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Out for a nice coastal walk yesterday in Dumfries/Galloway and I was struck by the fact that all of the dogs were pretty well behaved, even the ones off the leads. Normally I’d have a good moan about a badly behaved dog ruining our day out but this was really nice to see everyone being responsible.
Maybe the lack of any drama got me to notice how many people actually had dogs. We were certainly in the small minority of being without one. If I were to guess I reckon only 5-10% of people we came across didn’t have at least one and I wouldn’t have said it was an obvious dog walking spot. It was busy as well hence it was a surprise not to see any drama!
I really then started to notice how much chuffin work they were. Getting in and out of cars, feeding/watering them, on and off leads, shouting/calling after them - which was increased as they were a lot of other dogs leading to tense doggy meetings - picking up poo (no thanks) etc.
Yes I know you love them/part of the family etc but its a lot of faff and if someone has never had one it might come as a surprise at how much work they can be. I’m sure there are people being called back to offices and no longer being able to look after a dog when not WAH but how many people regret getting one and maybe even pass one on when they realise what it’s like??
Do you reckon that dog ownership might reduce now we are mostly past covid?
Full disclosure - I know what it’s like raising a dog having grown up with one but would never have one myself as an adult.
most days for one reason or another.
But every day I'm also glad we did.
Yes, they can be hard work and they do mean that you have to get up to take them out, have to arrange a dog sitter if we go away/can't drop everything on a whim for a weekend away, etc., but like everything in life it's a balance.
Too many folk think it'll all be the good stuff. In life as well as dog ownership!
Yes, from time to time - ours are 13 and 15 now, and I’m not planning on replacing them when they shuffle off, even though I love them both and will be gutted when that day comes.
That said, I have similar feelings to you when I see people with kids - they look like a hell of a lot of work, and they’re even bigger money pits than dogs. That said, most of the ‘kid owners’ I know seem to be happy with their life choices most of the time, so I guess the hand drawn birthday cards make up for the sleepless nights and tantrums!
Despite all the above mentioned "inconveniences". The only thing I dislike about having my dog, is that I'll (probably) outlive him
I've regretted other people getting dogs, does that count?
The pooch population went through the roof last year. In the summer when they were all going mental at the same time it was like living in a kennel.
What shark attack said, missus is obsessed with getting a dog. I don't want one as it'll be me looking after the thing.
With our 12 week old collie lab x the answer is yes as he is a pain in the arse with toilet training. But he is getting there and will be good in a bit
No, but when I see people walking their badly trained dogs or ignoring their dog while they gaze at their phone I suspect many do.
I really then started to notice how much chuffin work they were.
Best you don't think of having a kid...
"I really then started to notice how much chuffin work they were. Getting in and out of cars, feeding/watering them, on and off leads, shouting/calling after them – which was increased as they were a lot of other dogs leading to tense doggy meetings – picking up poo (no thanks) etc."
Many people round here don't do half of that.
Yes hard work but worth all the effort. Love and loyalty given is priceless.
What I still can't get is how many "professional" dog walkers you see when out on the bike....and each with loads of dogs.
1. For dogs also read kids.
2. I had a dog as a kid, loved it and loved going for walks and just messing about in rivers / woods. As such, I've always wanted to get one of my own in adult life because of the happy memories but knowing how much of a bind they are (can be) has always put me off.
3. I looked after a pal's dog for 5 nights last week while they were away. First few days really put me off - had a busy weekend with a pal visiting, the dog was an additional consideration in everything we did. It wasn't settling through the night so i was knackered, walks were a chore rather then enjoyable, I felt sorry for it always staring at me for food / walk / stroke / something. Then, for the last 2 days things settled down a bit and I had the luxury of a long lunch break so took him for a longer walk down to the Glen - woods, single track, rocky / rooty paths, river pools. We both loved it - he was legging it about like I would have been if on a bike, wagging his whole body not just his tail, not sure he'd swam before but eased him in to deeper and deeper water until just about floating. He came out bouncing about wanting the stick thrown in again. It was just magic, like childhood memories. So then, of course, I was sad to see him go home.
So back to point 1, dogs are like kids. When they have fun, its fun. Needs effort, commitment but there's defo a pay off. I *might* get one soon...
Yes, and no. We have a 'challenging' dog. He would probably be an absolute hero if he was used for the original purpose of the breed (cattle dog/farm dog/search and rescue) but as a pet in certain circumstances he is a nutter.
Before anyone points to training etc. we did everything by the book, puppy class, socialising, meeting humans, and continue to do so. But despite all that he has a fuse as short as The Hulk. Which means under certain circumstances, not all, he is a danger to himself and others.
So when do I regret it. Intact male dog meetings (albeit his best mate is an intact male dog). Postman, anyone stepping on to our property, postman, motorbikes, some cyclists not all, just to keep you on your toes, men with hats, men with anything in their hand that resembles a stick/pole. Trying to find someone to look after him if we go away
When do I not regret it: Long walks with nobody around, cuddling on the sofa, his company when WFH, his attitude to play, his awesome athleticism, his awesome sensory skills, his devotion to the immediate family, his ability to learn things fast (apart from not killing motorbikes or the postman)
Would I get another when he eventually leaves us? Absolutely not. I will miss him loads, but my god he is a PITA at times. Might end up with one of those doormat dogs like a cavapoo or cockerwhatsit maybe when we are pensioners, but not a proper dog.
