Should I???

[GTs]

I really want to get a dog - just as a companion, another smiling face around the house. As all of you know as a family we have trained a number of charity dogs, and currently own a reject. I understand the level of commitment and time needed to care for one properly!

My parents are not hugs animal people and are not fans of me getting anything (except a pet rock) - they say that over the next 10 years, my situation is likely to change a number of times, and having such a large commitment is not wise, especially living in the city like I do.

I am looking at getting an American Bulldog - they do fine in apartments if properly exercised, and do not need a huge yard!

So I am throwing it out there - what are your thoughts!

 

[ruscara]

I think your parents are right. If your circumstances are likely to change over the next ten years, then I do not think it would be fair to get a dog. I am sure you understand what a tie dogs are if they are properly cared for. It makes me angry when I hear of them left alone for hours because the owners want to go out, or left alone all day because the owners are at work. That is no life for an animal. Can you honestly say that this would not happen to yours?

 

[GTs]

Rereading this - it is not a me vs. my parent’s discussion - I am a big boy! I just want to know if the apprehension I feeling is normal, or should I be concerned. My parents points are very valid, but if you adhered to every caution you would never truely live. Yes my situation might change, and it might be more difficult if I have a dog but like with everything else - where there is a will there is a way!!

 

[Argie_Spew]

why do u want a dog when you have an elephant! You should get him a companion elephabnt instead of a dog. lol

 

[polaris]

I agree with your parents you are young I think, and are likely to move round and change jobs etc...best to wait. I waited until I was 34 to get my first dog and I have a wife to help me as I can be detached for 4/5 months at a time with little notice abroad.

 

[polaris]

Bravo and well said Marius!

 

[gemma1992]

i love American Bulldogs and breeds similar to them.
I have to say I think you shouldn't get one in the next couple of years if you don't know what you're going to do.

 

[Onyxia]

Tricky one GTs.
Yes, you are right that no one can garentee a certain future but if you know for a fact that work will make you move in the next few years then it is silly to take on a dog ATM.
You are training to be a vet arent you?
Once you qualify can you take the dog to work woth you? I f you are offered on site flat will most places let you keep the dog?

It IS a huge commitment, and only you know what your situation is.
If you do decide to go for it then good luck!

 

[GTs]

I was actually speaking to my parents more about it yesterday and a good compromise was to raise a charity dog. As a family we raised 8 to date, so I know the drill. Although it is not yours per say, you get the companionship, and with raising these dogs you are expected to take them with you everywhere, which makes caring for them slightly easier. Really seems best for everyone, and it will be able to go and help someone else in the future.

 

[duffgirl]

it is a decision not to take lighlty so its good you are trying to decide based on valid info rather than just jumping in.

be very clear about the commitment you give, once you get it you can not send it back. even if it wrecks the house, chews everyhting, youhave to keep going and over come the problems. adn this is soooooo much easier said than done.

I think a dog of that size need a lot of excercise. Even if the 'breed standard' says it can do with little, remember they are individuals and have different needs.

But if you do get one you have to accpet that your future decision have to take into account the dog so that could mean putting things off or not doing certian things completely.

My biggest thing is people getting puppies and they chew etc and they get rid of them. These are people who havent thought about it properly.

If you are willing to accept all the potential destruction and the fact that a dog can influence your life decisions then go ahead, if not i would wait until you are more settled.

 

[Onyxia]

That sounds like a great comprimise, you wouldnt have the responsability of dog for life so it wont matter so much if your hiome situation does change.
Take it on a dog by dog case, if you can do it then you have a dog if not wait a while to get the next one.
On top of that you are doing something really good, best of luck then GTs.
Hope you have lots of fun with the dogs you get!

 

[Mandz]

Hi
I have just taken the plunge and got my first puppy

I only took this on knowing that I had the acreage for it to run on and the fact that I was able to take her to work with me.

I am lucky as I work on a very large property and she can run with her mum and play with the goats etc etc.

It's not a decision to take lightly (which I'm sure you wont) but if you have the time and the space and can be sure that you can be committed then I say go for it.

All the best

Mandz
xx

 

[niashadow]

Hi, you say you live in an apartment, have you read your rental agreement (if you are renting) also, dogs can make an awful lot of noise (little barstewards). Wont anyone complain! you know how awkward some miserable people are. If you still really want one and i must say my Dogs Mutt & Des are my life, you go for it GT. Good luck.