Please tell me the wonderful things about having a dog

[opalescent]

I am a first time dog owner, collecting my beautiful working cocker female pup on Sunday.

I have thought and thought about this for a very long time. Read books, joined forums, chatted to everyone I know with dogs endlessly!

I feel like our family and situation is really well suited to a dog. We have bought everything we need, and vet appointments are booked. I'm in the process of arranging puppy training sessions.

Despite all this; I'm having a last minute wobble. It's such a life changing decision.

Can you remind me of all the wonderful parts of having a dog, so that I know in my core this is the right decision?!

Thank you 😊

@cheeseisthebest keep us posted!! Boy or girl? Hope tonight goes ok all round 🥰🥰

Boy. He's just been amazing. I was very very anxious and he's been a total dream. Currently fast asleep.

Our working cocker is now 14 years old and I can honestly say he has made us laugh every day. They are full on as puppies but never nasty just a bundle of energy. Our kids have grown up with him and have all left home now....he is the first one to get a hug when they return. I would give anything to go back and have another 14 years with our wonderful boy as his health is failing fast. Enjoy every second.

@cheeseisthebest lovely! How have you spent the day? I feel so nervous, and find myself thinking- ok, so when we get home, then what?! It's very much the same worries I had when having my first baby 😂.
Are you crating?

@everyonesmom that is such a lovely post ❤️

Well we all just sat there a bit unsure what to do at first! Took him out for a wee. Cuddled him. We've had a couple of visitors. He was unsure to start with but settled down. Had chewed a toy and played a bit. Put him on lead to look round our garden. Had several wees and 2 poos outside.

And from about 7 ish onwards he's had a lot of naps. I've just put him in his crate and he was fine. We had left the door open and he'd happily gone in it earlier. Got a blanket and cuddly toy in there that smells of his Mum. I would worry if I didn't crate him as anything could happen!

He did whimper a bit to start with but I stroked him and he settled. I realise it's early days and this could all change!

Dogs really are the best.
Juno has just turned 1 and whilst I never wanted to get a puppy, I'm so glad I did.

Being able to watch him explore the world and grow in confidence and cockiness really is a a gift.

I cherish every single minute with him and love training him. He's really clever and picks up new things really quickly.

I love how happy he is all the time, we have morning cuddles in bed every morning and he truly brings me such an enormous amount of joy, every single day.

Good Luck with your new puppy. You'll love it, I'm sure.

I honestly love my dog as much as my children. It’s a pure unconditional love and I miss him desperately when I’m not with him. He’s an easy dog and he’s not life changing at all bar the first few months but his little face and ways melt my heart 100 times a day

There are many wonderful things to having a dog as you will soon experience yourself.
If you haven't already baby proof your house, my cocker puppy had figured out how to open wardrobe/kitchen press doors at 6 months.
And especially loves to frighten me by trying her best to eat whatever could make her most sick...
I've raisins banned from the house altogether as she is just so persistent it's not worth the risk!

Love love and more love 💗

Always happy to see you and you never get to go to the toilet alone-Ever again 😂😂

I adore my working cocker. I have always have cockers. She is currently sat cuddling dh looking at me like I am her whole world. In about 5 mins she will switch, cuddle me and stare at him.

They are hard work. The physical exercise is actually a small part of a working cocker. Then can walk for miles a day but unless you are doing a lot of working their brain, they are still bonkers.

As a puppy they are generally bad for puppy nipping. But consistency soon stops it.

But all the training and Brain games really help form the bond between you. Its all worth the work.

She is amazing with my DS, she is always so happy to see anyone. But she is beside herself when he comes in.

I nipped out to car earlier, I was gone less than a minute and you would think I had been gone hours, with the way she greeted me. She is our baby.........and we pick up another one on Sunday!

Can't wait!

the smell of their cheesy wee paws! Smells like home to me!
Always had pets and will always have a dog (well, two!) They make a house a home and are the best friends to our kids and us.
Dogs can touch your soul, they dont judge and will always be there for you.
My rescue collie saved my life. Thought I was saving her. she taught me humanity and humility. She helped me in ways no human ever could, just by being there. Dogs are incredible creatures, honest, kind and live for the moment.
DS has been brought up with dogs, I can see the connection he has with ours, he sits and talks to our dogs-they just snuggle him and listen.
There is only one bad thing about dogs and thats the goodbye. They just don't live long enough. Every dog, especially my collie, took a piece of my heart with them.

