Positive puppy/dog ownership

[Riverlee]

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?!

I’ve had dogs for over 30 years and I would say you get out what you put in. Also realistic expectations, there will be dog poo to clean up (including accidents in the house at first) and hair on every item of clothing and often in your dinner as well. You will lose some of the spontaneity you may have had previously, as the dog’s needs will have to be considered every time you want to go out/away for the weekend/on holiday etc, but honestly that’s all easily sorted if you are sensible and practical.

Puppyhood is definitely the most difficult time, but it doesn’t last forever and if you put the effort in you will have a loving, loyal companion who will make it all worthwhile and then some.

As a first time dog owners, I would recommend booking yourself in with a positive 1:1 dog trainer as soon as possible. Some even do pre-puppy appointments to help you make sure you are all set up and ready to go. Start as you mean to go on, working with someone who knows what they are doing and can support you if you need advice and most of all, don’t be too uptight about it all. What young puppies need most is love, security and consistency, yes they need training and socialisation as well, but first and foremost they need to feel safe and that they can always trust you to have their backs, that’s what builds confidence, which ultimately is one of the most important traits of a contented, well adjusted dog. The good news is, this means (despite what some people might suggest) lots of cuddles, fun games and interactions that are rewarding for both of you. Yes, it can be exhausting having a puppy, in the same way as it can be having a toddler BUT having a puppy should be fun and rewarding as well.

I am sure you will be fine, as you said in your op, if dogs are really that awful to live with, why would people like me and countless others in The Doghouse carry on having them.

My family is hurting at the moment from the loss of our very old boy yesterday. First time we have not had a dog in over 33 years, but we are all agreed that, when we have had some time to grieve and feel ready, we will be opening our hearts and home to another dog without hesitation.

First time puppy owner here and honestly the first few weeks were really tough. But honestly I absolutely adore him and wouldn't be without him. It's a lot of work and you have to be prepared to put it in and be consistent. And obviously consider that it does mean no last minute plans you can't take along to. But just plan trips, have a good dog Sitter at the ready and it's fine. We have a 5 month old whippet and he's just amazing.

We have older kids and we researched the breed and really thought about what would suit us.

Our lab is 1. Despite training and lots of walking play and more training, it’s just not going right. He’s very restless so there is never a point at which he will just settle at your feet (I’ve tried settle training for the last 6 months and not getting anywhere). He’s either full on looking for something to chew (furniture/food/me) or he’s asleep. There is no in-between. When we take him out for walks (he has about 2 hours a day) often he sits and refuses to move if he doesn’t fancy the direction we are going in. I’ve tried treat streaming, one to one training, heel training, standing still for 10 mins before he makes up his mind to move, read lots of books on the subject and nothing works. Tonight I just thought admit defeat. Maybe it would be kinder to him to re-home him. It’s frustrating and I feel an abject failure. I knew there was dog adolescence but it does seem from all the posts that by 1 things are a bit better.

@dnac that sounds so hard! I think dogs' teenage years last beyond one, so hopefully he's just being a stroppy teen! Our lab is pretty full on but she goes to a doggy daycare a couple of times a week which she loves and it wears her out in a good way. Maybe you could investigate that? At least it would give you a break.

@dnac
Hang in there, our lab is now 19 months and I’m starting to see a glimmer of light ( it’s dim but there!) I wasn’t prepared for such a tough adolescence, our last puppy died before hitting adolescence so I think we were a bit naive , also lockdown didn’t help.
His problems are different from your dogs, he’s very nervous and was reactive , have worked hard with a trainer and he’s starting to improve, will never be an agility dog ( tunnels might eat him) but I can see he’s able to settle and concentrate more now than a few months ago !
Loads of people say labs are around 2 before they calm down

Certainly true of a friends female lab who was destructive, ate everything in her path and mouthed everybody, she’s now 3 and so much better

Also decent lab sized natural chews and Kongs help with the settle
Large buffalo ears or tracheas

Took our dog to a horse show today, as my daughter was competing and he was amazing 🤩 so proud of him. There were loads of horses/dogs/kids/adults/loud music/huge horse lorries/trailers etc and he was incredibly calm and took everything in his stride. Just wanted to be part of the action and watch the competition

🥰

@XelaM my dog would be so jealous! He absolutely adores horses. He went to a show as a puppy that had a horse show as part of it and he just sat and watched for ages 🥰.

I'm not very keen on dogs, but ours is fine. Massive positive benefit to the children's emotion and mental well-being.

I did a lot of breed research - we wanted a mid-size dog, who didn't shed, was trainable, fetched balls, didn't drool and was good with other pets.
Ended up with an Australian Labradoodle, we waited on the breeders list for 18 months.

I spent a long time training and socialising him and he's now pretty easy. But you need time with them. Little point getting a dog if you're not around much.

Tne only time we now find him difficult is on the beach - he doesn't like the water, but gets very overexcited. So we leave him behind when we go on holiday.

My dog is 2 and was an angel from the start. That didn't take away the shock of the responsibilities and demands but it gets easier as your love grows.

What I would say is make sure to train your puppy as soon as you get them. The more they learn early, the easier it gets. It is so worth the investment.

We spent a lot of time and energy teaching her recall, command, taking her off the lead, travelling, getting used to other dogs, people, etc...At two, she is the easiest dog ever.

