Real talk, how much work is it

[Livelikejackandsally]

Were looking at getting a dog
(Looking at both puppies and rescues..and rescue puppies)

We can make it work (financially and someone's generally home)
But committing to something for 10-15 years is a big decision
Im scared were just thinking about all the positive parts
And not realising how hard the other parts may be ...like the 5am walks in the rain...
Or having to work schedules around a new family member now

Tell me how you found getting your dog and the change to your life

Thanks everyone!
Went to visit some potential rescues today - 5 months old some of them
It was a bit of a reality check of the dirt and fur and chewing we should expect!
It was like a baby, but 10x worse. Every time I blinked there was a new thing in their mouths!!
I don't think any of the ones we saw today we're quite right for us, but it was so useful, just a reminder of what we can expect so it's not a shock when we do find the right one.

Lol we had a border collie as family dog when I was growing up, and then I got a Parson Russell terrier with DH :)
We now have a border terrier cross (a rescue), and she is without doubt the easiest dog ever.

But the negatives of dog owning in general I think have been covered really well here. I personally find having to go out every day whatever the weather a positive (it's helped me to clear my head on more than one occasion). Puppies are generally quite hard, but you just have to remember it will end. We got ddog at 8 months which was perfect - she was already toilet trained, but still young enough to learn lots easily. She was basically trained by our older dog and miraculously only picked up her good traits (older dog would bark at door etc whereas we occasionally wonder whether current dog has lost her voice as she's so non-barky).
Having a day out or an overnight is harder, but as with having young children, you learn to plan well.

Went to visit some potential rescues today - 5 months old some of them

5 months is right before the start of adolescence and a tricky age as the hormones are starting to surge, they can start testing boundaries, 'forgetting' known commands etc.

Stick to a puppy or an adult dog.

We never had much trouble with chewing at all, she only chewed one pair of shoes and that was totally DHs fault. That's about it.

She does shed a lot of fur though and she does bring a lot of muck in on her coat.

Recommend washable paint on your walls and wooden floors and lots of leather... 😉

I’m often approached by kids in the park asking to play with and pet my dog which if their parents are happy with them I’m happy with. The parents often say the kids are nagging for a dog. I usually ask them how many kids they have. If they answer, say, 2, I reply ‘get a dog and you’ll have 3 kids.’ That’s how much responsibility it is. I love my dog to bits but she’s exhausting!

I have a terrier and I wouldn’t swap him for any other breed! He’s a yorkie x Maltese and I got him when he was already an adult, he’s 6 now.

He wasn’t well trained but he is hands down the most affectionate dog I have ever come across, and he’s very responsive to simply pleasing you and getting attention not just getting a treat. He’s a cheeky little so and so but I like his size, it never feels like he is over powering anyone iyswim
He’s very ‘licky’ and likes a routine
He needs a fair amount of grooming but he doesn’t shed, and he doesn’t smell too bad either.

You have to make sure your dog's needs are met each and every day no matter what is going on for you. And you might get a difficult dog.

Rescues are unknown quantities. The rescue centres only see so much, the real picture will emerge in your home several months down the line. You have to be committed for the long haul, prepared to work with your dog to overcome issues, build their confidence, learn about their culinary intolerances, likes, dislikes, build a bond. It is intense hard work. And the most rewarding journey imaginable.