Best you don’t think of having a kid…
This!
OP do you have kids?
Dogs are a tiny fraction of the hassle and will love you forever.
Walking without a dog is pointless!!
(So to answer your question: personally, never)
He would probably be an absolute hero if he was used for the original purpose of the breed (cattle dog/farm dog/search and rescue) but as a pet in certain circumstances he is a nutter.
Yep, not all dogs are the same.
"Right tool for the job" is pretty appropriate here.
Yep, not all dogs are the same.
And not even within the same breed or litter it turns out. I think we got the one with the extreme of every trait the breed has 🙂
I'll tell you who doesn't regret everyone getting a dog doing lockdown...
The people running dog-walking businesses, now that everyone has had to go back to the office 😂
There seems to be a multitude of them around here, all with a big number of other peoples four-legged shitting machines. They must be making an absolute killing!
I've thinking of buying a new bike, but paying somebody else to ride it for me
Family have a dog and it seems drawn to me...I don't feed it but I do pat it and will give it attention if we are in the same room. I will be sad when it goes but at no time have I thought I'd like one of my own.
I'm not sure it is hassle owning a dog - much like having kids - your habits and thought process changes, so I guess if you aren't prepared to change your ways then it won't be for you.
They do appear to be a money pit though - much like kids, so you'll be financial much poorer but probably much better off in other ways.
most days for one reason or another.
But every day I’m also glad we did.
Like kids then. Or marriage.
I was brought up with dogs, I'd love to have one, but I understand that the commitment involved is not something we could manage at present, which would be cruel to the dog.
I regretted them every time they woke me up at 2am asking to be let out because they had eaten something terrible and needed to poop. Then at 3am, and 4am...
Then I got to throw tennis balls for them and fuss them and share the sofa with them and walk them and see so many amazing things with them, and I forgave them everything.
Being woken up by a dog wanting to poop because it ate semi-rotting sour fruit is nothing compared to the unconditional love that you experience as a dog owner. And yes, I miss my boy Ted just about every day and cherish every minute I still have Ralph.
Not been a dog owner (do you own a dog or cat, or do you just make a decision to have one join you in the family?) but we've recently had a friend's dog come stay with us for weekends or weeks when she's been away. Whilst I have enjoyed the experience, it's confirmed that I don't want one as a permeant fixture for the moment. I wonder if everyone should have to borrow a dog for a week prior to making it a full time gig.
The reasons it's not for me probably say more about my selfishness than anything else. The getting up first thing and going for a walk really appeals (apart from the picking up shit bit - I can see how you can get desensitised to that but it's not something anyone looks forward to!). It's the planning the rest of your day's activities to be dog friendly that I think I'd find a struggle. Like parents with kids I guess the most natural dog owners consciously or subconsciously adapt what they do with their down time to work with dog life. The worst dog owners, like the worst parents, go about their life without adaption and leave the dog home alone for a lot of it's life or farm out the care. Couldn't do the latter out of principle and seemingly not prepared to do the former.
The breed also seems to be key - we've got friends who recently moved close to us with 3 useless dogs. None of them could walk fast enough or far enough to do anything like what I'd consider a meaningful walk. It's like condemning yourself to the life of an unfit octogenarian 35 years early (or life with a toddler on repeat). As a consequence I can see their own health going downhill too.
I regretted them every time they woke me up at 2am asking to be let out because they had eaten something terrible and needed to poop. Then at 3am, and 4am…
For a second I thought you were talking about kids.... And I'm still not convinced you're not !
I miss my dog, but I don’t miss being a dog owner.
Our cat on the other hand is a complete **** and I can’t wait until he dies.
@sharkbait Depends... Have your kids eaten crab apples, then shat jelly all over the kitchen floor during the night? Or the dead pigeon that was then thrown back up over the lounge carpet?
I can guess that kids might also eat a quarter of a kilo of liquorice that required a stomach pump and a night in the vet hospital for monitoring, but not eating a crab apple whole (again the damn crab apples. I got rid of the tre after this) that required another trip to the vet and an operation to get it out of his stomach.
Poor chap was super ill. I slept on the floor with him for two days because I was worried he would not make it through that and wanted to be there with him, just in case. I mean, crab apples. Why? After that shits, you would think he would have learned...
Goddam I miss him.
Ask me next year!
We have just gotten a dog, an ex racing greyhound age about 4. Sleeps through the night, house trained, super chill with anything and anyone except cats and squirrels. As easy as I imagine a fog could get. But still, as mentioned above… we are acutely aware that we have gone back to ‘toddler’ levels of planning around going out, going away, keeping food shut away, keeping things clean, and so on and on. No ragrets (not yet, at least), but we had thought a lot about the work involved and have an easy dog. Daughter loves it!
