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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

I need cold hard facts please

61 replies

bigpawsnopaws · 25/02/2019 20:13

We have been seriously considering a dog for the last year. me and DS very keen, DH will go with the flow.
I'm at home 4 days a week, i work 3 days x 8 hours, DH off every other fri/Mon
DD live 5 mins away and is happy to help...
we have an elderly cat.
DS would love a Labrador.
Are we mad? should we consider a puppy or older dog.
Honest views please....

OP posts:
MsSquirrel · 27/02/2019 11:30

@bigpawsnopaws

Tbh I'd ignore 50% of the comments on here. You know whether or not you can manage with a dog and if your son will or won't have long term
responsibility for it.

As others have said it would be worth looking into other breeds before deciding on a Labrador. I'd also go and visit some rescue centres with your son, you might find that he comes round to the idea of another breed or a mongrel. Puppies are hard work but not as bad as some posters have made out on here so I wouldn't rule one out.

Re the walks you should aim for 2/3 walks a day one of which ideally should be a good run about off lead. It's not the end of the world though if a dog misses the odd walk if you have a garden. It's also fine to leave an adult dog for up to 6 hours very occasionally (if they're used to being left) and def up to 4.

Original poster
bigpawsnopaws · 27/02/2019 12:25

Thanks squirrel me and DS are sitting down this afternoon and contacting rescue centres so we can arrange some visits. I'm quite excited!

OP posts:
nothinglikeadame · 27/02/2019 14:08

So basically you are ignoring any comments that say this isn't a good idea?

I will bet a small fortune the dog will be yours within 3 years, or when your DS goes travelling/moves into a house with mates/meets a partner that doesn't like dogs.

We have just got a 6 month old rescue dog, did loads of research beforehand, thought about it loads...and still think we might have been naive. The rescue centre have said to bring him back if there are any problems..well the problem isn't the dog, it's us.

A dog is extremely hard work..as much of a lifestyle changer as a baby.

Wolfiefan · 27/02/2019 14:12

Nothing babies grow up and move out!!
If all members of the family aren’t agreed then don’t do it.
You do need to think through the practical (who trains and walks and feeds and insured and grooms) But also the emotional. What if he moves out and does take the dog? What if he doesn’t?
I would say never get an animal for a child.
Your child is an adult but still living with you. Whose dog is this?
Why can’t he wait until he has moved out and settled?
Or do you want a dog? If so why call it DS’s? So much potential for disaster.

Original poster
bigpawsnopaws · 27/02/2019 14:28

DS is paying for it all. I'm happy to help out with feeds, walks, etc DH says he will, by his own admission fall in love with it. He didn't know I was getting a cat, but straight away he picked up this tiny kitten and took it round the house showing it the sights Grin they are now inseprable.
If DS moves out it will be his choice weather to take the dog or not but I'm sure he will. By the way he shows no signs of moving out any time soon, he has just decorated his room and installed new tv....
we have agreed it won't be a puppy we rehome and need one that's good with a cat so we could have a long wait.
I've just spoken to the blue cross and they can't see a problem but said it could be a while before a suitable dog comes available,

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 27/02/2019 14:45

Have a look at rescues that foster. They would be able to tell you more reliably how a dog would be with a cat.
Black retriever x
Starfish
ELGR
Are just a few!!

Original poster
bigpawsnopaws · 27/02/2019 18:52

Thanks Wolfie

OP posts:
Original poster
bigpawsnopaws · 19/07/2019 20:32

UPDATE;
For anyone interested, I last posted in Feb when we were considering a dog.
Well, we got a Lab pup in April! Fell in love with him from day 1, Him and DS are inseparable, DH loves him.
The pup slept all night from day one, we've been to training classes and hes pretty well behaved. We've had the biting but he has all his adult teeth now.
Yea he's a tie, we have to factor who is going to be home for him. He gets left for 4 hours 3 times a week. We have a camera on him and he has his licky mat and then sleeps.
I will admit, the first few weeks were like wtfGrin he was a whirlwind! It was like having a toddler again.
He has 2 walks a day, I do one, DS does the other. I don't know what the future holds re DS moving out etc but he's going nowhere at present.
Thanks for everyone's views back then, was certainly food for thought.
Here's the little sodGrin

I need cold hard facts please
OP posts:
Purplecatshopaholic · 19/07/2019 21:08

Aw I love an update. And he looks fab

Original poster
bigpawsnopaws · 19/07/2019 21:09

Thanks purple I can't imagine life without him now!

OP posts:
Girlintheframe · 20/07/2019 05:25

He looks lovely!

Sounds like your all enjoying him very much!

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