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The doghouse

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Original poster

Positive puppy/dog ownership

45 replies

Riverlee · 16/03/2022 17:15

We’re considering getting our first dog, possibly a Labrador. I’m quite excited, but there seem to be so many negative posts on mn, that I’m beginning to have doubts. Our dogs really that awful, and if so, why do so many people have them.? Is it one big conspiracy?!

OP posts:
Original poster
Riverlee · 16/03/2022 17:15

Are dogs…

OP posts:
GeneLovesJezebel · 16/03/2022 17:17

It’s not the dogs that are awful, it’s often the owners who have no experience or are not flexible in the way they to bring them up.

VampireMoney · 16/03/2022 17:20

Of course dogs aren't awful. Rubbish owners who aren't willing to put in the necessary time and effort are awful.

Oodlesofdoodlescockapoodles · 16/03/2022 17:21

I'm a dog trainer and 2 of the biggest factors that impact on your enjoyment (in my experience!) are

  1. Getting a dog when children are very young and struggling to juggle it all
  1. Choosing an inappropriate breed for your lifestyle.

People that wait until kids are a bit older (or don't have children) and choose wisely breed wise seem much happier overall

AlbatrossSociety · 16/03/2022 17:21

I think it's more that people are more likely to come and post when they are needing support and are more likely to need support when things aren't going well! I have a labrador who is just over a year old and the first few months were exhausting and shit at times. I think you give a lot more than you get when they're little puppies. They're a massive commitment and it makes it really hard to go anywhere or do anything.

My dog is an absolute diamond now and I love him to pieces. I love the walks, I love the cuddles and I don't mind sorting dog care when he needs it. We've got family nearby who will take him if we're out for the day or overnight and various dog sitters locally if my husband and I can't manage between us. I'm used to the logistics now, doesn't bother me at all and we get so much from having him. Think it's a big adjustment and doesn't suit some people but he's one of my favourite things about life.

SirChenjins · 16/03/2022 17:24

I’m not a rubbish owner and I put the time into training (as many of us do) but I think it’s go to go into puppy/dog ownership with open eyes. I have to confess that although I knew it was going to be difficult at the start I didn’t fully appreciate what I was getting into - much like when we had DC1. Fortunately there’s an excellent puppy support thread on MN where we hold each other’s hands through the good times and the not so good times Smile

Pugfostermum · 16/03/2022 17:26

Puppies are hard work…….
People who work full time outside the home, leave the dog at home alone and then expect the dog to be calm and restful in the evenings will have problems.

Dog ownership should be a privilege, not a right.
So many people get a dog because they fancy it at the time.

It’s a massive commitment and involves a lot of compromise.

It’s amazing when you have the right attitude and approach though.

A puppy with young children would be extremely hard work.

LadyCatStark · 16/03/2022 17:40

We have a Labrador who is one on Saturday and it has been and still is really hard but we love him so damn much it makes up for the hard bits.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 16/03/2022 18:57

Dogs are fantastic but too many people underestimate what a commitment they are, and many pick a breed for their looks rather than for their energy levels, needs and personality.

Do your research, do your training and be realistic about how tough it can be in the early months and you'll be fine.

Nothing beats a dog Smile

MimsyBorogroves · 16/03/2022 19:01

I have a lab. Got him when he was 12 weeks. He is the best dog I've ever owned. We have done lots of daily training, lots of calmness work and lots of brain games. He doesn't jump up, doesn't chew, hasn't gone through that puppy sharky phase.

We got a good trainer from day 1 - more to train me (even though he's my 7th dog) than him.

He likes a good walk every day. He loves a swim. He needs to keep his brain active, but he's never a pain in the arse.

I do think he's not typical of the breed, though - however I have put lots of work in.

crispmidnightpeace · 16/03/2022 20:00

Dogs are like children who never grow up. They are pack animals so need to sleep alongside their pack to be happy, and if not they will cry and moan. If you let them then kiss goodbye to any space in your bed. They want long walks and constant attention. I don’t have the time. Therefore I've not adopted a dog, and many dogs need homes but sorry I just can't. I want to be able to go to the pub, spend the night out of the house, sleep in a bed with just my partner, not listen to any barking, and not walk around carrying little bags of poop. If you enjoy any of all of these things by all means get a dog. If you don’t then have fun either not having a dog or feeling guilty for neglecting a dog’s needs.

livingthegoodlife · 16/03/2022 20:03

My beautiful Lab boy is 12. We both worked full time when we got him & no kids. I juggled walking before work, lunch time walk & play & after work walk. Then luckily I was allowed to take him to office with me.

We put a lot of time into training him. He is calm, docile, walks nicely, retrieves toys, calm at home & generally perfect.

We put a lot of time into him. We had kids when he was about 5 so well settled by then.

V happy dog owners here. We have recently got a daschund pup. So back to puppy training for us.

EdithStourton · 16/03/2022 20:24

DH and I both grew up with dogs, and have had our own dogs now for about 20 years.

They are bloody hard work - getting up at 6 in the middle of winter to walk them in the dark before work, rushing in from work to rush out again to walk and train them before it gets dark again, picking up poo, being woken at 5 on a bright summer morning because it's light, dontcha know, and therefore time for walkies...

On the other hand, they are endlessly entertaining, force us to take exercise in the fresh air and are, mostly, a pleasure to have around. I do a lot of training with them, and just enjoy their company. I've seen beautiful bits of countryside because of them, wonderful dawns and sunsets.

I'd hate the house without a dog in it.

