Thinking of getting a pup...

misssaucie

Hi I've been seriously thinking of getting a small pup as my partner will be travelling abroad for several weeks at a time over the next few years and I think that throwing myself into caring for a pup will keep me busy and that it would be a great little companion. I work very flexible hours and would be in a position to pop in and out of the house several times a day while the pup is still young enough to need special attention. The thing is that anyone I have mentioned it to, with the exception of my partner, thinks I'm mad for inflicting unnecessary responibility on myself, wheras I think it'd be a great to have a pet that needs to be walked every day and it will get me out of the house and focus my mind on something other than my man being away. Has anyone else been in a similar position?? Is it that much hard work looking after a small dog or will it be rewarding??? I'm very confused

Whispered

It is a lot of responsibility, a lot of money, can be hard at times when they are sick or out of sorts and can be a bit stressful when you just want to relax and you have to go walking, playing, training etc but it's totally worth it.

I was just thinking earlier how relaxed the house seems when my pup is relaxed. It's so nice. He was asleep on the rug in front of the fire, but mooched his way over, half asleep, to be picked onto the couch (he's well able to jump, just too lazy). He's sitting chewing a toy along Kierans legs and watching tv. You just can't beat it.

I've been around dogs all my life, but am still amazed at certain things, like seeing his personality develop, or learning his little habits, or one minute feeling like he's only a tiny baby, then thinking back to what he has learned in the last few weeks and realising he's growing quicker than I would have ever imagined.

The giggle you get and pride you feel when your pup "gets" a new trick (and everyones rolled eyes when you tell them about his new trick for the 10th time. ).

Or watching them discover things like rain, wind, stones, grass, blowing leaves, sheep, horses, cars etc everything is so exciting, and can be scary, for them when they are little.

There are without doubt some stresses, it's a big learning curve and it does restrict you in ways, but I wouldn't change him for the world and he is such an addition to our lives.

People who think you are mad for taking on the extra responsibility are trying to look out for you. But so long as you are aware of the responsibilities and are willing to deal with those, then they need not worry. And of course your partner should be happy to have a dog in the home too. I know you will be alone a lot, but when your partner is there, the dog should be as welcome as when you are alone if you know what I mean.

Good luck i making your decision. It's a big one. If you do decide to go ahead and adopt, please consider a rescue pup instead of going to a breeder.

00112984

As of recently, I work from home and my husband works very long hours so I got a puppy (Lucy) to keep me company in the evenings and it's worked out very well.

Obviously, my situation is different to yours because I'm home all day but I have to admit that Lucy would probably do as well without me around all the time. She tends to wake up, have a little nose around, sleep for a few hours, play, sleep, get some proper exerise, sleep, play, another walk and then sleep.

The trick to leaving a dog alone during the day is the make sure they have plenty of things hanging around to keep them entertained as a bored pup is a destructive pup.

They are a lot of responsibility but manageable. You just have to establish a routine early on. I've found great training videos on YouTube and VideoJug so I've been able to teach Lucy commands to make her a great little doggy citizen and tricks that earn her treats and keep her mentally stimulated.

Cost is a factor too as you'll have to budget for vet, food, insurance, toys, bed, crate, accessories etc.

Dogs are great. They're brilliant company and seem to learn or teach something every day.

As I've been typing, my puppy has learned to lick all around the rim of my drink so now I have to dump it. :mad:
:rolleyes:

gman2k

Get a rescue dog from a pound, please do not pay for a dog.

Bluefrog

Would second (or is it third) the rescue suggestion (more than 15,000 unwanted dogs are put to sleep here every year) and would suggest too that if you haven't brought up a pup before or been involved with dogs at all that an older dog wouldn't be a bad starting point. Puppies are a handful and I have found (having done both now) that an older dog can be just as rewarding - Holly on the right of the sig pic was 2.5 when I got her.

There is a lot to be said for avoiding the worst of house training, and regardless of old truisms - older dogs can learn new tricks Just realise it is most likely a 10 year commitment and if you feel you can handle that then go for it.

Let us know how you get on.

bionic.laura

Hi misssaucie
When we started talking about getting a dog everyone said the same to us, you must be mad to take on the extra responsibility. You won't be able to do exactly what you want anyone etc.

