To get a dog, or not... Post Reply

[Soriano]

Thinking about getting a dog for the family (we have 2 children over the age of 6)- and have looked into different breeds and am leaning towards an English Springer Spaniel.

My biggest concern (aside from never having owned a dog before!) is what to do with the dog if we go away for several weeks in the summer as we have in the past. Should I not consider a dog if we choose not to sacrifice our summers abroad?

Are there other things I should be taking into consideration before taking the leap?

Thanks for any input you may have on the subject.

[Mrsmac35]

It is the best decision you'll ever make! We have a two year old show type cocker spaniel (much calmer than the working type springers and cockers). We haven't got children yet though! First baby due in a month. It is quite a tie having a dog, they do not daily walks and really can't be left for longer than four hours. We have a great dog walker called Peter harrison who offers daily walks and full and half doggy daycare, he also takes dogs to stay in his home while you are on holidays, but your dog needs to be a regular member of his daily pack. We have also used pet nanny, a fantastic local service that matches you up with local residents who look after dogs while you are on holiday in their own home. The holidays are easily sorted, I think it's the day to day car of a dog that's harder work, you always have to be around to feed and walk your dog. Puppies are hard work, but I think it's much better with young children that you get a puppy. Rescue dogs are a great option for some people, but not knowing it's history would make me nervous with young children. When looking for a breeder, find someone who does it on a small scale and rears the puppies in their own home. Puppy training and socialising classes are a must, winkie spiers is great and I would definitely recommend her. Food and vet bills are also an added expense which need to be taken into consideration. The show type cocker spaniel is definitely worth investigating and the cockerpoos are a popular choice for children due to allergies. Do feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

[juliantenniscoach]

Not. "The things you own end up owning you". Never more so than a dog.

[TillyandMoo]

We got a cockapoo just over a year ago when my children were 18 months and 3. They absolutely adore him, as do we, and he adds so much to our family. We are lucky in that so far every overseas holiday he has gone to neighbours or friends ... we have a rota of who to ask as everyone wants him! Saying that we go away for a maximum 2 weeks.
He has been left for 6/7 hours before and has been asleep on the sofa when we get back (very rarely do we leave him for that long and only if taking him isn't an option) so we're lucky but I'm still always conscious that he's home alone when I'm out and that can be a big inconvenience which you need to factor into your decision.

I grew up with dogs and loved them so much and so for my children he's worth a bit of hassle!

[Barney's mum]

We have a 6 year old Parson Terrier and a 2 year old little boy and a baby due any day now and although at times having a dog can be a bit of a tie, I would still say yes to anyone asking whether or not to get a dog - ours really is like another member of the family, and our little boy adores him

It's also amazing how generous people are with their time when it comes to looking after a dog, so I really wouldn't worry about the holiday issue, and as other people have said, once you find a good dog sitter this problem is solved

[atbattersea]

Actually, slight revision, get any dog you like, but make sure you get some of these too:

http://www.dog-nappy.co.uk/

Very appropriate for Nappy Valley.

[Soriano]

Wow- I don't even have the dog yet and already I'm getting told off...

[atbattersea]

Wow- I don't even have the dog yet and already I'm getting told off...

You should think about that - most people don't even like dogs, and they almost certainly won't like your dog.

I also think you haven't really thought it through, nor have the experience to understand what owning a dog means. Dogs are social animals, they believe they are part of your family. Going away and leaving them for weeks at a time can drive them a bit crazy.

[ramdays]

Hi Soriano

Ignore the anti-dog brigade. Of course some people don't like dogs, but that shouldn't stop you getting a dog if you wish to. Many people adore dogs and will approach you in the street if you have a like-able, well mannered dog. Our King Charles Spaniel gets plenty of affection from locals when out on Wandsworth Common or Northcote Road. You'll find yourself talking to strangers a lot more!

Experience and understanding will come with owning a dog. There are plenty of people out there who can help you along the way

When you've done what you think is enough research into breeds and determined which would suit you and your family / situation best, take the time to talk to owners of that breed and source a dog from a responsible breeder. We've evolved our social life around restaurants that allow dogs so you may want to factor that into your breed/size decision to avoid leaving the dog at home. Invest the time to make the right decision, and when s/he comes home treat the dog like a member of the family and you'll have a loving companion that will be a rewarding experience.

All the best
Saquib

[Annabel (admin)]

Hi Everyone
This thread went a little off topic.

Totally understand that some users will want to discuss what type of dog to buy and some users will want to discuss dog fouling.

I've therefore split the threads (and deleted a few which were really off topic) and so if we can discuss the "what dog should I get?" here and in this thread...

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 46&t=61577

concerns about dog fouling.

Thanks for all your posts everyone!

[pie81]

Other things to take into account: I agree with posters above, it's not just the holidays it's the day to day care.

Some breeds can be left alone for several hours, others can't. So what do you do if you want to go shopping in town for several hours/ have a lengthy hair cut / go for a family outing somewhere that is not dog friendly / go to visit friends who don't want the dog to come too for whatever reason. You will either need to be willing to restrict yourself to outings that the dog can come along on, or find a dogsitter fairly often.

What happens if you want to go and stay and grandparents for the weekend (if this is something you do)? Will they accept the dog coming to stay?

What happens if friends come round to yours who are allergic or scared of dogs or who have a boisterous toddler who doesn't mix well with a dog? Will your dog have to/be happy to go in the garden during their visit?

All of this is not to say you shouldn't have a dog! But you have to want one enough to outweigh these restrictions, if that makes sense. (Bit like deciding to have a child I guess!!)

[AbbevilleMummy]

We bought a Cavapoo in September when he was 10 weeks old and quite frankly the past 5 months have been hard work. So much so, that if I could turn back time I don't think I would do it again!

He is adorable, and we do love him, especially the kids, but....

- Puppies need constant attention
- They poo and pee all the time and all over the house
- Your house ends up smelling a lot like a smelly dog
- They chew everything
- They cannot be left alone for any period of time
- They can't be left outside shops/schools etc because they are too young
- Puppies need a lot of training in everything

We basically thought that it would be an easier way of extending our family than having a 3rd child, but now I'm not so sure!

Think long and hard and maybe see if you can get someone to lend you their dog for a week or a weekend so you can see what it's like first?

[AnotherMummy]

You could maybe "borrow" a doggy to help make your mind whether or not to get a dog!
My friend has two dogs and a "borrower" that take the dogs some week ends and look after them for free when she is off on holiday. It's a win win!
Have a look at their website
Good luck!

[Soriano]

This is all excellent feedback. Lots to consider and lots more research for me to do but this is very helpful so thank you to everyone who took the time to respond so far.

[atbattersea]

I agree with AbbevilleMummy and pie#1, a dog is a big commitment. If you haven't had one before you need to get an idea of what it really involves. Perhaps volunteer to dogsit while friends/family are on holiday for a couple of weeks?

Also, some breeds really are more hassle than they are worth - so be very careful about what you choose.