Am I suitable to have a dog?

koneko

Few things beat the unconditional love and joy pets bring, when you can provide a good home for one.

They make good iPad stands too.


(my Husky is a lapdog who loves cuddles)

daenerysstormborn3

CL32 wrote: »

Just get the damn dog man!

Your set up is about as good as it can get. You said yourself that you wanted a dog for companionship and to me thats the most important thing. Too many people get a dog for the kids, or to put off thieves etc and have no real interest in them. Most dogs are built for one thing only and thats unconditional love for their family, so if you put in the effort with them you get it back ten fold.

I can't wait to get home each day to wrestle mine. Shes asleep (snoring) on the couch beside me after a good run with another bloke who posts here. Content is the hound and content is the master.

Pups are hard work at the start. At some stage you will wonder what you have gotten yourself into, but its always worth it in the end. I was pulling my hair out about a year ago but now I wouldn't change a thing.

This is her when we got her, and apart from weighing about four stone now not much else has changed..

That's a great pic, any chance you'd post an up to date one in the pics thread? pleeease

CL32

Oh alright then

seamus

DeV, +1 on everything The Sweeper says. Knowing you, this dog will become your life and you'll start finding your trips away becoming shorter or restricted purely to places where the dog can come with you! It'll also start coming into work with you...

I have no doubt that any dog would be well looked after by you, and no-one will do more research or reading about dogs than you will

I too would advise a youngish rescue dog, 1-2 years old, preferably having been out to foster for a little while. This means the dog is young enough to take training and rehoming in its stride without being so young that you have to teach it basic stuff like "pee outside" and "sleep at night".

If you are going for a rescue dog, my only concern would be abandonment issues. These are fairly common in rescue dogs - many end up in the rescue because the owner doesn't give it attention or because it was dumped somewhere. Abandonment issues can of course be worked on and gotten rid of, but if it's a case that you go away for a month at a time, the dog needs to be comfortable with that and you would need to be working on it from day one.
It's also important that the dog knows your sisters family like it knows you too. If the dog considers your sister and her family to be its family, then it will be happy to live with them for a month or more.

This is where the puppy gets a +1; your sister and her family making regular visits to a puppy in the first few months of its life will allow it to bond with them very quickly. But I don't think it's that important to warrant the hassles of a pup.

I know you don't drive (right?); if you want to take a trip up to the DSPCA at any stage, I'll bring you, it's about half a klick from my house.

Toulouse

Hey DeV, long time to see! Not bonkers no There's nothing better than having a dog, fantastic company and unconditional love but they are an awful lot of work and not something to be entered into lightly.

1. I live alone but I often work from home so the dog wouldn't be on his own all day during the week. Sounds ideal but what about weekends? Routine is very important for a dog, it makes them feel secure, helps them to know what to expect.

2. I have no idea about dogs. I very much like the idea of having one but I've no idea what that would really entail. You wouldn't believe how much there is to learn when you have a dog but there is loads of help out there. I would suggest that you spend a bit of time on some doggy boards, they are eye openers. Try http://petsireland.invisionzone.com/ http://www.irishdogs.ie/community-forum.html http://www.topdog.ie/ and of course this one! To start off with you should be considering how the dog will fit into your life, you won't be able to come and go as you please anymore, you will now have another life depending on you to make the right decisions in it's best interests. Factor in vet visits, training, exercising, grooming, feeding and then you'll have just the basics covered.

3. I travel a good bit, often a month at a time... however, my sister who has a family is very keen on the idea of looking after the dog and she has even more space than I do. He would only suffer from over spoiling in her house ... but is it ok to leave a dog for a month in a different, albeit known house?No problem there really, just make sure that the dog is treated consistently as if it's allowed to do one thing in your house but not in the other or vice versa then it can be a bit confusing for the dog and frustrating for you if you've spent time training it one way you could come home to all your work undone.

