Talk some sense into me

[Kaffiene]

Remind me all the bad things about having a dog….
I always had dogs growing up and my adult life until 3 years ago. Relationships broke up, moved into temp housing with my kids and my ex rehomed my dog before I could sort anything. To be honest it was a bit of a relief not to have the additional responsibilities but 3 years on, we are more settled and the kids are a bit more independent and really miss having a dog.
we have a rescue cat we have had for over a year.
my oldest child has visual impairment and we are eligible for a buddy dog from guide dogs. A buddy dog is a dog who failed guide dog training but still a well trained family pet. Guide dogs still own the dog but we would have to cover routine expenses. Guide dogs would pay for any non routine expenses and match us with a dog suited to our family.
I swore I would never get a puppy again, but this seems to tick all the positives and reducing the negatives….
i am a single parent, I work part time mainly from home, all my years of dog ownership mean I still take myself out for a walk rain or shine. There is usually someone home.
Urgh apart from the hair remind me why this could be a bad idea.

I was all ready with a list of terrible things, but I’ll be honest, this sounds great..

@Macey9 Not helping!!!

I agree - sounds absolutely perfect. Hair is clean! Just keep up with regular grooming this time of year as my Labs have always moulted their winter coats about now. Good luck - you are going into this having thought about it .

I can list the negatives-

getting up in the night
accidents
chewing
stubborn stage
cost

But you won’t get any of that so definitely go for it. !!

only other negative is…. Walks in the rain?

oh sorry just seen your fine with that. Then no your good.

Honestly it sounds a good option but you asked for negatives so here are the 3 biggies I think

holidays even overnights else where - do you see yourself going on vacation or what about when kids are teens and going to Uni. What happens if your job or a new job requires you to be in the office? Then what support do you have for doggy sitting.

Also think 15 years out - what life stages will you have gone through or be about to go through? What about housing during that time? How settled are you long term?

And finally the expenses- vet bills especially if something big happens can you afford to cover it?

I’ve had a think and it sounds perfect, sorry!
You might have to get a new vacuum cleaner for the hair but apart from that……nope, no downsides
Buddy dogs don’t ever retire, do they? Like Guide Dogs have to?

This sounds amazing. You know it does!

DDog has got me up because she needed a poo at 5.50 am. I’m having to deal with a few things at the moment, haven’t slept well and could have really done with an extra hour in bed!

You’re going to say that you are an early riser anyway aren’t you?

Muddy feet, hairy floor, taking over the bed....

Restrictions as you can just leave home for unlimited periods ..

Having a dog is a bit like having children, except the dog will likely be better behaved 😁

There are no real downside to having a dog... I would never be without my hairy boy because he brings so much warmth and comfort into my life

A lot of the negatives that apply to getting a dog won’t apply in this case, sorry!
The dog will have gone through a lot of training and be chosen for it’s calm nature to be a buddy dog, so you won’t get a bouncy puppy. It will be over the chewing and getting up too early stage.
It’s just the hair…get a really good vacuum.

Guide dogs cover the vet bills and there are also guide dogs boarding pages on facebook the OP can join to get holiday cover. Try harder 😂

Do it and post pics.

Go for it! Unless you want to go on 5 holidays abroad every year and struggle with finding holiday care for the dog.

I can't stand dogs. But for your family I have to say it does sound like a good idea to get a dog.

Dang, so nope there's no negatives - I want her to get the dog 🐕

They're evil little bastards that lure you in with their big eyes, loving smile/grin, fluffy coats and cuddles...and then when you least suspect it, they shove you off the bed at 2 in the morning.

Don't get one.

It’s extra responsibility—vet visits, fur everywhere, muddy paws, and the occasional chaos. But honestly? It sounds like you’re ready. A buddy dog seems like the perfect fit: well-trained, low risk, and great for your family’s needs. If it feels right, maybe it’s not a bad idea at all.

The 'failed' guide dog sounds perfect. They will be beyond the bouncy puppy chewing stage. You only need to know why they failed training, but I'm certain that Guide dogs wouldn't match you with a dog with major problems, possibly they are easily distracted by food or people, maybe nervous of sudden loud noises - it will be something relatively minor. They will be house-trained, trained to reliably come when called, will be trained to walk on the lead. All the work done for you.

I’m another who’s not helping but this sounds perfect.

Obviously it comes down to if you want a dog but if you getting one that’s already trained with all the back up needed from guide dogs is the absolute best way to do it.

Nope. Sorry. No negatives just lots of lovely positives.

Awaiting photos …..

You might get a labradoodle who doesn't shed!

I’m raising a guide dog puppy at the moment. He’s leaving us in June or July as is nearly a year old now. We’ve been told if he fails to become a guide dog he will likely become a buddy dog instead.

The failed guide dogs are beautiful. All the guide dog puppies I’ve met have had lovely temperaments & they have been brought up in loving homes with access to vets or professional dog trainers for any small issue (free to the puppy raisers). They can fail for quite small reasons like a minor health issue ( allergies for example) or because they get nervous in busy town centres.

To turn you off … our puppy does shed a lot, he’s a Lab cross Golden Retriever. My house will need a deep clean after he goes. But we love him … I think this is a good idea for your family as long as you’re not too house proud!

Thanks for all the replies! So I don’t think anyone has managed to come up with a negative apart from the hair situation! My friend has a buddy dog who failed because they don’t like being in the car for longer than an hour. You are fully informed and matched with your dog.
We usually take one holiday abroad each year for a week and the rest are in the UK so no problem taking the dog. My older child generally prefers to be at home anyway so older comes abroad.
I have down the first 2 interviews and am booked in for a longer call, will keep you posted!

@Kaffiene - wonderful news!
And if the hair is a problem- just get one of those animal vacuum cleaners! Then you can pretend that there isn't any hair around!

Good Luck @Kaffiene

I guess dogs are also a bit of a tie when you want to go out - though these pups should also have been trained in being left alone in the house for up to 4 hours.