The Reality of Living with Dogs

[herbertjane]

I guess this is a thread about some threads on here recently and trying to prevent some of the heartache that families are going through at the moment.

Dogs are fantastic, loyal, loving and generally want to please their owners. Some dogs will tolerate human behaviour extremely well other dogs will find some situations hard.

However well you train, research your dog you will have to be willing to change how you have done things in the past to accommodate what it best for your dog.

Dogs will do their best to fit in with you (after all that has been the way they have survived for years) but some dogs will need special care.

If you are not prepared for this commitment for 16 years whatever changes in your life then a dog is not for you. You have to be prepared to make allowances and plans for the dog regardless of what happens in your own personal circumstances.

Think long and hard and be realistic if you are considering getting a dog, will you still want it when it shows unwanted behaviour, will you be willing to put in the hours to train the dog, are you willing to spend your hard earned money to help the situation, or you willing to forego visits trips etc if you can not find a dog sitter, what will you do if you relatives do not want your dog visiting, what will you do when you fun friendly dog becomes old, ill smelly and needs nursing.

Are you prepared to spend a lot of time working out how dogs learn, what their body language really means, how to prevent a dog from feeling the need to react inappropriately (In your view) in certain situations. Are you prepared to go to a qualified trainer to prevent any problems and learn and listen.

If not please get a cat!

fantastic post herbert.

Its funny though, if i were to ask myself those questions before i got any of my dogs, or even asked myself the questions that my dogs asked me over time, id never have got them. I've worried, fretted and sobbed over my dogs in the past, ive cursed them and threatened to "send them back" (all bar one were rescues) and been generally irritated by them. But im typing with my new addition on my lap and my other dog next to me and it is bliss, just bliss. I would not be with my DP if we didn't get a dog at the start of our relationship - we were boracic and all we had to "do" was walk the dog. I went to university because of that dog (long story). Fast forward a good few years and I have a terrier sat with me that probably saved my life when i was suffering from PND. Another new addition that is making me giggle every day (as well as fret and curse!)

my DP is allergic to cats

good post especially for me as I am very likely to get a puppy later this year. But, we cannot all be text book perfect parents nor can we be expected to be perfect text book dog owners. WE will make mistakes, get things wrong and have to try again. We shouldn't have to feel like this dog ownership is a burden, a responsibility yes, but not a burden.

Um, cats aren't no maintenance either...ok, you don't need to walk them, but most of the other stuff still applies.

It was a tongue in cheek comment about the cattabulahrasa I am owned by 4 rescue cats

I don't think it is a matter of being perfect owners at all but more being willing to step up to the mark when/if it is required. To be prepared that some dogs may be harder than others and may need training or more help than others.

I have 4 "discarded, dumped dangerous dogs" Who with time and effort are now very happy to live in our house (with children) they have never bitten, or snarled.

I could not live without my dogs and personally do not find it a hardship at all to give them the time they need however I am aware that other people do have other things going on in the lives.....and do need to be prepared that some dogs may need more time than others.

Such a fantastic post OP.

We recently brought home our first ever family pet- a Working Cocker Spaniel puppy. She has been with us since Easter now. It wasn't a decision that we made over night- we decided about two years ago that we wanted a dog but really wanted to wait until the time was 'right'.

So here we now have that adorable, beautiful new addition to our family. She has literally melted my heart, I thought that people who spoke about dogs as if they were human were a bit mad- but now I totally understand it.
I could not imagine our lives without her now- it is hard hard work- its not something that should be decided on a whim- it changes the dynamics in the home, it makes you wear scruffy clothes more than usual, it makes you have to get out in the cold, the wind, the rain.

I hope that I am lucky enough to have 16 years of this at least.

I always say to people you are not buying a cute puppy but a lifestyle for the next 16 years where you will be living your life around your dogs needs. It like having a baby, babies are great but you will experience the terrible twos, teenage moods. Not everyone can see beyond either a puppy or a baby. They are no less disposable than your children. As my Mum would say, 'you've made your bed now lie in it' so you choose to have a dog so must make adjustments to allow for the choice you made. So think very carefully before jumping in. You will be sharing your life with an animal NOT a stuffed toy.

Well written!!!

I love my dogs, I love working with them and cuddling them :) they are truly loyal animals and part of my family.
They provide much laughter and tears and make my house home :) they are a commitment but one I gladly have :)

In my opinion dogs are the best pet, slowly they became just like a family member for us.

dheera i agree, they just do fit in for us too and become members of the family and looked after as such, you don't really think about what you do for them as it is actually fun. Saying that i know people who get dogs without realising just how much they need to integrate into family life and live to regret it. I know someone who has recently as her first dog got a springer spaniel, she is totally stressed out by it all and i predict the dog will be rehomed within a year, i hope that i am wrong, its a lovely lovely dog.

Take your time choosing your companion. I think fools really do rush into dog ownership iykwim.

My last dog died in his sleep at 18, during that time my life went through many changes & he was with me through thick & thin. My life changed significantly in that time, as I went from single student to mature professional and Mum. Be very sure that you are ready to help your dog adjust to any & all changes to your life along the way. (eg if you are a sahm now, what happens to the dog in 5-10 years time when you return to work?).

It took a good year to fully research & then select our current dog, and I consider that time well spent. There are thousands upon thousands of dogs out there to choose from so if you have ANY doubts re a specific animal don't be afraid to walk away as your perfect companion WILL come along in time. I think this is true whether you go for a breeder's pup OR an adult rescue. Don't let anyone pressure you into a choice you are not 110% happy with.