The joy of owning a dog

her dh had driven it out in to the countryside and ‘let it go

Puts them in the same class as people who show dogs and have to re-home one because it wasn't doing well enough.

It’s my choice not to have a dog but I do like them and help out with the 2 dogs belonging to my DDs. However I do feel that dogs need better training in some cases. When I go out I tend to ignore them. In my opinion dogs are allowed into too many places. I prefer not to see them in cafes, restaurants or shops and can’t believe that John Lewis now allows them inside. There are so many suitable places which dogs will enjoy but they shouldn’t be allowed everywhere.

Tizliz

*her dh had driven it out in to the countryside and ‘let it go*

Puts them in the same class as people who show dogs and have to re-home one because it wasn't doing well enough.

To me, wilfully abandoning a dog like that is rather worse, tizliz.

Agree Witzend there are plenty of rescue centres who would help with rehoming.
I love my dogs too, they are scruffy little rescue dogs and not the brightest buttons. They give their love unconditionally despite being ill treated before we got them. Our house would not be a home without them.
I do understand though that others do not feel the same and I respect that. I don't take my dogs to other people's houses unless they are specifically invited. The same goes for shops, restaurants etc.

I agree too Witzend re homing a dog for any reason is far better than simply abandoning one. People like that should never have dogs.

There should be a special place in hell for people who do things like that. When you take on a dog, it is a commitment for life. There are no words for what I'd do to these people...

RichmondPark1

Here here! Dogs can be a joy and our dog has brought us a decade of laughter, love and companionship. It's the owners who can be a problem.

Agree completely RP1, it is the owners who are the problem. I did comment on the other thread, I don't have a dog, don't want a dog, but I do understand why some people keep a dog and for the record I would certainly NOT hurt a dog. But I do want to be able to walk without having some random dog jump up and soil my clothing or worse still knock me over nor do I want anyone picking up their small dog and lunging it into my face so it can. "kiss me"!

To all you responsible dog owners, well done on giving them a home - I appreciate many dogs come from re-homing centre's, training them well, clearing up their poo, and being generally good dog owners. To the rest, who thinks it is funny for their dog to chase young. children, jump up at people, terrorise other animals, think their dogs own the parks, leave dog mess for people to step in..........shame on you, you don't deserve the loyalty of any dogs!

Very envious reading through this thread. I would have loved a dog but have severe asthma and I am allergic to them.
I walk a lot and have got to know a lot of dogs so I have to make do with that ?

Have had a dog most of my life with the exception of about 8 years when my old boy passed and work took over. Have 2 now and thinking about another one with possibly a fourth in about 18 months. Where I go, they go if they are not welcome then I take my business elsewhere. Family know if you invite me then we go as a team. I have various circles of doggie friends in different doggie walk places and can strike up a conversation with most non doggie people as they admire my well turned out beautifully kept bearded collie girls complete with doggie hair slides to keep the fur out of their eyes. They are never far from me and are extremely well behaved as I have trained them to be. They are my pride and joy, my mates, we have a lorra laughs and yes they do laugh and its a joint love on love thing we have.

I love watching working dogs in action whether it’s a sheepdog, assistance dog or those delightful lively spaniels shown sniffing out explosives, drugs or whatever. There was a TV programme relatively recently about training dogs to sniff out hidden mobile phones, memory cards and so on. And hasn’t there been something recently about dogs being able to detect certain illnesses long before the owner was aware there was something wrong.

AGAA4

Very envious reading through this thread. I would have loved a dog but have severe asthma and I am allergic to them.
I walk a lot and have got to know a lot of dogs so I have to make do with that ?

I also have asthma and am allergic to cats and most dogs. So I did my research and looked into getting a Coton de Tulear. They are hypo allergenic, don’t shed (they really don’t shed unlike most supposedly hypo allergenic dogs, I shed more hair than they do!), they have hair not fur and are the most wonderful companions.

We got our first dog 8 years ago, then his sister came along a year later. Best decision we ever made, they have changed our lives!

Thank you Shelmiss. I will have a look at those dogs.