I'm at home all day due to a combination of illness and then being out of work. We both wanted a dog so we rescued Westley from the pound. It was a great idea! He's great, gets me out of the house for walks hail rain or shine. Training him gives me something to do as well. And yes he's great company.

Our guy is about one and a half and past the real puppy stage. You might like to think about getting a dog that age as it's a bit easier if they're already house trained. That's not to say he doesn't still need training though.

I'd say if both you and your partner really want a dog I'd say do a bit of reading about them and then get one.

L

spurscormac

Having gotten a puppy last summer, and found him great to have around, and loads of fun teaching him, I can defiintely recommend it.

As for the recommendation to get a rescue dog - if you're heart is set on a puppy, you may be able to get a rescue one, this time of year is unfortunately one that coincides with the post-Christmas realisation of what it takes to look after a puppy - and there might be many given up or just dumped.

Worth looking into it.

Glowing

I'd go for the slightly older rescue option .... leaving a pup alone for a number of hours is not ideal, and there are a rediculous amount of gorgeous, young, healthy pups/dogs in the rescue's this time of year.

I'd HIGHLY recommend a rescue greyhound. They're very low maintenance, and 2 short walks a day would be enough. They like nothing more than to curl up on your couch when you're out for a few hours. They make fantastic, affectionate, clean pets. Another plus is that they're not a 'yappy' breed and are not going to drive your neighbours mad when you're out.

www.paws.ie .....

Vel

You say your husband thinks you are mad to get a dog. In my experience if all members of the household aren't into the idea of getting a dog it can be a problem in the long run. I know you say that he is away a lot but circumstances change. I know of a lady who adopted a rescue dog and while her husband agreed to go along with it he wasn't really that into the idea. She worked from home at the time and did everything with the dog. Now her work-life has changed and she has to work out of the home a lot more and this means the husband is having to do more for the dog and is not impressed at all to the extent that it now looks like she will have to rehome the dog. So just be sure all affected parties are on board before deciding to get a dog.

I echo what the others have said and think an older dog would be a way better choice for you, on your own, than a pup.
Good luck.

Edited to add that it might be an idea for you to foster a dog for a rescue organisation first to see how you get on and if you are able for a dog in the long term.

Toulouse

I think she said that everyone except her partner thinks she is mad.

Agree with the idea about fostering though, it'll give you a good taste of how it'll be to have your own dog and you'll save a life as well. Rescues are always in a bad way for good foster homes and you can always keep the dog if you think you've found the right one.

andreac

I dont know if its a good idea to get a dog, just for company. Are you a dog lover? Have you had a dog before?

Most people get dogs and then get fed up of them when they realise they are like children and have to be considered if anything is happening, like a night out, weekend away etc.

I have a dog and have had dogs all my life growing up. Im a huge animal lover and my dog is my life at the mo, he comes everywhere with me, i show him at the weekends, bring him to obedience classes and meet up with friends for group walks too.

But they are a HUGE commitment and unless you are totally committed to keeping the dog for the next 10 years or more i would def give it serious consideration. So many dogs end up in rescue, because people have to move house,start a family, cant manage the dog, dont have time and so on. Personally i would never give up my dog for any reason, hes with me for life.

Thats just my opinion on it.

Vel

Toulouse wrote: »

I think she said that everyone except her partner thinks she is mad.

Oops yes, sorry I'm having one of those days :rolleyes:

Well if your partner is on board, definetely give fostering a try and see what you think.

sorella

Dogs are hard work and take a lot of getting used to.

Especially if they are young and the only dog.

They are pack animals remember - and they attach to you for life. Depend on you for every need. And they never grow up as children do.

This is written with feeling.. Until three years ago I had never had a dog; just not that kind of a person somehow... They are ... "noisy" busy creatures.

Cats; I bred Siamese for some years, and cats are amazing...

Three years ago, for reasons that do not need going into here, I found myself as sole carer of a small, half grown rescue dog. I had had some part in her care since she was tiny, so it was easy on her, and we had made sure that it was I she was bonded to before I was left with her.

And that I knew what she needed in every way. And always advice is available for me.

Their bounce and energy are, as they say, something else.; and there were times I - and I am patient and at home full time - thought I just could not cope.

