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The doghouse

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Original poster

Please tell me the wonderful things about having a dog

118 replies

opalescent · 05/08/2021 11:19

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 😊

OP posts:
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MotherQueenXeno · 07/08/2021 14:07

I regret getting a dog but what is nice is the bond the children have with him, they adore him and he adores them, it nearly makes up for all the other stuff.

becca3210 · 07/08/2021 14:09

sprockerlovers.com/blog/puppy-training-games

Bythebeach · 07/08/2021 14:19

Our lab draws our whole family together. She is a bonding common interest between children of diverse ages and personalities.The teens come on family walks with no complaints because of her. She makes returning home from holidays wonderful- no bleak end of holiday blues but the excitement of all of us to see her and see her excitement when return.
She is ridiculous and makes us all laugh - like a resident comedian.
She is wonderfully snuggly.
I love swimming with her.
There’s more but I’ve gone on a lot already!

Marchingredsoldiers · 07/08/2021 14:31

Good luck with your new dog.

We got our dog a few months ago and he has really changed a few aspects in my life: I walk at least 2 hours a day now. I have really discovered the local area and am almost addicted to the feeling of being in nature in a way i never knew was possible before. He has also added a special bond that has glued our family closer together. I love that dd will become a dog person (unlike me who never grew up with dogs). But apart from that life is as before (but I am 6 kg lighter!). He sleeps when not walking or seeking out cuddles.

ineedaholidaynow · 07/08/2021 14:45

Every day is Christmas for them!

CorianderBee · 07/08/2021 15:11

You're never alone. And they love a good hug. They'll rub up on your legs and sometimes lie on your shoulder to annoy you and it's adorable.

Wombleofwimbledon1984 · 07/08/2021 15:21

Our dog is our furry rock! We’ve been through a lot over the past few years and she’s really got us through it. Complete unconditional love.

Newnewnew1179 · 07/08/2021 15:43

I’ve been trying to be less of a shouty mum for years, finally succeeded when we got the dog, he just runs up to you and looks disappointed and confused if you shout. He also makes me smile everyday despite the fact he’s a massive tie and a massive pain at times

FullMoonInsomnia · 07/08/2021 16:09

@pigsDOfly

Ooh, forgot about this one: when we're out on a walk and we come across something that she's unsure of, she'll look up at me with a 'is this okay mum?' look. I'll tell her 'you're okay' and she'll walk past knowing I've got the situation in hand.

It doesn't happen so much now as it did when she was younger, but the other day there was a very large plastic drinks cup, the sort you get from fast food places, lying on its side on the pathway in front of us. It was being rolled about by the wind and she was very unsure about it.

She looked at me a few times and I told her that she's okay while we moved slowly forward towards it. In the end she walked past it with her head held high. knowing it was nothing to fear, clearly feeling very brave, well that's what I told her she was.

It's the same with fireworks or thunder. If I'm in another room she will come and find me when the noise starts knowing that I will sit with her and make her feel safer.

Gaining a dog's complete trust is something to really treasure.

Aw! This really gave me a warm fuzzy glow!

I am thinking of getting a dog. Are working cockers too high maintenance for a first time owner?

happydays2345 · 07/08/2021 16:10

Getting my lad was the best decision ever, last year I went through a significant health scare, and he just was with me the entire time. He is also a working Cocker spaniel. The puppy stage is very hard for around two months, but it is also incredibly lovely. I'm sure it will be absolutely worth it. Just make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder if you are going for a puppy.

cheeseisthebest · 07/08/2021 18:01

Still going well here today. My 13 year old daughter is wonderful with him!

Original poster
opalescent · 07/08/2021 18:10

@cheeseisthebest great news! How did last night go?

OP posts:
Original poster
opalescent · 07/08/2021 18:10

@happydays2345 lovely post, thank you 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
opalescent · 07/08/2021 18:11

@Marchingredsoldiers @Bythebeach so lovely to hear that your dogs have brought you closer as a family ❤️

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Downsize2021 · 07/08/2021 18:12

When they're fast asleep and do little dream snuffs and twitch their big feet.

cheeseisthebest · 07/08/2021 18:15

Last night was tiring! But he wasn't too bad! Woke a few times and cried a little bit but could have been a lot worse.

Babyroobs · 07/08/2021 21:36

@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 😊

I have a male working cocker who is the light of my life. I love him so much and he just loves me back. He has so many funny little ways, like having to be in his own spot on the sofa right next to me and the look on his face if someone is where he wants to be is hilarious, he will literally try all means even subtlety nudging our other dog out of the way when he thinks we're not looking. My dog walker says he is just the most wonderful dog, so placid he gets on with all the other dogs and she never has to tell him off. He was a bit of a nightmare as a puppy ( sorry ) and I had regrets at first but once he was past that stage he has hugely enriched our lives.
Babyroobs · 07/08/2021 21:38

@happydays2345

Getting my lad was the best decision ever, last year I went through a significant health scare, and he just was with me the entire time. He is also a working Cocker spaniel. The puppy stage is very hard for around two months, but it is also incredibly lovely. I'm sure it will be absolutely worth it. Just make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder if you are going for a puppy.
After having my working cocker, I don't think I would ever have a different breed of dog. I also have a cockapoo and whilst she is lovely she also has issues and can be hard work and badly behaved.
devildeepbluesea · 07/08/2021 21:53

I swore when my beautiful, wonderful, late lamented Jack Russell left me in Feb that I would have at least a year off before the next dog.

3 months and 3 trips to the dogs home later and this one is home forever! Totally not my type of dog but....just look at those eyes 😍😍😍

Dogs don't make a home, they ARE home.

Please tell me the wonderful things about having a dog
Girliefriendlikespuppies · 07/08/2021 23:13

I was nervous about getting a dog but honestly I can't believe how much I love my boy. It can be hard work at times but the good things;

So much love, he loves me and my dd so much and is completely loyal to us.

He makes us go out everyday in every weather which is great, good exercise and a chance to chat to teen dd.

We've met lots of other people through the dog.

He makes us laugh, everyday.

dustofneptune · 07/08/2021 23:46

I have a working Cocker, and aside from the things everyone else has already mentioned - like the way his fur smells (agh, I love it), how adorable he is, how cheeky, how excitable and enthusiastic, how loving and affectionate, how brilliant he is as an outdoor buddy, and so on...

For me, the best thing about having him is how he's taught me to be flexible again, and how he's opened up my heart again.

You dream about what your future dog will be like, but the reality is that it's totally unpredictable, and that's an awesome thing. Awesome because you get to experience totally unconditional, irrational love.

Your pup is going to annoy the shit out of you in ways you can't even imagine. And you're going to be less patient than you think you're going to be. And then, at some point, you're going to realise that you love that damn pup to bits, regardless, and they love you right back, regardless. The best thing about having a dog is that they teach you to embrace the unexpected, and they constantly challenge you to grow, forgive (them and yourself), learn, explore, adventure, love, play, and have fun!

FullMoonInsomnia · 08/08/2021 00:05

Loving reading this thread!

Hekatestorch · 08/08/2021 06:57

I just got out of the shower and our working cocker has gone and got in bed with ds. Both laid on their sides, practically nose to nose. Ds (asleep again) has his arm round her and she has a paw draped over his neck. I find the cuddling like this alot and it really really warms my heart.

HumphreyCobblers · 08/08/2021 07:15

I just had absolutely no idea how much I was going to love my dog. She is the very best thing that has ever happened to our family.

cocktailclub · 08/08/2021 08:08

I have just lost our family much loved dog at only 8. I miss him so much. Things I miss
Always pleased to see you
Takes care of you when anyone you don't know comes to the door.
Picks up when you're sad and gives you a sloppy kiss
So happy when you say the word walk
You have to get out in the fresh air whatever the weather
You never feel alone
Somewhere to tuck my feet to keep them warm on a cold day when working from home: he would lie under my desk
Hearing his tail wag before you've even got in to a room just because he can hear you coming

Puppies can be hard work but they bring so much to a family. You will never imagine being without a dog.

Enjoy