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..

Had dogs all my adult life. They are the best friends in the world. I prefer them to everyone! They are totally living their best lives every day. Be more dog!

We've had our pup just 10 days now. Today he discovered he could rip a thread on the carpet and make a hole, so that's a new game. He's rampaged through newly planted flowerbeds. He picks up stones and bark and tries to eat flowers/leaves so cannot be left for one second in the garden. He's peed and poohed in every room, despite 30/40 minute interval outdoor breaks in the pouring rain. It's exhausting.

But he looks at me with his beautiful eyes, shadows me around the house and knows I'm his protector, so I'm sure it will be ok....

Our pup is almost one and we absolutely adore him.
It does help though that my children are almost grown so we have a lot more energy to put into this dog than our last one.

I've had dogs since I was a child and can't honestly imagine my home without one. They have all brought so much joy but our pup just lights up my world. Not sure if I've bonded with him so much because of his breed or because we've had plenty of time to train him. Either way I can't imagine my home without him in it.

@whereiwanttobe That sounds exactly like mine!

I love my dog. He is the best behaved guy, so sweet and loving and because of him I've made some new lifelong friendships. He makes me laugh everyday. He loves to snuggle up.

But at least 4 times a week something happens that makes me wish I didn't have him (long day at work/raining and still have to go for a walk, want to go out straight from work but can't because I have to get home for him, can't go on the spontaneous trip to London, paying £200+ on top of a week holiday for kennelling etc etc)

Owning a dog is really hard. Especially doing it alone, as I am currently, as there is no-one to share the load with.

I work with dogs, and am obsessed with them, I'm known as the crazy dog lady! But would I get another dog, after this? Probably not.

I've only ever had older rescue dogs. However early this year we welcomed a now nearly 8 month old border collie into our home. Oh he's an absolutely lovable twat. He's as thick as 3 short planks, he has chewed to pieces all of his toys and is costing a small fortune in replacing them. He's started eating the sofa. He has to be chewing something! But I love him to bits, he's a wonderful companion and a great walking buddy - wouldn't be without him.

I love our dog.
Dd2 loves him but at 15 needs reminding to take him out. I'm disabled so I can't.
Dh can't be bothered with dog. But to be fair he said this from the start.
Ds says it's not hid dog. Ok then.
Dd1 takes him out when she's here (lives away for uni) and is generally good.

I wish I could walk him but as I can't walk more than 20-30 yards so can't. But kids do enough and he copes .

I've only had my dog 2minths, but can't imagine life without her. I love taking her out, talking to other owners (or non dog owners making a fuss) and the pure adoration I get from her.

Yes, it’s fun. Usually more so if you are not too house proud and don’t have carpets or very small children I think!

That’s if you get a puppy!

My dog is the best

Impossible to feel lonely with a dog.

Not true at all. I was incredibly lonely with my dog. He was very reactive on lead so had to go on walks either really early or really late to see no one, hated anyone coming to the house so had no visitors and had awful seperation anxiety so couldn't be left alone.

By life got so awful I contemplated suicide.

I tried everything but nothing helped. The dog had a screw loose!

Best thing I ever did was give him back to the rescue center. I didn't feel one ounce of regret or sadness and I got my life back!

Dogs are not fun. And the wrong dog can ruin your life.

oh that is true - my dog loves everyone and is a great way to meet people, but you're right about the wrong dog - I'm so sorry that you had that experience. Personally I do think some dogs aren't suited to people centric environments as some cats aren't.

Having a dog with 'issues' can't be fun especially when they make every walk stressful like reactivity.

I also think it's down to luck. If you have a healthy chilled out dog then it's going to be much more fun than one you have to worry about all the time. I can tell you being outside in the garden in the early hours of this morning wasn't fun cleaning up vomit and hoping this wasn't the start of his chronic illness again.

@ThatsUnusual there is nothing more isolating than having a reactive dog and I agree that it can be the most upsetting experience and in no way on earth fun. I am sorry that you had to go through it

People that live with reactive dogs are amongst the most awesome people I have meet. They totally change their loves for the dogs, they spend hours on training and helping their dogs. Sometimes they have to make heartbreaking decisions about rehoming etc.

They have my respect.

Their lives could also be made a lot easier by other dog owners having empathy and respecting their space and not giving unwanted advice or making judgements. Some dogs will have "issues" through no fault of their owner.

My dog is very reactive on the lead and I do have to be very alert when he’s off lead , but like most things in life I think it’s how you approach things and what type of personality you have .

This is my dog who was attacked while on a lead.
I think it is now the 4th time in the time we have had him. He is now becoming quite reactive on the lead.
It’s one of the none fun parts of dog ownership.

Thanks to all.. seems genuinely that it does get to the fun stage but at only 13 weeks old we have a way to go.. holding out for the good times 😀

@YouJustDoYou,
Rescue said the dog would bark at other dogs when out, but otherwise was "good" with other dogs...
Have you contacted the rescue about these issues? They should be offering you help and support, especially with a dog they have misdescribed like this.

Our dog is 5.5 months and whilst we do have some wonderful moments, I’d say it really isn’t THAT much fun yet. We have had a bad day with him though so perhaps that’s colouring my view!

Getting a dog is definitely a big lifestyle change, but they bring so much love and joy it's absolutely worth it. The puppy days can be challenging but get through that and you will have the best companion. Old age can be tough, but as someone else said it's part of the circle of life and can serve as an important lesson to children.
I hope you can enjoy your dog soon!

Depends on the dog really! Have had one who was a nightmare TIL she was 5 years old and now is a dream.

@grumpy, he's actually calmed down - been taking him out and trying to give him positive associations aboit other dogs and it's a work in progress but ok....But now he's utterly distraught when I have to do the school run, destroyed all his bedding etc. But I have no choice, I have to leave him for that twice a day :( They said he was fine to be left too, but the poor little guy obviously isn't. I can't be tied to the house for the next decade. Just a bit soul destroying.