We are a family of four. Husband, wife with two kids (5 and 3), We both work full time. I wanted to have a dog since a long time but my wife says NO. According to her, having a dog is an additional responsibility as it is an additional member of the family. we have to treat the dog like another child. You haven't been able to manage your own kids then how can you manage two kids and a dog? Her other concern is when we go out for a couple of days especially interstate by flight. I also want to know whether it is too costly to own a dog? I am thinking to get a German Shepherd or English Staffy breed.
Get a Dog? Yes or No
PROZ on 22/09/2020 - 11:35
Last edited 22/09/2020 - 11:36
Last edited 22/09/2020 - 11:36
Poll Options
- 110Yes - Now
- 35Yes - After 3 years
- 676No
Comments
Disappointed that so many people want to give marriage advice with very little to go on, and would rather virtue signal what wonderful parents they are than actually helping with the question.
It's pretty clear English isn't this guy's first language and the wife is esentially saying "not now while the kids are young and a lot of work" (He did word it badly). It's also really clear that many are projecting their own experiences onto OP.
We actually don't know if he's a good dad or not, if he's involved or not, and if he does his share of the work or not. The reality is that there is a wide variety of difference in parenting ability from both genders, and an equally wide variety in attitudes towards partners.
OP, a dog is a lot of work and a member of the family for sure. If you aren't around for a large part of the day you need to think seriously about buying 2 dogs so they can keep each other company. But that would be disastrous if you don't have time to train them during the initial period. The cost of a dog can vary widly (pun intended). Some costs you can work out in advance - food, regular vet checkups, vaccinations, worming etc. Some are one off set up costs. The real cost that you can't determine is what the dog's health will cost you. In the worst case they require expensive medication or surgery and you have to choose between spending a lot of money that your family doesn't have on a short lived animal, letting it suffer, or even putting it down. Your wife needs to be on board as there will be time when she'll need to look after them even if you're the primary owner. If she's going to be more comfortable doing it in a few years there are advantages to that. The kids will be better placed to help out. There are also advantages to the kids growing up with animals. Good luck with your decision. Please choose wisely as no dog deserves to be abandoned and put down because the owner wasn't able to follow through on the commitment.
Raising a dog is NOT the same as raising a child though. I never tried to teach my dogs calculus. And I'd never contemplate putting down my child.
I haven't read all the posts, but I might have a slightly different angle.
Also a family man with a couple of kids. Grew up with dogs and this was the longest period without one. I've now had my furry prozac for four years and would hate to be dogless again!Dog's can be awesome for your mental health. Not only are they unconditional in their affection, but they live in the present and insist you do too.
For exercise - they are great. The dog doesn't care if you're a bit tired, it's raining, or that you'd rather watch TV. The daily walk is non-negotiable or they'll make sure you know about it! Plus you meet so many people when you have a dog - instant ice breaker.Then it comes down to what sort of dog. Let go of any breed 'must haves'. The dog that suits you best right now might be a smaller, older dog. Or a random one that just 'clicks'. Older dogs are great - they're much more chilled out and easy to take care of. Only downside is shorter time with them and likelihood of some additional vet bills.
Both of you need to compromise and get no dog, since Wife said No!
Happy wife, happy life.As a puppy? Hell no.
We’ve had our puppy for a week now (a cairn terrier) and far out it’s HARD. and it’s just myself and my partner, no kids, I work part time and partner works full time WFH. First dog for us.
Partner wanted a GSD - I said no way, not as our first (and we live in a townhouse). Now we can’t imagine having a GSD after my pupper.
It’s put me off having a baby for at least 1-2 years which is not good as I have a fear of not falling pregnant.
I can’t imagine having a puppy and both working full time. They are totally like babies.
I can’t even imagine having two young kids with a puppy. Wait a few years until your kids can relatively look after themselves (within reason).
An older dog, yeah, maybe, but not a puppy.In terms of cost, the initial things you buy will cost the most then it’s kind of OK. bigger dog means more spending though. We have pet insurance as well and I set aside money each paycheck to pay for things like his monthly tablets (flea, tick, worming etc), vet bills, vaccinations etc.
Hey check out this really good resource and it's free from Dr Ian Dunbar.
https://www.dogstardaily.com/files/downloads/AFTER_You_Get_Y…Cheers, I already have it haha
I vote NO but my wife vote YES. What should I do?
German Shepherd will want a lot of attention to keep it occupied, otherwise it'll get bored and do stuff you don't want it to do. Kids are probably too young to handle it, help train it etc.
If you're going to get a dog in your situation, get a floppy/lazy/easy going dog imo, your 3 year old will not know how to hold back cuddling which could be a problem with a dog more prone to reactions.
Staffy's are nice. Shepherds are prone to hip issues, make sure you get pet insurance. Actually whatever dog you get, get pet insurance.
I'd wait 3 years.
yes get a dog. let it bark 24/7 when you are not home to piss off your neighbours.
If love, support, intimacy are major relationship needs to you, well, be prepared to move to the back of the line when you get a dog.
I beleive the pecking order is:
Dog
Children
Freinds
HusbandI haven't seen the movie "Platform" yet but I think it kinda works like that.
Hey simple answer if you have to ask here the answer is no you are not able to be a caregiver to a dog.
Your wife is right. If you even have to ask a forum like this you obviously have no idea what is involved in looking after an animal.
If you can leave your dog alone for 2-3 hours a day that’s fine. Our girl had someone home nearly all the time. She’s not bad now she grew up but can get a bit barky at times
A German Shepard will destroy your yard if your not home. Holes and no grass.
Having a dog is not cheap these days. It could be thousands dollars plus on going costs.
Dangerous to your kids. Lots of accidents in news. Owners said they were great family dogs but things happened. Just google to find out.
Having a dog could be another load to your wife's shoulder. Taking care of two kids need a lot of energy even she has a full time job.
As your wife said wait for 3-4 years. When your babies grows up then they will help to care dogs and your wife's load could be lightened. Then your wife will say YES. Good luck.
You've just got your youngest out of the terrible twos and you want a dog? Give it a few years. Puppies are terrible sleepers and are up all night playing and scratching and barking. You're both working full time, you've got young kids - give yourselves some breathing space. You've just come out of the worst sleepless phase. Spend the time you have outside of work playing with your kids, not a dog.
Start with pot plants, then 2 gold fish and work your credibility up from there. Going straight to a German Shepard is only asking for trouble. They are super attentive & active breeds and should not be neglected while you are trying to fulfil your full time job and full time Dad.
No.
Male Beagle. He's a little bit obnoxious but super friendly and good with children.