People who have pets but don't / rarely interact with them

kneemos · 19-08-2014 10:31am

sonofenoch wrote: »

Our next door neighbour (elderly woman and middle age son) have a beautiful German Shepherd....it's fed and watered and that's it, very little human contact and no excercise....spends it's days in a fenced in concrete garden, poor fella hasn't even a bit of grass to defecate in ......I'm often of a mind to jump the wall and bring him to a local park to stretch his legs but hay ho he has food and water, the bare minimum legal requirement for an animal.....what a waste

Might not mind if you wanted to walk the dog?

sonofenoch · 19-08-2014 10:44am

kneemos wrote: »

Might not mind if you wanted to walk the dog?

To be absolute honest I can barely look at them let alone talk to them so that might prove tricky

eisenberg1 · 19-08-2014 10:52am

sonofenoch wrote: »

Our next door neighbour (elderly woman and middle age son) have a beautiful German Shepherd....it's fed and watered and that's it, very little human contact and no excercise....spends it's days in a fenced in concrete garden, poor fella hasn't even a bit of grass to defecate in ......I'm often of a mind to jump the wall and bring him to a local park to stretch his legs but hay ho he has food and water, the bare minimum legal requirement for an animal.....what a waste

If you are sure the dog has no food or water, i.e being neglected. then it's time to make a call.................

Aglomerado · 19-08-2014 10:58am

JaMarcusHustle wrote: »

Log on to Adverts or DoneDeal and look at the Pet Adoption sections under dogs. The amount of Huskies / Malamutes / Akitas you see is sickening. These were once something of an exotic breed that were almost exclusively owned and raised by experienced breeders. But somewhere along the line, they became the new Pitbull.
.

I live next door to an Akita. Absolutely beautiful dog. He is kept in at night, fed and watered, but is given absolutely NO exercise. A path is worn through the grass in the garden he spends his days in. He barks incessantly because he is bored. He tries to jump the fence into another neighbouring garden because they also have a dog. He was launching himself at the fence between the two houses for ages last night. This is the only exercise he gets.

The owners will piss off for the day leaving the back door open so he can get in and out, I can hear him scratching the internal doors when I am out in my own back garden.

These are muscular dogs, bred for pulling things...they have tons of energy! They're not meant to be abandoned in tiny back gardens by lazy-ass owners who thought the fluffy pup they got a couple of years ago was "Cute"...

sonofenoch · 19-08-2014 11:03am

eisenberg1 wrote: »

If you are sure the dog has no food or water, i.e being neglected. then it's time to make a call.................

No I said it has food and water, there's a dog box and bedding so no grounds for complaint.....just has very little human contact and no excercise, has to **** and piss on hard concrete ground....totally unatural surroundings for a dog

19-08-2014 11:05am

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

I 100% agree that animal welfare is important and that people should care for their pets properly, but IMO, people can get a bit crazy sometimes when it comes to animals.

I recall a thread on here one time where the question posed was something like "Would you rather see a random human or random animal suffer", and there were seriously people arguing that they would rather see a human suffer

Here's a shocker - we're animals too. Just when we're being mistreated we can communicate the fact. What makes you think that it's preferable to mistreat an animal over a human? I would say they're equally bad. We all have the same feelings and emotions, the only difference being that humans think they're greeeaaat.

whisky_galore · 19-08-2014 11:10am

People who buy pets at CHRISTMAS for kids, despite all the warnings not to, deserve a special place in hell.

eisenberg1 · 19-08-2014 11:22am

sonofenoch wrote: »

No I said it has food and water, there's a dog box and bedding so no grounds for complaint.....just has very little human contact and no excercise, has to **** and piss on hard concrete ground....totally unatural surroundings for a dog

Sorry, my mistake (Specsavers here I come)

Bacon and Cabbage · 19-08-2014 11:51am

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Here's a shocker - we're animals too. Just when we're being mistreated we can communicate the fact. What makes you think that it's preferable to mistreat an animal over a human? I would say they're equally bad. We all have the same feelings and emotions, the only difference being that humans think they're greeeaaat.

So you would not save a human from suffering before an animal?

