Should I get a dog?

[Roger Wilco]

I've never had a pet in my life, no cat or dog or anything like that (I remember we had an aquarium when I was very young, but we couldn't keep the fish alive and gave it away soon after). But I've been thinking for a while how much fun that would be.

Specifically I've been thinking about getting a Swedish Vallhund, which is just ridiculously cute, basically a viking corgi.

But it doesn't have to be that specifically, although I think I wouldn't want a big dog.

Anyway I don't know. Anyone here got their first dog "late" (30s) in life without ever having had one as a kid?

 

[Kirby]

Dogs require a lot of work, and you do lose quite a bit of 'freedom' by owning one. Make sure you do a lot of research into what goes into owning and training a dog before you commit to something that will be with you for years to come. That said, my 15 year old Dachshund Kirby has been an amazing companion to my family, and I know my life is better because he's in it. Sadly, I think we'll be losing him probably within the next year or so, so I'm cherishing my time with him now.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Well, I'm clearly aware of the responsibility, which is why I'm not making that decision lightly. I've been considering it for a while like I said, and I haven't made up my mind.

 

[Kestra]

What are your hesitations? I didn't have any pets as a kid and my family got a dog when I was already an adult. And of course I got my cat as an adult. It's wonderful to have a pet, but it really transforms your life.

You should ask yourself how much time, money, and affection you have to devote to a dog. Would you get a puppy? Personally I'd love to have a dog one day but the idea of training a puppy is a bit much for me. What does a normal day during the week and weekend look like for you? Would you like having a dog to come home to, or would that be exhausting? Do you travel a lot? Would someone be able to watch the dog for you if you had to be away?

If you've thought about all of this and have the resources to devote to getting a dog, go for it! Having a pet can be so rewarding. Please think about adopting!

 

[Saga]

you should get a cat instead. actually, you should get two cats.

 

[RandyS]

you should get a cat instead. actually, you should get two cats.

No. He should get a Goldfish.

Much less mess.

Particularly for a first time pet owner.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

you should get a cat instead. actually, you should get two cats.

ABSOLUTELY.

 

[trekkiedane]

you should get a cat instead. actually, you should get two cats.

No. He should get a Goldfish.

Much less mess.

Particularly for a first time pet owner.

Yup, and we all know the lovely warm feeling of your goldfish cuddling up with you in bed...

 

[Gaith]

Well, I'm clearly aware of the responsibility, which is why I'm not making that decision lightly.

The fact that you're asking total strangers for input on such a profound personal question makes that somewhat less clear than you might think.

A key question: what does your SO think of the idea? And, if you don't have one, how would having a dog impact looking for an SO? And are you so set on getting a dog that you're willing to alienate potential SOs who don't much like them/don't want to live with 'em?

Myself, if I had the resources to get and humanely care for a dog of my liking, I'd absolutely do so; alas, this is not that day, and tomorrow ain't looking too great, neither.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

My family always owned various dogs when I was a kid, but I myself have absolutely no desire to own any kind of pet. I'm not opposed to the concept of pets, it's just that I live alone and I wouldn't want to leave an animal alone for hours while I go to work. Plus, when I go on vacation, who's gonna feed it?

Actually, my recommendation would be to get a Blu-Ray of an acquarium and play it whenever you get a desire to have pets. You don't have to feed them OR change their water! (Plus, with a large enough TV, it can be bigger than any acquarium...)

 

[iguana_tonante]

Specifically I've been thinking about getting a Swedish Vallhund, which is just ridiculously cute, basically a viking corgi.

I have no experience with dogs, but I must say the description is awesome.

 

[Captain_Nick]

If you can toilet train them properly, dogs are wonderful companions.

If not .. well .. google for yourself and see how difficult dog urine is to remove from carpets.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

One thing I'll say, I will never ever get another puppy. Yeah some people might be whizzes at house training a puppy but not me. MUCH worse than babies, totally stressful having to monitor dog's pooing and peeing activities for months. Awful.

If someone offered me an adult dog, medium to small sized, with no overt bad habits and I knew the dog already I might consider saying yes. But the thing that would hold me back (other than my cats' intense hatred of dogs lol) is that I do intend to live elsewhere at some point, possibly an apartment some day. I might live overseas if I had the opportunity, even if only for a few months. I don't need to be taking a dog into consideration with those possibilities. Cats are easier.

 

[RandyS]

you should get a cat instead. actually, you should get two cats.

No. He should get a Goldfish.

Much less mess.

Particularly for a first time pet owner.

Yup, and we all know the lovely warm feeling of your goldfish cuddling up with you in bed...

Any cat (or dog for that matter) that tried to get into bed with me wouldn't live long enough to regret it.

I know, some people like that but....ugh....eww...

No, I still say that a goldfish is the best pet.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

MUCH worse than babies, totally stressful having to monitor dog's pooing and peeing activities for months.

I may not be a parent but I would hazard a guess that most parents do just as much of such monitoring, if not more, for their babies. Plus with dogs and cats at least there's no diapers to change!

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

That's not the point. The dog is crapping and pissing on the floor. You don't monitor a baby, you just notice it needs changing and change it. All very self contained and only rarely ending up on carpet unlike the dog.

Plus it's easy to end up with a theoretically house trained dog that still pisses and shits in the house at times. You have to REALLY love dogs not to find this totally irritating especially when after a certain point they are obviously not going to outgrow it.

 

[Melakon]

Dogs demand a lot of your time, needing daily walks, and lots of attention. Cats can sometimes care less about you, unless they want some loving or a treat. Mine's sacked out on top of the range right now, right over the pilot light where the metal's warm. Cats are also easier to take care of if you need to be away for 2 or 3 days on short notice. Though you have to remember to change the littler box on a regular basis, or your home will be Stinkaroonieville.

I prefer dogs, but cats are easier for me to take care of.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

This is a touching video. A soldier returns home after 6 months to his beloved pet..

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1bo98838hs[/yt]

 

[Gaith]

^

 

[Pondwater]

Dogs are great pets and companions. Just as long as you have the time and resources to invest in them. I suggest a shelter or rescue pet.