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Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 5, 2018 12:53:21 GMT -6
So, you know when people say they don't really like babies or kids, people always say "it's different when it's your own" and you easily deal with the aspects you hate about other people's kids once it's your own. Well, do you feel the same happens with dogs, or no?
I've never had a dog in my entire life. My parents basically conditioned me to be like themselves "eew dog smell, eew fur all over the house, eew jumping on my leg, eew it's licking me, eew scooping poop, eew dirty paws, etc, etc). When I go to people's houses and their dogs come up to me, I instantly want it to get away from me. My husband....desperately wants a dog. We have the means logistically such as finances for vets, family to watch if we go on vacation, stuff like that. But I'm worried about myself never mentally getting past the "eew, I hate dogs" and finding it a burden, rather than a family member. We both absolutely agree that it's a forever commitment, we would never be those people who casually try to rehome a dog for any reason other than physical safety. So, have you ever been in this situation, did you overcome it and love your dog? Do you regret it and wish you hadn't gotten a dog? Any advice?
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brux
Diamond
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Post by brux on Sept 5, 2018 12:56:59 GMT -6
yes, yes I do. I fancy myself a dog person and love my own dogs. They're sweet and funny and loyal. You basically make their day when you walk in the door.
I still despise other dogs licking me or dripping their wet dog beards on me or sticking their dog noses in my butt. I tend to knee big dogs in the chest discretely to get them the fuck off me. What I've determines is that I'm a small dog lover because you can more easily keep them out of your personal space.
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Post by bellatrix on Sept 5, 2018 12:59:15 GMT -6
Yes, that was me pre-dog. I did not grow up having them, and my mom instilled her fear of them in me. Until we got our first dog (as a puppy) I wouldn't even pet my in-law's dog. Now I have 2 dogs (we adopted a second when the first was 6 months old). I now consider myself a dog lover and love petting/playing with other people's dogs as well. We're going on 9 years with the first dog & I only vaguely remember life without a dog.
ETA: I do not regret getting them.
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willow
Ruby
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Post by willow on Sept 5, 2018 13:00:47 GMT -6
I never had dogs growing up. I was terrified of them from probably ages 5 until 13, and then wary of them for most of my teen years. My parents got a dog during my senior year of HS and I was so mad because the thought of a dirty mutt in the house annoyed me so much.
I warmed up to that dog slowly. By the time I was 21 and living with my late H, he was begging for us to get a dog. I finally gave in and we picked up an 8 week old chocolate lab. I spent 20 minutes with her and was in love. I became a crazy dog lady in mere days.
I have 3 dogs now. I don’t mind other people’s dogs and usually actively seek to pet/cuddle them now.
I think everyone is different though so I don’t want to say that you automatically become a dog person.
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brux
Diamond
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Post by brux on Sept 5, 2018 13:02:46 GMT -6
What I would recommend is looking for a dog that causes your heart to say "awww!" because then you'll be able to easily become a dog person for that particular dog.
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Post by SweetPotato on Sept 5, 2018 13:07:10 GMT -6
I was the same pre-dog. People actually put the over/under on how long I’d keep him at 6 months.
And here we are he’s turning 11 this week!
I love my dog like crazy, but still wouldn’t consider myself a dog person.
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Post by mothafuckinteatime on Sept 5, 2018 13:11:41 GMT -6
SO had never had a dog and was firmly in the “I hate dogs” camp. Then we got Jack and they are both obsessed with each other.
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piratecat
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Post by piratecat on Sept 5, 2018 13:16:39 GMT -6
Can you foster a dog first? Or rather find a dog you want to adopt and foster/adopt on a trial basis? Almost all rescues will let you return the animal if it doesn't work out, which I feel is much different than trying to rehome on your own, which I know you don't want to end up doing.
I was never a cat person until I got my first cat, but I never disliked them either. I do feel that dogs and cats have a way of finding their way into your heart but they are also a big commitment/responsibility (as you know) if that doesn't happen for you.
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snowyowl
Amethyst
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Post by snowyowl on Sept 5, 2018 13:20:12 GMT -6
I think you can if you get a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle. My personal preference is to adopt dogs from rescues that use foster homes. It’s a good way to be reasonably sure what you are getting.
