The reality

wdmfapq4zs83hv

We have been considering getting a dog for a while now. We are trying to weigh it all up and really do our research first. I would hate to make a mistake. So dog owners can you give me an idea what the reality is of having a dog. The ups and the downs. The things I may not have thought of. Did you regret it? We have small kids under 5 so its a major consideration. Also would you go for a rescue or a puppy or a rescue puppy. Any input appreciated

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

We have been considering getting a dog for a while now. We are trying to weigh it all up and really do our research first. I would hate to make a mistake. So dog owners can you give me an idea what the reality is of having a dog. The ups and the downs. The things I may not have thought of. Did you regret it? We have small kids under 5 so its a major consideration. Also would you go for a rescue or a puppy or a rescue puppy. Any input appreciated

When it comes to kids under 5, and especially under 3 - I'd always say to steer clear of a puppy. It's essentially another baby to toilet train, that will teeth and cause untold destruction in the house. A rescue at around the year mark who has been in foster with children would be best. You'll likely get a house trained, lead trained and socialised young dog with proven ability to cope with young kids and you still get the 12+ years of life from them

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

When it comes to kids under 5, and especially under 3 - I'd always say to steer clear of a puppy. It's essentially another baby to toilet train, that will teeth and cause untold destruction in the house. A rescue at around the year mark who has been in foster with children would be best. You'll likely get a house trained, lead trained and socialised young dog with proven ability to cope with young kids and you still get the 12+ years of life from them

Thank you. That does make a lot of sense. A lot of people have told me not to get an older dog as we wouldn't know their history. And safety will be no1 priority with kids.

sillysmiles

If you are already thinking of getting a dog, I'm not going to go through the pros of getting a dog as they are amazing as everyone knows.

The cons (some of which may not be a consideration for you as you already have kids)

> Hair - everywhere! Get used to hoovering and learn to accept it!
> Your freedom. You will not be able to not go home after work spontaneously as you'll have to go home to let the dog out to go to the toilet.(though you have kids so this is probably not a consideration for you)
> Weekends away - you need to consider who will take the dog, or if you can bring him/her with you or if you need to pay for kennels
> Vet Bills. Depending on your dog he/she may or may not end up needing the vet a lot and then you have to think about pet insurnance vs just having a sum of "just in case" money. It'll need regular vaccinations
> Cost of good quality food.
> Walking. At least twice a day hail rain or shine. Dogs don't understand you are feeling sick or pyjamma days or its lashing or the roads are frosty and slippery and you don't want to go out.


To be honest, most of these aren't downsides just ways your lifestyle will need to change to accomodate a dog.

sillysmiles

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

A lot of people have told me not to get an older dog as we wouldn't know their history. And safety will be no1 priority with kids.

However, with an older dog, you are more likely to be able to see if they have issues with kids or if they are in a rescue, the rescue should know.

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Thank you. That does make a lot of sense. A lot of people have told me not to get an older dog as we wouldn't know their history. And safety will be no1 priority with kids.

If you go to a reputable rescue, they might not be able to give you all of their history, but they'll be able to give you a very detailed run-down of their current characteristics. Fostering is essentially a normal home setting for a dog and that is when they display their normal qualities. Some rescues will have had dogs from young pups and they do have a history because all they've ever known is the rescue!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Does anyone here foster? Maybe that might be a good way of testing the waters....

Sam Kade

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

We have been considering getting a dog for a while now. We are trying to weigh it all up and really do our research first. I would hate to make a mistake. So dog owners can you give me an idea what the reality is of having a dog. The ups and the downs. The things I may not have thought of. Did you regret it? We have small kids under 5 so its a major consideration. Also would you go for a rescue or a puppy or a rescue puppy. Any input appreciated

No small children under 5 but we have 2 dogs, you'd want someone around all day as they need to go outside to relieve themselves and they will also beg from the table even though they have plenty dog food. Dogs are pretty clever at wrapping you around their finger Stay away from rescue get a pup, but you will have to train them, up early in the morning to let them out, the secret is to make them pee and ****e on the grass that way they will never have an accident in the house. My daughter is a dog groomer/small animal carer so I know what I'm talking about.

