Current Events > What is it like to own a dog?

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NGL I feel lonely right now and I'm thinking of getting a dog. I've only owned cats before so no idea what a dog is like.

Never had one. My mom is terrified of all dogs, and I've never had the time or lmao anywhere near the space for one.

My three cats are enough for me.

Dogs are the best! Loyal, loving, appreciative.

It's awesome

Sucks

bluezero posted...

Dogs are the best! Loyal, loving, appreciative.

Yeah people i see with dogs tend to be super happy. They seem like they are a good coping mechanism.

Don't get one on a whim, make sure you plan on having it for several years.

The relationship part can be very rewarding.

There are responsibilities that you have to be aware of and absolutely not neglect. Even when you're exhausted and/or depressed. No excuses.

They're good companions, especially for lonely people.
Try adopt an older one from the shelters.

ai123 posted...

The relationship part can be very rewarding.

There are responsibilities that you have to be aware of and absolutely not neglect. Even when you're exhausted and/or depressed. No excuses.

This. Please don't get a pet because you're going through a lonely/depression spell. You have to always keep in mind that the animal is part of your life, but you are their entire life.

Pros:
- a dog will generally be down for affection whenever you are; cats generally work on their own emotional schedules

- dogs can be fun play partners inside and outside, and a well trained dog can be a great companion on vacations/adventures

- dogs poop and pee outside

- a dog with a good alert bark is one of the best home security systems you can have. Someone with a mind to break in is more apt to move on to a quieter/easier target when they hear a barking dog inside

Cons:

- dogs are generally less self-reliant than cats. Going to the bathroom outside also means they need to be let out on a regular basis, so if you're going to be gone for extended periods arrangements must be made

- dogs are opportunists, and aren't as "picky" as cats when it comes to what they'll get into. Training good behavior can only get you so far before you need to make adjustments to where you might keep certain things, especially while you're away (positive reinforcement crate training can eliminate a lot of that, if that works better with the dog's personality/impulsiveness)

I'd get a dog if I owned a house and a yard. But I do not. So I stick with my cat

I've never technically owned a dog of my own, but I grew up with lots of different dogs owned by my parents. They are nice if they are friendly.

Ricemills posted...

They're good companions, especially for lonely people.
Try adopt an older one from the shelters.

Also this. After my family cat died at 17 a few years ago, I adopted a three year old cat(basically ancient by adoption standard). She took a lot of time to get use to the sudden change in lifestyle as she was a street cat, but she's now the biggest, sweetest, cuddlebug on that planet m

All the negatives of having kids, only a few of the positives.

I got 2 puppies in July, they were my first dogs. Puppies are a gigantic pain in the ass and I regularly ask myself why I got them, especially 2 at the same time. BUT they are now 5 months old and are 10x better than when I first got them. We've finally figured out potty training and they can be left to themselves for a few hours without destroying everything (though the carpet in the hallway is a sacrifice I've had to make for the good of the rest of the house). I can start to see light at the end of the tunnel in terms of behavior.

theAteam posted...

This brings up an important idea: if you're a first time dog owner, especially with a puppy, you should invest in obedience classes.

Villain_S_Fiend posted...

This brings up an important idea: if you're a first time dog owner, especially with a puppy, you should invest in obedience classes.

Yes agreed. They just got through puppy preschool last month and we're thinking about bringing someone in for more focused training on stuff like jumping on people and walking.

My dog is almost 13 and I've had him since he was 7 weeks old. My main piece of advice would be to do your research and find a breed that fits your lifestyle, rather than just picking one you think is cute. Dog temperaments vary wildly and the amount of exercise they need to keep from getting bored and destructive is equally varied. If you live in a one-bedroom apartment don't get a husky. Also, keep in mind that the work you put in to a dog as a puppy is going to pay lifelong dividends, so you really do need to get into the habit of having some sort of daily schedule with training time and structured play. It will result in a much calmer, well mannered dog in later years which will save you an unbelievable amount of hassle.

Having a dog is like having a toddler for 10-15 years.

With like literally everything involved with having a toddler. Cleaning up their shit, their messes, having to give them good education so they don't become a menace, paying extravagantly for their healthcare, etc etc.

Dogs are cool but they are too much work for me now. I'm cat only from now on unless I start a family and they want to primarily take care of the dog (I'd help out of course)

bags of sand and fur

Waxitron_Gazer posted...

Having a dog is like having a toddler for 10-15 years.

With like literally everything involved with having a toddler. Cleaning up their shit, their messes, having to give them good education so they don't become a menace, paying extravagantly for their healthcare, etc etc.

Yep this, so much more high maintenance than a cat. My Mom just adopted two puppies and damn am I glad it's not me dealing with that nonsense lol.

Darkinsanity1 posted...

Mom just adopted two puppies and damn am I glad it's not me dealing with that nonsense lol.

That's quite sad, tbqh.
Seems your mom adopted them from the loneliness that her children has left home.

More work than you realize going in blind - if you're doing it the right way - but very enjoyable.

You're basically bringing the equivalent of a pre-schooler into your home. Some people treat the situation like they're buying a plant for decoration.

FortuneCookie posted...

bags of sand and fur

furry bags of sand?