4. My day can be wildly different from day to day. Most days I would be in the house for the vast majority of the day but there would be other days when I would be out from morning till midnight. I am concerned about how the dog gets fed on those days though I have heard of "free feeding" where the dog simply eats as he wants from a generous supply of food? (this is probably the area I need most expertise on!)
This is the part that would really ring alarm bells for me. I don't agree with leaving dogs all day on their own. They are pack animals, they live for company and leaving a dog all day on it's own can leave to behavioural problems and some very annoyed neighbours. You can get around this by having someone call in during the day to walk the dog but really it's something you should strongly think about.

5. I'd like to rescue a pup if I was going to, and I would look for something with character and small enough (I'm perfectly well endowed thank you ). Something like a cocker-spaniel? Any recommendations?? Would have to be placid with kids for the 8 year old nieces... Again this is where you need to do your research. Cockers are a hunting breed, that's what they were bred to do and so they can be fairly high energy dogs. Also some cockers are not great with kids. There are thousands of adorable rescue dogs out there, both purebred and crossbred that would fit the bill just make sure that you get full back up from the rescue. Again, take your time, visit the other boards and have a look at what is out there. Here's just a glimpse http://www.irishanimals.ie/homes.html

6. I would prefer a pup so that I am there for him (or her I guess) from an early age. That means training them which isnt something I would be looking forward to... how long does that take generally?? Training takes as long as it takes, it all depends on the dog, the routine and the amount of effort you put into it. Typically I would expect a dog to be housebroken in a month but young pups cant hold it overnight or for long periods of time and so you will need to be patient and consistent. Training doesn't just stop with housetraining, there's also socialistaion which is epically important if you are to have a well adjusted dog, lead training, obedience training and then training for any other behavioural issues that raise their heads. Dogs love to learn and imo training never really stops, I'm always teaching my girl something new and she constanly evolves.

Someone sbove mentioned a greyhound and it's a good option for you. Greyhounds are known as 40mph couch potatoes! They don't need huge amounts of exercise, couple of short walks a day and they are happy. They are good on the lead and good in the car and excellent with children. They also fold up small and make the most fantastic pets. I know an excellent home-run rescue with full back up and loads of advice for a novice owner. As the dogs have lived in the house they come housetrained so if you are interested in visiting then just let me know. I've brought people there who have been scared or wary when it came to greyhounds and they've left different people.

boomerang

SuperInfinity wrote: »

Also do NOT EVER neuter your dog.

If you love your dog you'll do your best to find him/her a mate at some point.

How I LOLed!

nikobyrne

koneko wrote: »

Few things beat the unconditional love and joy pets bring, when you can provide a good home for one.

They make good iPad stands too.


(my Husky is a lapdog who loves cuddles)

hahaha thats brill, but seriously i think you should get the dog too, you sound like you are sincere and you had enough cop on to ask people for advice first before you went ahead, go for it mate and have fun, p.s really hope you are not house proud though:D

sligopark

Toulouse wrote: »

Someone sbove mentioned a greyhound and it's a good option for you. Greyhounds are known as 40mph couch potatoes! They don't need huge amounts of exercise, couple of short walks a day and they are happy. They are good on the lead and good in the car and excellent with children. They also fold up small and make the most fantastic pets. I know an excellent home-run rescue with full back up and loads of advice for a novice owner. As the dogs have lived in the house they come housetrained so if you are interested in visiting then just let me know. I've brought people there who have been scared or wary when it came to greyhounds and they've left different people.

would this be the same for 'lurchers' Toulouse?

Whispered

I know of a gorgeous little staffie boy who is currently in foster, and will be for the forseeable future. But will be looking for a good home in time. He's 10 months now.:D Couldn't meet a sweeter boy!

seamus wrote: »

I too would advise a youngish rescue dog, 1-2 years old, preferably having been out to foster for a little while. This means the dog is young enough to take training and rehoming in its stride without being so young that you have to teach it basic stuff like "pee outside" and "sleep at night".