First time dog owner here with a 13 week old cockapoo puppy. So double whammy re MN voice of doom. Frankly I’d look elsewhere for more realistic advice. We did from masses of dog owning friends and friends who work with dogs.

My experience is the negative picture created on here is over the top at times but you do need planning and research and need to be ready to adapt. You also need to choose the breed right for you and look at your circumstances.

Best but of advice for us was the Easy Peasy Puppy Squeasy book and making sure she realises we are in control. So we are kind but firm. Take things gradual.

Look at your circumstances. My husband works from home and I have long holidays so she’s never really left. We’ve had to crate and leave her 3 times so far for max 3 hours. She didn’t like it but coped and it’s important she learns to. My husband already sleeps downstairs because of my snoring😂 so her crate is fairly near to him. As such nights haven’t been that hard and she hops into her crates at 11 now. First couple were tough.

She’s fab in the car but is harnessed on a seat on her blanket with a toy. Crating in the back would have made it so much harder. She does an hour round school run trip with teens 2x a day now and loves it.

2 x 15min walks so far which are easy to fit in. We can’t wait for longer. She has loads of toys, downstairs is puppy safe so she has the run of it and the garden so amuses herself a lot. Toilet training is nothing compared to doing it with toddlers. Just get enzyme spray and follow the book. We’re nearly there.

Worst thing is keeping an eye on her in the garden( we have tulips and other dodgy plants) but we have a playpen for emergencies. Also her nipping( tiny teeth so not a big deal) when over excited and stealing my slippers whilst on my feet! Zero tolerance with time out so that is waning a lot.

I’d choose your breeder carefully. Ours is well known for well socialised puppies. She’s fab with other dogs and humans. We kept her well socialised from day one with visitors.

We couldn’t imagine life without her now. Wish I’d done it before. I never really liked dogs, didn’t get the fuss but I’m so smitten and in love with her. We all are( I have 3 teens).One of my children has been in hospital a lot the past 2 years. The transformation in her well-being is amazing. We’re so looking forward to sharing all our favourite places with her.She’s part of our pack now.😍

I grew up with dogs and we had wanted one for ages but waited until DC were secondary age, DH was here permanently (he was working abroad for a while), researched breeds etc. It was still a massive shock to the system! Much as I knew it would be hard I did struggle a lot the first month, it really was like baby blues and I doubted we’d done the right thing numerous times…… Thank goodness for the lovely puppy survival posters, it makes you feel better knowing what you feel is normal and great advice.

He’s now 4 months and I just adore him, life is so much easier now we can go for walks. He makes us all smile and laugh countless times a day.

But our lifestyle is totally different, everything revolves around the dog!! He’s pretty good at being out and about so we can still do pub lunches and socialising but it’s not as easy obviously. He’s a very high energy breed which I love but it means he needs a lot of attention and supervision. Puppy pre school 2 mornings a week is a lifesaver!

What we thought was our border collie puppy would fit in with our lifestyle, when in fact we’ve fitted into his. Thought we would still be able to go on holiday and leave with adult sons, but we would miss him too much and secondly, he needs more attention than my sons would be able to give. I also think people don’t realise a dog isn’t just for a few years, you are looking at approximately 10 years of walking in all weathers up to 3 times a day, never having a clean house and roughly up to £50 per week on food, treats, vets, toys, insurance etc.

£50 per week on insurance/food etc

Sorry- I hadn’t finished.

Is £50 a week standard? That’s more than I expected it to be🙈😭

Our boy lab is almost 3, and we got him at 9 weeks. We love him to bits and love thinking back about his puppy days. He was so adorable and cute, and we love seeing him grow into his mature self.
As we had cats and kids, rescue dogs weren’t easy to come by.

Yes it is hard work, and even though we prepared very well, we are still a bit amazed at how time consuming dog ownership is - although we have a working lab so not all dog needs walking as much as our ddog probably.
Dcs were 9 and 11, so a bit older and are able to stay home when I walk the dog which really helps. It would have been more of a struggle had they been younger and had to come on every walk.

I think our weekly cost is a lot cheaper then pp - I estimate roughly £20 a week on food, insurance. But add to that his holiday address (£25 a day) and a dog walker (£13 per walk), so yes not cheap..

Worth all money, time and effort 100 times over though 💖

@zippyswife

Sorry- I hadn’t finished.

Is £50 a week standard? That’s more than I expected it to be🙈😭

@zippyswife it depends on breed, size and what you choose to feed them. Plus of course things like dogsitters/kennels, dog walkers or daycare will add up if you need to use them. There are also vet bills that aren’t covered by insurance eg like vaccinations and worming or more minor illnesses that don’t reach the excess threshold for your insurance.

There are quite a few thread old threads in The Doghouse where people have listed their monthly dog-related outgoings, if you want to get a better idea.

I wasn't aware of "puppy blues" and brought up memories of post natal depression. Not saying it's the same!
Luckily they grow faster than kids so that inly lasted a few weeks.
Maybe read the support thread to get an idea.

Puppy-rearing can be quite intense when you're in the middle if it.

But it doesn't last that long really

I love puppies, the training, the energy, all of it. I always own German Shepherds, but I'm very active, so it's a breed that suits me. I have a 5 month old puppy, who is always on the go when he is awake. The puppy stage isn't that hard, as long as you remember to ensure the pup gets enough rest. Once you've toilet trained, make sure to never leave dpup unsupervised (much like a baby), it's just playing, feeding etc.

I love dogs, never had one that is aggressive, and never met one either.