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Deciding that you want to be a pet owner is one of the best things that you can ever do! That’s not to say that opening your home up to an awesome dog will mean that your future will be worry-free. Though you get a lifelong companion, your new responsibilities mean that your day-to-day routine will inevitably change. They're a serious commitment!
In a heartfelt discussion on AskReddit, some honest pet owners opened up about the very real downsides of having a dog. The lack of spontaneity in your life is just the tip of the iceberg. Scroll down to see the world through their eyes.
Oh, and before we forget, tell your pets we said 'hi!', Pandas!
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#1
They get old and die and leave a huge empty place in you, because the one being in the world that loved you unconditionally is gone.
Rinso The Red 4 months ago
I miss them, certainly. But I try to remind myself that I gave them the best possible life, while they made my life better in almost every possible way.
R1MV4Superleggera 4 months ago
Reading this, it really makes feel absolutely gutted! My beloved bodyguard soon or later will have to leave me behind in this miserable, despicable world and join my other beloved, loyal best friends in heaven! I'm telling you guys! When my time finally arrives and I get there, this 6'7" 285lbs WILL be rising some serious hell with whoever is in charge, for no giving our pets the chance to live much longer!
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
This 💔the only downside ,tbh , but I would never be without a dog ever !
Torben Møller-Nielsen 4 months ago
And sometimes you have to make the decision to put them down, because they are in pain. Almost unbearable and it gets harder every time.
RELATED:
#2
This isn't a downside, but it's not talked about enough: Having a dog requires discipline and selflessness from the dog owner. Day in, day out, and for some dogs and owners, much more effort and time towards training and behaviors than people realize.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
I've found I'm more of a cat person. Cats still need attention and play time with you. They still need to be fed and their litter box cleaned. But they can pretty much do what they need to do on their own. Dogs need to be washed. Cats can clean themselves. Dogs need to be let out and go for walks every day, to do their business. Cats can just go to their litter box on their own. Cats don't disrupt neighbours with their meowing. You can get noise complaints and fines for your dog barking. Cats can be destructive to your furniture with their scratching, but not to the extent dogs can do. Dogs can chew up your furniture to the point they need to be replaced, and scratch up wood floors so bad they need to be sanded and repolished. Cats are very easy to train. Dogs are difficult to train if the whole family is not on the same page, and not willing to deal with it consistently.
Mark Fergel 4 months ago
All of this. When I got divorced and started dating, I was amazed at the number of women that said they were child free but then went out and got a dog after their divorce. No, you're not child free. I just went out and got yourself another child. Everything was based around letting the dog out, finding a dog sitter, etc. I love dogs, but I will not own one.
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The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
This!!! I have a high drive German Shepherd. Parents were German imports. Yes, I knew what I was getting into because I've been in the breed 30 years. Still, rain or shine, we train almost daily and we walk daily. 90 minutes minimum in the morning and another 45 minutes in the evening. However, during triple digit days it is 2 hour minimum in the morning. Up at 5:15am and out the door by 6:45am before it gets too hot. Somedays, it's a lot.
#3
Other dog owners.
The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
Some dog owners are incredibly irresponsible, inconsiderate, and completely clueless.
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Jeya Mackelle 4 months ago
Imagine being the dog owner reading this going, "Yeah, some dog owners are awful," and the post is actually about you. Could never be me, haha...No really, it couldn't because I don't own a dog at the moment.
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Defo ain’t me lol ,very sensible 60 yr old dog owner here , more so always having big breeds ,smallest being staffies , and even living out in the sticks surrounded by fields for miles can miles ,I always keep my eyes out when I take the, out , n my two kids 21-24 do as well they mostly walk them now ,anyone’s seen in distance , dogs back on leads ,despite being excellent with other dogs , we have no idea what the others dogs might be like ,the worst I gotta say being sodding tourists 🤬visiting the Cotswolds ,with their dogs , and off leads every where , inc thru fields of cows n sheep ,eugh ,let’s hope some of the, read this thread 😂
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Brian Garcia 4 months ago
My wife out with my old lab (since passed) at our local park, on leash as required. Someone else's furry spawn, off leash comes bounding up...owner says, she's friendly...my wife..."Mine's not"...end of discussion.
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Omg this yes !! I know my dogs in side out n back to front , they are always wall trained , and even living out in the sticks , where you don’t see many people on walks ,I time it when the world n its mother have already been out lol , cos despite both mine staffie n rottie x cane corso being very good with other dogs,and at recall ,not everyone else’s are ! and they will insist on letting the, off lead n not really taking much notice , my big old German rottie hated other dogs , always had right from a pup and he was well trained to ,,so he was on a lead ,other people be like it’s ok mines good with dogs , 🤦♀️yes but mine is NOT its why he’s on a lead n the other ones off a lead der !! Like ffs control your dam dogs already !! oh n train em while your at it !! Oh n PICK UP YOUR DAM DOG P*O !
Owning a dog isn’t the same as getting a new piece of tech, furniture, or a toy. This is a living, breathing, thinking, feeling being. And you’ll be responsible for its welfare from now until it crosses the rainbow bridge in the very, very, very far-off future. So, if you want to give your doggo a high-quality life, you have to be willing to make sacrifices for it. On top of that, you have to have the resources to provide it with everything that it needs to be a happy and healthy pet.
As Petmate points out, you have to know for a fact that you have enough space in your home for the type of dog that you want. Larger dogs generally need more space than smaller breeds. What’s more, if you don’t own your home outright, you have to make sure that your landlord is okay with you bringing an adorable pet into the property.
#4
Making the decision to put them down when they’ve been sick. We are putting our service dog down today.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
It's not easy with any type of pet. And, yes, it is okay to cry and mourn the loss of a pet. Doesn't matter if it's a bird, dog, cat, hamster, mouse, fish, turtle, etc.
Brian Garcia 4 months ago
Not easy, but we have to be honest with ourselves sometimes...we keeping this going for us? Had to put one down, another creeping up there...my mistake was the first at the vet...pay the money, have a humane solution in the comfort of home to make the transition as painless as possible. I will forever regret putting down my first...was with him the whole time, but at home would've been better.
DowntownStevieB 4 months ago
"Your watch has come to an end" is always sad. Every. Single. Time.
R Dennis 4 months ago
We had our Bella for 17 years. We had a mobile vet come out and assess her and she convinced us it was time. We had everyone who had been in her life come to say goodbye. We pet her until her past breath, then the vet gave use paw imprints and sent us a personal card days later - it made the awful experience much more tolerable. She was the bestest girl. CAM00191jp...ddafa1.jpg 
Courtney Christelle 4 months ago
I let my best friend go about two years ago and it was the most emotionally, heartbreaking thing I’ve even done.
