Contemplating a dog... Thoughts and advice welcome
Discussion
Evening all,
I like dogs. My kids also like them, and are - at 12, 9 & 7 - now of an age where they can help look after a dog rather than provide more hassle than it does!
Thing is, I've never owned a dog, so I'm not too sure what I need to consider? In the ideal world, I'd go for a couple of weeks try before you buy, but I'm assuming that's not an option with a dog!
I've picked up the idea from somewhere that a mongrel makes more sense than a pedigree on the grounds that they tend to have a more diverse gene pool, and as such are generally healthier.
Other than that, I'd want something which enjoys chasing after sticks & balls, but not something which is going to require 4+ hours of walking every day.
Lastly, we'd need something that was OK being home alone for up to five hours for two or three days per week to fit around work patterns.
As you can see, I know nothing about what to do next, so any suggestions would be welcome!
I like dogs. My kids also like them, and are - at 12, 9 & 7 - now of an age where they can help look after a dog rather than provide more hassle than it does!
Thing is, I've never owned a dog, so I'm not too sure what I need to consider? In the ideal world, I'd go for a couple of weeks try before you buy, but I'm assuming that's not an option with a dog!
I've picked up the idea from somewhere that a mongrel makes more sense than a pedigree on the grounds that they tend to have a more diverse gene pool, and as such are generally healthier.
Other than that, I'd want something which enjoys chasing after sticks & balls, but not something which is going to require 4+ hours of walking every day.
Lastly, we'd need something that was OK being home alone for up to five hours for two or three days per week to fit around work patterns.
As you can see, I know nothing about what to do next, so any suggestions would be welcome!
johnxjsc1985 said:
When I got one of my dogs from the Dogs Trust I went to see her everyday for two weeks before she came home so you can go and make sure the Dog you choose Bonds with you and your family its a good way to meet your pet.
Sadly the nearest one is an 80 mile round trip on the M25, but hopefully other adoption places would do the same?Rescue centre and discuss you're requirements. (older dog)
Some dogs can be left okay. Don't expect that the dog is okay with this from day one, you may have to build up to it.
All is not lost though, plenty of owners now using doggy day care, and the dogs love it.
I know a lady who does this, she takes up to 5 dogs each day (not overnight though) and takes them for a long walk as part of the day.
Some dogs can be left okay. Don't expect that the dog is okay with this from day one, you may have to build up to it.
All is not lost though, plenty of owners now using doggy day care, and the dogs love it.
I know a lady who does this, she takes up to 5 dogs each day (not overnight though) and takes them for a long walk as part of the day.
Edited by PositronicRay on Friday 28th August 08:22
condor said:
I'd suggest getting two dogs, girl and boy, so they can keep each other company when no humans around.
This. We got one (boy) puppy to begin with but i hated leaving him even though it was for a couple of hours a day. We got our second (girl) pup and although they are a handful and endless playing, they have each other when we are out and you don't worry as much. They also take the hint when I'm busy (work from home) and the run off to the garden and chase each other round for an hour so thats a big help for me. Kermit power said:
Evening all,
My kids also like them, and are - at 12, 9 & 7 - now of an age where they can help look after a dog rather than provide more hassle than it does!
Generally dogs don't need a lot of interaction as such, they're just always there, and do require certain sacrifices. Once they're suitably trained and part of a stable environment they tend to just laze around and don't impact greatly on day to day activities (you feed/walk them once or twice and day, and interact with them as you would any other member of the family. Although it is the daily walks, ie sufficient exercise, that people tend to renege on). If you're a sensible, caring, active sort of family then the day to day stuff isn't the issue, it's the lifestyle change that comes with dog ownership that some people don't realise. It's the fact that you've always got a smelly little thing indoors that can't be left for too long at a time. They impact on holidays, nights out etc. Having dogs can take the spontaneity out of life, as you always have to be mindful of their welfare.My kids also like them, and are - at 12, 9 & 7 - now of an age where they can help look after a dog rather than provide more hassle than it does!
Your children might be the most studious, diligent kids in the world, don't rely on them to help though. They're too young to walk the dog on their own and kids don't like picking up poo (I sometimes make mine, but I'm mean
). If the children in a family are unruly and hyperactive, there's a good chance the dog will feed off this and there will be conflict. I've known quite a few examples of badly behaved dogs that spent a good amount of time shut out from the family, and the dog's behaviour stems purely from the horrible kids and their parents inability to discipline them.Kermit power said:
Evening all,
Thing is, I've never owned a dog, so I'm not too sure what I need to consider? In the ideal world, I'd go for a couple of weeks try before you buy, but I'm assuming that's not an option with a dog!
Not entirely true.Thing is, I've never owned a dog, so I'm not too sure what I need to consider? In the ideal world, I'd go for a couple of weeks try before you buy, but I'm assuming that's not an option with a dog!
Some rescue centres run a foster programme, whereby the dogs that struggle most with a kennel environment are fostered out to give them a break. They are still up for rehoming though they just get to spend some time away from the kennels. Officially I'm a fosterer, although I'm not very good at it as the bleeders always end up staying
I'm not sure what the criteria is nowadays, so may not be an option.As others have said, go to a reputable rehoming centre and discuss your situation. If nothing else, you will get professional advice/pamphlets/links etc to help make a decision. Obviously the lure of a puppy is always strong. Please go to a rescue centre first and make your decision from there.
Whippets are fantastic family dogs, playful lively but lazy and calm when you need, they can do a hike or be fine with a 20min run around, occasionally my whippet has worn himself out just playing with the kids in our garden!!
Just one thing never throw sticks for a dog.
Some good tips on here so far. Hope you find a dog (or dogs!) soon, just remember you will be in charge and the children will be helpers with care of the dog
They must never be given sole responsibility for the dog.
Just one thing never throw sticks for a dog
.Some good tips on here so far. Hope you find a dog (or dogs!) soon, just remember you will be in charge and the children will be helpers with care of the dog
They must never be given sole responsibility for the dog.
Kermit power said:
Thanks for all the advice so far, which I can now read easily, having escaped awful Cornish narrowband!
If we do go ahead, the plan would be to give the kids the illusion of being in charge, but of course they wouldn't be!
If we do go ahead, the plan would be to give the kids the illusion of being in charge, but of course they wouldn't be!
I like your style . I have also just escaped Cornish Internet (or lack of), been back in Bristol about an hr, lovely holiday though, with the dog (and children!)Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff