21 replies to this topic

[Simon]

I have three kids and a wife and they all want a dog. I keep telling them you have to take them out three times a day, scoop the poop, they cost money to feed and keep well, and they shed hairs, slaver, and bark and whine day and night, trailing mud and all sorts through the house. I won’t mention the dragging themselves along the carpet to scratch their butts. Sorry but it’s all true. If you ever go out you have to take them with you and holidays are a pain. Don’t get me wrong I love dogs…but I don’t want one and I know I will end up as the keeper.

I’m under severe pressure and I’m bending in the wind.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks,
Simon

[tsmith7858]

I'll help a little on both sides. My wife and I currently have two dogs and a cat.

First on your side, you forgot to mention fleas! We just moved into a house that had dogs and cats previously and I am now fighting a battle against the fleas! Fog, spray, bath and repeat. I am through two cycles and hoping the third will complete the fight.

On the other hand, nothing beats the unconditional love provided from a good pet. They also greet you at the door and are always glad to see you. They don't talk back (not much at least), you don't have to send them to college and they really don't eat that much...

Oh, wait I've gone into why dogs are better than kids, but you already have the kids, so unless you are trading them in for a dog, these arguement might not work.

[cazyncymru]

I have three kids and a wife and they all want a dog. I keep telling them you have to take them out three times a day, scoop the poop, they cost money to feed and keep well, and they shed hairs, slaver, and bark and whine day and night, trailing mud and all sorts through the house. I won’t mention the dragging themselves along the carpet to scratch their butts. Sorry but it’s all true. If you ever go out you have to take them with you and holidays are a pain. Don’t get me wrong I love dogs…but I don’t want one and I know I will end up as the keeper.

I’m under severe pressure and I’m bending in the wind.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks,
Simon

Get a Jack Russell!!!

my bitch has just had a litter so i could flog you one cheap!

[Charles.C]

Dear Simon,

Some of the factors are probably specific to the “owner’s” personal limitations / feelings / surroundings, eg toy dogs or non-miniature, or giants ? Dogs which are ok around children (eg toys can be vulnerable, some varities are more tolerant than others, WonderLab), house-trained or not ? peeing everywhere or not ? Potentially with future profit options or not ? Food cost is not necessarily low from my experience. Relatively long-lived or not ? Clever breeds, noisy breeds, independent characters ?

The only thing for sure is that if you sample the internet, it is immediately obvious how attached “man” can become to his best friend. Cat-lovers will no doubt claim equal rights, etc etc ad infinitum

Rgds / Charles.C

[MRios]

I had my kids write up a contract where they specified who would feed the dog, clean up after her, walk her, etc.
Any whining from the kids about not wanting to do these chores will only get them a reading of the contract, drawn up by them, signed by them and therefore, their responsibility.
Here´s a tip: if your dog is dragging his butt on the carpet, or on any surface for that matter, it´s because his anal glands are blocked. It would be the equivalent of having 2 gigantic zits in that area. Take him to the vet to have them "unplugged". That should do the trick. (sorry to be so graphic, but it´s true.)

[Simon]

Thanks for all of your replies you have certainly given me a lot to think about, there’s no denying dogs are very loving and I don’t want to seem like a bad Dad to the kids. When I was young we never had a dog and I don’t remember asking for one, although I may have done and got a no…or a wallop. Or perhaps we just couldn’t agree on the contract fine print - MRios

Thanks for the kind offer Caz, but I’m still in denial right now and I was kind of looking for people to talk me out of it rather than sell me a dog.

One of the reasons that lays heavy on the side of getting one is my youngest son is Aspergers Syndrome and from what I have read having a dog to care for, befriend, interact and play with is therapeutic and can also attract other children to socialise with.

Are there any dog breeds that are clean and tidy with good hygiene habits that don’t suffer from leprosy and are happy and friendly and don’t bark and yelp a lot? Ability to go to the bathroom unaided would be even better.

[Hongyun]

I had my kids write up a contract where they specified who would feed the dog, clean up after her, walk her, etc.
Any whining from the kids about not wanting to do these chores will only get them a reading of the contract, drawn up by them, signed by them and therefore, their responsibility.
Here´s a tip: if your dog is dragging his butt on the carpet, or on any surface for that matter, it´s because his anal glands are blocked. It would be the equivalent of having 2 gigantic zits in that area. Take him to the vet to have them "unplugged". That should do the trick. (sorry to be so graphic, but it´s true.)