#5
Hair.
HAIR.
EVERYWHERE.
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Me to its comforting isn’t it ,n I love the sofa smelling like dog to , pretty sure my bed does as well ,😂
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Daya Meyer 4 months ago
Oh yeah! Our girl decided that she wants shedding the whole year. Hair everywhere since last winter. Sometimes we wonder how she's not already naked.
CheezWhiz 4 months ago (edited)
It is a renewable resource and we should be able to profit from it somehow. Pillow stuffing? Felted animals? Spun yarn?
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R1MV4Superleggera 4 months ago
LOL! Some my workers have Golden, alaskan, new foundlads, etc and plenty of them, well, seem like it's 'wear your doggie hair at work today' ☺
The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
Double coated dogs are the worst when they blow coat. You brush and brush and brush and brush and...
Brian Droste 4 months ago
I have a friend that has a dog he takes with him at times. His car dashboard is covered in dog hair.
Courtney Christelle 4 months ago
Our big dog is shedding his coat like crazy now that it’s hot and his fur is black. It’s everywhere!
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
Depends on the breed(s) of dog, e.g., Shih Tzu's tuft very little instead of shed, Poodles, Schnauzers, Westies, Maltese, Frenchies and Brussels Griffon (off the top of my head) are just some of the breeds that shed very little and, therefore, are more hypoallergenic although no breed is 100% so.
#6
Sometimes you just don’t want to go outside to let them pee or poop, but you have no choice. 5am, too bad gotta go out. Zero degrees out, you’re sick, on a fantastic date, too bad, time for a pee or poop break.
joseph legatt 4 months ago
When you see someone walking their dog in the rain it's easy to pick out those that love their dogs and those that only have dogs as a status symbol.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
-35C or lower, even the dog just wants to do their business asap and get tf back inside. There is no walk on those frigid winter days.
Daya Meyer 4 months ago
Having a sick dog with diarrhoea who can't do her business in the garden at 2 a.m. in the morning is so much fun...
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
Which is why it is best to have a fenced in yard for a dog and, either way, to acclimate your dog to using "puppy pads" (adult incontinence pads at the membership stores in the US are the cheapest) for emergencies, etc.
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Open door let em in to garden sorted , I have my back doors in to my huge garden open all day every day no matter the weather! actually don’t mind getting up at silly am either , even if I am in agony (a daily thing all day ) mind u I adore cold weather m this heat not so much pfft
Lady Eowyn 4 months ago
I have a 6 pound pomeranian, she relieves herself on pads inside. We go out for walks for enjoyment, but if I'm unwell or the weather is bad, I don't have to worry.
Moreover, you have to consider whether you’re financially stable enough to take care of a pet. It’s not just food that you have to pay for! There are lots of veterinary expenses. Plus, you have to invest in toys that stimulate them. And you have to have enough of a cash buffer to weather any potential emergencies.
“Vet bills and common medications such as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention can be costly for even generally healthy pets. Older pets, special needs pets, certain breeds with known issues, and medical emergencies can incur additional costs. Spaying and neutering, while elective, can be quite costly, too,” Petmate explains.
#7
When they roll in the rotting corpse of a sheep and you're miles away from home and have to drive back in a hot car that now stinks of expired sheep viscera.
Breadcrumb. 4 months ago
Dead crab on the beach..thankfully he had a coat in the car I wrapped him up in. Protecting my car a bit.They are always so proud of themselves.
Helen Rohrlach 4 months ago
Saw a chihuahua roll inside the ribcage of a rotting sheep once. His owner had to pick him up and opted to walk 1km home rather then put him in the car.
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Not a problem here lmao one I don’t drive ,n two open fields n long like mega long country walks on my door step 😂u can walk miles thru fields n woods , n mine both love to swim ,being farm born n bred sheep p*o don’t bother me lol but omfg fox p*o REALLY STINKS 😂😱
R1MV4Superleggera 4 months ago
So far, I've been soo lucky in that area! What I haven't been lucky is, when suddenly my bodyguard (Beagle) decides to roll in the mud..yeah! No towels, no nothing to protect the back seat of an X5M! Luckily one of my best mates has a detailing workshop and..well, he was just laughing at my misery, it didn't cost me a pence the service tho! Since I also help my m8 when he has issues with his Sportbike, as a hobby of mine and owner of multiple Sportbikes, I love to repair motorcycles
#8
Vet bills and unexpected diagnosis.
My first dog got misdiagnosed by veterinarians for weeks. By time I found someone who would take us seriously and help, she was too far gone. She had a fungal infection called blastomycosis. It was too aggressive and unchecked, so she died in the backseat going to an emergency vet.
Later, I got a perfectly normal, healthy dog that was diagnosed with megaesophagus within the first year. He can live a long, relatively normal life, but he eats in a high chair (bailey chair) 3 times a day (and has to sit there for 30+ mins every meal).
You never know when a diagnosis will turn your life upside down.
Dog Mom to Zoe 4 months ago
You can say the same for humans. They are living, breathing creatures so one should be aware and either have pet insurance or a savings simply for them. My Zoe had to have ANOTHER surgery but she has a savings just for that.
Jules 4 months ago (edited)
We've just changed vets because their knee jerk reaction to any slight thing is to get a consultant in and do expensive tests before ruling out the obvious first. When the previous owner was still the boss that never happened but he sold to a chain so now it's all about the money. Disgusting. So we moved to a family owned practice
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
It’s called PET INSURANCE !! , ale sure your dogs got it , no problem ,I live on nothing pretty much , n all my vets bills re always paid ! and emergency’s the vets in uk are brilliant ,if your a good client , they will allow a pay monthly thing , well mine to ! so I never have to worry ,plus I’m vet nurse trained from rescue days , so the minor things I can sort myself , also my pet insurance animal friends ,do a free service where you can talk to a vet 24/7 ,for anything , if your worried , and sometimes,they can tell you what’s what FOR FREE ! godsend ,
Jenna Kay 4 months ago
My sweet dog has MRSP (a "suberbug") and Cushing's (from a pituitary tumor). We do everything we can to keep her happy, but she is constantly is fighting skin infections and gets hives from who knows what, and has a lick granuloma that we can never quite get healed. Our vet is amazing, but there is only so much that can be done.
Child of the Stars 4 months ago
This is a major reason I don't have a pet at all, despite the benefits to myself and my kids. My kids qualify us for help getting healthcare, but a pet doesn't, even though my oldest and I both qualify for an ESA.
#9
Blessing and a curse of watching them age. My boy is 18 and has dementia which is heartbreaking to watch. He’s eating well and no accidents in the house so as long as he’s there we are good with him.