Best you don’t think of having a kid…
We have thought about them and it’s a hard pass from us. 😂😂
Getting in and out of cars
Yeah it also places a fair few restrictions on the car you can have, by the sound of it, and what you can carry in it.
I don't have a dog. I'm not a dog lover, although they usually really like me. I quite like walking and running with dogs, I do it with other people's, which might be why they like me.
However I really don't want to have to be scraping up shit from the garden or when going for a walk, and I hate being jumped up on and the like, so that's a no from me. Amusingly we got a cat instead on the basis I wouldn't have to pick up its shit; but she's so nervous she barely goes outside and still uses a litter box, so I still have to pick up shit anyway. And I love stroking cats, but she won't sit on anyone's lap or snuggle up. Ah well.
Re the shit thing, it wouldn't be anywhere near as bad if you could have some kind of solid container where you put it over the turd and it shuts it inside hard plastic inside a bag, so you don't need to carry an actual plastic bag of shit.
I mean I'm not a faecophobe, I've got two kids and I wasn't at all bothered scraping their shit from wherever it got into, and even my cat's shit isn't that bad. But dog shit is really really ****ing revolting.
You could put the bag in a box? That's actually a really good idea, I'll try that next time I draw hound-walking duty.
As easy as I imagine a fog could get.
I bet when it's gone it'll be mist.
Dog shit is only really offensive if the dog is not getting a decent diet or has a stomach upset.
Cat's shit on the other hand can stink a whole garden out. When I moved into my place in London many years ago, the garden had long been used as the local cats' toilet. That stench took a long long time to go.
As for cars, most dogs can travel in most cars. You might have trouble with a Great Dane and a Smart car for instance but for most dogs and cars there's not much difficulty.
You could put the bag in a box?
Yeah you could use a slim pocket-shaped tupperware or something, but you would still have to handle the turd through the bag. My idea would be an automatic scooper/bagger device. There are such things created to sequester dirty nappies in plastic, although obviously they don't scoop them off your baby's arse automatically.
Dog shit is only really offensive if the dog is not getting a decent diet or has a stomach upset.
Every single time I have come into contact with it, it's been awful. And that has been many many times, just like everyone else.
I don't doubt you @molgrips.
I'm guessing you're talking about when it's been festering for a while because some lazy * didn't pick up after their dog. And quite possibly that lazy * is feeding their dog crap food which makes for awful output.
I'm talking about fresh from the arse and she gets a decent diet.
She produced something pretty whiffy today though so has had to have some tummy supplements.
Edited to say, if you are talking about the dogs you run with, then I can imagine that might be pretty toxic too. It's one of the downsides of exercise in dogs and people I find.
I don’t want one as it’ll be me looking after the thing.
With that attitude, please promise us you won't get one.
I’m talking about fresh from the arse and she gets a decent diet.
I've scooped fresh poo from when I've walked my in-laws' dog, it smells just like other dog poo but I find it worse when it's hot and fresh. Maybe you don't mind the smell but to me it is stomach churning.
It could be a nose thing. My bet would be that it is more to do with diet though.
In answer to the OP's question, yes!
I won't go in to detail but the bloody thing is a pain in the backside. I didn't want a dog but was worn down by my wife's and daughter's nagging. Daughter very rarely walks it and our life is now ruled by it.
My missus and I are always taking about it, and we've both decided that the idea of owning a dog right now in better than the actuality of owning a dog right now - both of us have had dogs before, so we know what's involved. The chitty chat we have about it is so far as far as we'll get I suspect.
Walking without a dog is pointless!!
It's slightly less pointless and massively less expensive, environmentally damaging, and anti-social than walking with a dog.
Walking without a dog is pointless!!
M'kay.
About 18 months in, numerous visits to the specialist vet because she has an auto immune problem AND a fascination with eating tennis balls (2 consumed to date and surgically removed), so now wears a muzzle when out and off the lead.
As a result she's cost 2 full insurance premiums and about £14k of our own money, nearly ruined out marriage with the stress and just been hard bloody work.
I also have friends who got a rescue, weren't told she was a runaway risk, on day 2 she legged it, cue 5 days of trying to recapture her ending in her being hit by a car and dying. Other friends got a puppy from a less than respectable breeder she needs 2 new hips and her brother from the same litter one maybe 2 hips.
So my advice to people, is don't, whatever you do get a dog.
Also, someone mentioned unconditional love, the only thing my dog shows that to is food and poop, which she loves to eat.
No,but have regretted my neighbour getting two.
Absolutely not.
We went a year without one once, it wasn’t the same at all. The house felt empty, walks had little point and just a missing ‘happiness’ that they bring.
All those things you mentioned are second nature, you just don’t notice them. A bit like those mountain bike things. A faff to unload, you need to put some bits together before you set off, come back and have to wash them down and take bits off.
Jesus H Corbett Toby, that's a lot to go through.
We've been very very lucky in comparison, pretty much my best friend. Certainly gets talked at a lot....