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Tell me the best thing/s about having a dog

51 replies

painkiller86 · 20/06/2024 09:52

We are due to get a dog later this year (a Boxer) and sometimes I find myself a bit anxious and overthinking it.

Here are the facts:
One 6yo child (very keen on animals, gentle and loving and also understands when they need to be left alone
Countryside living - everyone here has dogs so enough space etc
Had the breed before, though a family pet so not as directly responsible - also had another boxer in the family and have had incredibly great experiences with both
I wfh three days a week (off the rest)
Husband wfh 2-3 days a week

I think it's just the massive change we will go through adjusting to a family pet. I need to add this was my idea and husband & child are very much on board and husband will share the care. Dogs are really really worth it right?

OP posts:
MonsteraMama · 20/06/2024 18:51

Oh everything, everything. I just couldn't be without them. They stink, everything I own is covered in hair, I had to get a robot to hoover and mop downstairs because I couldn't keep up with their pawprints, they're idiots (this is breed specific to my three to be fair) the Greyhound loves to dig up my garden, the Deerhound loves to yodel at the pigeons at 6am, the Borzoi is definitely a demon from the pits of hell pretending to be a dog.

But they're just wonderful. All of it is just so, so worth it.

They love us unconditionally. My daughter has grown up with the three greatest friends any outdoorsy kid could ask for. They keep me fit and active. They're so bloody funny, they have such great personalities. Watching them get the zoomies on the beach is a joy (you've got many zoomies to look forward to with a Boxer!). They're good company, they love cuddles, they're good shoulders to cry on because they'll just sit there and let you be disgusting and snotty and awful without judging you, their little snores and sleep woofs are the BEST THING. There's so many tiny things that make them wonderful pets and friends and companions. You're in for a hell of a journey but it'll be wonderful 😊

painkiller86 · 20/06/2024 22:15

I just had to google zoomies 😂😂😂

OP posts:
Supersoakers · 20/06/2024 22:21

I had a boxer and she was so special, amazing personality, absolutely bonkers and hilarious, so loving. She curled onto our laps firmly believing she was the size of a chihuahua.
Farts to melt your eyelashes, a serious drool problem and about 50 shits a day oh and can pull you over if she wants to get to a cat! Very affectionate and protective, great with kids. You’ll have your work cut out training but they’re intelligent even thought they do a great impression of being dumb!

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 20/06/2024 22:40

The best thing about having a dog is definitely the love he gives us and how much we love him.

It's also meant we're much more active and out and about in the country side.

That said we have a small, terrier who has been easy to train and is a very good boy.

The only boxers I know are completely bonkers 🙈😂

Elcoto · 20/06/2024 23:35

I used to live with a boxer (not mine). She was such fun. Super affectionate, jumped in the most amazing spirals at the prospect of going for a walk, so gentle. They are the clowns of the dog world. You’re going to have so much fun with your puppy. They’re brilliant dogs.

kindlyensure · 21/06/2024 10:21

Yes, I would say on the whole, dogs are really worth it, for all the above reasons. BUT I would caveat this by saying - they can take a while to be worth it.

I think it's good to be cautious and think it through carefully as you are obviously doing, but if you are anxious I would ask what your anxieties are and work out if a having a dog might trigger that. Because it is a massive lifestyle change.

There has to be at least one person in the family who absolutely unconditionally and equivocally will bat for the dog always. For whom they cannot survive without it. I say this because there will be times (during adolescence probably!) when you will wonder WTF you have taken on and that is the time when the dog's champion will step up and say, whatever happens (bar attacking, obvs!), we are keeping this dog.

The other thing I would say is - have a good infrastructure around you. So, (a bit like choosing your child's nursery before it is born!) check your area for puppy classes, boarders, walkers, join the local puppy facebook page to meet fellow new owners, see which local vet does puppy parties, is there a KC good citizen puppy training scheme near you? A dog park? All these things will support you and - in the case of a dog walker (or class), help your dog become a lovely sociable pup whilst also giving you a break.