I do have to say if anyone's thinking of getting a dog, please consider a rescue dog. they might have their issues (human induced sadly) but they are so rewarding. seeing our scared shut down, written off rescue vizsla having the confidence to be a dog, is heart warming and makes me smile every time!

Anyway, good luck with your new pup OP! Yes, they're a tie but I'd have a whole pack if I had the space!!

The way her tail thumps in her bed when we mention her name, even when she seems to be deeply asleep.

Damn.....something in my eye.......

I think (hope) its totally normal to have a wobble about the enormity of this. I think it's like having a toddler who doesn't grow up much. The first couple of months are harsh - back to babyhood. But if you work as a team it will be OK.

It is hard work. But if you are up for adapting then you'll love it.
My children adore our dog and the bond deepens. All the hard work is worth it and worth doing to have a family member who loves you unconditionally, makes you laugh, wants a cuddle, does doggie talk, gets you out and meeting some lovely people.

I

Op I think it is a good sign you are having a last minute wobble. It shows you understand the responsibility involved. Those people who are blasé tend to be the ones who get unstuck and overwhelmed because they didn't plan or research properly. Good luck

Mine has completely sabotaged my fitness programme- every time I move to the floor to exercise, he puts his front feet on my chest and licks my face. He is so sure I'm playing the most wonderful game with him!

My kids are pretty much grown now, and all their best memories growing up have centred around the dogs.
They change your life, but they give way more than they take☺️

Our scrumptious Lab has just come in from his morning walk. He’s soaked through, muddy and smells fetid ( he does love a stagnant pond). Curled up in front of the Aga in that state, on his manky blanky, quite simple makes our house into our home.

The way he puts his head one side to really listen; his bounding leaps over trees and stuff in the woods; his pure energy when chasing his ball, bringing it back every time with mad teeth showing and eyes bright; his tail wagging whenever any of his people come by, even if you think he's sleeping; the satisfied 'hrmph' as he settles into the crook of my knee after a long walk; hiding his treat biscuit under his bed for later; his very loud and colourful yawny-howls which we're convinced are his attempts to talk to us; his little eyes watching every movement; his head on my knee waiting patiently and politely for the last crumb of my toast...I love him.

Forcing me out on walks (when I’m inclined to be a lazy bugger).

Making me laugh all the time with her totally ridiculous, bonkers, behaviour. She’s 100% soft and gentle but a bit of a nutter. Today she was trying to assert her dominance (she’s the least dominant dog you could meet) by trying to sit on my friends labradors head while he was trying to sleep. Really entertaining and fair play to the lab for being completely gentle in his response to her 🤣

What everyone else has said!

But also, I now know so many more people in my neighbourhood! I feel very connected to the place I live because I go to the park twice a day, we know lots more local walks, and everywhere we go I see people I know because dogs help you make friends!

Anyone with a dog is allowed to talk to anyone else with a dog. It's like a secret loophole for allowing the English to talk to strangers (cabin pressure)

@BaklavaBalaclava

What everyone else has said!

But also, I now know so many more people in my neighbourhood! I feel very connected to the place I live because I go to the park twice a day, we know lots more local walks, and everywhere we go I see people I know because dogs help you make friends!

Anyone with a dog is allowed to talk to anyone else with a dog. It's like a secret loophole for allowing the English to talk to strangers (cabin pressure)

This is so true.

Apart from all the lovely doggyness, you meet some great people too, whilst spending time outdoors, which is great for everyone. There is a real community of dog walkers where I live and I've made some great friends over the years.

I have a working cocker they are great. If you have Facebook I would really recommend joining the 'Working Cocker Spaniel' page great for tips and advice. Cockers are very intelligent so brain stimulation will keep them busy and avoid destructive behaviour. Hiding treats around the house or outdoors for her to sniff out or Kong toys where they have to work for their food are great. Puppy training is a great idea. Teaching commands and tricks are also great for working their brain and will develop your bond. Good luck!