Under pressure - again. HELP!

Well it seems like I go from one issue to another, started the weekend with birthday present issues, now sorted.

Now all three of them are on at me to get a dog.........

I always wanted one as a kid, but was never allowed one and now it seems the tables have turned and I am the one saying no. I would still love one but the practicalities of picking crap up and being tied down are the bits that worry me.

So should I give in to them and be the best daddy in the world? If so what dog would be appropriate? Perhaps a rescued dog or retired greyhound.

As long as you realise they won't walk it, and you have someone that can let it out during the day, then go for it.

I work in a vets and we very often hear of dogs up for rehoming, worth asking at your local vets.

It is a tie though - I only work 2 days a week and luckily have the best neighbour who comes in at lunchtime both days to let them out, otherwise I'd be at least a tenner a day in dogwalker fees.

Also, insurance, food, vaccinations etc- it's the gift that keeps on costing....saying that I wouldn't be without my 2 dogs, but the kids do cuddling and little else with them, the novelty soon wears off.

Get them a dog stop being a meanie - I begged my parents for one when I was a kid and when the finally gave in he was my best mate for 16 years. Taught me many responsibilities of life and gave my parents peace and quiet when I went out with him on our 'adventures'

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by krhall

Perhaps a rescued dog

iirc you have a young child? if so i'd say be VERY wary of getting a rescue dog unless you can be absolutely 100% sure of it's past

we have a rescue border collie and although she's the softest most loving dog you could want, she will literally rip the bristles out of a broomstick, on sight, as if she has to kill it before it kills her - we have no idea why - if your kid were to get caught up in a past problem in a dog's psyche it could end very badly

other questions to ask yourself are things like "have any of us got experience handling dogs" - "can we afford the costs" (something like £10,000 over the dog's lifetime)

i'm not trying to put you off, i grew up with ten salukis, a spaniel, a golden retreiver, a staffie and now our collie, i've not been without a dog for more than a few months, and it's great, but it's a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly

if you do decide to get a dog, make sure you are all agreed on the rules before you go ahead, personally it drives me up the wall to see dogs jumping on the sofa, begging for food etc etc, if you don't have experience training a dog get help from a professional, as it's much easier to teach good habits than undo bad ones, and both you and the dog will be happier when you understand what each other wants

Now then, I had dogs as I grew up... 2, at separate times.

The last dog that we had, was MY dog, and it was best for him that he be put down. I was 14 at the time, and refused to let my parents do it. He was my dog & it was clearly my responsibility.

It was also the worst moment of my life.

You need to make sure someone in your family can cope with doing that. Being so emotionally close to something, but knowing that it's best to let it die.

That said, I'd love to have a dog, and I always mess about saying we have to get one, but the practicalities (mainly cost) keep me from getting one.

If you can afford it, and look after it properly, cave in & be the best dad in the world. If not, the best thing for your family (and the dog you may/may not get) would be to keep your foot firmly on the ground.

I'm happy to do the exercise bit as I run regularly, so happy to do that.

They want a puppy (obviously), but a retired greyhound would be a much nicer thing to do and from what I can make of it they are easy to care for in terms of food etc.

Some sites say they are cool with kids others not so, I just can't work it out.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by krhall

Some sites say they are cool with kids others not so, I just can't work it out.

it will depend entirely on the individual dog, that's why you have to be extremely careful - as long as you keep an eye on them both and don't leave them alone together the chances of anything too bad happening are reduced, but it all depends on the personality of the dog and the child tbh...

Hmmmmm, there are a lot of youngish greyhounds that are ex-racers which apparently don't get any kind of abuse as it is counter-productive to training. Might be an idea?

[the_lone_wolf]

see this, as a breed they're generally very good pets:

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/VirtualC...ysandlurch.pdf

personally, i'd much rather adopt a dog that needs it than get a puppy what with so many dogs abandoned, mis-treated etc etc

Go for it, dogs are great company, hard work but over all worth it.
If you have no other pets then I would go for a rescue one, just remember they are a mans best friend