VonVix

1. Don't expect to change your lifestyle for a dog. From what I have experienced, it doesn't work. You already need to be the kind of person who likes to go out for daily walks or hikes. Sure, there are some people who can get a dog and then bring them out for walks on a regular basis, when before they weren't really the going out and walking type... but you have to be realistic.

2. Don't get a dog without being aware of what the dog was bred to do. I have come across so many people who have made this mistake, only for them to try to change their dogs biology through lackadaisical training. Having a good understanding for your breed's traits can go a long way in helping you understand their behaviour, which can make life a little easier for both of you.

Fostering may be ideal for you, if a rescue could place you with a suitable dog considering you have children. It would be able to give you a clearer understanding of how your life may change and how much management you will have to do in terms of keeping your dog and children supervised when around each other.

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Does anyone here foster? Maybe that might be a good way of testing the waters....

I fostered for quite a while. We don't any more as our house is over-crowded as it is with a collie and two kids. It's definitely a great way to test the waters. If you get in touch with local rescues and explain what you're after, they can pair you up with a dog they think will suit for fostering. If it doesn't work out, the rescue still know way more about the dog and can work better at finding a forever home, best case you meet the dog of your dreams
But if you think rescue might be worth it, pass no remarks on people who say to avoid it. The majority of dogs in rescue are there because the previous owners did not have enough time and the dog's emotional needs were neglected. Dogs who were surrendered due to behavioural issues come with a clear tag in reputable rescues - volunteers will always be transparent about a dog's flaws

aonb

DONT get a dog unless you (both) genuinely LOVE dogs!

DONT get a dog "for the children"

DONT get a dog if there is no-one in the house all day (working)

DONT get a dog if you are not prepared to have the dog indoors

The upside of dogs is they provide unconditional love.
If you bond with your dog, its a wonderful relationship
You get to go for a walk with your dog every single day, regardless of the weather
You will worry about your dog the same as any other member of your family.
Your clothes, furniture, floors will be covered in dog hair
You cant leave the house for the entire day, without considering your dog
You cant go away for the weekend or holidays without organising care for your dog (+plus the cost)
Your can talk to your dog all day long

Your dog is a living creature, who has feelings, feels pain, needs food, love, security and care for its entire life.

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Thanks for the replies. Im home all day so that wouldn't be a problem. We rarely do anything spur of the moment as we have small kids. Would expect dog to be a house dog, do people really leave dogs outside??!! We both love dogs though I have never had one so Im a bit worried. suppose the main thing holding me back is the safety issue with the kids. Maybe fostering would be a good option.

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Im home all day so that wouldn't be a problem. We rarely do anything spur of the moment as we have small kids. Would expect dog to be a house dog, do people really leave dogs outside??!! We both love dogs though I have never had one so Im a bit worried. suppose the main thing holding me back is the safety issue with the kids. Maybe fostering would be a good option.

I would consider fostering to be a good option for everyone, no matter the age of the desired dog and even for people looking to buy. It's a reality check without the lifelong commitment!

d9oiu2wk07blr5

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Does anyone here foster? Maybe that might be a good way of testing the waters....

I posted this last year about a certain white deaf JRT with a larger than life personality. I am happy to say that he was the perfect fit and I am now mumsy to two four legged children who will never ever grow up . It was the best advice that I had gotten here on boards.ie.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=98788353

Kailey Teeny Dime

Kailey Teeny Dime wrote: »

I posted this last year about a certain white deaf JRT with a larger than life personality. I am happy to say that he was the perfect fit and I am now mumsy to two four legged children who will never ever grow up . It was the best advice that I had gotten here on boards.ie.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=98788353

Aww yay!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Anyone recommend a breed that might be suitable? Preferably small, non shed ( or little shed) , not too energetic, more on the lazy lap dog type! And obviously no1 good with kids. Im drawn towards a shih tzu or similar. Oh and Im very drawn to English bulldogs, I dont know why! Any opinions? My favorite dog are golden retriever but might be a bit big for us with only a small garden.

tk123

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

My favorite dog are golden retriever but might be a bit big for us with only a small garden.

