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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

What’s difficult to do once you have a dog?

59 replies

DragonsAndCakes · 26/06/2018 16:05

I think we’re about to rescue a greyhound! If all goes well we pick her up in about four weeks.

So, along the lines of going to the cinema lots before a baby is born, is there anything we’ll find hard to do once we get a dog?

So far I’ve thought of eating fish and chips in the car and going out for the whole day.

Anything else we should try and do now?

(I appreciate I may sound clueless. That would be because I am.)

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 26/06/2018 20:09

I can't see any mention of the ages of your children but as they grow up and become more independent or perhaps want to go out with you to places for the day you may find that your dog restricts that.

Original poster
DragonsAndCakes · 26/06/2018 20:12

They’re 6-10.
(I was more asking what we should make the most of in the next few weeks before we bring the dog home though, but it’s interesting to hear generally how they’re limiting.)

OP posts:
Aprilshouldhavebeenmyname · 26/06/2018 20:13

Stretch out on your sofa while you can...

Original poster
DragonsAndCakes · 26/06/2018 20:15

Mean to say thank you everyone!

It’s nice to start talking dog! Smile

OP posts:
HyacinthsBucket70 · 26/06/2018 20:15

I can't imagine life without a dog. We mainly holiday in the UK and the dog comes with us - in fact I'm seriously keen to move to Cornwall as everywhere there is so dog friendly!

A friend rescued a greyhound - amazing gentle dog, but a total nightmare for stealing food. She couldn't leave anything out on the worktops, ever!! Perhaps review your kitchen before they arrive Grin

BiteyShark · 26/06/2018 20:15

Sorry I didn't read your OP very well Blush

In which case I would have lazy sleepy mornings. Shop now for things that take time to find. And do day trips to places you want to see.

BiteyShark · 26/06/2018 20:18

I am having one of those days, blame the heat.

I meant I 'didn't read your OP post very well'

adaline · 26/06/2018 20:19

If the beaches are dog friendly it won't be a problem, but not all beaches (especially touristy ones) allow dogs in the peak tourist season.

The difference between dogs/children is that places allow children! Think of all the places you can't take the dog - the supermarket, clothes shopping, to the cinema, to a nice restaurant (or even a casual restaurant - in most places it's just pub beer garden), theme parks, zoos, safari parks, bowling, skating rinks, indoor entertainment places.

Holidays have to be planned months in advance to allow for booking dogsitters/kennels. No more spontaneous days out unless you know dogs are allowed (and your dog can cope - some get horribly car sick). You need to watch what you do in the heat as not all dogs cope in hot weather as well.

I love my pup and wouldn't be without him but they really do turn your life upside down. I haven't slept in since we got him, or slept through the night because he needs the toilet. I also found it's a bit like having a toddler at first - you have to carry around so much stuff! He has a seatbelt for the car, but on a day out (or even a couple of hours out), you need to remember poo bags, treats and water as an absolute minimum. Younger dogs might also need feeding at lunch, or time to have a nap/sleep.

You'll also start finding treats and poo bags in every single pair of trousers/jacket/bag you own! Grin

HRoosevelt · 26/06/2018 20:19

Day trips with kids to museums, galleries etc.
Try and make friends with local dog people who might take the dog for you and vice versa for days out/weekends away

adaline · 26/06/2018 20:20

And yes, child locks for your kitchen cupboards, and lock the bin!

fourpawswhite · 26/06/2018 20:23

I would say my life improved when I got my two. We always had one but she goes with dh so I didn't really feel it.

Holidays are uk and dog friendly.

I've explored loads of local places for walks I had never been to before.

I am way fitter, with all the extra steps.

They have Improved my mental health immensely.

Shopping is delivered.

House is tidier as I don't leave stuff for them to reach and don't want it to be doggy smell everywhere.

I am never ever lonely. So I suppose turn that to I can't pee or have a bath alone.

I could eat fish and chips in the car and give them a teensy tiny bit of white fish. Blush

I can't walk by a pet store without buying something.

Can't think of anything major I can't now do though.

Fallofrain · 26/06/2018 20:25

So we foster so each dog brings its own issues. Not to brag but my own dog is well socialised so actually hes a bit of a gem, hes obviously been brought up to our life style so fits well. For example hes a perfect pub dog, is very used to a nomad lifestyle of camping staying in strangers houses and settling at the drop of the hat etc.