Finally, on the separation anxiety. I have always found (others might disagree) that the more bonded a puppy is to me in the early days, means they are far more chill at being left later on. So that might mean sleeping with the pup for the first couple of months. However, I would also say that pups vary enormously and some pups (or breeds) can be more clingy than others.

Phew. Anyway, sorry for essay. But yeah, basically, I have had more fun owning a dog than not.

Cloclo93 · 21/06/2024 10:27

The totliet training at the start is the hard bit.. pee on your sofa your bed your rug poo in the kitchen the hall the carpet you need soooo much patience 😪 after that there great! So much love and cuddles, I have 3 dachshunds and my dd grew up with them she loves them more then I do!
1 is currently sleeping under the blanket with me 😂

Tell me the best thing/s about having a dog
aperolspritzbasicbitch · 21/06/2024 14:33

At the risk of sounding like an absolute loser - he really is my best friend.
I WFH and he's my company, my reason to get out and have some fresh air at lunch time.

He's not perfect, but he's such a good boy. The pride I feel when he's trained in to/out of a behaviour is ridiculous 🤣

Springwatch123 · 21/06/2024 14:36

“Puppy's are awful little gits - but you get a dog at the end - just hold on to that thought. “

yes, it’s easy to hear the nice things, but be prepared for puppy biting, cabin fever, the relentlessness, the sleepiness nights, the cost etc.

However, they are lovely.

whyhavetheygotsomany · 21/06/2024 15:25

I think some owners see walking every day as a chit but I see it as the best part of my day. There is nothing like me and my boy walking round the woods and across the fields. Just me and him I just love it. Dogs are the best.

whyhavetheygotsomany · 21/06/2024 15:26

Chore not chit !

AnnieSnap · 21/06/2024 19:26

Well said @kindlyensure

Clueless2024 · 21/06/2024 19:28

Dogs are the best companions & cuddle buddies.

daffodilandtulip · 21/06/2024 19:30

Life is easier without a dog.

Life is better with a dog.

QuickMember · 21/06/2024 19:44

Unconditional love is the best thing. We went through a big adjustment with a boisterous German Wire Haired Pointer. Daughter was 8 year old at the time and overwhelmed with him. Today, he is her best friend.

Watching puppy documentaries on TV helped in addition to just being patient over a period of time. EDIT being VERY patient!

Tell me the best thing/s about having a dog
BernadetteStBernard · 21/06/2024 19:51

Absolute unconditional love

They are always happy to see me when I get home - sometimes when I get in from work I am just done with people, don't want to speak to anyone, but their waggy tails, I can handle 😀

They get you out walking, every day, in nature, rain or shine

Cuddles - we have 2 large dogs, their cuddles are like cuddling an actual person

The smell of my dogs ears.....I just love it

I could go on 😍

ToLoveALabrador · 21/06/2024 19:55

kindlyensure · 21/06/2024 10:21

Yes, I would say on the whole, dogs are really worth it, for all the above reasons. BUT I would caveat this by saying - they can take a while to be worth it.

I think it's good to be cautious and think it through carefully as you are obviously doing, but if you are anxious I would ask what your anxieties are and work out if a having a dog might trigger that. Because it is a massive lifestyle change.

There has to be at least one person in the family who absolutely unconditionally and equivocally will bat for the dog always. For whom they cannot survive without it. I say this because there will be times (during adolescence probably!) when you will wonder WTF you have taken on and that is the time when the dog's champion will step up and say, whatever happens (bar attacking, obvs!), we are keeping this dog.

The other thing I would say is - have a good infrastructure around you. So, (a bit like choosing your child's nursery before it is born!) check your area for puppy classes, boarders, walkers, join the local puppy facebook page to meet fellow new owners, see which local vet does puppy parties, is there a KC good citizen puppy training scheme near you? A dog park? All these things will support you and - in the case of a dog walker (or class), help your dog become a lovely sociable pup whilst also giving you a break.

Finally, on the separation anxiety. I have always found (others might disagree) that the more bonded a puppy is to me in the early days, means they are far more chill at being left later on. So that might mean sleeping with the pup for the first couple of months. However, I would also say that pups vary enormously and some pups (or breeds) can be more clingy than others.

Phew. Anyway, sorry for essay. But yeah, basically, I have had more fun owning a dog than not.

Very wise words. Completely second this.

Broodywuz · 21/06/2024 20:11

For me the best thing about having a dog is the walking. I actually would say I need it for my mental and physical health. It fills me with soo much joy and satisfaction watching my dog run wild through the fields or woods (we live on a farm) then cuddle up at home after and be tired out.
If you get a puppy my advice would be socialise, socialise, socialise. Get her used to everything and everyone that she's likely to come into contact with in her life when she's young (by 16 weeks) and make sure it's all good experiences.

ToLoveALabrador · 21/06/2024 22:52

Springwatch123 · 21/06/2024 14:36

“Puppy's are awful little gits - but you get a dog at the end - just hold on to that thought. “

yes, it’s easy to hear the nice things, but be prepared for puppy biting, cabin fever, the relentlessness, the sleepiness nights, the cost etc.

However, they are lovely.

Well said!

MethuselahMum · 21/06/2024 23:06

All of the above and if DD is looking up at you (on sofa) from the floor with his big soppy eyes and you look at him then draw your eyes away, he looks away. You do a quick double-take and he does the same. Do this two or three times and he ends up looking at you like this: "WTF are you doing? .. what do you want? I'm supposed to be staring at you lovingly .. I'm a dog for Christ's sake".
Thus I amuse myself.

Also, when pottering in the kitchen I will talk to dog absent mindedly and if DS is in the room, he never fails to answer me in dog's voice. Most of the time I don't think DS can hear or is listening, but he always answers as DD. It's unfailingly funny.

They make you go out and are a perfect excuse to go out when you're trying to escape kids. Of course it's perfect on a day like today has been, but there are some beautiful days in autumn and winter when I probably wouldn't be out for a brisk walk if I didn't have a dog.

painkiller86 · 23/06/2024 08:27

kindlyensure · 21/06/2024 10:21

Yes, I would say on the whole, dogs are really worth it, for all the above reasons. BUT I would caveat this by saying - they can take a while to be worth it.

I think it's good to be cautious and think it through carefully as you are obviously doing, but if you are anxious I would ask what your anxieties are and work out if a having a dog might trigger that. Because it is a massive lifestyle change.

There has to be at least one person in the family who absolutely unconditionally and equivocally will bat for the dog always. For whom they cannot survive without it. I say this because there will be times (during adolescence probably!) when you will wonder WTF you have taken on and that is the time when the dog's champion will step up and say, whatever happens (bar attacking, obvs!), we are keeping this dog.

The other thing I would say is - have a good infrastructure around you. So, (a bit like choosing your child's nursery before it is born!) check your area for puppy classes, boarders, walkers, join the local puppy facebook page to meet fellow new owners, see which local vet does puppy parties, is there a KC good citizen puppy training scheme near you? A dog park? All these things will support you and - in the case of a dog walker (or class), help your dog become a lovely sociable pup whilst also giving you a break.

Finally, on the separation anxiety. I have always found (others might disagree) that the more bonded a puppy is to me in the early days, means they are far more chill at being left later on. So that might mean sleeping with the pup for the first couple of months. However, I would also say that pups vary enormously and some pups (or breeds) can be more clingy than others.

Phew. Anyway, sorry for essay. But yeah, basically, I have had more fun owning a dog than not.

Wonderful advice, thank you!

OP posts:
ToLoveALabrador · 25/06/2024 22:49

Great photo @Cloclo93

Springwatch123 · 26/06/2024 19:16

Taking photos of your dog is one of the nice things about owning them. I must take a photo most days!

FranticFrankie · 26/06/2024 19:25

I love love love my dog
He’s beautiful, clever, funny, naughty, cheeky and amazing
The zoomies are funny- had dogs before this one but they never ‘zoomed’
The puppy stage is hard work- like having a big hairy toddler but I wouldn’t swap him for anything 🐶

Strawberrypicnic · 26/06/2024 19:46

They are so amazing! You'll find yourself feeling like you could just stare at them for hours, all their silly little mannerisms that they do every single day yet they never get boring, they only get more loveable.

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