Dog idea, mad or not?

[Sighing000]

I would love a dog but can't have one for a few reasons. I already have a DD and two cats, my house is a bit too small, my daughter's a bit too young, I work a bit too long.

My dad would also love a dog, he lives a five minute walk away and we see him every day. He's retired, has a lot of free time, a big house, a big garden, does a lot of walks. Is very experienced with dogs and would love the company. But he can't afford the expense.

I jokingly suggested I get a dog and just keep it at his house. He was actually keen on the idea and had a proper conversation. Essentially I'd be buying him a dog/paying the adoption fees, and continuing to pay the expense. Bedding, vets, insurance, food etc. He'd own, raise, train and care for it. Then me and DD could continue to visit every day and get to walk and play with it.

Is this a silly idea? Please do tell me if it is!!

Well, I'll be honest I've heard of much worse ideas.

Basically, you fund your father's pet. If you can afford it and your father's 100% on board, then yes, why not.

Sounds like a wonderful idea 😊

You’d have to be prepared that some dogs take to one person over anyone else and as your Dad is likely to spend the most time with it, it will likely be him. But there is absolutely no reason the arrangement can’t work. I’m sure you will all, including the dog of course, benefit from having a dog in your lives.

You would need to think about the practicalities.

What happens if you have very different views on training e.g. positive versus aversive.

What happens if you can't agree on vet treatment. You would be required to pay for it but what if he didn't agree on the recovery plan etc.

What happens if one of you goes back on the agreement or circumstances change.

I actually think it could work out great btw but I would make sure you are both on the same page.

I think if you can figure out the 'terms and conditions' so to speak, then it's a great idea!

Oh great 😊 We'll iron out the details and think it over for a while then maybe welcome a new family member! Thank you everyone.

That could definitely work provided as PP said you get your T&C sorted.

SIL had a dog for many years and elderly neighbours who didn't want to commit to a dog of their own would do midday walks and dog-sits and so on: everyone was happy including the dog.

I actually think more people should consider sharing a dog like this. Fantastic idea.

Lovely idea.

This is great, all too often I see people getting a dog and not releasing what they are taking on.
As above agree, food, meal times sleeping Crating arrangements, trining and commands
Do one thing look at rare breeds, some fab dogs that just arnt as popular as you cant make money breeding them but make superb pets
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-youready/vulnerable-native-breeds/
My only concern is the two cats and young child, but just work with it.

Sounds great, as long as you’re happy that it’s HIS dog as far as diet and training are concerned. What happens when he goes away? Are you happy to look after it? Pay for dog sitter etc?

It could work, but you’d have to have clear boundaries I think