19-08-2014 11:52am

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

So you would not save a human from suffering before an animal?

I didn't say that. But while we're on the topic, what is your reasoning for saving either over the other?

Bacon and Cabbage · 19-08-2014 11:55am

I guess my reasoning would be I would rather something befall my pet than my friend/brother/father etc

Kat97 · 19-08-2014 1:11pm

I love dogs and I can't even begin to imagine why someone would get one when they don't have the time and space to look after it properly. Some people seem to think that all a dog needs is the basics: food, water and shelter. They have the attitude of "ah sure ill give it a bit of food and water and itll be grand outside all day". Dogs need so much more. They need love, care and attention and they do feel lonely. Some people just can't see this!

It annoys me so much to see dogs locked up all day. It is possible to have a dog in the city but you MUST be willing to bring her/him on long walks hail, rain or snow, spend quality time with them, play and so much more. A dog is a loyal companion and when you adopt/buy one, do so with the right intentions and be prepared to look after and love them for the next 15 or so years.

This idea that a dog is temporary and can be sold at any given time is upsetting. Think about how the dog feels being brought into what seems like a loving home and becoming attached to its new family, only to be sold/given away a few months later. After Christmas for example.

We personally don't have a dog because we just don't have the time and space needed. I would love one but I will wait until I am older and hopefully have the time and space to care for them properly.

19-08-2014 2:35pm

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

I guess my reasoning would be I would rather something befall my pet than my friend/brother/father etc

That's not reasoning - reasoning would be the thought process that brought you to that conclusion.

I would imagine your reasoning is based on nothing more than the fact that you're a human too and so can empathise easily with other humans, specifically friends and family. Now, if we were to ask you to sacrifice your dog for someone half way across the globe, you might have a different opinion.

Bacon and Cabbage · 19-08-2014 2:40pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

That's not reasoning

Uhh explain to me how that's not reasoning?

eisenberg1 · 19-08-2014 2:55pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

That's not reasoning - reasoning would be the thought process that brought you to that conclusion.

I would imagine your reasoning is based on nothing more than the fact that you're a human too and so can empathise easily with other humans, specifically friends and family. Now, if we were to ask you to sacrifice your dog for someone half way across the globe, you might have a different opinion.

Jaybus sake, give it a rest.

19-08-2014 2:56pm

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

Uhh explain to me how that's not reasoning?

Because it's a conclusion.

19-08-2014 2:57pm

eisenberg1 wrote: »

Jaybus sake, give it a rest.

Really significant input there, thanks for enriching us.

eisenberg1 · 19-08-2014 3:00pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Really significant input there, thanks for enriching us.

Well, you are banging on about something which has nothing to do with the topic in question. Oh, and you are welcome.

Bacon and Cabbage · 19-08-2014 3:01pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Because it's a conclusion.

You're confusing me.
I don't understand how anyone could read my comment and not understand my point. I also don't understand how anyone could put the life of a cat or dog ahead the life of a human

19-08-2014 3:13pm

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

You're confusing me.
I don't understand how anyone could read my comment and not understand my point. I also don't understand how anyone could put the life of a cat or dog ahead the life of a human

Firstly, nobody has said they would put the life of a cat or a dog ahead of a human.

Secondly, you're confusing yourself. Reasoning is not a conclusion, it's what brought you to that conclusion - something you seem unable to articulate.

Bacon and Cabbage · 19-08-2014 3:17pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Firstly, nobody has said they would put the life of a cat or a dog ahead of a human.

Secondly, you're confusing yourself. Reasoning is not a conclusion, it's what brought you to that conclusion - something you seem unable to articulate.

Well you seemed to be insinuating that you wouldn't put the life of a human ahead of an animal which is much the same IMO.

How can I be clearer? I would rather my pet be hurt than my family member, so given a choice of random animal vs random human, it's got to be animal because every human is someone's family member. It's amusing to me that I have to explain to an adult that human life is more valuable than animal life.

rea·son·ing (rz-nng)
n.
1. Use of reason, especially to form conclusions, inferences, or judgments.
2. Evidence or arguments used in thinking or argumentation.

Do you understand now?