If you are going for a rescue dog, my only concern would be abandonment issues. These are fairly common in rescue dogs - many end up in the rescue because the owner doesn't give it attention or because it was dumped somewhere. Abandonment issues can of course be worked on and gotten rid of, but if it's a case that you go away for a month at a time, the dog needs to be comfortable with that and you would need to be working on it from day one.
It's also important that the dog knows your sisters family like it knows you too. If the dog considers your sister and her family to be its family, then it will be happy to live with them for a month or more.

This is where the puppy gets a +1; your sister and her family making regular visits to a puppy in the first few months of its life will allow it to bond with them very quickly. But I don't think it's that important to warrant the hassles of a pup.

I know you don't drive (right?); if you want to take a trip up to the DSPCA at any stage, I'll bring you, it's about half a klick from my house.

sligopark

Any pics?

Toulouse

sligopark wrote: »

would this be the same for 'lurchers' Toulouse?

The majority that I've met, yes, same applies. Although it does depend on how much sighthound is in the mix. I've met a few bull lurchers too and the ones I've met have been very very sweet dogs.

Cherry Blossom

OP - Here's a new thread for you which is currently a work in progress, inspired by some of the posts on this one. Hopefully it help you in the young adult vs puppy aspect of your decision.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056151882

Trojan

Toulouse wrote: »

1. I live alone but I often work from home so the dog wouldn't be on his own all day during the week. Sounds ideal but what about weekends? Routine is very important for a dog, it makes them feel secure, helps them to know what to expect.

Don't want to hijack but interested in this point - how important is routine in the grand scheme? I hate routine but would love a dog at some point, and have similar working arrangements to Tom I think

Discodog

Dogs love routine & it makes life much easier for them - less to worry about. But they are not slaves to it & a bit of adventure can be fun. I loaded a Boxer & a Saluki into a campervan & toured for nearly 6 months & the dogs loved it.

One of the main reasons that we love dogs is because of the way that they have evolved to understand us - we are not so good at understanding them. The key to easy dog ownership is confidence & trust. Once a dog trusts you & becomes confident then they can take pretty much anything in their stride. By making the effort to understand what they are telling you it makes the whole process easier.

The only part of Dev's questions that would concern me is the 12 hour away bit. We all differ here about whether you should leave a dog & how long for. I leave mine for up to 9 hours but they have each other for company. I would not be happy leaving a single dog for a day. Two are so much easier that one.

Vets refer to dogs as companion animals & they need our companionship just as much as we need theirs. I have three dogs in a very small house with an insecure garden. I can get away with this by giving them two good off lead walks every day. This is where the routine bit becomes important. They get their two walks every day rain or shine. Routine also plays a part in that most here will agree that dogs appear to be able to tell the time without a watch. Mine are usually fed at about 4 pm & they will wake up & be looking for food at about 3.50pm !.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the question to answer is the "I have no idea about dogs" bit. Many of us grew up loving dogs & having ones of our own was just a natural progression. I would urge you to spend some time with dogs & also learn a bit about how they communicate. Do you have friends with dogs who would help out ?. For example my neighbours were unsure so I lent them one of mine for a few hours over a couple of weekends. Their kids were nervous of dogs so I showed them how to talk to a dog & how to listen. They now have a dog of their own & it's going really well.

The dog programs featuring Martin Clunes on ITV were some of the best that I have ever seen at explaining why we connect with dogs. I haven't read it but I have heard that the accompanying book is excellent & a fun read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dogs-Life-Martin-Clunes/dp/0340977043

You've been around enough to know that we get pretty passionate about dogs & their welfare. In the past you may have been able to take a detached impartial view & maybe wonder what all the fuss is about. If you get a dog & really bond with it, then life will never be the same again.

DeVore

I've decided its not right, just at the moment, to take in a dog but later in the year or a year or two from now I will, im pretty sure of it. Its gone from "is a dog right for me" to "am I right for a dog" and the answer is "not just yet".