Daya Meyer 4 months ago
One of my nightmares... Our girl is five years old now and a healthy dog and there is no reason to believe that she won't be the same in a few years. But one day this will change and that makes me terribly sad sometimes.
ROB 4 months ago
Same! My boy is 10 but still so healthy. I'm so worried that every year now might be my last with him that I get teary thinking about it
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
I had that almost three yrs ago now our old staffie ,we rescued aged ten , she went blind at 14 ,then at 15 started having fits when walking up the stairs bad ones ,as she slept on my bed with our new staffie then a pup ,a rescue to ,the vet said her heart was failing , it was expected , as they’d picked up an issue when we first had her , so it was monitored closely ,only had her 5 yrs but having lost our old rottie a yr before ,it was like 💔both mine now are same age , well the staffie is older , by three mths , he’s 4 in Nov n the corso is 4 next Feb ,had the staffie from 4 mths old , n the other from two yrs so fingers crossed ,i dint have to face that again any time soon 🙏🙏
Finances aside, you also have to be willing to put in the time, energy, and emotional investments to make this whole pet ownership thing work. That means being disciplined enough to walk and feed your dog on time, being patient enough to train it, and having the flexibility to balance everything with your other responsibilities in life (work, parenting, social life, hobbies, etc.).
In short, you have to ensure that your lifestyle is compatible with owning a dog! If you’re constantly traveling for work, you’ll have to look for friends, dog-sitters, or pet hotels who can look after your lovable doggo. This can get pretty expensive. Plus, your pet might get separation anxiety if you’re hardly ever around. Why get a dog if you never spend time with it?
#10
It's not a downside it's the facts of owning a dog. They have accidents in the house. They make a mess with their fur everywhere. They drool and leave water all over my house. BUT I wouldn't trade the unconditional love for anything in the world.
#11
For the first few months you have to watch them almost constantly or else they’ll eat something they shouldn’t or s**t all over your house. Puppies are cute but extremely high maintenance.
kaycee14 4 months ago
VERY high maintenance! I recently got a second dog when she was 3 months old, and quickly realized that my first dog had been an ANGEL puppy that tricked me into thinking puppyhood was a breeze! :) Reality is that raising a puppy to be a well-behaved dog is a full time responsibility, and you spend most of their waking hours keeping them from killing themselves or destroying your home. Much like a human baby!
2x4b523p 4 months ago
My first three dogs have been absolute treasure compared to the 4 months old piranha I am dealing with now. I feel like I’m just constantly putting out fires, sleep deprived, my clothes stay clean about 2 minutes, every t-shirt I own has holes in it, my hands are bleeding every day, and she pees in the house every day despite being outside every 15 minutes when she’s awake. We do puppy classes but she’s the worst behaved pup in the group. I thought I know everything about raising a puppy as it’s my 4th, but this one was born with extra battery or something.
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DowntownStevieB 4 months ago
Remember, puppies are babies. Babies need attention and training.
StrangeOne 4 months ago (edited)
i still have remnants of my ex's puppy 15 years ago. Chewed up books I that are now hard to find and out of print, and kids toys, mainly.
Courtney Christelle 4 months ago
Took over six months to house train my puppy. I was at my wits end by the time he got the hang of it.
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
Puppies are adorable but lots of work for a significant amount of time.
#12
Having had a dog that didn't get along with all dogs, it's nice to be able to have a relaxing walk without worrying about every dog that comes along. Not having your arm pulled off is nice, too.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
I was walking home from the grocery store and this off-leash dog comes trotting up to me, with his owner yards away yelling "he's friendly". I tried to not give the dog any attention and went around the dog, showing that I wasn't interested and not a threat. I gave the owner, who was carrying a leash, a disapproving look, but said nothing as I'm not comfortable for confrontations. When I crossed the street I noticed a lady walking her much smaller dog on a leash, so I warned her about the off-leash dog that was now walking away from where I came from. She went the opposite way thanking me.
Daya Meyer 4 months ago
Yes, your dog might be friendly, but you know nothing about my dog. Is he or she friendly or comfortable with other dogs? Please don't let your dog roam freely.
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Well teaching em not to pull is like you know training 101 🤷♀️so that’s an owner issue ,I’ve had dogs that dint like others n ones as do , but I NEVER just assume other peoples dogs do ,when I was socializing the staffie as a pup ,as he’d had none , at 4 mths ,I’d ask people is your dogs ok with others , oh yes , cool could I introduce them plz ,yup well if that’s their idea of friendly , omfg I’d hate to see their idea of aggressive 🤬so I give up in end lol n there’s one or two in village he plays with ,rest we steer well clear off ,but having a dog agrees since dog never bothered me 🤷♀️,means I don’t gotta talk to the owners lmao perfect
On top of that, if you’re a sedentary person, getting an active dog that loves being outdoors can be disastrous if you’re unwilling or unable to keep up with it.
Also, make sure that your partner and family are on the same page as you. If you want a dog but they’re on the fence, things could get tense.
Meanwhile, DogsTrust notes that you have to be willing to plan your time around your new pet. “You can’t jet off on any last-minute holidays or plan spur-of-the-moment day trips. If you do, you’ll need to bring them with you or arrange for them to be looked after.”
#13
They often prevent you from making spontaneous plans.
Like, you just spent the afternoon with great new friends and they invite you to stay for dinner? Or your date asks you to spend the night? You can't because you have to go home to walk and feed the dog.
Amanduh 4 months ago
It also helps you get out of said plans if you’re like me: I just want to be home with my menagerie 🤗
Penelope Orange 4 months ago
My husband and I have used having to take care of the dogs as an excuse to leave early from places. LOL!
Load More Replies... Breadcrumb. 4 months ago (edited)
Training a dog young to have a sleep over helps. Helps to have other dog friends you can swap puppy sleep overs with. But you did say spontaneous
Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Not a problem lmao I’m housebound ,with mine constantly just how I like it 😂
Paulina 4 months ago
Not only spontaneous plans get derailed. What I tend to tell people who are thinking about getting a dog is that most of their life will revolve around the dog. Even things that have nothing to do with it. Wanna plan a shopping on your way from work? You have to decide to either do it extra quick or go home first to walk the dog and get back later. Oops, now your dinner is late as well! So do you stay home and cook it or go shopping as you wanted to? Will you even have time to go shopping after cooking and eating? Won't the stores be closing? And will you get back in time to walk the dog again?? 😂
#14
It’s a big commitment - depending on the breed they need a good amount of exercise and attention and many prefer a good amount of space. They can also be quite expensive. These aren’t reasons to not get a dog just important considerations to ensure you give your dog the life it deserves.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
So much has to be taken into consideration when choosing the right dog. Some dogs are not meant to live in urban areas in small homes, such as Malamutes. Some dogs are better for warmer climates and others are better in cold climates. Some dog breeds are good with children, and others not so great with children. Some require more grooming than others. Some are easier to train than others.
