dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

tsm76 Posted: Jul 09, 2003 04:36 PM

dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

I'm torn and need advice.

I really want a dog but not sure if it would be too much work.

Thoughts?

Jordan Posted: Jul 09, 2003 04:38 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

A dog is a tremendous responsibility. Why don't you go visit an animal shelter and volunteer to help with the dogs? That way you can assess if the work & responsibility is worth it to you.

Lisa Rose Posted: Jul 09, 2003 04:39 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

I dont really like dogs so I would be of no help to you!!!

ChristineC68 Posted: Jul 09, 2003 04:54 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

WE talked about it but we don't have room for one and we didnt want to ever feel like the dog was a burden. I know I would not want to get up early on the weekend to walk it esp when it's cold, rainy, if I'm sick or just not in the mood.

We enjoy travelling and have made very last minute arrangements at times and that would not be an option with a dog.

As it is we have a fairly independent cat that eats once a day. She's mushy and likes attention but is fine for a day or two by herself. And sometimes we are like oooh, gotta take care of Bob.

Jenny Posted: Jul 09, 2003 05:55 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

We have had our puppy for almost two months and it is almost like having a child. He gets up anywhere between 5:00-6:30 AM and has to do his potty routine that can take anywhere between 5-25 minutes (not that much fun on weekends). My DH and I usually take turns on the weekends with getting up with him but I usually end up getting up both days for two reasons: 1)DH says he never hears him bark to be let out and 2)The dog is extremely attached to me and wakes me up to greet him.

The other somewhat inconvenient factor in owning a dog is having to let him out every few hours to potty. Our dog is paper trained but when we are not home he is crated which he really came to like. This means we cannot leave him for extended periods of time since he is not old enough to be left with the crate door open.

I do enjoy the unconditional love of a puppy but remember he/she is a baby and needs to be taught everything. My family had a Shih Tzu for 10 years and when he passed away in March we decided to get one of our own to try to fill the void. It has helped a lot but I honestly did not think having a dog would change my life to much. I know it will get better as he gets older.

I want another Shih-Tzu but DH is against getting anymore. I will bring up the issue again when we move into our house in August but I promise you our next dog will NOT be a puppy but rather a few years old and trained

Good Luck and really think about it before you make your decision.

Here is a pic of the little guy...

585995_1.jpg

jenny11.9 Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:05 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

jenny says it ALL! it is a LOT of work! I am up every morning by 5:00 with Abbey, again at 7:00 - and yes...sometimes it takes 30 minutes to do NOTHING! There is a lot of patience involved....and your mobility and freedom is limited. I would REALLY think about it!!!!

yabbobay Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:06 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

I was surprised that DH wanted one so quickly ...we got our pup 6 days after the wedding!

he really is our joy...and while we lived in our apart in NYC...he went on the wee pads...he would get up whenever he had to at night...

now that we have a small yard...its really no trouble at all...I stumble to the door at about 8:30 (dogs are notorious for holding it) and I let him out

the hardest part is vacation...our cat we can leave for about 5 or so days with lots of water and food and she's fine...a little ****ed...but she lives...

for the dog we take him to either my sisters (if we stop off in NY) or to BILs, thats a 4 1/2 hour drive...but DH likes to go see his family...

for kennels - some are expensive...and others are booked well in advanced...

ddunne23 Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:06 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

We have a black lab that is three years old...pretty much DH and he were a package deal. We are very lucky since he is extremely well trained and never chews anything, goes to the bathroom in the house or bites. He was trained by a cop and they didn't want him since he wasn't mean enough so we have a sweet fun lab that has a very humanlike personality. It is great fun to have a dog, but like others have said it is a huge responsibilty. Luckily for us, ours can go a good 12 hours without having to go outside. We don't have to crate him all day so he is pretty happy. But everytime we go out of town it is another huge expense to put him in the kennel. There is no such thing as DH and I both going to happy hour after work together becuase one of us needs to go home and let Ranger out and feed him. It is definately like having a child...they depend on you to feed them, bathe them, entertain them and clean up after them. There are definately pro's and con's to the situation. For me, I was not a dog lover, more like a dog tolerator. But now I love our dog and when he is not around it seems wierd and too quiet.

yabbobay Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:08 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

training does take a lot of work...they really don't understand house breaking until 4-5 months...and it wasn't until 8-10 months that he stopped chewing on things

The Original 2nd-time-around Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:12 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

Our English Bulldog puppy is now 6 months old, and I was in SHOCK at how much work she is when we got her. I seriously think it was MORE work than a baby.
She is cute and adorable, but I HATE the fact that we can't stay out real late, or do a spontaneous overnight somewhere because of her.
I have gotten used to it, and I think a dog is a great addition to the family, just be prepared for lots of work!

michele31 Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:23 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

If you love to travel often then a dog is not for you. If you don't have enough room for the dog you want (depends on the size) then a dog is not for you. if you are unsure, wait until you are sure. All animals are a responsiblity. My cat is like a toddler- I swear. She has to come with us when we visit the in-laws in MA. She needs to go to the Vet, get shots and her flea/tick meds= $$$$. We cannot leave at 8am and come back at 10pm. She needs to be feed and played with.
So if you are not really ready I would hold off.

jennbaby Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:35 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

A dog needs alot. I love dogs!

It needs room to run, it needs attention like a baby, it needs love.

Would you be home all day or will DH?

yabbobay Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:38 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

We have left our dog for 12 hours in the house...and he actually did really well...just a little depressed...but no accidents...

but yes...no weekend getaways

Suzanne Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:38 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

so much to concider.

daily walks, feedings, vet bills, kenneling... emergencies... grooming... they depend on you for EVERYTHING..

But i treat my dogs like children..

its ALOT of work, and sometimes i am really stressed out because of it, but i would NEVER give them up for anything...

Diane Posted: Jul 09, 2003 06:47 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

That is why I'm a cat person. All I have to do is feed him, and change his litter. I never had a dog, and hubby always grew up with one, and still wants one, but I dont. I dont want that repsosnibility of always walking it, but I guess it wouldnt be too.

cluelessbride Posted: Jul 09, 2003 07:39 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

Our dog has brought us so much happiness and to us he is our baby.

But be warned:

Your schedule will be dependent on the dog's needs to 'evacuate'. When they are puppies, this means at any time!

Training is about the owner learning just as much as the puppy does, so you should be a person with patience and a willingness to learn new things.

Dogs live about 15 years. Consider your future housing situation - will you be able to say for sure you can have the dog live with you?

I wish I could adopt another dog, I love mine so much and would love for him to have a pal. But our landlord says only one

Good luck in your decision!

Kathy116 Posted: Jul 09, 2003 08:00 PM

Re: dog owners- and those who wouldn't consider it

Big responsibility, as well as a financial one...you have the vaccines, the Heartworm pills, the flee/tick preventative....spay/neutering....

FI is a vet., and I only mention the financial responsibilities because we just see so many people who buy animals, but then don't want to keep up with their health care...but there's always pet insurance!