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.

Its not that you are "getting a dog" so much as having a major lifestyle change

That you, as the owner, are responsible for their behavior.
If someone doesn't want your dog approaching them, and is actively trying to avoid the dog it is your responsibility to get your dog under control. Swearing at the increasingly uncomfortable person and telling them they are "fucking stupid, its only trying to say hello" is not appropriate.

They have feelings and emotional needs not just a physical need to be fed and walked.

Unless abused or raised badly, they are sociable animals who should be able to meet dogs and down friendships/play together. Whether that be by you're having more dogs or socialising with other dogs when you're out.

Dogs enjoy variety. Walked around the same block three times a day every day is soul destroying.

That the puppy stage is bloody hard, they need endless time and play, they bite and will make you cry - that crates are actually great when used properly, that they limit your life but not in a bad way (we spend more time at home and outside now), that not everyone loves your dog or wants them in their house, that they are truly amazing for teenagers (and everyone else) but you have to watch them with small children, even if you think they are 'good'. That a walk may be a hassle to you but is their favourite part of the day.

I admit that before getting a dog, I didn’t realise quite how much our lives would change and it’s not for a short period of time, you could be looking at 10-15 years.

Costs. Properly plan out every cost: food, insurance, kennels, grooming. Make a spreadsheet.

Don’t get a dog then complain about vet costs and crowd source money.

Picking up dog poo might make you urge especially huge poops or squishy ones. 💩

Clearing up dog poo from your back yard is not for the faint hearted. (If that’s where they “go,” you must do it daily or risk flys and associated health risks.)

If in doubt, don’t even think about dog ownership. Just don’t.

Definitely consider the cost, vets fees, bedding, equipment, treats, toys, doggy day care, walking service etc are all non-negotiable and needs consideration.

That you need to train them on lots of different things, and do it consistently, from a young age, daily or close to.

I'm shocked by how many dog owners there are who complain about separation anxiety then just go 'well we left them alone a few times while we went to the shops since they were a puppy but they've never liked it' and that's the full extent of them 'teaching' their dog to be safe and secure on their own.

I spent years planning and preparing to get my first dog and I still wobbled in the first few weeks. I thought 'is this how it's going to be for the next 10 - 12 years?!' Those feelings do pass if you've really done your research and prep and picked the right dog.

Walking with a dog looked wonderful when it was theoretical. The reality, for an active dog, is that it's not as relaxing as it looks, keeping tabs on them and making sure they (and everyone else around them) is okay.

I love how he smells (even when he's wet) but the damage to my home from the hair he has shed is considerable (I have carpet). And he's not even a breed that sheds very much! Dogs also cause a lot of wear and tear on the interior of cars.

He is the very best thing ever, worth every sacrifice, but I have spent almost every day he is with me worrying about his old age and eventual death. This has been an exercise in hoping for the best but I definitely appreciate every day I have him.

The most surprising thing, for me, has been that he has taught me a lot about self-acceptance. I struggle with my weight. He doesn't but that's because I control what he eats. If he could, he'd eat and eat and eat. I figure, if the most wonderful living creature in the world can't self-regulate, maybe I'm not so terrible that I struggle with the same thing. I feel it's something we have in common and it helped me to be more compassionate towards myself!

Absolutely agree.

I was prepared in the sense that I knew I might get a dog with issues and need to pay for a behaviourist - I wasn't prepared to find that very little has helped and that we have to manage every situation the dog is in. And how sad that would make me because I just know he's not a happy dog unless he's just at home with me and/or DH.

Having a dog is a lifestyle choice. They don't just slot in to your life and you have to adapt to their needs. They train you just as much as you train them.

Insurance is vital, and make sure you update the total covered as your dog ages (I made a huge mistake there and ended up with a much larger bill to cover than I should have). Vet bills are large and for all you think you will be calm and logical, when the animal you love is in pain or ill, you will do everything you can to help them.

Watching your dog age and eventually die is heartbreaking. Dogs live for far too short a time.

That all dogs, regardless of breed or size , need socialisation and training.

That extending leads are the work of the devil

That having two at different ages and stages leads to a lot of additional walking.

That watching them when they are ill or elderly will break your heart

That they are simply wonderful creatures- they have the ability to live in a human world and also to socialise with their own kind using their own ‘langusge’

This is me, 5 dogs in and now a reactive 3 year old, he's a bloody nuisance and we have amended our life to suit his nervous needs.

It's been a learning experience for sure.

And I'm sick to death of other dog owners thinking it's a simple "fix" it's his entire personality and after 3 behaviour "experts" all suggesting everything from electric collars to letting him bark it out, we have found our own lovely calm approach and have a happy calm boy at home.

It depends what you feed them. Ddog doesn't smell, well I mean she has a slightly pleasant sent, but if someone gives her titbits or there is a change in her diet, yes she can absolutely honk! If she gets wet she honks too, oh and eating cat shit makes her wreak....otherwise she doesn't smell, she is disgusting in many ways though, and I sometimes wonder why I give her house space, then she looks up at me with her huge brown eye and gives me her paw, and I know beyond doubt why I give her house space!

For me, it's 100% do all you can to understand 1. breed traits; and also be prepared for 2. differing personality types. I naively thought consistent training from puppyhood would be enough to end up with the easy, steady dog I eventually wanted.

My lack of appreciating 1. means the prey drive has been a real shock, and 2. has meant I was unprepared for life with a dog that is simply obsessed with other dogs. These things cannot be trained out of her—I've tried over and over again.

In my defence she's a mongrel so there were a lot of breed traits to take into consideration and things could have worked out differently. But still, if you're getting a dog, especially a known breed, really consider the possible negatives of the breed.

I agree had my two dogs since pups. One is 15 one is 13 and one that is 15 now has kidney issues great still but keeps peeing in the house. No matter how many times I let them out even in middle of night. Plus my other one if I don’t let them out middle of night will poop in flat. I can see them changing shit as they got older.
when you have disabilities to I am finding it harder now with them as one since getting older is vry fussy with food and he has to have renal food, but I have to sit watch him as the other one would pinch food left and the fussy one will walk away and not eat if I don’t encourage him which wears me out as he keeps walking away from his food

Aw my terrier right now is 15 and I am so with this as you can see them getting frailer

That losing them is heart wrenching.
Its 10 months since my ddog passed unexpectedly (lymphoma) and I still tear up over him

They can cost a lot
You can't be spontaneous - have to include the dogs needs
They can smell

You will love them more than you can imagine
One day they will break your heart and you will have to live without them

I would class leaving a dog in a crate all day (or with a short respite when the dogwalker comes) as cruelty and neglect.

The longer i have my dog, the more I think that very few people can give dogs the life they deserve, and I include myself in that. I don't think i'll have another although it will be hard. I think for most dogs, maybe bar a lap dog, they need to have freedom to roam and find their own stimulation. 'Being there' is not enough. I work from home but don't give mine nearly enough stimulation and I feel really bad about it.

They are a ready made broken heart. Cherish them because i cannot tell you how much you will miss them when they are gone.

That not everyone likes them.

You need to know that not everyone loves your dog. If you allow it to jump up on people expect to shouted at. If you allow it to wander around a pub expect others to give it food, don't have a hissy fit because your dogs tummy is upset by pork scratchings so it only has organic golden eggs. Pet insurance doesn't pay for everything.

That you will have to pick up poo about 15,000 times. You cannot walk away and leave it ever.