Penelope Orange 4 months ago
THIS!!! Too many people get dogs based on looks and puppy love without having any idea of the breeds temperament and needs. There are breeds to fit all manner of lifestyle. Do your research to find the right fit. This applies to rescues as well. Even mixed breeds display traits such as high energy, low energy, high or low shed, child and people friendly or more of a one person dog. It's hard to resist those sweet sad eyes, tentative tail wags and/or exuberant joy from your attention, but please take time to learn more about that particular dogs needs for the long term happiness of both you and the dog to ensure a successful adoption.
Load More Replies... #15
Border collie owner here. Wasn't my choice, but I have her.
She's hard to connect with. You try to interact with her? Pet her? Just chill on the couch with her?
No. Ball now. NOW. 24/7. Endless ball. Always staring laser focused on the ball.
Take ball away? Freak the f**k out looking for ball everywhere. Find new random object to bring to you and stare at. It is ball now.
Hair. Hair everywhere. Always.
I've had many dogs in the past that I have owned and loved, but this one is hard. Endless ball.
She has a big yard to run in and can go do so at any time. She comes in panting, exhausted from running in the yard. The moment she comes in... Ball.
I wish I had a dog that would just relax on the couch for a bit.
sturmwesen 4 months ago
Working breeds need work. that means the owner has to do work too. don't be fooled by thinking you might like to start running so you might meet their needs. there is more to it. and just because some breeder calls them a show line you can't be sure to receive a less active dog. they may just put the label on their kennel to sell more puppies and not really breed with less drive.
Jeremy James 4 months ago
I have a Border Collie / Blue Heeler mix. It's like having a nuclear reactor on 4 legs. You can run him and throw the ball with him for 8 hours a day and he will STILL stare at you like, "Is that all you got?" It's a lot of dog in one package.
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
And that's why I have not and won't have a Border Collie or other working breeds. I appreciate them but they are for certain types of people not me.
Must Be Bored Again 4 months ago
Look into one of those automatic ball tossers. Dog bring ball to it, drop it in the hole, machine spits ball out, dog chases ball, repeat.
Roxy222uk 4 months ago
I know we will never have a Border collie or similar dog. They are bred to work all day on the farm. Up at 6am and out doing, doing, doing, all day long, until 7pm at night. I find the intensity of their demands difficult even when they are the much loved dogs of friends. I much prefer a sight hound, who mostly wants to lounge around.
d b 4 months ago
This is brilliant! OP has just described every border collie that ever existed in a few short words: Ball. Endless Ball.
Boris Long-Johnson 4 months ago
Grew up with border collies, my father still has one. The two I grew up with neither were interested, dads current one isn’t massively bothered. Endless walking for them - they love nothing more than walking 15 miles in the hills then cuddling up on the sofa.
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 4 months ago
Collies ARE NOT PETS ! they are working dogs, it’s cruel to the, to have them as pets, the most breeds we had in rescue,where collies , people bought off a farm as a fluffy puppy 🤦♀️n.by a year old ,they dumped em on us ,the stuff I’ve seen from mentally lost unstimulated ,dogs was heart breaking , ie tail chasing , no it’s not funny people it’s a sign of psychological distress from BORDEM !and once ingrained it can be impossible to cure also chasing lights ie a pen light flicked around ,again not funny !! it’s them trying to mentally stimulate themselves and a behavioural issue ! Please do NOT have working dogs as pets !!
Because dogs love having a set routine, you have to be happy to provide it. And you have to be willing to make all of these sacrifices for years and years to come.
“You need to be sure that you can commit to them long-term. As far as you’re aware, do they fit in with your future plans? [...] Of course, we can never plan for the unexpected. But, by doing your best to ensure that it’s highly likely you’ll be able to commit to dog companionship long-term, you’ll reduce the chances of having to rehome your dog in the future,” DogsTrust states.
#16
The lack of spontaneity is honestly the hardest part, forgetting what it’s like to just *leave* without calculating potty breaks or boarding costs. And yeah, the heartbreak of losing them is brutal, but even the smaller daily sacrifices add up over time. I love my dog to death, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the freedom of pre-dog life sometimes. It’s like having a furry toddler that never grows up.
Daya Meyer 4 months ago
Yep, it IS fun to explore the world with a furry companion. Playing, running, get over fears (Water! Plastic bags! Some humans!) but Sometimes I would like to stay home, getting a break without Long, time consuming walkies.
kaycee14 4 months ago
I send my 2 mini Aussies (one is a 7 mo old puppy) to daycare one day a week. That gives me some free time where I don't have to work around their toileting schedule, and them some super-high-energy time. They come home happy and tired, and take a 90 min nap (good reading time for me!)
Load More Replies... Brian Garcia 4 months ago
Within a couple months my wife and I had to put down her cat & my black lab, it simply was time. And as much as we wanted to "repopulate", we agreed to take some time per-free to go on some journeys, etc. Well...that year ended, now two more cats and two black labs...still doesn't suck.
#17
My dog has just decided after ten years that he is TERRIFIED of gas stations, which makes traveling with him a bit of a pain in the a*s.
DowntownStevieB 4 months ago
I'm betting that, while you were inside paying, someone approached your car.
R1MV4Superleggera 4 months ago
Well, my bodyguard likes to go with me to the petrol station (also my Supreme Ruler a.k.a Cat) and there's been plenty of time when I pay and returned to my car, there's a person/persons taking pictures of my two hairy guys! Especially when I'm driving my GTR Nismo! ☺
#18
The barking is soo overstimulating.
Do you have any pets at home, dear Pandas? What would you say are the biggest upsides and downsides to owning a dog, cat, bird, or any other animal? How do you work around those drawbacks?
Let us know what you think in the comments below! And if you feel like sharing, you can post a photo of your adorable animals at the bottom of this list, too.
#19
Having a dog is having a newborn baby, for the dog’s entire lifespan. They can’t verbalize their needs and they are 100% dependent on you to survive: food, water, shelter, bathroom, and connection/bonding/stimulation. Babies (hopefully) grow to be independent adults that overtime (again, hopefully) require less and less supervision.
Puppies depend on you to survive, and when they turn into adult dogs, though they require less supervision if they have been appropriately trained, they are still 100% dependent on you. You MUST feed them daily, you MUST take them out for the bathroom, daily. You MUST take them to the vet when they get sick and then give them their medicine.
Not only that, they aren’t necessarily easy. Some dogs don’t like men. Some don’t like children. Some are allergic to grass. Some need antidepressants or doggy Xanax. Some are reactive and will get aggressive and you need to learn their triggers and work with them closely to improve their response (if you have a hard time going to therapy to work on yourself, then you won’t have an easy time deciphering and reducing your dogs triggers).
