a huge commitment and a big change to your life!

fruitshootsandheaves · 21/06/2011 21:14

be warned cocker spaniels can be just as mad as springers. My sheltie x was much harder work than my Springer has ever been.

Original poster
Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 22:29

Thanks guys. Obv don't mind training etc, needs must. We go to same cottahe every year which accepts pets with 25 surcharge. Go to parents but dog could come. Just bought new car which deliberately would fit crate.

I want one so much and have held off so long....want to do what's right for dog though, am not someone who could get rid if it didn't work out. Never.

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Original poster
Haudyerwheesht · 21/06/2011 22:29

Thanks guys. Obv don't mind training etc, needs must. We go to same cottahe every year which accepts pets with 25 surcharge. Go to parents but dog could come. Just bought new car which deliberately would fit crate.

I want one so much and have held off so long....want to do what's right for dog though, am not someone who could get rid if it didn't work out. Never.

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chickchickchicken · 21/06/2011 22:43

if you want to take the dog on the school walk then you definitely need to get an adult dog. the distance is just too far until a dog is fully developed

LordOfTheFlies · 21/06/2011 23:29

Taking the dog to school might be a no-go.
Our primary- Reception through to Yr 2 - parents have to wait for children to line up be collected.
You won't be allowed to take Dog into the playground and you wouldn't want to leave it at the gate.

(non dog owner, I'm not bothered by dogs at the gate but there's stories abound that they are dog-npped)

2T2T · 22/06/2011 10:20

Haud - really did laugh at the reference to your dd not being a housecat GrinGrin. It made me genuinely lol!!!

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