Thinking About A Dog

nEighter

What are the pros and cons to having a dog? I have never had one. I have friends and neighbors that do but I haven't. I am not sure about it. I feel like it would be like having another kid.. not sure I want the responsibility if so. Also I am remodeling my place right now and will be putting down laminate for the entire upstairs and really don't want it tore up. Also do your couches and furniture get beat up?

I know this sounds kinda weird to ask, but I see some of the dogs you guys have in pet threads and I think it would be cool to come home to a pet happy to see me And I know my son would like it.

If so I was thinking of an American or french bulldog (french cause they are so damn cute) or a pointer german or american. Neighbors have boxers and they act like they are given crack all day long.. so hyper and just sketchy.. they ARE young though. Anyway what do you think? Give me some insight on owning a dog.

Thanks in advance.

-Nathan

BobsLandscaping

Dogs are no good. They poop in your yard. Highly unsat.

ChainsawCharlie

Don't listen to bob. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

Dogs are the best. We have three. I was at the pound the other day looking for another new pup.

You just gotta find the right one. Don't get a pure bred EVER. Go to the humane society. they may even let you take one home for the weekend to see how it goes.

nEighter

yeah the poop is also another thing.. ACK! LOL why not a pure bred? Is there something wrong or quirky with pure breds?

BobsLandscaping

This works well to control the pooping problem. Your dog will make some funny faces as he squats. Don't be alarmed.

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ChainsawCharlie

A lot of pure breeds are more prone to health problems. And they are expensive. Mix breeds are smarter, healthier, better temperament...

Dogs can be a lot of work. Especially a puppy. For a first time dog owner, you might want to look for a dog thats a little older- 4-6 years, maybe. Good dogs that have already been trained or have come from good homes can be found at the pound.

If you get a dog from a breeder, you will likely have to go through all the training and breaking in yourself. You can unintentionally create a problematic dog.

Dustyrose

I love my dog, but I probably won't get another when he is gone. Dogs are like children and require attention and care. My dog weighed 127lbs at his last weigh in. Big boy. You can imagine the mess he leaves in the back yard. He has a large fenced in area.

Dogs can also develop health problems. Frisco has a problem with his backside. He has a large polop and his anal glands get clogged/infected. It is not pretty and you don't want details. It is an expensive nonguaranteed fix in an old dog. Because of this it is necessary that he remain outside more often then he would like.

Getting a dog is a big decision. Do your homework first. Certain breeds have certain temperments. different breeds are also prone to different health issues.

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nEighter

I appreciate the info CC. That is what I want to hear, the raw grit. Not all roses and posies. Hmm.. It is something I have been thinking about for a lil over a year now. I just can't make myself do it. My finances are not on track right now, but when they plane out It is something I am looking at.

Dustyrose

Yes. I agree.

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Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them. Paul Valery

nEighter

Thanks Dusty. Yeah I was thinking it would be like having another kid. Again just don't know if I want that responsibility. I know my son would help, but he is almost 13 and have a feeling it will quickly become my sole responsibility cause he will consider it a chore..

nEighter

+ YouTube Video

BobsLandscaping

If you want a pet consider fish. Soon as I get my living room floor refinished (I want tile) this winter I'm setting up a 150 gallon salt water tank to go with my 45 gallon freshwater tank. Fish are great. It's soothing to watch them swim and interact. With the right set up it's nearly maintenance free.

Make sure you have a good floor, aquariums are heavy.

nEighter

salt water tanks are pimp for sure! Hell I dunno, I kinda want an animal to interact with. I think a dog would be the smartest of em all. Cats are okay but can easily piss me off, and you really can't play with them that much.

Some "herder" dogs are cool. I can't think of any exact types, but remember seeing some on here, or possibly another forum. Maybe I should get a chinchilla.

Tom Struble

fish?they aint a pet ,how the hell you pet a fish Bob?

i agree with CC, neighter get a ''best friend'' from a shelter or a dog rescue place

fish!

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Tom

ChainsawCharlie

My neighbor hass two border collies. One is walking nut job. BAck and forth back and forth back and forth pacing non stop.

Labs are good dogs. Well mannered, kid friendly. One of our labs is actually lab/pit mix. Very mild mannered dog. But he does psoe a risk to kids-she tries to lick them to death.

The other, just aquired a few months ago is a pup we found. Looks to be pit/shar-pei. He's around 25 pounds orso and is most likely full grown now. Cool as hell dog.

You WILL need to dedicate about an hour a day to keep them as loving pets. Playing, walking, feeding, pooper scooping...

Besides food, you may have expenses for heartworm prevention and flea treatment prevention too.

BobsLandscaping

Fish are cool. Ever see that Mythbusters where the fish swam a maze for food?

When I get my first billion I'm going to have lots of fish tanks. I want a shark tank, a coral reef, a giant squid, a blue whale, trick performing dolphins, and some seals. Maybe get some saltwater crocs for non-paying customers.

ChainsawCharlie

Fish can be entertaining. I use to have a couple of oscars in a 55 gallon tank. A good buzz and a few dozen feeder (little goldfish) fish...Better than anything Marlin Perkins had on!

nEighter

Thanks Tom!

LOL


Exactly how expensive are dogs? Seriously?

I don't like caging wild animals. I just don't feel it is right. If I could get it to behave, I think a racoon would be cool. I hear Skunks are REALLY smart animals, and great pets after they have their scent glands taken out.

ChainsawCharlie

I got all that 10 minutes away. And thongs too.

Dustyrose

How about an Emu?

Cats do make good pets and require a lot less work than a dog. You don't have to let a cat to pee several times a day. They don't poop all over your yard. You can go away for a couple of days and not worry about them. It is easier to find someone to check up on a cat then it is to find someone to take care of a dog when you go away.

I was never a cat person until I got one for my daughter. They each have their own personality. You need to find one that is playful and social. Just make sure you have it fixed and declawed.

You could try being a foster parent for a cat before adopting one.

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Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them. Paul Valery