What do you wish people knew about dogs before getting one?

[JamSandle]

Mine would probably be...they need a lot more love and exercise than most people can realistically give.

That your house will smell. And yes, it does .

They are bloody hard work, it's not just physical exercise, it's the mental stimulation too.
But they are bloody amazing and we don't deserve them 🩷

You can have had several dogs before with no issues .Then you get one with separation anxiety and life gets so difficult. No you can't just let them bark it out

That they need company and bark when lonely (as well as for other reasons). NDNs pay heed.

As a negative I'd point out that it's not good for them mentally to be left alone in a crate all day every day. And yeah I know, I'll probably get some hate for this one...

As a positive I'd say the obvious ones - the more time you spend with your dog, the stronger the bond will become and (just as with little kids), the more you talk to them the more they will learn. Not just short commands but whole phrases.

Finally, particularly if you have a large or giant breed, please read up on the risks of bloat - it could save your dog's life and save you a lot of heartache.

That they are happier being treated like dogs and knowing where they are in the pack or family. Which should be at the bottom.

That just like in humans; Google diagnosing, social media diagnosing/advice and taking advice on medical conditions online etc, is stupid, dangerous and irresponsible.

If you are that worried about your dog, you take it to the vet. You don’t mess about trying to save a few quid because you don’t want to stump up vets fees. If you can’t afford emergency out of house care for your dog (or any pet) then you can’t afford a pet. End of. Pets deserve the best medical care they can get, not arm chair diagnosis from mumsnet.

How to buy a puppy properly. I’m in a few FB groups for my particular dog’s breed and the number of people who bought a puppy online without ever meeting the mother is just depressing. Or who bought a puppy which is a colour not possible in the breed (merle, in spaniels) because it is cute and “unusual”, so they didn’t even read up on the basics of what a healthy puppy in this breed would look like.

I wish more people understood that dogs are a huge commitment in time, money and energy. They aren't toys to keep kids happy, and as intelligent beings need mental and physical exercise. You need infinite patience and consistency with dogs.

I also wish that more people would adhere to the law and keep their dog on a lead on public roads. Your well trained dog can always be startled and bolt or chase an unsuspecting animal leading tp tragic consequences. I've witnessef this several times on the quiet road that goes through my village. You aren't clever showing off that your dog doesn't need a lead, why risk it?

Your off lead dog jumping up and being a nuisance to others isn't funny and reflects on your attitude towards others.

On a red hot day it probablly isn't the best idea to go running or cycling with your dog in the middle of the day.

That they are a commitment for up to 20 years, by which time they will probably walk incredibly slowly, require meds, soft diet, smell more, fart more and need to go out to wee in the night.
I can’t imagine life without a dog but imo their needs come pretty close to a child’s needs. Yes, it’s a dog and bottom of the pecking order but their needs cannot be dismissed.
Also, if your dog needs a vet, it needs a vet. Vet appointments/treatment can be hugely expensive and pet insurance isn’t cheap.

They dont slot in to your life. You have to shape your life around the dog.

They need 2/3 walks a day, you cant just go out in to town for a day without sorting dog cover...same with holidays, they can be expensive.

And you'll love them and you'll eventually lose them. It can be very tough.

That dogs can be reactive despite the best efforts of the owner. I was a little smug about how amazing some of my dogs have been and ended up almost broken by my first reactive dog and how difficult it was to understand or help her.

It was eye opening to be the person, not with the calm, chilled pupster, but the one hanging on to a lead for dear life as my girl lunged, twirled, barked and growled for no obvious reason. I thought I knew dogs. I now know just how much I still have to learn.

They have however, without question, all been worth it.

Anal glands...that's all I'm gonna say.

Oh no no no

sorry no

impossible!

🤣🤣🤣

I hear you.

🤢

my dog suffered with this, well
i say suffered but really it was me when they popped on me. The fishy metallic smell eurgh

That you simply didn't know what your dog's personality is going to be. You might want a lovely, friendly dog that greets your visitors with delight but end up with a fear reactive one that means you can no long have anyone over to the house at all.

Your house will smell and you won’t always realise - they will smell in ways you can’t imagine
they live a long time
they are all different
you’ll forgive them even when they’ve chewed your new sandals, your table leg 🤦‍♀️ etc
no one will ever be as pleased to see you as your dog is

It's a whole adult persons life in the space of up to 15 or so years. Baby, toddler, teenager, adult, retired, elderly, frail, gone. 😢

You never know the dog you are going to get. Just because you grew up with a breed or your mate has one and they are super chilled, does not mean if you get one it will be like that. It might be reactive or have separation anxiety or not like kids and you have to be prepared to take that on, not just an easy dog.

That they're a tie - between 8 and 18 years (depending on breed) of having a furry toddler, for whom you need to make good arrangements if you are going to go out for more than about 4 hours at a time.

That even if you've been around dogs a lot, you'll all benefit enormously from good-quality puppy classes (or parallel for older dog if you're settling and retraining a rescue). The investment in the early months is a huge factor in what your dog is like for the whole of the rest of their life.

That "pack" theory in terms of dominance is debunked as rubbish, but that feeling secure with their pack (ie you, your family and those they see regularly) is really important. They want to belong, and want to be in company.

That ideally you want to have 2, the jump from one to two is a bit harder than the jump from two to three...or four.
Once you have two ( or more ) it's hard to imagine the day you will only have one.

And it's not just parents that have eyes in the back of their head, most dog owners do too :)

I've read somewhere something along the lines of "You've got your friends, your family, your job, your hobbies, your dog only has you" I think it sums up quite well the responsability we have towards them.

Also, they're freaking expensive.

Watching them get old breaks your heart

That you should choose a breed/type carefully not just go on looks.
That people's would find out how to responsibly find a puppy.
That they’re dogs not people and are happier if treated as such.
How awful the grief is when they die.