Considering getting a dog. Any advice?
By Merry343
@Merry343 (26)
United States
November 5, 2009 9:40am CST
My boyfriend and I are considering getting a dog. I know what you're thinking "wait... boyfriend?" Well... my boyfriend and I live together and we want to get a dog. We've been living together for over 8 months now and everything is going wonderful! We've talked about the possibility of getting a dog since about 2 months of living together. We've decided that I would be the main care-taker and pay for the dog to start out with in case we didn't work out, I would be the one to take the dog (but I pretty much know that's not going to happen).
Anyway... on the subject of the dog... the dog we're interested in is a small dog. She's adorable and sweet. she's about 3 months old. She's a Pekinghese mixed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Our main worry is that we are both relatively busy people. We lead pretty normal lives... My boyfriend works a full time job and I'm a student and a Mary Kay consultant... I'm in and out a lot... but here for long enough periods to spend time with the dog and walk it during the day (which is more than most people who are gone all day!) and I'm home all evenings as well as my boyfriend. Do you think we should get the dog? I know we would be loving parents who care for, support and provide for the dog... that's not the issue... just wanting to get some more opinions! thanks!
5 people like this
16 responses
@gwoman2 (710)
• United States
5 Nov 09
Hi Merry343,
I'd like to give you one piece of advice...do not take the caring of an animal lightly...My daughters and I have two Pitt Bulls and 4 cats...they are family members and are treated as such. Having an animal is exactly like having children, either you'll be a good parent or you won't...In your case you sound very sincere about your choices and I hope you will take good care of, enjoy, and most of all love your new pet.
There are way too many people out there that don't and it's a seriously sad situation for the doggies, kiddies or whatever kind of pet one gets.
Good luck and please remember that the new addition to your family will be just that, an addition to your family.
Good luck:-)
~G~
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
8 Nov 09
this is strange that i come across this discussion. i just made a discussion about my sons ex taking the pekingese away from us this morning. 
he said it was a birthday gift to her when they got together 6 yrs ago. but im devestated and so is son and i think my little dog coco is. yes, its just like a kid to us. some people feel like they are a part of the family. maybe you should get 2 so if you split ever you could have each one and might make it easier on every one? not sure. but they'd also be company to each other while you are gone,etc.
he said it was a birthday gift to her when they got together 6 yrs ago. but im devestated and so is son and i think my little dog coco is. yes, its just like a kid to us. some people feel like they are a part of the family. maybe you should get 2 so if you split ever you could have each one and might make it easier on every one? not sure. but they'd also be company to each other while you are gone,etc.
@trixyteddy (1070)
• India
7 Nov 09
I definitely think you should go for it. I've had a pet most of the time, keeps me busy. Right now I have five pet dogs, and eight cats. They keep me happy. My sons have grown up and out on work now, so they are like my children. And I love them all.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
6 Nov 09
hi merry343 As you said you would be loving parents for the
dog, so I say go ahead,you and your boy friend, and get
that dog you fell in love with. You both will enjoy the
dog, and he or she will have a great home, what more is there
to consider? I mean the two of you seem to have thought of
all the ramifications of having a dog, and I think it a shame
for you two not to have the dog that you love.
@Bad_Daddy55 (497)
• Canada
8 Nov 09
If u feel u don't have enough time for any animal, DON'T GET ONE. Get an animal that requires less time untill u feel u have the time to give it time it needs, specially a puppy...
REMEMBER ALWAYS LUV/ CARE FOR YOUR DOG/ PET, THEY WILL ALWAYS LUV U..
@my_name_is_coco (4333)
• Philippines
7 Nov 09
I think it's wonderful that you are getting a dog.I suggest you choose a dog that you can afford and fit your lifestyle.I think a small dog has separation anxiety issues.I suggest you get medium size dogs,like a beagle.also,a highly-trainable dog is nice to add in your family.the most important thing is you love and care for the dog.food,water,and shelter is not enough.there should always be love,respect,understanding,and friendship.
@celticeagle (168256)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Nov 09
You seem like a good person and I am relatively sure your boyfriend is as well. If you get this dog are you sure you will have time for it. Walking, training, playing with this animal. It is really much like having a child. I think you should wait until you are both a bit older and not so caught up in your own worlds. I recall I had a very good german sheperd when I was in my early thirties. I had a full time job and went out alot. I didn't have time my child much less an animal.