She is a cross; Jack Russell and basset; the bounce of a Jack Russell with the weight of a basset.

They are demanding especially when young.

when the collie came along, it became a little easier as they occupied each other often then; they need to play energetically..

Now, all that while on, I am finally used to them; and we all love each other dearly.

But those first months were hard and taxing.

These are living creatures with so many needs. They have so much affection to give - but in their own ways.

That is just my "take:" on it.

If circumstances had been different,, i would never had had a dog. Never have they been stinted for affection or for any need; far from it.

But they are a huge undertaking and responsibility.

And it is their needs that matter, not ours.


Regrets? Not now

PS fostering is a great idea.... our local pet rescue always need foster homes; and they rarely get the dog back....

Ulanzi

I just adopted a dog from a rescue organisation. Would very much recommend it. Process was surprisingly quick and you get a decent idea of your dog's personality and needs. Plus they offer advice if any issues arise afterwards

misssaucie

Thank you all so much for your helpful tips. Initially I went down the rescue route and was ran from the place when they found out that I most certainly would not be allowing my new dog to sleep in my bedroom. I love dogs but a dog is a dog and I doubt if it would be healthy for a dog to sleep in a stuffy bedroom. I wouldn't have the heart to put a small dog outside but I thought that our kitchen would be the perfect new home, it's cooler, fully tiled (for the inevitable accidents) and plenty of space for an active young pup to mooch around. The rescue crazy lady had other ideas so that was that!

We came across a web site and we were looking daily for 'the one' anyway this morning we came across an 8 week old Shih Tzu less than an hour away. The result is Bruno, big name for such a tiny dog, he seems to be a happy little thing. We were told some horror stories of what its like over the first few days, pup whining, not eating etc but after getting a little sick in the car he arrived home, he pooped and weed in a few different places and ate a big bowl of puppy nuts. He's slept most of the evening so hopefully tonight will run smooth...ignorance is bliss I'm sure some of you are saying

Whispered

Congratulations!

Hope you bruno & your OH will be very happy.

With regards to the rescue, That is a little odd. Yes they should ask where the dog will be sleeping, and if I was rehoming I would not rehome a pup to a place he would sleep outdoors, but in your bedroom? Thats a bit strange. Your kitchen sounds perfect. My pup sleeps in a crate in the kitchen. If you don't have a crate, I'd highly recommend one.

Don't worry too much about the settling time, Harley settled straight away, granted he was here with his brother & sister, but even when they left to go to their homes, he was fine. You'll hear nightmare stories, but they're not all like that. Prob not a great idea to let him sleep all evening though a good game about an hour before bed should tire him out nicely.

Queen-Mise

i am glad to hear all your pup stories are going so well.

i am seriously thinking about getting a new pup, a dog I can have in the house. i have a terrier that is outside all the time. but i want a dog that will cuddle up on my lap while watching telly.

I am going to go down to the pound this week and take a look.

Whispered

Could you teach the outdoor dog to be indoor? I think it would cause trouble if you had an outdoor only and indoor dog. Jealousy etc. Maybe you could bring him in and then when he's settled get a pup?

Some dogs are just happier outside though, so maybe thats not an option.

bionic.laura

Congratulations on you new doggie. Bruno is a great name for a little fella!

We contacted a rescue place when we got our dog. We were denied a dog from them as we said we'd probably keep the dog in a kennel outside. They said we should keep the dog inside and implied we were cruel for thinking of keeping the dog outside in a nice insulated kennel. They didn't tell us they wanted the dog kept inside. If they had told us we would have done so.

In the end we got a dog from a different pound. He sleeps in the kitchen and it turned out when we got the kennel that he is afraid of it (we think he used to be kept locked up but don't know for sure) so he'll be staying inside.

Keeping a dog in a bedroom sounds strange. My cousins dog used to sleep with him and it made her fiercely over protective.

misssaucie

This time last week I really did think that allowing a dog to sleep in your bedroom was just crazy but now..... I love the little guy so much already that when he whimpers at night all I want to do is have him upstairs with me, obviously, as the house is **** central at the moment thats not possible but it just goes to show what an impact these little pups have on your life. Good luck with your dog.