Is it actually fun having a dog?

[moreanimalsthanhumans]

We have recently got a puppy and training started etc and he is very good really. But I've only ever had cats and guinea pigs so it's very different. Hubby and daughter really wanted and do do a lot of the work, but is it really going to be easier? More normal? People seem to have lots of problems and issues with their dogs, it makes me worry about what I have agreed to..

Yes I love my 3. They all make me smile and laugh in their own ways.

One is a bit of a terror, but I love his zest for life and the war he is.

I can't imagine a life without a dog in it ever.

I've loved it from day one.

Yes, he was exhausting as a puppy and frustrating as a teenager but he's 1000% worth it. I love taking him for walks and it's just us, and he trots along by my side staring at me and I feel all fuzzy

We've put a lot of work into him though and he's not an easy breed so I think it makes it even more rewarding when he gets things right!

I do think though, that some people are more tolerant than others. I don't mind picking up poo or walking in the rain - I don't mind vacuuming everyday because he's moulting - the snuggles on the sofa, the companionship and the bonding make it all worth while to me.

And it does help to have a partner who will equally share the load so it's not all on you 24/7.

I got a rescue lurcher 2 days ago. Have owned dogs before for over 20 years. But...I'm regretting it. I have three young children and dh is away for days at a time. Rescue said the dog would bark at other dogs when out, but otherwise was "good" with other dogs...He's a nightmare with them. Pulls, barks, lunges at them. I don't know what to do when I'm trying to walk him with 3 kids in tow. I've got a muzzle on order and have bought a harness to use along with a lurcher collar, and have researched how to get them liking other dogs, but he won't eat treats. I'm despairing, I really wish I hadn't done this, but can't go giving him back so I just really hope I can enjoy this at some point in the future ☹

Our pup is now almost one and he’s gone from a big worry to mostly fun now.
I do think we have been very lucky as he has been pretty easy (ignoring the puppy stage) so far.
He is quick to learn and I think the main stress has been over recall and his lead walking. Now I feel like we are getting on top of that, walks are much more fun. He loves chasing his ball or zooming off into the undergrowth and watching his joy doing this def cheers me up.

He’s also great for a snuggle.

We haven’t had a dog before and it was a big shock when he was a pup. How much they change your habits and daily life can be quite daunting. But things gradually get easier. Then you can relax and have more fun.

How old is your pup?

I have to be honest and say I really didn’t find dog ownership fun at all. Such hard work, especially with 2 young children. It was incredibly stressful trying to divide my time between the children and the dog. We eventually had to rehome him, which was sad, but better all round and a huge relief to us.

For us, despite being taken out every hour, he still wasn’t housetrained at 8 months old, and would poo in the house if left unattended at all. We had to crate him to leave him, which meant we could only go out for 1 hour at a time.

Nope, no joy in it or us at all. Interestingly the children haven’t mentioned his absence either. I think it was just a bridge too far for us as a family.

No.

It's complete shit.

My dog makes me laugh every day. He's very silly but also incredibly lovely. I was a bit annoyed when he decided we had to get up at 6.45 this morning because the sun was out but it was actually quite nice being out first thing on a Sunday morning.

We're very lucky, he's a rescue greyhound and we've never had any trouble with him really. I don't think I could handle a puppy!

I once wrote on here about how much joy my dog brings to my life.

But he is getting old now and my heart breaks on a daily basis when I see how he has changed from the mad bad Spangle to the confused elderly gent.

it is a bit like asking if a baby is fun. I think so, yes, but many of the aspects of parenthood that I find fun, well, perhaps others don't

My dogs are great fun. I only ever get adults though, nothing under 2 years. Takes them 6 months to settle in and learn the ways of the house but I find adults easier to manage. Puppies are adorable, but my gawd the work required!!!

dog is eating a bit of the patio at present

As much as I had thought I'd adequately prepared myself and knew what a huge commitment they were, my 3 month old pooch has been one of my biggest challenges (and I've done some things in my time). The "puppy blues" is a very real thing and there has been the odd time I've wondered whether I'd done the right thing. I'm looking forward to it getting easier and better. I want her to be what most of us have a dog for - as a loyal companion who gives unconditional love and affection. We'll probably get there but not before I've cleared up several tons of shit and piss out of the house, had to replace a few carpets, rugs and shoes she's efficiently demolished and took me to the brink of a nervous breakdown.

