How do you go from never having been a dog owner to being a dog owner?

[maybedog]

I know I can just go and buy a dog, but what do I need to think about, learn and do before we get a family dog?

I've always been a cat person, never understood dogs or their appeal. But then I've met a couple of dogs (Cavapoos) who have completely charmed the socks off us and it's starting to look attractive. We have two cats and dc are 7, 12 and 14.

I've read some of the puppy threads and heard from friends that it's like having a baby in the house 😬

What else should we consider?

I'm more a cat person and tbh find dog ownership ( we have a 1yr old dog now) a huge extra responsibility that if I'm honest we could have done without.
Meeting two charming dogs is all well and good but I'd really think about if you would be prepared for your life being overtaken for the next decade (at least).
We made a decision, got a pup and we care for him and love him for him- will do always. But would I get another- Not.A.Chance.

As PP have said, consider how much time you have to spend on a dog, especially when it's young. It's going to burn off at least an hour on exercise, training, clearing up after it, washing out its bowls etc etc. Training is really important - more so than I realised when we got our first dog. It's not just a case of going to classes, but of doing the homework in between times as well, consistently, even if it means taking Fido out in the rain for twenty minutes of sit-stays and recall practice.

Our puppies have always slept downstairs and settled at night fairly quickly (within a week) but we have had an early riser (5.15 a.m., anyone?) though she outgrew it. You don't need to get up with them at night to housetrain them provided you don't mind a predictable puddle in the morning until your puppy has 100% got the idea and can hang on overnight.

If you want an easy breed, have a think about something like a whippet (or a whippet lurcher). They sleep a lot, they are very sweet, and they will entertainingly run about like loons for a while when being walked. If you an actual whippet or a smooth coated whippet lurcher, they take almost no grooming.

If you decide to get a puppy do your research on breeders very carefully, there are an awful lot of puppy farms out there especially with poodle cross breeds and other popular breeds and crosses; so no, you should never, just go out and buy a dog.

Don't be fooled into thinking that just because a dog is small it won't want or need a lot of exercise. Lots of small dogs, especially the terrier types can go for miles and miles.

I went from being a committed cat person to getting my first dog nearly nine years ago.

Dogs are special but they required far more time commitment than cats, and life becomes less spontaneous, because dogs can't be left for hours and hours the way cats can. You always need to factor your dogs needs into an outing and/or your working life. And very small puppies can't be left alone at all.

My dog was a lovely easy puppy, I was very lucky, as it is exactly like having a baby in the house. Teenage dogs though - around 8 months to a year/18 months, depending on breed - tend to be a bit of a nightmare; although I can laugh about it now.

You get out what you put in with a dog. Put in the commitment and training and you'll end up with a valued member of the family. I loved training my dog, it's amazing to see how much a dog can learn and understand and it's a learning process you and your dog make together; highly recommend it.

As soo many people already said, do your research. This quizz from the kennel club is a good starting point and a bit of fun:
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findabreed/Default.aspx

Then you need to find a good breeder. Preferably one that breeds for type and temperament. If there are any health test suggestions for the breed (that includes the parents of a cross) make sure they have been done. Again, the Kennel Club does hold information on health test results.

TRAINING- most dogs are not born to be that placid, well behaved pet. They have been trained by their owners... if you never had a dog, I'd suggest that you get to your local dog club. Find out times and costs for classes. The good citizens dog scheme is a great way to bond with your dog. Please don't stop after the first 10 weeks... stay at least until your dog is 9-12 months old. (That should lead you to a bronze/ silver award.)

Lastly, I highly recommend a Tibetan Terrier... I am totally biased, but that aside really, they are the most amazing fun family dogs.

First time dog owner and cockapoo.

It is essentially like having another child. The cats look at us in a very knowing way when I am lamenting yet another vet trip because he's eaten something he shouldn't have and got an upset stomach.

He is expensive, definitely. He has daycare for when we have to go out - I largely work from home so manage most of his care myself. We walk him 1-1.5 hours at the moment but are going to up this again as I think he's getting a bit frustrated. He's had an hour in the countryside off lead chasing his ball this morning, then 40 mins on pavements and sniffing at lunchtime. He'll be out again for at least half an hour pavements and sniffing after tea. He is pretty much continuously on the go and very high energy.

Training is still a work in progress and, as others have said, I should have been stricter with this. We started with good intentions but I changed job and let it drift in his second year. Back on it now as he's had a couple of issues recently so I know I need to get a grip of it.

I love him and my family adore him, but he is definitely very hard work!

Thanks so much for all your replies, this is really helpful!

Yes, an older dog would definitely be considered. I've had a look at our local rescue sites, but they all seem to be not compatible with cats, children or novice owners, or they can't be an only dog. Is there any way of registering with a database or something to match a dog to our situation?

Training needs and costs are fine - I use behaviourism in my work and find it fascinating. I'm more than happy to spend time on this and to do it properly.

