Under pressure - again. HELP!

I would try either the dogs trust,your local RSPCA re homing center or Battersea dogs home as you live in that area, any of these will be able to help you make the right choice. I have 3 rescue dogs,10,5& 4 years. I have to say that they are the best thing that I've ever done and wouldn't be without them.

[Jayneflakes]

Having pets as a child was the one comfort I had at times, I am sure that your family is very happy, in which case a dog will bring a lot of love in with it.

For me having a dog was a chance to get away from my parents for long walks, it taught me responsibility to another life form, but it broke my heart when my Mother had both of my dogs put to sleep, claiming that they had bitten people.

To have a dog, you must treat them with kindness and be consistent, just like being a parent really. Having a dog could be a wonderful thing for you kids and could help them to grow up to be good pet owners them selves. Teach them how to raise an animal and then allow them to love the animal. There will be times when you will have to clean up poop, but all animals do that. Just dig a dog latrine in the garden and make it a weekly task for the kids to pick up the turd with a spade and deposite in the latrine.

Also, getting out for a walk each day is not only good for the dog, but good for you too. Healthy exercise makes a healthy soul.

Good luck and choose wisely, I last had a Blue Merle Collie resuce and he was a real gem, but being a working dog, needed a good long run each day just to stop him from getting bored. A good excuse to train him to run along side the mountain bike. As a family dog, maybe something small and not too excitable would be better than a Grey hound?

Hugs

Thanks all not sure - let the battle commence.

[maviczap]

Who's going to walk it? I'm facing similar pressure, but I've dug my heels in and said no. The kids wanted a rabbit, so my wife got one onthe understanding the kids would look afte it. Didn't happen and now I clean it out & feed it. Hence why I've said no.

But we did have a Greyhound and so did my mum and Dad, all ex racers. Best dog we ever had, doesn't need much more than 20mins walk twice a day. Then they sleep all day long!!!!!!

My folks had loads of different dogs and these were the least trouble, except for when they see squirrels & cats, then they revert to type! Very child friendly too.

I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago...........my inner child wanted a dog as I was never allowed one when I was a kid.

After a lot of thinking I switched into doing mode and started looking in rescue centers. I ended up with a X staffy-pointer(?). Does he have past issues -YES. He is afraid of anything tubular and shinny i.e. an end can. Does this affect his behaviour yes obviously but not dangerously. Lately his has become very territorial with his tennis ball Any other dog try take it and you are in a dog fight - solution? - when I see other dogs ball goes in my pocket - they can chase themselves around

Practicalities now.......my dog is let out 3 times a day. Morning before work, evening after work and night before I go to bed. I have never had any problems with this routine and neither have the people next door with their dog or any other people that I know off.

Vet fees - once a year needs vaccinations - this means £25 at my vets - prices may vary.

Insurance - depending on dog/age etc costs me £12 a month

Going away for days - dog goes to a kennel. I had my reservations about this but after doing my research on kennels around my area and visiting them, I have found one I am happy with and this is where he goes. We travel at least twice a year for 2 weeks at a time - kennels cost me £8 per day and that includes his food, insurance while he is there and walks.

There are many breeds that are good with kids BUT there is ONE fundamental rule! ANY dog can become aggressive with anything as long as you let it get in that mind phase.

I vote get the FAMILY a dog!

Good luck

[Jayneflakes]

Get a cat!
No one minds if a cat bites them, they expect it. Cats do not need walking, although you can train them to walk on a lead if you wish and best of all, they do all of their poos in other peoples gardens!

Down sides to cat ownership are they own you, they have fleas, they insist on cuddles when you are working on the computer and you need a cat flap.

Cats are lovely and just domesticated enough to make them cute, although finding decapitated wildlife such as voles, mice, small birds and bison in your bed can be off putting.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

Get a cat!

if you enjoy picking up barely digested and still recognisable mouse body parts which they proudly march into the living room and vomit on the carpet while you're half way through motogp then yeah

always had Staffs and loved them to bits


would I have another dog.....Never.
Hairs,smell,mess,tied down.bla bla bla

[yorkie_chris]

Getting a cat? We on about whether to get a dog, not what to feed it.

Retired greyhounds are good dogs, but I wouldn't expect one to be a good running partner. They are bred sprint.

I'd say get a labrador, but I'm biased lol. Or maybe English mastiff, they're lovely dogs.

Get a springer spaniel. They are crazy dogs but tend to be great with children - obviously depends on the individual though!

I've had a few breeds in my life and the springer definitely has the most personality about him!