I love discovering a new breed of dog! We met a Stabihoun the other week, one of the rarest dogs in the world. He was gorgeous. I thought at first that he was a Munsterlander: he was of a similar size and colouring. The following week I met a wire haired pointer called a something or other Griffon. I always go home and look them up on Wikipedia.

Korthals Griffon…..

We have a toy poodle and cockapoo neither shed and my cousin who has bad asthma says they are the only dogs she's been able to be in the same room with.

Serious question: I'm 73 in good health, love walking, have had [well behaved, calm] dogs in the past but not recently due to doing a lot with grandchildren and doing a house up.
I'd love a dog, grandkids are growing up and don't see them much.
I've seen a lovely pup, just right, not a large breed, friendly mum...and wondering if it's sensible.
I'm on my own, happy to be at home most of the time so have plenty of time, although I don't sleep well sometimes and have days when I don't feel 100%. Just worry about getting older and if it's fair on the pup [who is 3 months old and practically housetrained].
I have a friend locally who said she would help/dog sit/have her if I need a break etc.
Your opinions welcome. Thank you.

A good breeder will always rehome your dog if you have a problem. I worry about not being able to look after my dog but I wouldn’t be without her. The only thing I will say is that puppies are very tiring: as with looking after grandchildren that’s when you feel your age.

Oh bluebird243 go for it! You like walking and are home most of the time - also you have a friend willing to help out with dog sitting if you don't feel well or need a break - perfect. I know a puppy is hard work, but they aren't puppies for long, and as it is nearly house trained, the worst bit is already done.

My name speaks for my views I am sure. I’m on two currently an old girl of 14 who no doubt will be breaking my heart within the next year or so. Also a Toy Poodle who is everyone’s best friend. I won’t have another puppy, a rescue probably next time.

Thank you for your feedback. I've rehomed older dogs before [9months, 4 years], last one was 3 months old.
I've looked for older dogs recently and been to see some: either the dog had behavioural problems, there were suspicious reasons [think it was stolen], or unfriendly or the owner was very dismissive due to my age.

Can't seem to find a genuine situation. I'm not a dog behaviourist or a trainer, no experience with problem dogs I'm afraid. So that's why this pup is appealing.
When I viewed her she jumped up [naturally] and when I gently asked her not to she stopped, then lay on my feet and later rolled over to let me rub her tummy. I'm a bit smitten!

The mum was barking [although no barking from mum or dad when I arrived]...so I looked round and it was because she was jumping with the 2 boys on the trampoline, very funny.

I waited a long time for my dog as DH and I were working full time. We were able to get him last summer and he really is a delight although I think our 12 year old puss may think otherwise. However the cat is in charge and even tho the dog is desperate to play he knows when to leave well alone. Having a dog means you meet loads of people - I tend to remember the dog rather than the people tho!!
Our boy is a delight, excitable and still in training not to jump up, but he’s getting there. Thank you Grannyrebel7 for starting such a positive thread ??

Rescues I've approached won't touch me because of my age. Fair enough. I tried to foster but had to reject the first dog they offered [real and valid reasons, and it would not have worked] and they've ignored me ever since.

bluebird243

Rescues I've approached won't touch me because of my age. Fair enough. I tried to foster but had to reject the first dog they offered [real and valid reasons, and it would not have worked] and they've ignored me ever since.

Rescues seem to rule out so many people. Those who work, children under whatever age it is 8 (?), people too old. Garden not big enough.. My cousin used to get rescue dogs from one trust but they seemed to give her dogs that seemed to be years older than the age they were supposed to be! While I do understand that they have to be careful they do seem to take it to extremes.

I'd go for it bluebird especially as you have someone on hand who's prepared to help out if needed.

As Curlywhirly has posted, they're not puppies for long, toilet training's the hardest part and that's already underway.

I hope you decide to go ahead and if you do, let us know how you're getting on.

Thanks guys for all your positive comments. I knew I could count on you all to back me up after that awful comment on Monday's thread. Witzend can't believe how cruel some dog owners can be! Remember the Lobo song "Love me, love my dog"? Sums it all up really