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get a dog?
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
in General Chat
im watching loose women and they have just had some ceeute puppies on there which has got me thinking about getting a dog. tyler is one yr old now so can be taught not to torment and i'd like a young dog that will get use to tyler quickly. my partner wants a big dog but i want a little one as dogs scare me so thought a labrador could be a happy medium? not sure, what dogs generallyt are most friendly? plus i dont want my house to smell, my friends house stinks of dog i never had a dog (well my mum got one when i was four but never kept it co it bit me so i dont have much experience). anyway yeh, i have laminate flooring so would it smell? i like the idea of a faithful dog, and as i dont go out much i would feel nice and safe with a dog. hmm dont want one for the wrong reasons so gonna give it lots of thought. comments/ideas please?
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they can live anywhere from 10 - 20 years. so are you prepared to dedicate that time to daily walks, picking hair off EVERYTHING, never leaving the house for more than 4 hours at a time without arranging a dogsitter... can you afford vet bills, insurance, wormers, flea tablets, food, vaccinations?
if the answer is yes, congratulations! you're ready for a dog.
dogs do smell. it's inevitable really. although shorthaired dogs usually smell less, and if you're an avid hooverer and dog-bather, you can make your house smell a lot less. you can also get scented shampoos and sprays, but don't expect your butch male dog to like it
dogs that are good with children? most, to be honest, if you raise them from a puppy and train them well. dogs are naturally friendly and gentle creatures, although if you have a little one you might want to consider a more placid breed to avoid the knocking over child every 5 minutes thing. labradors are great for that. also rottweilers are notoriously good with children. and i have a beagle, and she's brilliant with my 2-year-old nephew.
At the minute i have 2 westies (one just died sob ) and they are small but bigger than them annoying yappy dogs and i always get awww'ed at, and people coming up to stroke them when walking them. I think they are great but and at one point we had 7 when one of my dogs had puppies, which was tonnes off fun.
But about the smell, well yeah dogs to tend to smell so you will find that hoovering a bit more and febreeze is you best friend.
You have to take in to consideration bigger dogs do need feeding and walking more often, which might be a bit more hassel if you have a young child.
And i have always found the temperment of dogs to be good and loyal, all you have to do is treat them right. I love my dogs I can't actually imagine not having one about.
and the second one my mum came down in the morning to find her (her mum had gave birth to her in the middle of the night and just letf her on the floor) and thought she was dead and brought her back to live by warming her hot water :crazyeyes so she is a bit loopy so to speak
But I erm like to think it makes them more individual
Spaniels tend to be good with kids or labradoors/ golden retrievers.
Spaniels are mad tho.
get a dog
However, they do get bored if they're left on their own a lot and then they tend to chew things.
I found it really hard work when my dog was a pup, they require a LOT of attention, its like having another child basically, the only difference being that you can leave a dog alone in the house when you go out.
Its a pain if you want to go out for the weekend or stay out overnight somewhere because even if you can take your child certain places, you cant always take a dog.
Can you handle picking up dogshit? Vets bills, walking it everyday, rain or shine with a child. I find this the worst bit as its incredibly stressful walking my dog when my 3 year old is with me as if one runs, the other runs after. It was ok when he had a pushchair, but they soon grow out of that.
There are lots of things to consider, kennel fees if you go on holiday or friends who will dog-sit.
A hell of a lot of people get puppies because theyre cute, but are not prepared for the reality of dog ownership.
Have you considered getting an older rescue dog?
much easier,cheaper and those dogs really need homes.
if your bigest problem is your scare of dogs... oh you definetly must have one!!!! they are sooooooooooooooo cute, and so friendly... My boy's dog is soo smart and cute and it realy loves him, and... and... oh I would love to get a dog, but i dont have the right place and the time they need
retriever seems a good option...
Good Luck!
yes, but usually, they are better than humans...
LOOK AT THE PUPPY. AAAAAAH.
I think you should get one of
Awwww! How precious. I want another doggy.
He just looks right glaikit. No tar.
I prefer fuzzy puppies
i want one.
Bless! He looks sooo cheeky!
mines is called oscar!
rainbow brite- how would you like it if someone called your child a rat?! :crying: