Dog or Not?

[Flutter]

Hey guys, we're thinking about getting a dog and can't quite make up our minds. Anyone have any advice or anything? I'm not really sure what to ask. We want a dog, believe we have the time and money...

Thanks

[J-P]

kids they are sale at the dollar store

[Flutter]

The only kids I'll ever have will be furry with 4 legs

[L!$A]

For sure get a dog!!!!

Puppies are a lot of work - so if you're up for it, it's totally worth it!!
There's also an alternative way if you don't want to have to train a dog, you can get one from the pound that is already house trained.

Definitely worth it though!!

[Flutter]

We're actually looking at two dogs. One is 6months and is from a shelter and the other is a year from a private home. One is house trained and obedience trained, the other is partially house trained

I've actually never had a puppy, all of our dogs have been adult rescues. In my life we've had 5 dogs (2 passed, 3 still alive) and I've never dealt with house-training One day I'll get a puppy but not now.

[Iliveinazoo]

Hey guys, we're thinking about getting a dog and can't quite make up our minds. Anyone have any advice or anything? I'm not really sure what to ask. We want a dog, believe we have the time and money...

Thanks

Hey guys, we're thinking about getting a dog and can't quite make up our minds. Anyone have any advice or anything? I'm not really sure what to ask. We want a dog, believe we have the time and money...

Thanks

If you can sacrifice an hour or more a day every day to take them for a walk, you can take a couple of months of poo and wee on the floor and can be consitent with your discipline then they're the best things in the world. If you can't commit to that then you will have discipline problems.

Really research the breed that you want to get as well and buy one that fits your lifestyle; say if you're really active then you could go for a working type dog like a border collie but if you're not very active then you could go for a lap-dog type dog like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you want a killer/fighter like a terrier or a bulldog then they will need to be tired out in order to train them properly.

I know that you say money isn't an issue but keep in mind that big dogs need loads of food and will probably cost about the same as an average person at meal time. Make sure that if you go away a lot then you have someone who will look after them for you.

I might make it sound like hard work, because it is, but the rewards are more than worth it, we have 2 dogs and they're absolutely fantastic. We very occassionly miss the odd exercise day and have 2 very happy dogs but I would never get a Husky or Collie (even though I'd love a malamute) because I know that our lifestyle just couldn't keep them fulfilled.

[L!$A]

They certainly are worth it at the end of the day.
Your life will be 10 times easier if they're house trained or at least half way house trained!!

The puppy who isn't fully house trained will most likely follow the one that is, so it will definitely make it easier.
We would like to get a friend for Duke, but two puppies would be a little bit overwhelming I think!!


Let us know what you decide, and with pics of course!!!

[Flutter]

Thanks guys We're discussing this here right now. It's such a big decision.

[Iliveinazoo]

It appears that my points are moot, you've got 3 dogs already?! 2 more wouldn't hurt would they? Do you want to swap posting names?

[J-P]

eh? I don't understand how L!$A wanting 2 more dogs and Flutter wanting a dog makes your (Iliveinazoo) a moot point. You have a very valid point.

[Flutter]

Hehe. At home my mom has 3 dogs. I still consider that home. I live at school in an apartment, no pets other than fish here. Needs something furrier

Perhaps we should change names. A home we have 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, 2 rabbits, 1 fish, and 1 frog. Here I have 8 fish and maybe a dog in the future. Plus my horse.

Your points were very valid though. They're things that need considering. We need to make sure we have everything covered. I'm very big on making an informed decision before every pet acquisition.

ETA: See JP agrees with me. We were answering at the same time.

[L!$A]

I would only want one more dog? lol to make 2 in total
When I said two puppies, that was including Duke, who is still a puppy + a new friend, if we were to get one.. hehe!
& You have very good points Iliveinazoo!!

Anyhow, let us know what you decide Flutter!

[pufferpuggirl]

I'm definitely in favour of dogs! Have always had multi-dogs and will always have multi-dogs. Just something nice about having my furry little friends around. My husband works nights, so when he's not working, he's here sleeping, which means I am alone alot, but with my little furry children, I don't feel alone at all!

And dogs always love you, no matter what!

[Flutter]

So true I'm alone a lot as well. I quite enjoy it but it would be nice to not be completely alone. I've always had at least 1 dog.

Will keep you guys updated and feel free to keep helping. Enabling is allowed

[J-P]

ahhh but PPG is Married ...and having an additional companion (s) is not out of the question. As a student, it will be YOUR responsibility. That is why I opted cor cats. Very self reliant. I know at times the other half will not be able to take care of them, thus I went with independent vs fun.

I am in no way knocking dogs ... I do like them... but at times even our cats cost more in food per month then we eat ourselves. Just make sure you are 100% with your choice.