Haha. Simon, MRios' method might just work!

Work up a duty roster for the kids so they know which day they are suppose to feed or walk the dogs. Kids should learn to have responsibility if they insist on having pets.

As for the bathroom part, you will have to spend time toilet training them. Once they are familiar, everything should be fine.

[MRios]

Basenjis don´t bark.
Don´t try a very small dog, since they tend to be the most ferocious (I´m serious!). I´ve heard really good things about Jack Russell terriers, you might want to take Caz up on her offer.
And you´re right, dogs are people magnets. They are good conversation starters, make you exercise and give children a responsibility.
Go on! Get your kids a dog!!!

[Simon]

Thanks again everyone. It’s not an easy decision and not one to be taken lightly. It is a huge responsibility and commitment. I will have some time soon to think about whilst I take a couple of weeks off.

I like the idea of having a policy, procedures, clearly defined roles and responsibilities and maybe some checklists if and when we do go live.

Has anyone got a QMS for dog ownership they wanna share?

Regards,
Simon

[sskubisnac]

I think my current 'domestic situation' may put your prospective choice in focus ....

Myself, my wife and my step son live in your standard two bedroom terrace. At the last count our "animal invintory" was as follows:~

4 x dogs (three Staffies and a Hienz 57)
6 x snakes
4 x fish
19 x Chameleon's
up until last week we also had a Rhino Iguana (their bigger than the staffies!)

So by comparrison, what trouble can one wee cute doggie be?

toodle pip

Ss

[Julie]

Hi,

Do not get a Dog, if you cannot give them enough love, care and medication in times of need.

If you have a Dog, you should take them to walk, play with them etc etc. If you think, you

could do all these. Get one, the lifestyle will be changed, they give us so much love... you will

not ask for more. They are our best mates, if you understand their love and their language.

They are Angels!

[pawilliams1]

My advice to you Simon is to have a few pints while you think about it and then make the decision whilst you're slightly merry (but don't get too brahms and list, we can't encourage binge drinking!).

I have always found that making an important decision after a few pints lets me go with my instinct without being over-cautious and without being too stupid.

Hope this helps.

Paul

[Simon]

We've been away for a week and we are still cogitating. We all recognise it's a VERY important commitment so we are not taking it lightly. Watch this space.

[Charles.C]

Dear Simon,

Indeed, available "space" is another important factor in the choice of breed, eg lap-dog or partridge-collector.

Rgds / Charles.C

[Simon]

Dear Simon,

Indeed, available "space" is another important factor in the choice of breed, eg lap-dog or partridge-collector.

Rgds / Charles.C

Part of me does want a dog you know. If they were inanimate we'd have one by now.

[pawilliams1]

Hi Simon - buy a stuffed toy dog. Problem solved - your family has a "dog" and you have the inanimate object!

[Simon]

Hi Simon - buy a stuffed toy dog. Problem solved - your family has a "dog" and you have the inanimate object!

I like it Paul, I like it a lot.

[a_andhika]

Hey Simon,

Why dont you try AIBO? Its a Japanese robot dog!

[Simon]

Hey Simon,

Why dont you try AIBO? Its a Japanese robot dog!

That's brilliant, I want one. But shhh it's all gone quiet on the dog front for now.

[sirilucky]

I think having a dog toy is an absolute solution.

[Caddyshack]

Simon, have a cocker spaniel. Very robust leap a 5 bar gate, very loving and placid great with the kids. Very very clever and easy to train.

We are very house proud people and having a dog did worry us regarding hairs etc.

We all agree our dog was the best family move ever made, the dog has chilled us out more regarding the house. We adapt where we are going on days out etc to suit taking the dog.

Having said that, we go away for weekends quite a bit, it is amazing how many pubs etc will allow a dog in and under the table etc.

She will have pups next year I hope!!

[Simon]

Simon, have a cocker spaniel. Very robust leap a 5 bar gate, very loving and placid great with the kids. Very very clever and easy to train.

We are very house proud people and having a dog did worry us regarding hairs etc.

We all agree our dog was the best family move ever made, the dog has chilled us out more regarding the house. We adapt where we are going on days out etc to suit taking the dog.

Having said that, we go away for weekends quite a bit, it is amazing how many pubs etc will allow a dog in and under the table etc.

She will have pups next year I hope!!

My lads friend has a cocker spaniel and that's what started this whole thing. Keep me informed, by next year I may have come round to the idea.

Regards,
Simon