should we get a dog

dubgirl

Hi earwig, we have a dog (greyhound) and I wouldnt be without her for the world, however both I and OH wanted a dog and we have both been prepared to make sacrifices. dont feel badgered or pressured into getting one, they are a huge committment. It isnt just food and vet bills, who is going to clean up the dog poo in the garden, who is going to walk it when its the middle of winter and snowing - the dog is still going to want out. I think you need to talk about these issues with OH and children. I think it is easy for them to say they want a dog as they wont be doing the majority of the work. Also I would question the choice of breed - big and bouncy with a toddler about.
Could your kids look after a dog for someone just to see what it is like eg getting up early to walk it etc hopefully when the weather is bad!Might put them off.

Spendless

earwig wrote: »

its just how do i get it through to hubby and kids that it not a good idea

I'm also a sahm to a hard-work 7yo and a 4yo about to start f-time school, and have a husband with a job that is long hours and they started the dog conversation with me a few weeks ago. My reply was I've spent 7.5 years at home running round after kids and FINALLY when I am a tiny bit away from having some time to myself you want to get me a ****** dog. I don't ******** well think so. However you may wish to be more polite.;)

rog2

Spendless wrote: »

My reply was I've spent 7.5 years at home running round after kids and FINALLY when I am a tiny bit away from having some time to myself you want to get me a ****** dog. I don't ******** well think so.

Sounds like a good enough reason, Spendless. No need to be quite so diplomatic, though - just say what you really mean. :rolleyes:

pania

Very big resounding NO from me i'm afraid. A dog should be accepted in as a part of the family, not with fear and misgivings about care/temperament etc.

The dog would pick up on these fears and establish itself in the pack accordingly, either giving itself a high ranking position leaving you in exactly the position you fear, through no fault of the dogs, or become a very scared timid little thing which is not fair on the dog. Dogs, with the very rare odd exception, become what their owners make them, through lack of understanding of the dogs pack instinct or unwittingly giving the animal wrong messages. The fear you have for the temperament of the dog appears to be borne as a result of media, the dog is usually (and i emphasise that word) reacting to its environment and learned behaviour. and ends up getting put to sleep.

The children at their age would loose interest quite quickly and without the time or want to care for the dog it would, unintentionally i understand, be pushed to one side.

Although it is proven that animals can have an extrememly positive effect on children suffering the conditions your two are, I feel if you take one in it would be for all the wrong reasons.

There are plenty of charities around that look for people to walk the dogs or spend time with them, see if there is a rescue centre around near you.

I used to work with and train police dogs. The amount of time, dedication, training and care any dog requires to become a loyal and loving part of the family is immense. if your not committed to this don't do it.

Bluelad_2

Don't get one if you're unsure. We've had a puppy since February and now is 9 months old. Before I say anymore we love having him and am not for one minute saying that we don't want him.BUT.....it is far more of a committment than one can ever imagine....and they're no good at moneysaving. We were in the car the other day and worked out what we'd spent in 6 months £1200!! including cost of dog and delicate operation to ensure no unwelcome visits from the CSA.
still reckon I've got the good deal though. I like being out walking in any weather....and my wife picks up the poo.
I

beanielou

We have best of both worlds.
DS's dog lives mainly with his dad & we have him if hes away.
By the time dog goes home DS really doesent want to have to take him out so thats long enough!

MrsTinks

Have you tought about fostering a dog? Lots of rescues are often looking for temporary foster homes for their dogs. As you'd be a first time foster home they should place a well tested dog with you instead of an "unknown" which usually end up places like... uhm here... :rotfl:
I'm not saying you should get a dog, BUT this could be a chance for a matter of a few weeks to see how your family would cope with having a dog amongst you. I would strongly advice against a larger dog breed for a first dog... and unless you feel like 2 hour walks a day then don't get a lab!
Greyhounds and lurchers are notorious for sleeping all day - gotta love them but do speak to the rescue in question and ask them to find one that fits in your home and with your lifestyle.
If you find that YOU end up having to walk/feed/look after the dog and no-one else does anything other than the "fun" stuff (ie not the poo pickup in the back garden) then you now have an indisputable argument for why your family is NOT ready for a dog

smileitconfusespeople_2

tine wrote: »

Have you tought about fostering a dog? Lots of rescues are often looking for temporary foster homes for their dogs. As you'd be a first time foster home they should place a well tested dog with you instead of an "unknown" which usually end up places like... uhm here... :rotfl:
I'm not saying you should get a dog, BUT this could be a chance for a matter of a few weeks to see how your family would cope with having a dog amongst you. I would strongly advice against a larger dog breed for a first dog... and unless you feel like 2 hour walks a day then don't get a lab!
Greyhounds and lurchers are notorious for sleeping all day - gotta love them but do speak to the rescue in question and ask them to find one that fits in your home and with your lifestyle.
If you find that YOU end up having to walk/feed/look after the dog and no-one else does anything other than the "fun" stuff (ie not the poo pickup in the back garden) then you now have an indisputable argument for why your family is NOT ready for a dog

Thats a brilliant idea or if you could dog sit a friends dog say for a long holiday , so that its living with you 24/7 just to see what they really are like and see if they fit into your family , we have always had a dog for the last 20 years and at some point or another cats,birds ,hamsters fish not all at the same time thou , but they do bring all the above and more , this really is not a desision to be taken lightly. a good place to look would be the rehoming sites, read up on books,internet etc, then yes there is the cost...they really are quite expensive
cost of dog £0-£1000?
worming, flees, dog jab( flu etc) yearly £100+?
bed £0-£50?
setteling down period ie chewing, damage to carpets, wees and poos etc £priceless?
toys£0.-£20+?
dog food aweek tins /bisuits/chews£0-£6?
pet insurance varies£100+?
kennels for annual hols £200+?
making home dog friendly, childs gate to begin with to set bounderies £15?

and loads more that ive forgotten im sure,:eek: yes they really are a Child that never grows up and you need to be sure they will fit in your family..

what ever you decide good luck in your decision :A and may you all be happy

ixwood

Dogs are great!! Quite often a kids best friend.

And they needn't be huge hassle/expense. You might actually like the company. And exercise. And the calming and health benefits.

Though, they're obviously a commitment. If you're not able to give it a good life, don't.

As for the dangerous thing, there's millions of dogs living happily with kids, we just hear the rare nightmares, usually involving downright irresponsible owners. Get a soppy old girl from a home.

We had 4 dogs at various points when i was a kid and they were all brill.

ixwood

Cats being "Easy care" bugs me. Some people like them cos they involve little effort/responibility. Just let them out to slay wildlife for miles around. There's just too many of them IMO. Most towns these days have thousands of the pests running around. The poor birds don't stand much chance.