19-08-2014 3:33pm

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

Well you seemed to be insinuating that you wouldn't put the life of a human ahead of an animal which is much the same IMO.

How can I be clearer? I would rather my pet be hurt than my family member, so given a choice of random animal vs random human, it's got to be animal because every human is someone's family member. It's amusing to me that I have to explain to an adult that human life is more valuable than animal life.

rea·son·ing (rz-nng)
n.
1. Use of reason, especially to form conclusions, inferences, or judgments.
2. Evidence or arguments used in thinking or argumentation.

Do you understand now?

Clap. So your reasoning is that every human is someone's family member? Fair enough, I'd expect a little more thorough an answer from someone who seems so convicted on the subject matter, but it'll do.

So you would kill your dog to save Anders Breivik if it came to it? Because he has a family? Do you not consider your pets to be adopted into your family? Or are they 'adopted' in the same sense as a toaster is adopted?

Bacon and Cabbage · 19-08-2014 3:36pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

I'd expect a little more thorough an answer from someone who seems so convicted on the subject matter, but it'll do.

you're not my teacher bro, I've said my opinion now why don't you say yours instead of trying to abuse me or whatever it is you're doing.

Of course I wouldn't kill my pet to save anders brevik, but I clearly wasn't talking about him, it's random human vs random animal

KungPao · 19-08-2014 3:37pm

Kat97 wrote: »

I love dogs and I can't even begin to imagine why someone would get one when they don't have the time and space to look after it properly. Some people seem to think that all a dog needs is the basics: food, water and shelter. They have the attitude of "ah sure ill give it a bit of food and water and itll be grand outside all day". Dogs need so much more. They need love, care and attention and they do feel lonely. Some people just can't see this!

It annoys me so much to see dogs locked up all day. It is possible to have a dog in the city but you MUST be willing to bring her/him on long walks hail, rain or snow, spend quality time with them, play and so much more. A dog is a loyal companion and when you adopt/buy one, do so with the right intentions and be prepared to look after and love them for the next 15 or so years.

This idea that a dog is temporary and can be sold at any given time is upsetting. Think about how the dog feels being brought into what seems like a loving home and becoming attached to its new family, only to be sold/given away a few months later. After Christmas for example.

We personally don't have a dog because we just don't have the time and space needed. I would love one but I will wait until I am older and hopefully have the time and space to care for them properly.

My missus has been asking about getting a dog for years, I keep saying "no". We rent and move around a fair bit, and the places we live in never have large gardens etc. Plus we are gone all day and wrecked in the evenings so would never have the time to do as you mentioned - actually care and spend time with the mutt. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.

So we got a tortoise instead, high maintenance in some regards, but they love to just chill under the basking lamp, and eat a bit, ramble a bit and sleep a lot, and most importantly don't crave your attention like a poor little doggy does. Perfect for us. Plus they live forever, great value!

Shiraz 4.99 · 19-08-2014 3:44pm

Our neighbours have the most perfect Alsatian, raised him from a pup, got an hour run in the fields everyday until kids came along. Now he's locked up outside in all weathers, he used to bark so they got him a collar which gives him a shock if he barks, seems to work as any bark I now here is followed with a yelp then silence.

Perhaps he went for the kids, I don't know the full story, all I know is he's basically a prisoner until old age takes him.

kneemos · 19-08-2014 3:45pm

KungPao wrote: »

My missus has been asking about getting a dog for years, I keep saying "no". We rent and move around a fair bit, and the places we live in never have large gardens etc. Plus we are gone all day and wrecked in the evenings so would never have the time to do as you mentioned - actually care and spend time with the mutt. It wouldn't be fair on the dog.

So we got a tortoise instead, high maintenance in some regards, but they love to just chill under the basking lamp, and eat a bit, ramble a bit and sleep a lot, and most importantly don't crave your attention like a poor little doggy does. Perfect for us. Plus they live forever, great value!

More of an heirloom than a pet.

KungPao · 19-08-2014 3:51pm

kneemos wrote: »

More of an heirloom than a pet.

He's a great pet. But yeah, some lucky relation who probably hasn't been born yet will get the honour of taking him, with the written promise of being tormented from beyond the grave if they don't treat him well.