We think about 30 minutes walk per day would be realistic.

And gosh, Tibetan Terriers are beautiful!

@Ylvamoon (or anyone else) how do I find a good breeder that breeds for type and temperament?

Hi OP, I'm a dog walker and work with lots of poodle crosses.

In my experience cavapoos are the easiest dogs of all the poodle crosses. You have to bear in mind though that every dog is unique so there's always some which don't for the mould.

As others have said unscrupulous breeders are a huge issue. A puppy bred in this way will have a steep uphill struggle to become a happy relaxed dog. So do be careful. Because poodle crosses are so popular we see a huge proportion of back yard breeders churning them out to meet demand and it's heartbreaking.

Bear in mind that although the positive of most poodle crosses is a lack of shedding , the negative is that they need careful frequent grooming and frequent trips for a trim.

It sounds like you are interested in training and I personally think it can be easier to certain a puppy if you are consistent and committed than to train an adult dog with ingrained problems.

Of course adopting a rescue is absolutely wonderful but do be careful to understand any issues the dig may have as some are sadly quite tricky to live with or to train out of as a first time dog owner.

Good advice here. Yes, research carefully, don't believe everything you read on line . EG the myths that poodle crosses are easy to train, good with children, don't shed and are ideal for people with allergies. Look at The Doodle Trust website for accurate information. The DT re-homes any poodle cross, is run by volunteers who understand the wonder that can be a poodle cross but are aware of the myths and problems. Put simply, you don't always get the best of either breed and you have to be very careful where you buy from.
If you decide to get a puppy rather than rescue, look at the registered breeder sites. Buy from a registered breeder ideally with a good history who specialises in one breed. Always see the bitch with the litter, if you can't see the sire, make sure you see his pedigree. Make sure your pups parents have been health tested for health problems associated with the breed.
Pups are very hard work, demand lots of attention, their little needle teeth can be difficult to manage around children. They need early socialisation and training. I currently share my life with a show type cocker spaniel aged 20 months and a labradoodle who'll be 12 soon. Absolutely wonderful but lots of grooming, training (young dog) and the doodle taught me more about dogs who chase deer than I ever thought I needed to know.

Only 30 minutes of walking a day will rule out a lot of dog breeds!

Have you thought about a rescue greyhound? Might be tricky with the cats but sometimes rescues do come up that can live with them.

30 minutes a day is really not much!

We got DDog when DS was 10 and the thing I've really struggled with is, just as DS was getting more independent, we then had a whole new set of restrictions to cope with.

Walking twice a day is a bind, hard to fit round work, nights out have to be planned for (DS just heads off to his pal's to stay, but we still have to get back for DDog), holidays abroad very tricky, holidays in UK ok but you have to be quick off the mark to book them. Essentially, I was just getting my life back and now I have another baby - but one that will never 'grow up'.

I love DDog to death and don't regret it, but I was surprised by the above and given you have three children who are now growing up, wanted to share that experience.

And again, 30 mins walking a day is really not very much. At all. It would suit a greyhound but greyhounds and cats aren't a good combo.

ah ok, so would 30 twice a day be enough for something like a cavapoo? Or is it an hour twice a day?

Thanks for the advice, it's good to know what is realistic. My mum is interested in 'sharing' the dog, so would be here for filling in dog care gaps for us.

The reality check is very much appreciated. And thanks for the link to the Doodle Trust, I hadn't seen that one before.

I think that even 30 mins twice a day is probably not enough - perhaps 45 mins minimum twice a day.

I too would suggest a rescue and I'd also suggest a staffy or staffy cross as they really want to please and are therefore usually pretty easy to train. I walk mine at least 2 hours a day but I don't get so much work in the winter so she is currently getting 3 hours a day (2 walks in total). She is now 7 and I got her from a rescue when she was 4 and a half. She is the best behaved dog I've ever had and very funny and affectionate.

Some rescues (especially small local ones) will rehome to families with children and some of the bigger ones also do (Battersea will, depending on dog and depending on ages of children and their impression of you and your family's suitability when they meet and register you).

We think about 30 minutes walk per day would be realistic.

That's really not enough for any breed in my opinion - maybe something like a retired greyhound or an elderly dog, but young dogs need a good hour minimum, ideally more. Ours is two, his weekly exercise routine looks a bit like this.

Monday/Thursday/Friday - 60 minutes on-lead walk in the morning, 90 minutes PM.
Tuesday/Wednesday - 60-90 minutes walk, a mixture of on/offlead. This is normally at about 9am or so.
Saturday and Sunday - about 90 minutes off lead at the beach both days, including running, playing fetch etc.

If we have to drop a walk or shorten it for some reason, you can tell in his behaviour. He gets hyper and bitey and barky - you can tell he's bored and needs to go out!

