Tell me about having a pet dog

[Seren]

I've been quite anti having a dog for quite a while, Dh and the kids would be quite happy I think. My feelings are that I will have to most of the work, but I'm almost getting around to the fact that it might actually be good for me.

So can you lovely peeps who have dogs tell me the pros and cons of pet owing with children

TIA

[nicholamarie]

pros

walking(good excercise)
good company
easy to look after
kids love him


cons...

walking(horrible in the rain)
going on holiday and needed someone to have it(kennels are costly)thats why we took up camping but dont always take the dog as can be restricting

[Seren]

thanks


any more anyone?

[rach04]

depends if you are getting it from a pup pros same as nic

but cons...........

having to train a pup to do loo outside, training etc.
having to clear up dog mess
even though they are a family pet you still have to keep a constant eye on dog and kids together.
vet bills jabs etc
dog hair everywhere grrrr
oh and going out for the day and you have to get back for the dog
but my dog is still my best mate lol

[duck_egg]

the pros.........
the exercise you get walking
the love and loyalty you get from them
erm..... can't think of many more but we do adore him

the cons.......
holidays and days out, i don't mind paying for kennels but don't like leaving him
the dog hair...my dyson is constantly on the go
the cost, we do have him insured but any vets visits are always costly
the training is hard work (but worth it)

all in all, we love him to bits and wouldn't be without him but i would think long and hard about it and decide on a breed that would suit your family...good luck, let us know what you do x x x x

[Al1x]

oh we have to vaccum every day cos of dog hair.

if you get a puppy it might chew everything in site like our old dog (he ate my fav book and my sister fed her horrible plastic national health glasses to him hehe)

we've always had dogs so couldn't imagine life without one.

Our dog we have now is great and we love him to pieces... he is always so happy to see us even if we have only popped out for 5 minutes :)

[Seren]

ooh I don't know now, the possible vet bills are scaring me somewhat..........

[hector]

all the pro's will soon over take the cons, owning a dog is very rewarding to everyone.

have always found that getting insurance is worth every penny

Good luck and i hope you make they right choice for you and your family

[curlywurly]

all the pro's will soon over take the cons, owning a dog is very rewarding to everyone.

have always found that getting insurance is worth every penny

Good luck and i hope you make they right choice for you and your family

I agree - having a pet is very rewarding, and well worth and possible 'cons'

[saluki]

Take a look at this link, this will help you, Its great being a dog owner.

http://cesarmillaninc.com/tips/newpuppy01.php

[Bear]

I love my dog BUT....

He is a pain in the a*se.

He ate my kitchen. Cupboard doors, plaster off the walls, grout out of the floor tiles. Still I got a nice new kitchen...

He eats our socks, then sicks them up everywhere.

He even ate ds wellies - ds loves them and won't wear his new ones! He thinks his customised ones are great!

Last night I got eaten alive whilst in bed. No it was not dh being amorous (unfortunately), the dog appears to have fleas again. I have massive bites everywhere (and i mean EVERYWHERE) and the nice Pharmacist lady in Boots cheerfully told me I can't use any antihistamine creams etc because I'm pregnant. Joy. Have now treated dog and waiting for dh to treat bedroom when he eventually comes home from work. Meanwhile I'm scratching myself to death.

Other than that I love our dog and would fully recommend the joys of dog ownership to anyone...