ChessMaster3000 · 16/03/2022 20:38

You could be describing dogs or kids in your original post. I like the ones I've got (dog and kids) but never, ever, again, on both counts. It's really hard work.

XelaM · 16/03/2022 20:51

I absolutely adore dog ownership 🥰 (ours has just turned one). He's my little boy and I love him just as much as my human baby Blush He is an absolute dream of a dog - has been very easy to potty train, never chewed or destroyed anything in the house, loves everyone (kids/adults/dogs/small and large animals of all types). Al he wants to do is snuggle up and sleep most of the day (unless you offer him to run around outside which he also loves). He just adapts to anything you offer him and can be taken anywhere or left alone for a few hours. We took him on holiday by car through Europe and he just slept in the back seat. He is simply the best 😍

OnTopOfThePiano · 16/03/2022 21:01

My pup is the absolute best! BUT they are hard work go in with eyes open… as you are and you’ll be fine!

Have a look at the puppy survival threads too! Find a good trainer and have lessons from pretty much day 1
I love easy peasy puppy book, no nonsense and as we all know its owners that need training not the dogs Grin

ilovesushi · 16/03/2022 21:51

Love our doggo. She's one year and one month. I wasn't a novice dog owner, but I hadn't had a working breed before and she needs a lot of input way more than I could have imagined. I also didn't realise how much would fall to me and it can be exhausting - walks, training, games. She is fab except when she is being a naughty teenager and all the training seems to go out the window. Love walking through the forest with her or watching her run in and out the sea. Lovely having her snuggled up next to me or lying on feet in the evening.

tabulahrasa · 16/03/2022 22:12

You get a lot of negative posts about dog ownership because people post when they’re struggling or when they’re considering getting one but haven’t really thought it through properly.

Not many people really post going, Dog’s are brilliant!!! Because yeah they are, but you’d not post about it particularly, lol.

It’s a bit like kids really, harder work than you’d think before you get one - but worth it.

iwant2bfree · 16/03/2022 22:29

I've always had dogs ever since I was a child. We had a rescue 'mongrel' who'd been abused and dumped then have always had rotties and now I have an American bulldog (yes I'll probably get hate for this, but it's not the breed it's the irresponsible/crappy owners that tarnish a dogs reputation). I've had her from being an 8 week old pup and she's now 3.... training never stops (she still pulls on the lead and jumps up but not as much as she used to) and it's been hard at times but I wouldn't be without her. She'll sleep in her own bed in the living room or in my bed (whichever i allow on the day) can be left all day when I'm at work/out, great around kids (although I'd never leave ANY dog with a child unsupervised) and she gives the BEST cuddles.

Girlintheframe · 17/03/2022 07:14

Dog ownership is fantastic! I absolutely love it.

I think things go wrong for some people as they don't put in enough training, have unrealistic expectations and don't choose a dog appropriate to their lifestyle.

Dogs take up a lot of time and money but i honestly wouldn't be without ours. If you pick your breed wisely and put in the time needed for training you can end up with a fantastic addition to your family. Ours is an absolute joy and we adore him.

GuyFawkesDay · 17/03/2022 07:49

Don't get me wrong, FawkesPup can be a 9 month old (teenage) flappy eared arsehole.

He is also the sweetest and most affectionate lad. We are lucky to have some good boarders nearby and live quite rurally so have plenty of places to get out and about with him....cracking loose walking is a WIP as with any young dog but he's added to the family.

BiteyShark · 17/03/2022 07:57

Of course you are going to get more negative posts on here as this is a forum and people post for help and support with their dogs just as other people post in topics covering problems for parenting/relationships/money/property etc.

Justcashnosweets · 17/03/2022 08:04

I've always had older rescues most of my adult life. They have all been an absolute joy, some needing a bit more work than others,but still wonderful to have around. Anyone I know at the moment who has got a puppy is having a hard time with them, and thats with consistent work and training. I would always go for a rescue if you can, especially if you are new to dog ownership.

SirChenjins · 17/03/2022 10:14

@Justcashnosweets

I've always had older rescues most of my adult life. They have all been an absolute joy, some needing a bit more work than others,but still wonderful to have around. Anyone I know at the moment who has got a puppy is having a hard time with them, and thats with consistent work and training. I would always go for a rescue if you can, especially if you are new to dog ownership.
Unfortunately the rescue centres we spoke to we’re looking for experienced owners - with so many people after every dog they could pick and choose, so as first time dog owners we didn’t get anywhere. That’s why we went for a puppy - and I suspect there’s many like us.
VampireMoney · 17/03/2022 10:47

I own American Akitas. They're brilliant family dogs, stubborn but so intelligent and very gentle around the little ones. They don't realise their size and try to sit on your knee, they also like trying to sit on the window ledge so they can judge people walking past. They are like very big (very fluffy) cats. Mine are quite lazy so after a decent run the the morning they're dead for the rest of the day! Another quick walk in the evening and they're out like lights til 7am.

I think where people fall down is when they have these expectations of what owning a dog will be like. And 9/10 it's not how you imagine. Unless you've imagined mountains of poop and being woken at 5am and not owning any clothes that don't have dog hair on them. They can be needy and bad mannered (particularly in their teens!!) but if you can get them past that bit (most of them) are a pleasure.

I appreciate that some dogs even with training and behaviourists and whatnot will still be a wild card, but I think we only see that on here because as others have said people post here when things are going wrong more than when things are going right!

My dogs are brilliant. You just have to stick with it through the rough bits - of which there will be many. But there'll also be cuddles, zoomies, cute interactions, loyalty and tons of love.