@magnolia917 (112)
•
6 Nov 09
dogs require more attention and time than cats. you don't state whether or not you live in an apartment or a home with a yard. every morning and every evening/night, at approximately the same time (it's called a SCHEDULE), the dog will require walking for exercise and to relieve herself, NO MATTER THE WEATHER! i've spoken to people who think they want a dog and when i bring up the fact that the dog will require them to be at home at certain times EVERY SINGLE DAY, they re-think the decision. my concern is for the dog. she will rely upon you and trust that you will take the best care of her. your life as you know it right now, i.e., maybe sleeping late in the morning and/or coming home late at night, will never be the same. please consider all the responsibilities involved before making a final decision, please.
@getbrowser (1708)
• China
6 Nov 09
I used to have a pet dog but now, for some resons, I have given up at last.
Getting a dog is really an amazing thing indeed if you really like a pet dog. But before you have been ready to get one, it is wise to think twice before you act. At first, you can enjoy a better life with a lovely dog, at least you won't feel lonely any more. But on the other hand, sometimes, you may have to meet some unexpected troubles that caused by your dog.
Have a nice day! Enjoy a better time with your pet.
@snoopyfan (1312)
• United States
6 Nov 09
I would say go ahead and get the dog. I have had dogs all of my life and can't imagine not having one. Yes sometimes they can cost a lot. Right now I have a Pit Bull mix and she has had two surgerys but even if I knew that before I had her it wouldn't change a thing. Bandit is the best dog I ever had. I rescued her off of the street when she was six months old and was abused. She is now going on 10 and is spoiled rotten. I see you already know the breed you want are you getting her from a breeder or a pet shop. Just a little fyi on Pet shops their puppies tend to come from Puppy Mills. I saw a episode on Dogtown about Puppy Mills and they confirmed that Pet Stores do get them from Puppy mills and do make a lot of money. The sad truth is these puppies do not get the medical attention they need and end up having more medical problems than a healthy puppy. Unless you are going through PetSmart or PetCo who work with lots of dog rescue groups I would advise not getting this puppy at a pet store. Also after you get it please put a lot of thought into getting it fixed. There are a lot of homeless animals out there and if you don't have the time or want to deal with puppies in the future take care of that right away. I hope things work out with you and your boyfriend and enjoy your new baby to the family.
@rcanessa (26)
• Curridabat, Costa Rica
6 Nov 09
First at all you have to consider what kind of person are you, the place where you live and the kind of dog that you want.
You have to think if you have enough time to take care and training a dog. Also is important to analize if you want a big dog or a little dog. There are dogs that are more dominant than others and for that reason they need an owner decided. Just to give you an example, the rottwailer, specially the males could be very territorial and dominant and if you are not a person with authority, the dog would think that he can do whatever he want.
The most important thing is to choose the best dog for your personality and life style. If you live in a little house without a garden you can`t buy a working dog like a German shepherd.
@rajkumarsri (2)
• India
6 Nov 09
its always nice to have a pet dog in our home.it will be sometimes give you the feel of having your own child........nice decision to have dog with you merry
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
6 Nov 09
Well it sounds like you have discussed what would happen in case the relationship does not work out, so that is good. It sounds like you are home enough that you can be there for the dog and let it out during the day, and be there enough to train it and spend time with it. So that is good.
Do take in to account that puppies tend to chew a lot the first year, and you will find some things chewed that will make you very upset, but they do grow out of that. But that first year can be rough.
Also be aware that the firt year of a puppies life they will need to go to the vet for vaccinations and such the first year is an expensive one, after that is no big deal, once a year is usually enough unless there is a problem but that first year can be costly. The last years can be very costly too, but that is not something you need to think about or should think about right now.
Personally I found that first year of stress and expense to be very worth it. We had a wonderful dog for 14 years. The first year was rough but we got through it and could not have asked for a better blessing that we had with our dog.
@Hucheng (163)
• China
6 Nov 09
Getting a dag has been a wonderful dream for quite a long time since i left school and lived with my girl,nearly there years.We both like animals,but as what Merry just said,we dont have any time to share with it.Living with us,the dog will feel lonely and terrilble,in addition,we dont have enough money to buy the expensive food for it,we even cant suuport ourselives.So,getting a dog?two yeas later maybe.
