Should I get a dog?

[Mrs Miggins]

Is this a kid substitute? Mine was!

(whispers) sort of!!! We don't really want kids but I feel like I want something to look after!

I would like a teeny tiny dog but the Mr said he would refuse to walk it if it's too tiny and I doubt a very small dog could make it up the high fells

Oh well. I think my doggy dream may have to die

 

[lizzieloo]

We have a small yard and I'd really want a dog that could live outside in a kennel.

That bit worries me TBH, how small? Small yard with a kennel might be miserable in the winter

We've had 2 rescue dogs for about 4 months now, and had other dogs before. The expense can get pretty scary, spaying etc....

 

[kabbes]

This thread is setting off alarm bells for me.

Most people who own dogs should not own them. They are a big responsibility. For a start, *no* dog should *ever* be left on its own for more than a few hours. And that should be a rare occurrance, not a regular thing, and certainly not a daily thing!

A dog needs a lot of mental stimulation. You wouldn't stick a person in a room with nothing to do and just leave them there for hours on end, would you?

From what I have read so far, I'm not so sure you should get a dog at all. At the very least, buy some books first -- this should be compulsory for all dog owners -- and understand what you are really getting into. Ignore the well-meaning voices telling you that dogs are great. Dogs are indeed great, but they are also a big committment. Dogs have a LOT of needs and people should think very carefully indeed before taking on that committment.

 

[kabbes]

I've just read that you are saying that you want a "small" dog. Well, remember that a small dog is still a dog. And it still has the same needs as other dogs. Small dogs are often the worse socialised of all, because people think that they don't really need to treat it like a dog, because it is so small.

Here's a thing to look out for. You know how a lot of people with small dogs like to pick them up? Look at the dog's body language. it's almost certainly looking away and licking its lips, which is absolutely textbook dog-language for "I really don't like this and it makes me feel very uncomfortable indeed."

 

[Mrs Miggins]

I've just read that you are saying that you want a "small" dog. Well, remember that a small dog is still a dog. And it still has the same needs as other dogs. Small dogs are often the worse socialised of all, because people think that they don't really need to treat it like a dog, because it is so small.

Here's a thing to look out for. You know how a lot of people with small dogs like to pick them up? Look at the dog's body language. it's almost certainly looking away and licking its lips, which is absolutely textbook dog-language for "I really don't like this and it makes me feel very uncomfortable indeed."

I just like sausage dogs
It's not a crime!

Also: Small dog. Small poo. Another bonus!

 

[beeboo]

I really want a dog, but there is just no way it's going to be practical in the foreseeable future. It's almost MORE of a responsibility than having kids - kids can be taken more places and will eventually learn to fend for themselves. Dogs will always be entirely dependent on you.

I wonder how most dog owners manage it to be honest.

 

[Mrs Miggins]

Dogs are indeed great, but they are also a big committment. Dogs have a LOT of needs and people should think very carefully indeed before taking on that committment.

Hence this thread - I am thinking very carefully about it and I am coming to the conclusion that we can't have one for all the reasons you give.

 

[zenie]

I really want a dog, but there is just no way it's going to be practical in the foreseeable future. It's almost MORE of a responsibility than having kids - kids can be taken more places and will eventually learn to fend for themselves. Dogs will always be entirely dependent on you.

I wonder how most dog owners manage it to be honest.

Your dog becomes your life or you have an unhappy/unhealthy dog, quite simple really

And it aint so bad, more people would rather have my dog than look after a kid.

 

[Mrs Miggins]

Hey maybe I could help out at Battersea dogs home or summat to get a regular doggy fix

 

[Bakunin]

Hey maybe I could help out at Battersea dogs home or summat to get a regular doggy fix

This is a good idea. You can also go there to learn to serve, obey and grovel before cats as well.

Cats like and expect this sort of treatment.

 

[Biddlybee]

Some dogs are teenty tiny, it could sleep in a drawer (I'm joking)

Some kids do sleep in drawers

 

[beeboo]

Hey maybe I could help out at Battersea dogs home or summat to get a regular doggy fix

I did consider that myself but the arrangement at Battersea is such that it doesn't work out for people with full-time jobs.

I also think they might want past dog experience, I can't remember.

My in-laws do dog walking and cat socialisation at a shelter outside London, but they're retired so it's much easier for them. They've always had dogs but don't want to take on another one at the moment so it's a good way for them to get their dog-fix.

 

[Hellsbells]

You can volunteer to work with dogs at the Mayhew Animal centre. You can go after work or at weekends to walk the dogs

 

[Mrs Miggins]

You can volunteer to work with dogs at the Mayhew Animal centre. You can go after work or at weekends to walk the dogs

Bit of a trek from Brixton but I could at least look into it so thanks.

What I ideally need is a centre for abandoned sausage dogs....that would be ACE!