If you think starting from a puppy makes you immune to this, then having a dog isn’t for you.
Not only that, you actually need to learn about the breed you will buy or adopt. Each has their job and lifestyle that best suits them. Your lifestyle needs to match them, they don’t need to match yours. Please do not get a blue heeler or border collie if you are not currently a very active person. A dog won’t turn you into a 5k turkey trot on Thanksgiving person. Your dog will become destructive and/or aggressive if their daily exercise needs aren’t being met.
Likewise, you wouldn’t want to get a dachshund if you want a dog to go on long walks and bike rides with, they’re just not made for it. You also don’t want a dachshund if you already have pet bunnies or ferrets!!
Also, don’t like when people snore at night? Don’t get a pug or a Boston terrier or bull dog.
Don’t like random silent but deadly farts that could evacuate a small town when you have company over? Don’t get any dog ever because they will all do this if the company you have over slips them scraps from the table or god forbid you buy the chicken and rice flavor dry food, not the salmon and vegetable one.
Don’t like dog fur on your clothes? Your dog breeds are highly limited and if they have hair, grooming is a sacred ritual and going to a groomer can be costly; but even costlier if you don’t in terms of the dogs health.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
LOL The dog farts really are deadly, and the smell stays on the fabric for a while.
Jo Murphy 4 months ago
Feed them raw and they'll stop farting. We don't feed dogs the way they're made to eat.
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Jamie Peterson 4 months ago
Mini Dachshund Mom - 2miles a day minimum. Don't underestimate their walking/nature needs for stimulation and socialisation.
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
Dachshund is German for Badger Hound, they were bred to hunt and k**l badgers and the prey drive has not been bred out of them.
Load More Replies... #20
I used to have dogs and I don't now.
Other than the obvious ones of having to clean up after them, take them for walks, etc. one thing that I absolutely don't miss is having to be home at a certain time to let them out for the bathroom.
If I want to stop by the grocery store and get some shopping done I have to go home first.
If I want to grab a drink with friends after work I have to go home first.
If I have a doctor's appointment after work I have to schedule it around making sure I can go home first.
And obviously it extends to vacation, you need to either take the dog with you, board it, or pay someone to watch them, which isn't really a hassle, it's just an added expense and travel is already so expensive.
StrangeOne 4 months ago (edited)
My mom's old dog, she used to get up for work at an ungodly early hour, at least a couple hours earlier than I had to get up for school. So she would be the one to let the dog out in the morning, a couple times, and feed her and the cat. So when she went on horse camping trips I would be left with the dog. Pretty much every morning I would wake up to the dog whimpering and a nasty smell of her mess for me to clean up in the morning. I just couldn't get up at 5:30am every day, and sort of resented my mom had such a rigid schedule like that for me to take over. I was just a teenager at the time. Our cat faired better with me lol. She would just start to meow when she heard that I was up. I think now, in my 40s, I would be better at disciplining myself to take care of a dog. But it's just not something I would want to do for a long time. My mom eventually got the message I just can't care for her dog like she could and decided to start taking her on the trips, or leaving her with someone else.
#21
Loving them so much that you’re depressed already about the day they are going to pass away. Also, finding someone you trust enough to watch it if you can’t travel with them. If you don’t have friends or family that will watch them for free, it can be pricey.
FluffButt Central 4 months ago
I only travel to places I can take my dogs. Therefore, I drive. Staying at dog friendly hotels or VRBOs is more expensive than flying but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I just lost beautiful girl to cancer but I have wonderful memories of out last great adventure together on the beaches the month before. Worth every penny.
Paulina 4 months ago
My dog doesn't travel well and gets very stressed in new places. That's something that went "wrong" for us - we thought we would take the dog with us on vacation and such, but our lovely girl just isn't up for it. Therefore, we had to find a doggy hotel and one friends home to habituate her into, so she has a safe place she likes to stay in when we're gone. Still love her to pieces!
Brian Garcia 4 months ago
Same...and we don't kennel, either they go with us or we get someone to move in a bit. The stress of even the best kennel operation is still a handful, we desperately try to ensure they're home in their own environment.
#22
Well I'm allergic to them so not being able to breathe...
#23
Dogs are over stimulating in a whole different level. You want some quiet? Loud thunderous barking. You just want to be left alone? Guess who’s lodged 30 inches up your a*s at all times. You want to enjoy a nice meal you spend hours cooking? Guess who’s doing everything in their power to get you to notice they want some too. Want to sleep in? That’s cancelled. It’s 100 degrees? Guess who has to s**t. It’s -12? Guess who has to s**t. Have a favorite pair of shoes? Not any more. Left a tv remote out? It’s gone. Head phones? Gone. Want to go out somewhere pet friendly? Nope, your dog doesn’t like other dogs, children, UPS, cars, you. Just went outside? Guess who’s squatting in the rug.
You have to have a lot of patience and hope your dog is receptive to training or cares to listen.
Sonder Toffee 4 months ago
Reading these make me feel very lucky with my non shedding great with all gods creatures loveable rottie Pitt mix from the shelter. She’s 2 and she will be spoiled unconditionally until forever.
The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
This is spoken like someone who has no idea how to train a dog which is 80% of the population. I stopped training other peoples dogs because of the PEOPLE. They are not consistant, they don't follow the training, then complain when the dog doesn't mind. It's NEVER the dogs fault, it is ALWAYS the owners 100% of the time.
ROB 4 months ago
None of this is my experience. My dog was so easy to potty train and has never chewed anything except his toys.
K Barnes 4 months ago
This sounds like someone who didn't train their dog properly, IMO.
Load More Replies... Paulina 4 months ago
That's one upset owner here :( Probably a lot of this could be alleviated with training, especially in the past 🤷♀️, but I'm not one to judge. Things happen, maybe this person didn't even want a dog (classic: "dog for kids") or their energy levels don't match... Just one thing: don't get angry with the dog! It's not that it doesn't"care to listen", they just don't understand human language and need a lot of structured training to start to understand.
#24
They need you too much. This is why I prefer cats.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
Cats still need attention, affection and exercise. Otherwise they get zoomies at 3am. They still need to be fed and their litter box cleaned everyday. Sometimes multiple times a day, as they are finicky about clean spots to do their business. The texture of the kitty litter may impact if they will actually go in the box or outside the box. After they use the litter box, they may find their way onto your counters or bed. You'll be having to disinfect all your surfaces more frequently. Cats will want attention at the most inopportune time, such as when you're on the computer, or cooking. They will gravitate to the least cat-loving guest, too.