Tarzana · 19-08-2014 4:40pm

My sister got a cat a couple of weeks ago. First pet she's had since leaving home 13 years ago.

To see how much the little bugger has enriched the life of her and her fiancé since they got him is amazing. Having witnessed this, I just cannot fathom why people get pets and don't interact with them. How could you not interact with a funny/hilarious/cute dog/cat/hamster/whatever? I just cannot comprehend it.

VickieVexed · 19-08-2014 4:50pm

Shiraz 4.99 wrote: »

Our neighbours have the most perfect Alsatian, raised him from a pup, got an hour run in the fields everyday until kids came along. Now he's locked up outside in all weathers, he used to bark so they got him a collar which gives him a shock if he barks, seems to work as any bark I now here is followed with a yelp then silence.

Perhaps he went for the kids, I don't know the full story, all I know is he's basically a prisoner until old age takes him.

Absolutely disgusting. As a country, our animal welfare laws are a complete joke. How can it be legal to inflict pain on any living creature? I can't begin to imagine the sheer frustration of spending life on the end of a chain. The least they could do is try to find a decent home for the poor sweetie.

steddyeddy · 19-08-2014 6:18pm

JaMarcusHustle wrote: »

It’s because there are a large number of pet owners out there who are, to put it mildly, very thick and ignorant. They see pets as accessories, something to make them feel good or cheer up. It’s nothing to do with giving the dog a good quality of life and raising it. It’s just selfishness – “I want a dog for my benefit”.

Log on to Adverts or DoneDeal and look at the Pet Adoption sections under dogs. The amount of Huskies / Malamutes / Akitas you see is sickening. These were once something of an exotic breed that were almost exclusively owned and raised by experienced breeders. But somewhere along the line, they became the new Pitbull. That is, the breed of dog of choice of tracksuit-wearing, council house-living, benefits-claiming, “Aww lyk if u cried hun xxx”-posting idiots. A few of them got their hands on Huskies, and now they breed them with their scumbag friends’ dogs and suddenly, there’s an abundance of these fabulous breeds in the hands of absolute cretins.

No doubt it’s because they “luk bleedin dedly” and needless to say, getting said dog was not researched one bit. And shock horror, these dogs aren’t happy being chained up in a box garden in some housing estate, being fed cheap food and taken for a walk once every few days when the owner wants to show off their “cool” dog.

So the dog starts acting up, naturally. And up he goes on Adverts with one of the few excuses you see on there. Either “we don’t have time for him”, “we have a (7th) child on the way” or “we’re emigrating”. The vast majority of these reasons are made up, they just want rid of the dog. And the hypocrisy of adding “we only want him to go to a loving home” is not lost on me either. How noble of you to look out for your dog’s best interests while you’re fúcking him out of his home because you got fed up.

And of course these ads are then answered by the same breed of person who wants a deadly looking dog.

I want a huskie. I've wanted one for as long as I can remember. But I live in an apartment and there's no way I could give the dog the environment it needs. Such a simple concept that's lost on an increasing number of selfish **** in Ireland.

Oh how I wish dog licenses were properly enforced, but not for the reason of raking in extra money for the Government, but rather for Animal Welfare reasons.

I was agreeing with you up until the snobby BS in bold. Many cretins from all social strata don't afford animals the care they need.

steddyeddy · 19-08-2014 6:30pm

I'll sum up our animal welfare laws with the story of the sea eagles. We got them from Norway and some of them were poisoned by farmers and shot by various people along the way. These endangered animals have been killed again and again and nothing has been done about it.

Son Of A Vidic · 19-08-2014 6:31pm

Shiraz 4.99 wrote: »

Our neighbours have the most perfect Alsatian, raised him from a pup, got an hour run in the fields everyday until kids came along. Now he's locked up outside in all weathers, he used to bark so they got him a collar which gives him a shock if he barks, seems to work as any bark I now here is followed with a yelp then silence.

Perhaps he went for the kids, I don't know the full story, all I know is he's basically a prisoner until old age takes him.

