dogs and depression

[dangermouseisace]

this has probably been run by a million times before, if so, I'm sorry.

I've been thinking that I'd like to get a dog for many years, but now I'm in the position where I actually physically could as I've got a tenancy where they are allowed.

At home there is myself and 3 kids- 9,8 and 6. The 8 year old has been, for as long as he could talk, requesting a dog/a pet. They have experience of dogs through exH parents having them etc. ExH currently has cats. They don't want cats which is fortunate as I am allergic to them.

The main prompt for me though is that I am wondering whether a dog would be good company for me, and vice versa. I hate it when the kids are at their dads, and I find that time really difficult. I'm thinking a dog might keep me in a routine, and force me to leave the house. I'm up for lots of exercise as I usually run (but injured at present). The fact that all the children, particularly the middle one, seem keen on having a dog, is further encouragement. I'm not able to work at present due to depression, but I am fully aware that if we get a dog it will need either doggy daycare or someone to pop in for a walk whenever I return to part time working- nothing in the pipeline at present. Our holidays tend to be camping…so dog friendly etc.

I'm a bit put off having other pets such as rabbits, hamsters etc as it seems a bit unnatural (I'm a bit of an animal rights person) whereas dogs seem a bit more bred to be with humans.

Please, tell me why I should not get a dog. Or tell me what I should do…I had always assumed I'd get a rescue dog (ex's parents always had rescue dogs and they were all all lovely) but the local rescue places all say no kids under 10. I don't know where to even start with regards puppies as I've heard so many horrible stories about puppy farms.

Cesar Milan uses physical violence and pain to overpower and bully dogs. He has been shown on tv to dig his fingers into dogs necks to get them to stand still. He used a live pig to train a dog to stop chasing animals and seemed surprised when the dog savaged the pig. Google him. He is an absolute monster with no idea whatsoever about how to respectfully and safely train any living breathing animal.

Op have you tried the Dogs Trust? They rehome to families.

I second the opinion that dogs are good for the soul. My husband works away sometimes and when the kids are in bed at night, I'm so glad I've got my dog. He's company and he makes me feel safe. The love and bond is like having another child. Go for it. You won't regret it.

thank you all. I am definitely going to try the dogs trust…also really interested in greyhounds..DD3's childminder always had 2 they were lovely.

As we've recently moved I've decided I'm going to get the house straightened out first so that a potential dog could have a 'space', as we're still a bit chaotic, get the garden fencing/gate sorted so we're dog ready and then go for it. Reading some of the websites some of them don't take that long to rehome so I'd rather be organised then get a dog rather than try to get organised with a new member of the family already present! We'd be fully intending to do (positive) training classes…a few of my friends have done so and you can see the benefits. Luckily there are loads of things like that where we are live as it's quite rural.