Mark Childers 4 months ago
My cat hates it when I'm out of his sight. He's always near me (except possibly for naps), and he talks to me all day long (sometimes all night long, too) and gets mad if I don't respond. When it's while I'm sleeping, he'll bite my nose or scratch my face or try to step on my head. I've always referred to him as my "unique challenge." His new thing is demanding to be hand fed. He'll nearly walk up to his bowl and then stand there yelling at me until I hold it up to his face. Then he'll lie down somewhere and decide he's not done after all and yell at me until I get up and put his bowl under his nose.
#25
Your house will never be as clean as it was before.
R1MV4Superleggera 4 months ago
Rubbish! I have a dog AND a cat and they don't make any mess! Well...maybe the cat, its getting a bit difficult to hide the bodies, left in the garden of those mere mortal hoomans who annoyed his Highness
keyboardtek 4 months ago
And forget keeping a nice finish on your hardwood floors and the woodwork. Their nails from chasing the ball all day long will leave the polyurethane finish completely scratched to heck. Carpet? The carpet will smell like his stinky paws. You have to wash their paws regularly or they smell like bad cheese.
#26
Poop. More poop. Bags of poop.
Paulina 4 months ago
That's not a problem for me 🤷♀️ Dog poops - I pick it up. Easy-peasy. But I noticed some people "let the dog out" for bathroom breaks into the garden unsupervised... If they don't pick up after the dog right away, this might be a particularly weird Easter egg hunt later on 😂
#27
For me it's the worry if I have to go on a work trip. I don't have any close friends and none of my family are "dog people" so I get anxiety thinking about what's gonna happen when I do have to take a trip. I don't wanna board them or leave them with any strangers.
#28
At one point in my youth I worked morning shift so at 5.30 am I would be on my way to work.
There were a surprising large number of people walking their dogs at that hour. In the city so apartment complexes where I guess you don't want your dog to relive himself inside.
Here I was cursing my existence getting up at 5 am and people here were doing it willingly. I swore then I would only get a dog if I lived in a house.
JJ 4 months ago
My husband walks our dog at 5.30 am because he leaves for work at 7 am. We have a house and a garden. Dogs need walks anyways.
R1MV4Superleggera 4 months ago
Aye! We have a big garden and still me or my Wife we take our bodyguard for a walk along with the 2 GS of our elderly Irish Neighbours, who also happen to have a big garden
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 4 months ago
It's a hard pill to swallow when you realize it's not because of apartment life with a dog.
Paulina 4 months ago
I don't get the difference the house is supposed to make here. So if they had a house, they wouldn't walk their dog??
Angela C 3 months ago
If they had a house they'd have a yard where the dog could do its business and walks would just be supplementary to that, not the only way the dog could relieve themselves
Load More Replies... #29
1. Having to plan around the dog… it’s like having a kid. You can’t just come and go as you please, there almost always has to be some kind of plan.
2. They die. I know that’s a brutal comment, but the truth is, for me, dealing with the death of a pet doesn’t outweigh the companionship.
3. The worry. I can’t tell you the number of sleepless nights I’ve had worrying about things like a weird behavior, not finishing food, inconsistent poop, etc. etc. etc. I will say, I’m a worrier by nature, so this is probably more of a me thing, but it’s the same reason I won’t have kids.
4. Not all dogs are like the ones you see in movies… just like people, some dogs are a******s. Yes, you can train dogs to a certain degree, but there is also some nature vs nurture that can’t be controlled. I had one dog that was as sweet and well behaved as you could find and another we called, “the tiny terrorist.”
It’s a complete personal choice, and I think you have to know yourself to know the true downsides. Everything I mentioned above might not impact some people… for me, they are dealbreakers, and I’ll stick to dog-sitting for people to get my fix.
EDIT: clarified #2 to say death is not something I want to deal with again.
#30
House and furniture always smell bad, always.
Pee, drool, general filth accumulate in fibers (carpets, couches, mattresses, etc)
Some dogs have anxiety and pee all over the floor, s**t all over the place, vomit when they get nervous, etc.
You can't travel easily; anytime you wanna go somewhere, you need to get someone to watch them, feed them, etc.
Edit: Not a dog owner; have dated dog owners in the past. Plz don't offer me tips, I don't have a dog.
StrangeOne 4 months ago (edited)
Because they have freedom to do so, and their experiences of other's dogs is still relevant.
Load More Replies... The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
I knew this person didn't like animals after the first sentence. Gee, you say you're not a dog owner? I'm shocked. Shocked I say.
MaxxLovesKittycats 4 months ago
My shih tzu's actually smells good. His hair is dry and hardly sheds. He only needs a bath occasionally when he gets dirty from being outside. Only then does he smell bad. I wouldn't want the usual sticky dog with an oily coat. I've been in houses where there's dog hair all over the floor and you pet the dog and your hand smells like dog afterwards, but not my boy. I got lucky!
Lynchamigsakta 4 months ago
Dog owners are never aware how their dogs smell
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HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
I have a tip for the OP: FO! My house and furniture never smells bad, never. There is no filth in any fibers, nor any "pee, s**t or vomit all over the place" ever. I have pet sitters lined up if I ever have a need and my dog is acclimated to travel when properly medicated. Again, FO.
#32
Walking them at 3 AM when you live in a multi-story building with no elevator and it’s winter.
#33
They're high maintenance. I have 2 cats, and can leave them over a weekend. They'll s**t in their box, nibble at the food I leave out, and when I get back, will mostly be intact, with some minor griping at me for leaving them for 2-3 days.
You couldn't do that with a dog. You're either bringing your dog along, getting a pet sitter, or kenneling.
You'll be walking them at least once or twice a day, while you're at it, and even day trips are problematic because of your dog.
I often say that I love other peoples' dogs. I do. I have zero desire for one of my own, but I'll love up on a puppers all day long.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
If you own just one cat, there are cat kennels, or cat daycares, if you have to leave your cat for more than a day. They do get lonely.
Ineke Pronk 4 months ago
But when boarding cats, also be aware it might not work. I have had a single cat twice. Each went to a cat boarding once. The first was overstimulated in the room they put her in and only did marginally better in the senior cat room. The other was such a aggressive monster to them she was only allowed to be out once. Each cat has their own cage and gets to come out and interact with others a few hours a day. AKA my cats where locked up in a 1 square meter cage for our entire vacation . So each only went there once in their life.
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ROSESARERED 4 months ago (edited)
My neighbours neighbour, 2 houses away, has a kelpie and she is a lovely dog, bit bigger than kelpie usually are. We have no fence along the back of our three ½acre blocks, so I'm one of her humans. Her owner says I have a dog with no responsibilities, love that pup, comes for cuddles all the time when I'm in the garden. One day there will be a fence, the house in the middle is up for sale, I'll miss have pup come for visits, treats and water.
