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The doghouse

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Original poster

If you could go back, would you still have got your dog?

138 replies

Soubriquet · 16/08/2019 11:54

I love my dogs to bits.

I really do

But if I could go back 2 years ago, I wouldn’t have got them.

They are very restrictive in what you can do. You can’t be spontaneous. You always have to consider the dogs.

The cat couldn’t care less but the dogs need you to care.

They need to be walked and loved.

And you have to clean up their mess when they decide to destroy something.

I have committed to these dogs and I will give them 100% but when these two pass away, we have decided no more dogs.

OP posts:
AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 16/08/2019 14:59

I didn't get my dog, he rather fell into my life. Always wanted a dog, but it wasn't exactly a textbook time of life to get a dog. I'd never have picked DDog out at a rescue centre either - he wasn't exactly my picture of the perfect DDog.

Wouldn't be without him though - he's still not exactly a model citizen and there are occasional moments where I threaten to take him back for a refund (the joke being that there's nowhere to take him back to and I didn't pay for him Wink) but we've got a great bond the sort gained through adversity and he's quite sweet really.

HotdogSausagedog · 16/08/2019 14:59

I have had dogs in the past that I regretted, they didn't 'fit' with our family and although I LOVED dogs I was equally terrified about the thought of a new one.

I now have two small breeds, there is no way I would be without them. They are as good as gold In the house and fantastic on walks. They are happy to be left for a little while and it's very easy for me to bring them with us when we go out.

I adore them with all my heart and will absolutely be getting more one day!

However, I think you have to make sure you choose a) the right breed b) the puppy with the right personality and c) put the work in when there young with training d) be happy to do dog friendly days out/ holidays

Walney · 16/08/2019 15:01

Yes. I have grown up with dogs so knew they aren't an easy pet to have. It's not like having a guinea pig where you can just go out.

I have seen people get dogs without knowing what it's like, and it's a bit sad. Some people don't realise you need to train them to be left alone (e.g. If you're just going food shopping, dropping children off places etc not all day) and it's had a negative impact as these people are always asking for free doggy care from friends.

Dogs are a big responsibility and it's more than just walking them every day. But they are completely worth it.

adaline · 16/08/2019 15:09

Yes, I'd definitely get another one.

He's the best companion, an amazing friend, great company on walks and has done wonders for my mental health. He's a big responsibility and has stressed me out at times but he's worth it ten times over.

saaagp · 16/08/2019 15:15

Yes, but he s very needy (probably our fault). He makes my life special (no kids).

Walney · 16/08/2019 15:20

@adaline That is the other reason I would definitely get another, she has been amazing for my mental health in terms of getting me out of the house and the companionship. I am married with a daughter, but the dog is still amazing for companionship during the day and giving me my life back. They are brilliant.

Saucery · 16/08/2019 15:20

Yes, but I would have found a good home boarder a few years ago and booked her in regularly, as she is older now and we can’t go on holiday without her. No great hardship as we love our holidays all together but we won’t be able to go abroad while she is alive. She did go to a kennels when younger but it’s a bit rough and ready (although excellent for exercise and socialisation) now she has arthritis.

I’d also have got another (rescue) dog when she was younger too. She’s set in her ways and probably wouldn’t welcome another dog into her house now.

But those are minor details. Never regretted her for a minute. Apart from the chewing days! Grin

MrsMozartMkII · 16/08/2019 15:20

Yes. I would have then again.

They drive me nuts and our lives are pretty much ruled by them. Hopefully once we're settled we can set up a suitable pen and find the right person to look after them occasionally. However, they love us and we're theirs and they make us laugh and smile and no-one would get to harm any of mine when they're around, though as two of them are lying upside down with tongues lolling out we're more on the laughter side today Grin

Drogosnextwife · 16/08/2019 15:24

I got my dog to keep my company as a single mother who worked from home. I still work from home and I love him to bits but I wouldn't get another. I don't even have to worry about people to look after him when we go on holiday because we either take him or he stays with my mum who he loves but I'm a childminder and live in Scotland so as you can imagine it rains a lot and trying to get 3 young children out to walk a dog in the rain with a buggy every day, twice a day is a nightmare.

Floralnomad · 16/08/2019 15:28

I absolutely do not regret getting my dog , the only issue with him is that he is very much an only dog so we will sadly have a gap in between dogs . I don’t find him restrictive at all but then I’m very lucky in that I don’t work and dh works a 10 /15 minute walk from home so if I’m out for a day or away for a few days he can come and go to deal with the dog or WFH . We waited until our youngest was 11 to get a dog and that was a good move as I do think it would have been restrictive with taking young children out for days / holidays especially as we are not a naturally walking / camping type family .

Gladiolus45 · 16/08/2019 15:29

Not sure. I have four (part purchased, part rescues due to me being a soft touch) and they are a huge tie. I have a dog walker when I am at work but can't go out to meet a friend after work or go for a day trip unless they come too. DC will let them in the garden but understandably don't want to walk four.