Many thanks for all the feedback folks, I'll come back when I decide to proceed, you can be sure of that hahah...

DeV.

LucyBliss

When it feels right, you'll just know it. Good for you for thinking long and hard about it. And be sure you do come back and tell us when you do get a dog and don't forget the pictures!

NeedaNewName

This was a really nice thread to have read.

Thx people

reeta

mtb_kng wrote: »

I'd say get an easy to train dog as a first dog, ie, don't get a Springer Spanial or a small dog that's known to bark, run after cars and jump around/ chase people. There's too many of these dogs in my neighbourhood, Springers in particular. Something like a Lab, Golden Retriever (I love these dogs) etc, something relaxed. My Golden took about a month to house train and maybe six weeks to get good at travelling in the car, although we probably started her too early. Also don't let a freak wave come near them when there a pup or they won't want to swim, but she's getting over that :rolleyes: Lots of people will recommend going to a shelter and getting a dog, not a bad idead, but I'd say go to a good breeder and get a pure-breed dog (I know I sound like a Nazi.... :rolleyes:).

EDIT: Watch a ton of the Dog Whisperer, he'll give you some advice :P Remember, don't be put off because the breed has a bad name.

Springer Spaniels are NOT known to bark,they are fantastic with kids, so please get your facts right !!!!

reeta

SuperInfinity wrote: »

Also do NOT EVER neuter your dog.

If you love your dog you'll do your best to find him/her a mate at some point.

I am shocked at this reply, it must be the most irresponsible I have seen on Boards.ie ..... if you love your dog you will get him/her spayed/neutured rather than go through birth and having to give her pups away... Any vet will agree and feel they very strongly about getting them spayed/neutered. It is so irresponsible to let them mate with any dog and then have pups, it is so unfair on the dog !!!

reeta

boomerang wrote: »

How I LOLed!

SuperInfinity wrote: »

Also do NOT EVER neuter your dog.

If you love your dog you'll do your best to find him/her a mate at some point.

I cant believe someone would say this !! how ignorant and irresponsible are you ???

Gerry Asstrix

My advise is get a dog

Ultimately it will be for the best in the end, provided you care for it

Everyone told me I was mad getting Doberman with small child, it would maul him etc

Now the dog is part of my family and is my sons best pal

And we're not at home all the time either, but the dog is always at home waiting for us to get back with big hugs when we get in ready for her walk

SuperInfinity

reeta wrote: »

I cant believe someone would say this !! how ignorant and irresponsible are you ???

I believe that neutering a dog is an unethical thing to do to your dog. You have a very different opinion.

I had to refrain from replying back to the attack the first time. What in heaven's name caused you to bring up this thread again? Looking for a fight is it? A big argument, huh? You decided you had a bit of time to spare and wanted to get into a big flame war on the internet?

I believe that neutering a dog is cruel and inhumane. Don't call me "unethical" for that, how DARE YOU. I think you're unethical, you think I'm unethical. I'm not going around castrating things, but there you go.

What possessed you to just bring all this up again out of nowhere to attack me? It's not like they're bringing in a new law to prevent people from castrating dogs. I gave my opinions, you give yours, and that's it. I'm supposed to reply back with a big discussion all these months later? Ridiculous. I'm not preventing you from doing anything, just giving my opinion. If you can't live with my opinion, that's your business.

NEVER bump old threads without an exceptionally good reason. And especially not for a big flame war.

DeVore

Let that be an end of any flaming.


DeV.

Laisurg

It would be a bad idea really to leave a dog from morning to midnight, you could rarely leave food out for a dog as most of them would just eat it all in one go, to be honest i wouldn't suggest it, if i left my dog for over 12 hours he would be crying non stop after the first 5 or so hours, and also you would need to walk him/her, some dogs don't really like walks and may be content with missing the odd one but some dogs that have high energy levels, eg jack russel would go mad.