Sophie 4 months ago
My lack of knowledge of dog breeds led me to google kelpie coz the only thing got to my mind was the mythical shape-shifting spirit inhabiting lochs in Scottish folklore. :DDD I was wondering how your neighbour had that. :DD
Load More Replies... #34
Our dog is very nervous and has difficulty adapting to new situations. We've watched videos, read books, tried out several dog trainers, but ultimately she just has a low tolerance for certain things. That means we're giving up the following for the next ~10 years:
- Leaving her alone for more than 4 hours or so
- traveling without her, which means we can only go by car
- living in a city
We used to go on big international trips about twice s year. And if we didn't have the dog, I'd want to go back to living in the city. But... Nope.
I think people really underestimate how easy it is to get a dog with some issue that ends up having a massive effect on your life. In some ways, even having children wouldn't have changed our lives as much as getting this dog has. It can be a much bigger deal than people think.
The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
This is probably genetic or related to trauma if it is a rescue. This is called a low stress threshold. This is why ethical breeders are so important. There is a HUGE difference between a backyard breeder and a well informed ethical breeder who does extensive health testing and understands animal husbandry as well as their breeds lineage. You won't get a Secretariat by breeding two nags in a field and you won't have a dog with a solid temperament and good health by getting a puppy from someone down the road that had a litter of oops! puppies.
#35
I love all animals. I was a vegan for an extended period of time and currently limit my consumption of animal products within reason. I put bugs outside even.
Having a dog is, imo, the most overrated experience I can think of. Our absolutely perfect sweet boy just passed away a few months ago (RIP Dexter, he was nearly 13 and perfect in every way). And despite my love for him as a living thing that was kind, loyal, obedient, and supportive; having a dog is a huge pain in the a*s and the juice isn’t worth the squeeze imo.
* You are shackled to your home for anything that may last 10+ hours. Weekend trip? Boarding is $100+ a night with inconvenient pick-up / drop-off hours and requires reservations.
* Your carpets and furniture will stink like a dog (people argue against this, they are lying to themselves and/or have nose blindness).
* Want to sleep in? Sorry, you can’t.
* Want to go to bed early? Sorry, you can’t.
* Do you enjoy picking up warm soft dog s**t? I don’t.
* Do you like the smell of dog food? I don’t.
* $100 for a bath and a haircut every few weeks
* $60 for food once a month or so
* Absolute heartbreak when their short life comes to and end, and the pain of seeing a loved one struggle before that untimely demise
* Do you have 20+ hours a week to train a puppy? (We did thankfully, most don’t).
* If it’s not trained well, you’re in for a decade of hell that is aggression, destruction, and liability.
Earonn - 4 months ago
Why not bathe and shear the dog yourself? Are people aware that having other people wash and groom your dog is a relatively new thing? And in lieu of puppy training, just go to an animal shelter and get an elderly dog. That way you also know ahead about their quirks and needs. Ahhh, but this is a list for people who want a "cute" dog that always looks insta-worthy...
Cyndi Hafele 4 months ago
You don't need to get a puppy to have a cute dog. There are tons of cute dogs that are older. You just have to go looking.
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MK-C PHD 4 months ago
Have you people never heard of doggie door? My two small pups are absolutely trained to go outside to do business. They are walked 2 or 3 times a day (my college aged children go local and live home) and get groomed every six weeks. They love their groomer and she will care for them when we need boarding. Yes it’s a huge responsibility but a trade off for unconditional love.❤️
Ginger ninja 3 months ago
Dont even need a doggy door. Im in the uk and dont have one and my dog doesnt pee or poop in the house if I want a lie in or go to bed early. There is also the concept of going back to bed and back to sleep 🤷♀️
Load More Replies... The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
This is simple. This person is not a dog lover. I feel the same way about children. Don't ask me to baby sit your kds. Your dogs? Yes please!!
MaxxLovesKittycats 4 months ago (edited)
My dog smells good. Most all dogs have stinky dirty oily smelling coats, but my dog smells good and I am not nose blind! And I bath and learned how to groom my shih tzu myself, can't afford it otherwise.
Lynchamigsakta 4 months ago
Your carpets and furniture will stink like a dog (people argue against this, they are lying to themselves and/or have nose blindness)
Load More Replies... #36
Holidays vacation putting him in kennels breaks both our hearts.
Brian Garcia 4 months ago
Not having used one, I'd still say no. I know for us w/two black labs it's not a lack of confidence in our local kennel resources. It's more knowing they'd be out of their "comfort" zone at home, familiar smells, surroundings, etc. We endeavor to either have someone stay at our place on a vaca or they go with us. Best kennel out there can still throw an emotional wrench to a dog. Again...nothing on a kennel, it just can be mind job for a pooch.
Load More Replies... #37
They're f*****g gross. They wipe their dirty a*s on everything because they dont wipe their butts. They track dirt and s**t all over your house. Imagine if your kids just never took their shoes off and ran around the house and furniture in their dirty shoes. That's a dog. Dogs are f*****g gross and I wont own one again, but i love other people's dogs since I dont have to clean up after them.
The other downside is they need constant attention. You're frequently having to take them out to use the bathroom and you need to go on walks regardless of the weather EVERY SINGLE DAY. They really f**k up your whole day, every day. Its like having a five year old again.
MaxxLovesKittycats 4 months ago
I walk my dog rain or shine, in snow or during thunderstorms (with lightning, if we both get struck and killed oh well we'll go together), when I don't feel well, when I'm dead tired, when it's 100 degrees and humid, and often I really, really hate it, but it's good for me to walk to get exercise and be in nature and I don't have to join a gym. Otherwise, I'd probably be really overweight and sick from no exercise at all. 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon. Lucky dog!
Brian Garcia 4 months ago
Amen! In SoCal and visit the local dog beach EARLY AM...cold, rainy, you name it...don't care and neither do my black labs, pigs in...well, you know! I get a little wet and cold? Small price to pay for their happiness! And make it out to ID wintertime...snow is just magical!
Load More Replies... The Chronic Insomniac 4 months ago
Why do people that hate dogs put posts on here? Kids are just as gross. I used to work retail and the amount of children I have seen picking their nose and eating the resulting booger while maintaining direct eye contact with me is staggering.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
Dogs do clean their butts like cats do, but I'm not sure if dogs have the same cleaning power in their tongues and saliva like cats have.
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
My dog does not clean his a**s and many do not; there is no need if they are on a high quality diet. If a need does arise baby wipes or a bath does the job.
Load More Replies... Jayne Turner 4 months ago
You think dogs are gross, some of the people I've known are worse! Lol!