That said they are all very affectionate, always want to greet me and take an interest in everything I do and to cuddle on the sofa. It gets a bit much sometimes but I miss them when they are not here. Given my age, when this lot are gone I doubt if I will replace them.

bengalcat · 16/08/2019 15:32

Yes I’d get another when my hound is no longer around . We had dogs and cats as a kid so I had some idea . Am not houseproud so doghair etc doesn’t bother me - I just vacuum / clean etc but only weekly . Have got used to getting up a little earlier to waln the dog . Perhaps I’ve just adjusted to loss of spontaneity as I don’t really see it as a problem . I still do everything I want to including travel .

Aardvarkitsabloodyaardvark · 16/08/2019 15:33

On my third dog. Had one and two together then got third when one had passed and two was getting old, now passed too.
All 3 have been hard work but a joy once adult.
I can't imagine not having one.

huuskymam · 16/08/2019 15:35

Absolutely I would. I have a husky 10 years and wouldn't be without her, though she was hard work at the start. Before she came along we had another dog for 14 years. Dont think I could be without one.

dalmatianmad · 16/08/2019 15:36

I have 2 beautiful Dalmatians and a gorgeous Staffie.
I wouldn't be without them. They are a lifelong commitment.
My life very much revolves around my dogs. From the shifts I work to the holidays I go on.
It's all about the dogs Grin

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 16/08/2019 15:40

He isn’t the breed I wanted , ex got him and he’s really difficult to train

3 years on and he’s still peeing in the house . Now ex has gone and when the dcs go back to school I really need to get on top of the peeing some how

He’s small so doesn’t need or want much exercise and is great with kids

Due to the peeing and his dislike of men/big dogs we can’t take him out everywhere with us like I envisioned when thinking about getting a dog

BadHairDyeDay · 16/08/2019 15:43

Tbh no I wouldn'tSad. I love her and In many ways I couldn't imagine life without her but she nearly broke me about a year ago. We got her 2 years ago and by default i became her main carer and she completely took over my life. She's very excitable and demanding and messy and hairy and slobbery and attention seeking and jumpy and barky! And she will not let us touch the cat! Also the restrictions she puts on us around holidays is a PITA but we expected that. I feel awful saying all this but it's me that does all the walking, feeding, bathing, vet trips, clearing up etc and sometimes the pressure is huge!!! Thanks for asking - I feel better having got that off my chest!

Blutopia · 16/08/2019 15:46

Blimey @Floopily, apart from the separation anxiety you have pretty much described my dog.

Nope, I definitely would not have taken her home knowing what I know now. I have no children so what I believe to be my sparse reserves of maternal love and affection are bestowed upon the dog, and I love the bones of her on that basis alone. She is not destructive, she is generally obedient, and she can be left for many hours with no problem. She is a part of our lives and when she goes I expect I'll cry forever.

BUT. She is nervous, aggressive, reactive, vocal, hates strangers, children and other dogs, cost me a small fortune in spinal surgery and now about £70pm in drugs for her chronic spinal pain and associated behavioral issues. She's seen 6 behaviourists, has to have special arrangements at the vets as she is so vicious and disruptive when examined, hates to be touched, can't have a dog walker, can't go into doggy day care, can't be looked after by anyone else.

DH has mentioned getting a "normal" dog when she's gone, but I don't think I want another one in case it all happens again!

BarkandCheese · 16/08/2019 15:46

100% yes. She’s my first dog, and I think I got lucky with her, she’s extremely sweet natured and easy going, so much so once the summer holidays are over I’m going to seriously look into her becoming a PAT dog.

PrayingandHoping · 16/08/2019 15:50

Absolutely yes. My eldest dog is nearly 10 now and I now will never be without a dog We have his younger nephew who is 4 and at some point will get another relative when the time is right.

In fact I'll never just have 1 dog now! I'll always have at least 2! Having 2 is so much easier and nicer than just having 1.

abigailsnan · 16/08/2019 15:58

I just couldn't imagine life without a dog in it,we have always had a dog/dogs since the children where little.
We now have our 3rd Basset Hound and she is so laid back its unbelieveable she has a rescue friend who lives here also a Lahasa who was abandoned in a house after her owner died they get on well and I wouldn't be without them.

EvenPhilip · 16/08/2019 16:16

I was reluctant to get a dog in the first place but gave in with conditions. We are two years in and I don't get any particular joy from dog ownership and would never have another.
Dh wants another but I would leave him if he did.

Cosmos45 · 16/08/2019 16:18

I love my dog to pieces. She is like a child to me. However, I must admit when she moves out and goes to university I don't think i am going to get another one immediately. It's the whole lack of spontaneity and the thinking of them all the time. I am going on a short break this weekend and then going on holiday and organising house sitters and her schedule has been like a marathon operation. I do love her and she's changed my life immeasurably but I do feel we are sometimes very tied to the house and what we can do. She is quite a big dog and my husband's family do not like dogs so she is not always welcome everywhere we go which I find difficult (she is very well behaved and gentle though).

Aardvarkitsabloodyaardvark · 16/08/2019 16:21

Has just been talked in to getting a second 😁

confusedandemployed · 16/08/2019 16:31

In a heartbeat. I did have 2, only one 17yr old now and he and his dear departed sister were / are quite simply the loves of my life.

Yes, they were a tie / an expense / needed walking before I went anywhere, but the joy and love they have given me over the years make up for all that in spades. They are just the best friends anyone could ever have.

And I will be getting more dogs, after a few months of grieving when DDog goes.