Cavapoos are part poodle - poodles are working dogs and need lots of exercise and training. Crossing them with a cavalier doesn't diminish that! I'd say an hour twice a day at an absolute minimum for a poodle/poodle cross.

Agree 30 mins/day isn't really enough, too little exercise is likely to lead to problematic behaviour. However I have found hounds to be very relaxed around the house, so suggestions of greyhounds or lurchers are ideal. They can get on with cats but it's never guaranteed.

We have a hound who gets 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day where she is energetic, at home she's happy to sleep. It's why we chose the breed, also because we have a child and the breed is known for being great with children.

That’s a very small amount of exercise.
Also poo crosses are often very poorly bred. Decent breeders will want to improve the breed and will breed very selectively and carefully. Breeders of popular crosses tend to churn out puppies for cash.
Crosses are also an unknown in terms of things like grooming.
KC has a breed selector quiz. Worth a look to get you thinking. Consider what dogs were bred to do. That may give some indication of the sort of stimulation they need.
You need to be so careful. There are very few decent breeders about.

Poodles are highly intelligent and therefore require a lot of stimulation.
My advice would be to visit rescue centres and think very carefully about what dog really does fit with your family. Greyhounds are great with kids - they're gentle and require surprisingly little exercise. My choice would always be a staffie because they are fun, loyal, loving and just great dogs but they can also be very clingy and rather clumsy bless them.

Tha advice about greyhounds and lurchers is sound but they are a very risky breed to have around small furries and cats- they are naturally inclined to chase and kill.....

Our Lurchers and 9 and 6. Older one was a working ddog. In our home environment dcat is not chased at all. Dcat lives a harmonious life!!
New dpuppy has also been given the small paw of approval...

Remember - it doesn't matter if you are sick, it's raining, you are tired - you still need to walk the dog. It's a complete non-negotiable.

The comment about spending 2 hours a day on the dog is accurate IMO. We got a dog when my youngest started pre school 3 days a week & I really notice that on my child free days my 6 hours to get shit done is actually hugely reduced by 2x 45 min dog walks, hoovering all the dog hair, wiping his muddy feet when he comes in, etc etc. And I should be doing more training.

And the lack of spontaneity & restrictions on our time.

And the lack of spontaneity & restrictions on our time.

This is a really valid point. Do not underestimate how restrictive dog ownership is!

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=1012

What about a dachshund?

My friend has two, they are adorable.

It's a small amount of exercise BUT...

Exercise provides two things:

• it keeps an animal physiologically healthy. Strong heart and other muscles, lower weight etc.

• it keeps a dog mentally healthy because it is mentally tiring

It's quite possible to provide both on 2 x 30 mins walk a day provided the walk is rigerous with plenty of free running. That takes care of being physically healthy.

The walks also need to be stimulating, so no trudging round the same area over and over, preferably with play and/or training. It requires the humans to be actively engaged in the walk so no day dreaming or phone watching . Plus the dog is likely to need other mental acitivies outside of the walk, such as training games or feeding games. In all honesty, once you do all that then 2 x 60 mins walking seem like the easier option

Whilst all dogs are individual it's worth considering what the dog's breed has been selected for...

a) human companionship; lap dogs tend to 'need' less exercise than other breeds, even if they would enjoy a bit more than that.

b) periods of inactivity, punctuated by sudden activity, such as guardian breeds that typically spend their days static until a threat presents itself and then - bam! - sudden activity

c) several hours of continuous work but then expected to be quiet and no trouble (gun dogs, such as poodles fit here), so will require higher excerise and mental work before being calmer in the house

d) all day lower level of activity, often punctuation by short burst of higher level. Looking at terriers here who would typically be expected to look for their own work on a farm so should be expected to want to doing something for most of the day, with occasional opportunities to do something very high energy/excitement

e) looong periods of high octane activity. Utility breeds, such as huskies fit here.

A cavapoo might be more companion type that copes well on 2 x 30mins a day and plenty of fuss and cuddles; or more gun dog type that is going to look for its own entertainment if not provided with more by its owner, expect this type to do much better on something like 2 x 1hr good run outs plus training sessions.

I absolutely adore my dog, wouldn’t be without him, but he has changed our lives considerably. He was a rescue, 10 months when we got him.

We are lucky that my partner works shifts, so is at home either the morning or afternoon. I work normal office hours and can work from home a lot so the dog is never alone for too long, dog walkers or day care wouldn’t have worked for us due to his temperament.

He can’t be left with anyone and really doesn’t like other dogs. This makes going on holiday etc an issue. Since we have had him we haven’t been abroad together, coming up 9 years now. Our holidays are all in the UK, in dog friendly cottages.

We go abroad still, but separately, with friends rather than together!

I had to turn down a great job opportunity as it involved a lot of travel, and we couldn’t make it work with my partners shifts.

But, as I said, we adore him, no regrets, but realise that when he eventually goes our lives will be easier and more opportunities will open up. I would rather have him forever though!