#38
Everything lol dogs are beyond pointless. Gotta plan everything around it, destroys your stuff, destroys your lawn, smells up the house, constantly whining for attention, drains your bank account and then it just dies. What a great decade that was .
HardBoiledBlonde 4 months ago
This post and one comment, so far, are beyond pointless. Just no.
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Breadcrumb. 4 months ago
So many peoples top complaints are about having to come home and take care of the dog. I share my dogs responsibility, some ones always home, so I can't relate. We do plan our holidays to accommodate our dog, but he's our family and our responsibility, it's the choice we made and commitment we owe him.
Uncle Panda 4 months ago
For decades, I said I'd get a dog when I retired. Then I retired and four people who know me well convinced me that I was in love with the idea of having a dog, not the reality. They were right. I got a kitten instead.
Emilu 4 months ago (edited)
This thread has been really helpful. I've been on the fence about considering adopting a dog and this thread has confirmed what I was leaning towards; that I am not in the right time of my life at the moment and to get a dog right now would be unfair to the dog. I'll just continue to bully my mother's dog (/s, by the way; I promise I'm not an animal @buser) and enjoy the pics of adorable dogs posted on BP for the time being.
Emilu 4 months ago
This is my mum's dog when he was about two, I think? Still my favourite picture of him. Dog-face-6...135e70.jpg 
sturmwesen 4 months ago (edited)
if you are going to buy or adopt a dog for the first time I HIGHLY recommend finding and observing a trainer first and tell them what you expect in a dog and what your life looks like. they can recommend a fitting breed and might even offer helping selecting the right dog. don't believe breeders or even some shelters. it might cost you a bit but may lay the foundation for the next 15 years.
Dog Mom to Zoe 4 months ago
I didn't read the entire article because it was making me upset. I realize that I'm taking this personally as I have dogs. DOGS ARE A COMMITTMENT. Basically you can say the same about a human child. So really think about having either one because they do consume your world.
Earonn - 4 months ago
Some of these were really useful because they pointed out items that don't spring immediately to mind when you're not used to have dogs. Some were just "I want the fluff but it shouldn't cost me any work", and that's just sad. Anyway, one day, a dog will share my space on the couch (at least I very much hope so).
Janissary35680 4 months ago (edited)
With the exception of one, all of these are "Comes with the territory" complaints. The exception being of course that dogs' lives are so immensely shorter than ours. It's their only "flaw" really and it's not their fault.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
It is "comes with the territory" but I take it these people had gotten a dog for the first time, thinking it would turn out like the highly trained dogs we see in movies. Where they're fetching newspapers, and maybe even fixing their owner's breakfast like in the Garfield movie. Or perhaps just being a good dog and playing catch. Then they get a dog and realize taking care of a dog is nothing like in the movies.
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Lost Panda 4 months ago
My sheltie lived to 14 years and just passed this May. It's taking time to get used to him not being around, but there are upsides as well as the down. Can't say I'm in a hurry to buy another. I don't think I have the time or mental capacity for starting the process all over.
sturmwesen 4 months ago (edited)
I think it's great that you are not hurrying. I ended up with a dog that did not fit us after visiting a shelter 2 weeks after my soul dog died. don't get me wrong, we cared for him till the bitter end, but we never matched. He didn't really need/want people and I am used to clingy and interacting dogs. After him we waited 3 months and took more care chosing and even rejected adopting some because they wouldn't fit or we felt not up to care for them. If Lou hadn't dropped in our lap checking all our boxes we would've waited longer.
Load More Replies... Breadcrumb. 4 months ago
So many peoples top complaints are about having to come home and take care of the dog. I share my dogs responsibility, some ones always home, so I can't relate. We do plan our holidays to accommodate our dog, but he's our family and our responsibility, it's the choice we made and commitment we owe him.
Uncle Panda 4 months ago
For decades, I said I'd get a dog when I retired. Then I retired and four people who know me well convinced me that I was in love with the idea of having a dog, not the reality. They were right. I got a kitten instead.
Emilu 4 months ago (edited)
This thread has been really helpful. I've been on the fence about considering adopting a dog and this thread has confirmed what I was leaning towards; that I am not in the right time of my life at the moment and to get a dog right now would be unfair to the dog. I'll just continue to bully my mother's dog (/s, by the way; I promise I'm not an animal @buser) and enjoy the pics of adorable dogs posted on BP for the time being.
Emilu 4 months ago
This is my mum's dog when he was about two, I think? Still my favourite picture of him. Dog-face-6...135e70.jpg
sturmwesen 4 months ago (edited)
if you are going to buy or adopt a dog for the first time I HIGHLY recommend finding and observing a trainer first and tell them what you expect in a dog and what your life looks like. they can recommend a fitting breed and might even offer helping selecting the right dog. don't believe breeders or even some shelters. it might cost you a bit but may lay the foundation for the next 15 years.
Dog Mom to Zoe 4 months ago
I didn't read the entire article because it was making me upset. I realize that I'm taking this personally as I have dogs. DOGS ARE A COMMITTMENT. Basically you can say the same about a human child. So really think about having either one because they do consume your world.
Earonn - 4 months ago
Some of these were really useful because they pointed out items that don't spring immediately to mind when you're not used to have dogs. Some were just "I want the fluff but it shouldn't cost me any work", and that's just sad. Anyway, one day, a dog will share my space on the couch (at least I very much hope so).
Janissary35680 4 months ago (edited)
With the exception of one, all of these are "Comes with the territory" complaints. The exception being of course that dogs' lives are so immensely shorter than ours. It's their only "flaw" really and it's not their fault.
StrangeOne 4 months ago
It is "comes with the territory" but I take it these people had gotten a dog for the first time, thinking it would turn out like the highly trained dogs we see in movies. Where they're fetching newspapers, and maybe even fixing their owner's breakfast like in the Garfield movie. Or perhaps just being a good dog and playing catch. Then they get a dog and realize taking care of a dog is nothing like in the movies.
Load More Replies... Lost Panda 4 months ago
My sheltie lived to 14 years and just passed this May. It's taking time to get used to him not being around, but there are upsides as well as the down. Can't say I'm in a hurry to buy another. I don't think I have the time or mental capacity for starting the process all over.
sturmwesen 4 months ago (edited)
I think it's great that you are not hurrying. I ended up with a dog that did not fit us after visiting a shelter 2 weeks after my soul dog died. don't get me wrong, we cared for him till the bitter end, but we never matched. He didn't really need/want people and I am used to clingy and interacting dogs. After him we waited 3 months and took more care chosing and even rejected adopting some because they wouldn't fit or we felt not up to care for them. If Lou hadn't dropped in our lap checking all our boxes we would've waited longer.
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