He does however has some things eg poor recall that wouldnt make him someone elses perfect dog.

Weve currently got an old dog which we are struggling with as he is struggling with the heat so cant come out on our usual dog things. Its hard because he cant be left due to his old man bladder for too long but equally doesnt have the stamina to come with us. He definately wouldnt be our fit of a dog, however i do worry that we might find the same issues when our dog (the rest are foster) gets old

Notmybuilderdotcom · 26/06/2018 20:27

The only things I’ve noticed are being unable to have long days out / go out straight from work etc but I do have a good dog walker and dog sitter so rely on those a lot. Also I don’t use kennels but they stay with my dog walker when I go away overnight or on hols - pricey but worth it as they are well looked after and have a great time.

Lie ins - we’re lucky to get past 6am without one of them needing a wee!

Also in our case put the washing on in peace (without dogs fighting through it for socks), have blanket on couch to ourselves, eat ham or cheese without an audience... they are worth every minute !

adaline · 26/06/2018 20:31

I would recommend looking for a good dog-walker/sitter/daycare now. You may not think you'll need it, but having someone who can step in if one you is sick or away with work will be a lifesaver.

Ours lives around the corner and will have him whenever we need to, either for sitting, a walk or both. He's amazing and our pup loves going there. Plus it means he gets socialised and we meet other owners too.

Squirrel26 · 26/06/2018 21:10

My dog really likes to 'investigate' anything new that I'm doing. So if you have any flat pack furniture to build, any plants to put in the garden, any painting to finish off - get it all done before the dog arrives!

StaplesCorner · 26/06/2018 21:19

Ooo thought of another one, kids coming round for playdates, teas and parties, particularly if they are going to be raucous, best to get a dog sitter friend - otherwise you ALWAYS have at least one child or teenager who screams if the dog walks past the door of the next room.

Original poster
DragonsAndCakes · 26/06/2018 22:07

Ahhhhh good point about the party I’ve just booked to be in our house.

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 27/06/2018 10:16

We are beyond parties at home now but last year DS had a gamer bus in the driveway and I sent Ddog to daycare as it would be difficult to manage the door opening and closing etc.
Also, I always tell DS friends who are coming that we have a large dog. Most of them are ok with it and if not they mostly stay upstairs ( dog not allowed) or dd takes the dog out if the way.
Again, it’s something manageable but needs extra planning

Hoppinggreen · 27/06/2018 10:19

And YY to painting etc. We really need the skirting boards doing in the hallway but I’ve got no idea how to manage it with a hairy curious dog.
I tried to repaint the kitchen last year and discovered that Golden Retrievers are NOT helpful when redecorating
Also I have to warm plumbers etc of the licking hazard and have had to use daycare when the bathroom was getting ripped out

StaplesCorner · 27/06/2018 13:58

Oh yes builders, my dog loves a bit of wet plaster.

Tinkobell · 27/06/2018 14:19

Go on a long day trip in a hot car & get stuck in a traffic jam...say to the beach or something. A long journey in the back of a car in really hot weather is torture for dogs.
Other things - theme parks, firework nights, zoos, animal petting farms, museums.

Original poster
DragonsAndCakes · 27/06/2018 15:27

Brilliant, thanks everyone.
House has just been painted. Hate theme parks but we have a lovely farm we went to last year for the day. If I want to take DH too then we need to go Before Dog.

OP posts:
Yokohamajojo · 28/06/2018 09:39

I find that just popping into a shop to get a pint of milk is the most difficult bit. Even if it was safe to tie my dog outside the shop I don't think he would like it much

KeepingTheWormsQuiet · 28/06/2018 09:56

I once heard a woman tell the teacher that she couldn't come and watch her daughter in a competition, because she had to be home with the dog.

pigsDOfly · 28/06/2018 16:05

I think the lack of allowed spontaneity and time away from home is my biggest problem, although my dog is okay with being left a bit longer than some.

However, mad as it sounds I always feel guilty when I go out and leave her. No idea why, she's never given any indication of separation anxiety and in fact obviously can't wait to see me go so she can get her nose and paws on her treat ball.

As far as lie ins go. I got my dog after I retired so for me, getting up at 6.15 in the morning was a thing of the past and she just got used to my timing. She's never been an early riser. If I were to suggest a walk at even as early as 9.30 I think she'd open one eye and tell me where to go.