Speaks volumes about the owners really. I own German Shepherds and they are fantastic with children and very protective of them. It makes me very angry to read about your neighbours locking up their dog. Especially a breed of dog, which is renowned for its intelligence and devotion to its family. There is no such thing as a bad dog just real bad/incompetent owners.

steddyeddy · 19-08-2014 6:35pm

Dog-human interaction releases the love hormone oxytocin between the two species and creates bonding. Dogs literally love their owners. This knowledge would go a long way for some people.

UCDVet · 19-08-2014 6:36pm

My opinion on this depends a lot on how they got the dog.

If you go to a dog breeder - those are people who CREATE dogs for the sole purpose of having people buy them. If nobody bought dogs, they would stop breeding them. If you buy a dog from a breeder, I have very high expectations of the owner.

If you go to a shelter or similar - those are dogs that the world has, that mostly, nobody wants. It's 10x true if it's not a puppy and/or not a cute dog. Those dogs don't get adopted/purchased/whatever and will spend their lives in cages and/or be put down.

It's like the lessor of two evils. You might not be the perfect pet owner, but, as long as the pet is better off with you verse without you - it's a net win.

Fr_Dougal · 19-08-2014 6:46pm

_Redzer_ wrote: »

Especially breeds like bulldogs, pugs and King Charles to say the least. So many of them die of horrible genetic diseases and have a poorer quality of life than they deserve.

Shur pugs and bulldogs' faces are so flat and deformed they can't even breath properly -couple that with their low life expectancy and it's pretty unfair life to bestow on them.

People should be after mixed breed dogs, they're the true healthy dogs.
I used to like the idea of pure breeds, but not so much anymore.

Do you own a bulldog, pug or KC? I bet you don't.

Hooked · 19-08-2014 6:46pm

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I said it before and I'll say it again, and I know it's unpopular, but I don't think anyone should have a dog if it doesn't have at least half an acre of ground to run about in.

Couldn't disagree more.

I own two Siberian Huskies and have a very small yard. Dogs are exercised on long walks, runs or in our case - both -twice daily at least, and out on the bike.

Dogs are not exercised (or stimulated) left alone in a half acre of land. They need to socialise, interact and most of all - be part of the family unit.

This means being left indoors, with plenty of stimulation, routine and training. Does my head in when I see dogs up on done deal... Due to a change of circumstance, or new baby.

They live for 12 - 15 years FFS!!!

steddyeddy · 19-08-2014 6:47pm

In fairness some breeds do suffer breed specific problems. Breeding them for specific traits will create problems.

JJJJNR · 19-08-2014 6:52pm

I have a 1.5 year old lab pup and a miniture jack russell, both live outside at the moment until the lab is at least 3, which by then she should have calmed down a bit and wont knock over the kids etc. She (the dog) demands that the two of them are to be put in their dog box and locked up at exactly 9pm every night (stands outside it barking, and puts her paw on the jacks head if he complains) and there isnt a blip out of either of them until the morning. So out door living can work if the dog has company.

JupiterKid · 19-08-2014 6:54pm

There's a dog in the house across the street from my house who barks constantly, day and night. It is clear to me that this dog is unloved by the family that own it. Nuisance factor aside, I've a good mind to report these people to the DSPCA.

NZ_2014 · 19-08-2014 7:07pm

Dogs need generally an hour of exercise a day

Decent dog food I.e not the feckin €1 per kilo cheap as you can get dog food.

Warm shelter outside and inside. Bit of TLC.

Regular vet check ups etc.

kneemos · 19-08-2014 7:32pm

Secret Lives of Dogs on channel 4 at 8.00,dealing with overweight dogs,for those interested.

Mince Pie · 19-08-2014 7:42pm

kneemos wrote: »

Secret Lives of Dogs on channel 4 at 8.00,dealing with overweight dogs,for those interested.

Its not just about obese dogs but will be fascinating. Should be compulsory viewing for anyone who has or wants a dog.

Would also like to add a compulsory bop around the chops for anyone who still subscribes to "alpha" or "dominant" theories as well but thats a whole other argument.

_Redzer_ · 19-08-2014 8:43pm

TheZohan wrote: »

Do you own a bulldog, pug or KC? I bet you don't.

