HELP: Reasons not to get a dog

[Sonic007]

Dogs will do what you train them to do. If you don't want them in a part of the house, train them. They are hyper intelligent. We got a German Sheppard puppy 16 months ago. He only messed in the house twice because he was trained to go outside to relieve himself. He knows not to go upstairs, the only things he chews are his toys.........................because he was trained.

Did you tell your partner I don't want a child because they are messy? I don't think so.

Also imagine the huge benefits for your autistic child - your thought process is very short sighted in that regard.

Listen to your negativity, It might make a mess, it might want to go out in the middle of the night, I already have too many things to do, I want to go on adventures. Lets hope your kids don't pick up on your selfish vibes eh.

A dog will teach your kids to look after something other than themselves, to be kind to another living being, teach them responsibility. Why wouldn't you want them to learn these things? Or will it disturb their iPad time when they are quiet?

 

 

A little over the top I think!

 

I completly understand that a dog can have a very positive effect on children. They are calming, they teach caring and responsability, etc.

However, they arent the only way to make an autistic childs life better.

We have already made several adjustments which are making life a lot better and school are adpting the way he learns. This has been very positive and I am thankful to the SENCO at our school that has helped immensely.

 

It is not me who wants to go on my own adventures. I like to take my children on holidays and adventures away. We recently went away to Scotland and my autistic son had an amazing time, fasicnated by nature, and loved every minute. In fact he is actively drawing maps and researching places he wants to discover next, currently wanting to go abroad.

Travel broadens the mind in many ways.

 

Assuming my children are stuck behind iPads is a little bit rude! They actually have their own rabbits and regularly help clean them, feed them, and look after them...... but maybe that doesnt count for you as it isnt a dog!

[JATSO]

https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Reasons-Not-to-Own-a-Dog

 

I must stress that I actually love dogs but they are not for everyone.

Edited November 1, 2022 by JATSO

[Bromcom_John]

She says this breed (Cokapoo) dont malt and are clean and playful, don't bark but someone tell me one dog that has never made a mess, or trashed a house in some way? Yeah right!

Yes this breed maybe don't malt so less messy but still hard work! Still needing a walk each day, will still be scratching at the door in the mornings, will still poop everywhere!

 

 

Also a dog owner but more than happy to highlight the negatives.

1 - Crossing something with a poodle reduces moulting/makes them hypoallergenic - Doesn't always work. Poodle crosses are supposed to make for easier coat maintenance but it doesn't always breed true.

Also crossing "anything" with a poodle gives you a much more active dog. Poodles are a working breed so whatever you end up with is going to have more energy.

Also, be careful as the type of poodle can have a big affect. Toy, Miniature and mainstream poodles are incredibly different in size and this will have an impact, obviously, on the pup

2 - All dogs will be a bit messy, house training helps but you will still have to deal with going out and getting muddy

3 - Life long commitment - people do say that dogs are good training for having kids. You already have kids so imagine a permanent toddler being added to the family.

4 - Trashing the house - Yes, it is trainable though but there will be (assuming puppy) a period of unavoidable destruction as they learn.

5 - Cockerpoo's don't bark - Tell that to my sister, her dog Humphrey is a terrible barker. My mums on the other hand, quiet as a church mouse.. dogs are not cookie cutter examples of their breed. They vary

[JATSO]

Let your wife read this thread, that should do it!*

 

*disclaimer: I am in no way to be held responsible for anything that may or may not happen due to your wife reading this thread.

 

and make sure your wearing body armour and a tin lid at the same time.

[XiJ]

Your wife will win. Get used to dogs (it’ll be more one eventually).

[elsiegee40]

We have mulled over having a dog many times over the years, but each time have been stopped because getting one wouldn’t work out.

 

Dogs shouldn’t really be left for long periods on their own. They’re pack animals and crave company. This is especially so when they’re puppies. So Mr gee40 being in the office on days when I am volunteering would be an issue.

 

We like to birdwatch, but dogs aren’t allowed in most reserves. We travel, but that means using kennels or only going to places where we can take a dog with us. Included in the travel is having to stay away every time we visit my Mum. If we stay in her flat no pets are allowed. If we stay in a hotel as we often have to do… same problem.

 

I can understand you wanting to consolidate your “I don’t want a dog”position”. Equally, your wife needs more reasons than “it would be nice”. Also, why a puppy? They grow into adult dogs quite quickly and don’t stay cute forever. A rescued dog may need less training.

 

You both need to have a proper discussion about the pros and cons of this. Otherwise both of you will become entrenched in your positions not listening properly to the other.

[Sonic007]

Thankyou for the great replies. It is much appeciated.

[JATSO]

Thankyou for the great replies. It is much appeciated.

 

You could offer this as a compromise;)

 

[penfold]

Honestly, you don't need a list. You don't want one. You are the one who needs convincing to get a dog. And it needs to be more than "I would like one". The main thing to consider would be is it right for the dog? If you cannot/do not want to look after a dog it is not fair to the dog to get one. They require a lot of commitment and if you don't have it, you will just end up with a dog you resent which causes constant problems. And it is completely fine not to want a dog.

 

Disclaimer - I have had a dog for 10 years and also now have a puppy. However, there are times when not having a dog would be much easier. Especially during the puppy years, when despite what your wife tells you the puppy has to come first. If you don't put the dog first you can expect to find a lot of damage to your property and a dog that doesn't listen

[Sonic007]

Thankyou everyone.

 

So it turned out that in the end she wanted to have TWO of the puppies!

 

Talk about jumping in the deep end!

 

So I talked things over last night and finally she is seeing sense. Really upset which is understandable. I think she just fell in love with them and over thought the whole thing.

 

In the end the conclusions were:

 

- We are a busy family and don't have time for more.

- Costs are going up all round so it would be a big additional expense.

- Can't guarentee to be around everyday in the house.

- I'm not willing to let the dog free roam the whole house, be in the kitchen, etc which would end up happening.

- We have rabbits that would be scared of a dog.

- Never had a dog before so havent even trialed it. Too big a move to make in one go.

- More cleaning to do, poop to pick up

- Just finished renovating house: Most likely will get damaged.

- They bark at anything and drive you mad / the neighbourhood mad.

- They can be unpredictable around children as much as they can be great for children.

- They can smell.

- Problem finding someone to keep them when away on holidays.

- Everything that everyone else has mentioned.

 

Case closed. No dog coming to my house.