Was dog owning what you thought it would be?

[GinaB]

This is more aimed at people who weren't brought up with dogs. Eg as in you've just bought your own dog after leaving home etc

I was always brought up with dogs, although there have been times when we haven't had one, but I always knew what to expect with puppies, training etc

I know quite a few people who have recently bought their first pup and say even though they read up on it, nothing could prepare them for the actual owning. In fact, a few of them said they consider getting rid of the dogs due to it.

Did you ever feel like this?

 

[SSM]

Grew up with cats - when I was 24 Bertie came along - I loved her so much that I brought her back from the States and quarantined her. When she died I thought no one could replace her - little did I know Bumble Dog would completely wrap herself around my heart strings! Hubby and son are just as devoted to her.

No I could not be without a dog now.

 

[severnmiles]

I found it easier than I thought it would be. I think thats probably because I've always devoted my time to animals. My sister is quite selfish and when the novelty wears off she bungs it on whoever is nearest, she's a modern girl with materialistic values and she is the most important person in her life, whereas to me the animal comes first, whether horse, dog or pig e.t.c, I've ended up with her hamster/rabbit/horse and she tried to rehome her dog with me when her and her OH split up but eventually came around to the fact he'd be happier with her ex OH.

I'd never part with my girls! And didn't think it was all that bad at all.

 

[ReefurG]

When we got our first puppy, I nearly had a nervous breakdown! Think it was some kind of weird post-dog depression type thing! My OH took to her straight away but I have never really bonded with her. We got our second puppy when first dog was about a year old and it was totally the opposite reaction for me, he comes everywhere with me and I couldn't imagine not having him around!

 

[woolly]

We were one of those people who had never had dogs and got our first pup after 8 years of research when we were 33 years of age. We bought a giant breed and having horses helped enormously just from a handling point of view lol!!!
It was exceptionally hard work but we expected that but the rewards were 100 times more than we could ever have dreamt. We lost our dog 9 weeks ago and so far cannot even contemplate another as he was the best thing ever.
The only thing that shocked us was how other people (not all!) were so utterly useless with their own dogs and how there are so many thick ignorant dog owners there are about! The good ones are so much in the minority!

 

[Starbucks]

I have grown up with dogs but never had full responsibility before.

I think it's easier than I thought it would be, but mine weren't puppies when I got them, they were around a year old - not sure if thats better or worse!

I think because Star is a pointer and they have such a rep for being mad I thought she was going to be really naughty, when we got her and she was reasonably good it was a big relief!!

Alfie is a little begger though, but i guess we'll out up with him!

 

[prose]

Better than I thought it would be, but definitely more work.

My parents both worked full-time, so even though they both adore dogs, we weren't allowed one growing up. I walked several of the neighbours' dogs from age ten and up, though, and was determined to get my own one day

Stella has exceeded my expectations. I will always have Boston Terriers because of her.

 

[A1fie]

Getting my own dog has brought me more happiness than I can put into words!!

I have always wanted a dog and when I got my first dog 10 years ago I had no idea what it would be like. I made many mistakes, didn't know anything about alpha males and stuff, consequently my dog thought (and still does) that he is way more important than me!

He is a collie x (more x than collie!) and I did have problems with him. He became very growly at a young age (6 months) and I had behaviourists in to look at him without much joy. I even had a vet telling me to put him down because he growled during a consultation. At one stage I gave him to a male friend because I was so worried about his behaviour around my son. I missed him so much after 2 months that I walked around Bristol until I found him and he has been with me ever since.

He still growls but does not and never has bitten and I think it is just his way of talking. When he was 2 I was stroking him one day and when I stopped he put his paw up to ask me to continue and that was the first time he had ever shown me any indication that he liked affection that I nearly cried!!

He is now 10, spoilt and happy. He brings me so much happiness and is a real joy.

The only thing I wish was that I had been more knowledgable when I got him ( 1 bought him for £35 from the paper) I believe that a lot of his problems stemmed from my total inexperience and he was not to blame.

I am now learning to ride and I feel the same love for horses and the same joy when I am near them. But I have learnt from my experience with my dog that there is so much I need to learn with horses before I can become competant and responsible enough to realise my dream of having my own.

Jesus I've just looked back at this post and realised the length of it. I am so sorry it's so long!

 

[sloulou]

Was bought up with a family dog at all times - but only one at a time.

I have wanted my own since I left home to go to Uni at 18

I have come very close to getting one for years - by working for voluntary organisations and fostering dogs. But couldn't get one until this year - after much research and planning.

Now I wouldn't be without him and can't wait for the next one

 

[GinaB]

See Beastie is my 'own' dog but I've had many a family dog. So I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. TBH it wouldn't be the breed I would have chosen (but don't tell her that!) my mum chose the breed (after researching it, was the only condition I was allowed one of my own), I chose the brat from the litter

(All my family wanted the other puppy but no, I wanted my Beast)