I've always been a bit frightened of dogs but I'm thinking of getting one

[TerracottaPies]

First time in the Doghouse so please be gentle.

I had a labrador as a child. He was incredibly gentle but knocked me over a lot (in excitement) as he wasn't well trained. My dad was very cruel to him so my mum gave him away for his own safety (then LTB).

Since then, I've never really warmed to dogs. Although I've tried to not pass this on to my children, I know I purposefully avoid them interacting with dogs. We'll talk about a nice dog we see, wave at it etc but I wouldn't encourage them to pat one.

I'm moving house soon and I'm thinking of getting a dog. I have the time, money and a general love of animals so s/he would never be treated badly, but I'm just not 100% sure I'll be OK with being around a dog full time.

Do you just love your own dog, even if you don't necessarily love other people's? A bit like your own children can do no wrong but other people's kids can be really, really irritating?

I know it's a huge commitment and I want to do things properly.

If you want to get a dog, it sounds as if you would do better with a calm dog that doesn't get over-excited. Be careful about picking a breed that is generally calm, and an individual dog that is laid back. Probably I wouldn't go with a puppy or adolescent dog, as those usually dash about and get excited.

I always had cats, and thought I never wanted a dog, but ended up living with someone who had one. Although I was not familiar with dogs and was unsure, I soon grew to love them.

The dog will sense if you are not confident- it is important that you feel confident if the dog is to trust you and obey you. If you don't feel that you can do this, don't get a dog.

I asked on MN if I should get cats.
"You really don't sound like a cat person" was among the replies.

Of course I am now a willing & competent slave to 3 of the Feline Overlords.

I get the "Not if you can't go in with 100% commitment" argument. But no one knows if they are truly 100% or can deliver 100%. You can only know if you are generally responsible, have sincere motives & will try your best.

An older small loving doggie might be perfect for you. My neighbours had a dog (from shelter) who couldn't cope with other dogs; they found ways to walk him but minimally encounter other dogs. A small dog you can probably pick up to help keep safe from any bully animals.

Of course I am now a willing & competent slave to 3 of the Feline Overlords.

But they're totally different animals! I mean, cats require next to no input, whereas dogs require daily, multiple sessions of training, walks, feeding and stimulation.

My cats need feeding twice a day and their litter trays need changing - that's it. The rest of the time they sleep, chase each other or sit on my lap.

My dog requires letting out to the toilet 4-5 times a day, he needs a walk no matter what the weather is doing or how shit I feel, he needs chew toys, company and stimulation unless I want him to eat my sofa. He can't be left overnight, or for longer than a couple of hours at a time (he's still very young) - if I can't walk him or I'm working I have to pay for daycare or get someone to take him out for me.

They're not remotely on the same level in terms of commitment or time or energy involved. I love my cats but they're not exactly hard work!

MNr advice about whether I should have cats was still BAD advice.

MNr advice about whether I should have cats was still BAD advice.

If you ask for opinions and get them why is that bad? You chose not to follow that and so can the OP. Doesn't invalidate any of the other advice given here.

I grew up in a really quiet place and always had dogs. Walked them alone from a young age, etc. Didn't think anything of it.
BUT nothing prepared me for the population density of dogs in England. Owning a dog here is tricky - especially if you've got a boistrous, large dog within a sea of small 'designer breeds'.
My point is it's not just going to be you and your dog to train. You'll be encountering lots of people with a range of dogs. Your kids will need training too. It's a huge commitment and not for the faint hearted.

I'm supporting OP if she also decides that she has had bad advice on this thread.

What's all this nonsense about bad advice on this thread? I just reread and can't see anything remotely dodgy

The thing is yes you can like your own dog without liking all dogs, but...

Being slightly scared of them is not really the same as not being so keen on them.

Firstly dogs do need a bit of a firm hand - can you imagine trying to parent a child effectively while also being scared of them? How do you tell them to do something and mean it when they can tell you’re scared? (I don’t mean any alpha dominance nonsense, but you do have to be in charge)

Also, yes you do by owning a dog come into contact with lots of other dogs and you’re more likely to create a behavioural issue in your own dog if you’re nervous about other dogs.

Realistically you want to work on your fear first, then decide if dog ownership is for you.