Because me owning one magically makes all their genetic diseases and susceptibility disappear, is it?

thegreatgonzo · 19-08-2014 9:03pm

Bacon and Cabbage wrote: »

I 100% agree that animal welfare is important and that people should care for their pets properly, but IMO, people can get a bit crazy sometimes when it comes to animals.

I recall a thread on here one time where the question posed was something like "Would you rather see a random human or random animal suffer", and there were seriously people arguing that they would rather see a human suffer

People can get a bit crazy over just about anything.
I work with animals and people who have animals and the level of ignorance about animal care in this country is shocking. I'm not even talking about horses in gardens, more like professional well educated people who know everything about everything, won't listen to advice and do the same wrong things over and over again.
I think it's great any time animal welfare topics get raised because we could all learn something. So comments like yours annoy me actually because they just distract from the real issue.

thegreatgonzo · 19-08-2014 9:08pm

steddyeddy wrote: »

I'll sum up our animal welfare laws with the story of the sea eagles. We got them from Norway and some of them were poisoned by farmers and shot by various people along the way. These endangered animals have been killed again and again and nothing has been done about it.

The laws aren't the problem, it's getting the proof of who did it. I was at a conference on wildlife crime last year and this came up a lot.

skyhighflyer · 19-08-2014 9:22pm

I can't stand the whole keeping pets as accessories thing. A friend of mine has a dog that literally spends all day inside in the apartment, and my friend works fairly long hours so often wouldn't be home till 9 or 10 at night. Ask him about it and he'll just say that the dog sleeps about 17 hours a day so it doesn't matter. No sh¡t, what else is it going to do? The poor yoke's gone out of its mind with boredom too, I know from keeping dogs myself that it's cracked, but my friend doesn't know any different. And the same lad reckons I'm wrong for keeping my dogs outside in a (warm, insulated) shed, despite the fact they have a garden, each other's company, and get outside for an hour a day minimum for a run and \ or a swim in the lake.

mariaalice · 19-08-2014 9:32pm

What about the owner who dress there dogs in little outfits and dress's and put jewellery on the them and are convinced the dogs love it, has anyone seen that program I think its a form of animal abuse,

The Adversary · 19-08-2014 9:39pm

Rojomcdojo wrote: »

Clap. So your reasoning is that every human is someone's family member? Fair enough, I'd expect a little more thorough an answer from someone who seems so convicted on the subject matter, but it'll do.

So you would kill your dog to save Anders Breivik if it came to it? Because he has a family? Do you not consider your pets to be adopted into your family? Or are they 'adopted' in the same sense as a toaster is adopted?

You have to be joking.

I adore dog's. I'm a big dog person. but if it came down to it I would kill 100 dogs, personally, if it meant saving one human life.

Fr_Dougal · 19-08-2014 9:48pm

_Redzer_ wrote: »

Because me owning one magically makes all their genetic diseases and susceptibility disappear, is it?

No, but actually knowing the breeds might help you get some hands on experience of what they're really like, don't believe the sensationalist crap that the media comes out with. I've had one of the dogs you've mentioned for over 6 years and have never had any health issues with him, friends own a couple of the breeds you've mentioned and no issues.

Humour Me · 19-08-2014 10:27pm

TheZohan wrote: »

No, but actually knowing the breeds might help you get some hands on experience of what they're really like, don't believe the sensationalist crap that the media comes out with. I've had one of the dogs you've mentioned for over 6 years and have never had any health issues with him, friends own a couple of the breeds you've mentioned and no issues.

Your experience doesn't really change the fact that some breeds do suffer from diseases and issues from over breeding.

We have a King Charles and he is an absolute dote, real family dog and typical of the breed. He is 4 now and we have noticed over the last few months that he is sometimes having issues with his back legs when he is jumping up on the couch or into the car. He isn't in any pain but we are aware that KCs can suffer from hip dysplasia so its something we and his vet are monitoring.

Just because you haven't had any issues so far doesn't mean your dog won't show symptoms in the future. I know there is a lot of scaremongering out there but if you are aware of any potential issues, you might spot symptoms sooner.

People who have pets but don't / rarely interact with them

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