Honestly, I totally freaked out for the first few months. Was so worried, and all the house training, he was terrified of us, destroyed the house. But I can honestly say, the dog has changed my life, he is the absolute joy in every single day. I honestly would stick with it! Good luck x

Mine is now 18 months old. I love to walk and watching him bounce through the grass, ears flopping is a delight morning and evening. He loves to cuddle up next to me on his back, legs in the air to have his tummy rubbed. He is also a hoot with his squeaky chicken. Mostly he dozes all day or follows me round hoping for a treat or a stroke. He can be left at home for 4 hrs if I need to but is also well behaved when out with people or other dogs. He is fully housetrained, no longer chews what he shouldn’t and his only bad habit is jumping on family when they pop in to visit. He is easy and a pleasure to be with.

@Nettleskeins I like your dog

nope will never have another one ever. My dog doesnt like people touching him, sounds like he will eat you when greeting other dogs, has allergies, needs daily medication an weekly baths, is aloof, likes to roll in shit, doesn't like my DC but tolerates them, barks at everything that moves near the front door, not interested in playing games and if you throw a ball you will be collecting it yourself. Only sits on your lap when he fancies!

Ours is loads of fun. Happy bouncy boy on walks, loves other dogs, plays brilliantly with DS, makes up his own games with tennis balls, greets me delightedly with one of his collection of massive soft toys in his mouth every time I so much as come back from the loo - he's just awesome and he makes us laugh dozens of times a day. He's an older rescue and we pinch ourselves every day at how lucky we got.

I wouldn't say it's fun.

Its rewarding at times. But not fun. There a fun elements maybe, walks to give on and games to play with them. But realistically whi sits and plays with their dog for more than 30 minutes before having other things to do? They tend to just follow you around or laze about chewing a toy or a bone.

My dogs are 12 and 14. It's like a living in a canine care home.

They were fun when they were younger but now they need a lot of looking after.

Every aspect of their lives is more bloody work.

This is all part of owning a dog though.

I've been involved with dogs all my life (showing, breeding, training, grooming etc) and I will never have another when mine have lived out their days. I have many framed photos/pictures of my four legged friends and so many memories but I just don't want to go through this ever again.

Yes - the first year is an investment, puppies are cute but crazy, like toddlers. My dog and I went on wonderful walks, it gives you a daily reason to get out and exercise even when you feel slothlike and is good for your health.

Impossible to feel lonely with a dog.

I agree @maidenmothercrone, canine care home here too including dog that can’t get off sofa without pooing as he’s so old but it’s a good view of the circle of life for kids. I can’t believe my old friend is now so old and infirm.

I feel I don’t want another now but expect I’ll miss having a dog too much and succumb to another round of crazy puppy at some point.

our dog is 4 and lots of fun and pretty easy.
But we never had a puppy (I'm not brave enough)

Jeeze.
I'd told my lot they could get one.
Am starting to think maybe this was a stupid idea now

The first year was really hard at time but it was so much fun. We have lots of fun with our dogs, they're great. They make me laugh, come to me when I'm sad, they act like dicks and I totally adore them.

I have a dog and a cat. I love them both but definitely prefer my cat. She's so much easier all the cuddles none of the work. I feed and brush her. She goes out at night and I don't have to pick up her poop. I find having a dog annoying at times but he is cute. Don't think I would have a dog again if it was just my decision but my husband is obsessed with our dog so I guess it depends what you look for in a pet.