I have a small garden .... and 2 retrievers lol! One is asleep beside me and the other is asleep on the other couch

wdmfapq4zs83hv

tk123 wrote: »

I have a small garden .... and 2 retrievers lol! One is asleep beside me and the other is asleep on the other couch

Would imagine they are very energetic as puppys though?

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Would imagine they are very energetic as puppys though?

Almost all puppies are very energetic, but I think what TK means is that a small garden shouldn't affect the size of the dog - they have to be walked twice a day no matter how big they are

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Almost all puppies are very energetic, but I think what TK means is that a small garden shouldn't affect the size of the dog - they have to be walked twice a day no matter how big they are

True. But would some breeds be naturally more energetic? Or is it all about how you rear them? Would two half hour walks be sufficient for most dogs?

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

True. But would some breeds be naturally more energetic? Or is it all about how you rear them? Would two half hour walks be sufficient for most dogs?

Well as pups you can only walk them after their shots and I believe it's 5 minutes per month of age. Unfortunately even in breeds there are exceptions. One dog might be happy with two half hour walks. Another could expect two hour-long walks or more!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Well as pups you can only walk them after their shots and I believe it's 5 minutes per month of age. Unfortunately even in breeds there are exceptions. One dog might be happy with two half hour walks. Another could expect two hour-long walks or more!

See I dont want to take on too much, realistically 2 half hour walks is all I could fit in. Suppose i assumed the bigger the dog the more exercise they need

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

See I dont want to take on too much, realistically 2 half hour walks is all I could fit in. Suppose i assumed the bigger the dog the more exercise they need

Ironically, the bigger the dog (with some exceptions), the less exercise they need! A greyhound would need far, far less exercise than most terriers! Dogs don't exercise themselves in a garden, if that's what you were thinking?

DBB

It's often the other way around... The small dogs can be real live wires, whilst a lot of bigger dogs can be real slobs
To be honest, whilst I have a real fondness for the breed, Shih Tsus may not be your best choice with young kids. They can be quite sassy and opinionated. There are always exceptions of course, but you'd want to tread quite carefully if this is a breed you're seriously considering.
With young kids, the Cavalier is often a great choice. They're generally very patient, happy, and non-confrontational. They shed... But nowhere near as much as a Retriever! There are health issues too, but that's the case with all-too-many of the popular breeds.

shakencat

I foster
I currently have a 13week pup that I'm fostering.
I'd definitely get a rescue dog.
And if possible. One toilet trained!! But young enough to adapt to your lifestyle:)

Dogs are amazing.
I have two of my own, one was a foster that we kept!

The main thing I find is break away and having someone to mind the dog.

I'm lucky that I have someone to help..
I do work for a company called housemydog, which allows owners to meet the minder, check the house out, the people,.Fully insured, reviews of past dog stays!
I mind dogs just like my own, walk them like I do ours etc!

So exciting, let us know how you get on, or if you need help with what rescue etc!

Personally I prefer large dogs (I have a Lab and a rottie)
I find them calmer and genuinely nicer than little dogs.

Just up opinion though!!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Do you really think I could have a retriever? I never thought of a king Charles but I'll take a look. An older puppy who is already house trained would be great!

shakencat

i think retrievers are mad things!!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

shakencat wrote: »

i think retrievers are mad things!!

Why?

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Also whats the different between a pure bred and mix? Im seeing lots of mix breeds for example cavapoo , csvalier & poodle cross. Very cute! But is there any negatives to these kind of cross breeds?

shakencat

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Why?

just ones ive met have been badly or not trained at all.
So thats all i can go by!!
they were all mad!
But of course there are great ones who are trained! You just need to be dedicated to helping your dog be the best they can be

Choc Chip

Just be a wee bit cautious about the housetraining point - both of ours came to us as older dogs and had very few accidents. However, they don't come knowing where the toilet is so you will have to show them where you want them to go, make a fuss when they go there, and get used to their signals for needing to go out. Having said that, both were FAR easier than housetraining a puppy!

I can't open the pandora's box of designer corssbreeds on a Sunday evening. Not with the prospect of Monday on the horizon...