I think most people could adopt our pitbull/lab mix and be happy. She’s very go with the flow. We adopted her as a two year old from a foster home with other dogs, kids, and cats. Our border collie mix is a very different story and we really had to change our lifestyle to accommodate her personality and needs. We got her as a puppy and the rescue thought she was a Bernese Mountain Dog mix. NOPE.
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Post by georgewashington on Sept 5, 2018 13:24:03 GMT -6
After I had my kids I found myself wishing we didnt have a dog. It's just one more "person" for me to take care of. I still love my dog but we won't be getting another after he's gone. When people say they're thinking of getting a dog my initial gut reaction is "dont do it".
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brux
Diamond
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Post by brux on Sept 5, 2018 13:28:23 GMT -6
I would not go from zero dogs to fostering dogs.
Getting a dog to acclimate into your family takes time and patience. You'd have to do all the work for little reward.
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sterling
Global Moderator
GD
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Post by sterling on Sept 5, 2018 13:30:02 GMT -6
I have loved my family dogs (as a youth) while basically being annoyed by all other dogs forever. Extremely similar to my children. If you get a puppy especially you really get damn attached.
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rachydc
Sapphire
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Post by rachydc on Sept 5, 2018 13:30:09 GMT -6
I would not go from zero dogs to fostering dogs. Getting a dog to acclimate into your family takes time and patience. You'd have to do all the work for little reward. I was going to come in here and type this in all caps. Please do not foster unless you are an experienced dog person.
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willow
Ruby
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Post by willow on Sept 5, 2018 13:30:41 GMT -6
I would not go from zero dogs to fostering dogs. Getting a dog to acclimate into your family takes time and patience. You'd have to do all the work for little reward. I agree. And generally, rescues want foster homes that have experience with dogs. Fostering can be very difficult as dogs may have behavioral or emotional “baggage” and need a person who has experience with understanding dogs. I think getting a dog from a foster home is a great idea, but I wouldn’t be a foster first.
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rachydc
Sapphire
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Post by rachydc on Sept 5, 2018 13:32:52 GMT -6
spicysalmonroll, Would you guys be open to an older dog, as in not a puppy, as in maybe 2-3years old? One that is already crate/potty trained and/or more acclimated would be less stressful and a more smooth transition (for the humans) I'd imagine.
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Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 5, 2018 13:33:49 GMT -6
True, maybe I'll see what I can find around here for fostering. edit, ok nevermind LOL. thanks brux I appreciate the honesty!!
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rachydc
Sapphire
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Post by rachydc on Sept 5, 2018 13:36:24 GMT -6
True, maybe I'll see what I can find around here for fostering. edit, ok nevermind LOL. thanks brux I appreciate the honesty!! Thank god you edited. I had a million "NO!" gifs ready to go
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Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 5, 2018 13:38:03 GMT -6
spicysalmonroll , Would you guys be open to an older dog, as in not a puppy, as in maybe 2-3years old? One that is already crate/potty trained and/or more acclimated would be less stressful and a more smooth transition (for the humans) I'd imagine. Definitely! Training a puppy not to destroy all my shit is a daunting thought even though they are adorable lol
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rachydc
Sapphire
Posts: 2,686 Likes: 11,472
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Post by rachydc on Sept 5, 2018 13:42:02 GMT -6
spicysalmonroll , Would you guys be open to an older dog, as in not a puppy, as in maybe 2-3years old? One that is already crate/potty trained and/or more acclimated would be less stressful and a more smooth transition (for the humans) I'd imagine. Definitely! Training a puppy not to destroy all my shit is a daunting thought even though they are adorable lol Start following some local rescues on Facebook. They usually hold adoption events. You can meet and greet the dogs and see if one jives with you. 9/10 the dog will pick you, not the other way around You'll know it. We did this with our current dog. All the other dogs were like going around licking everyone and jumping, our dog was just chilling. She didn't jump on us, just casually pushed all her body weight against us when we were petting her. Like "I'm yours now." We lived in an apt at the time and we were like "Yup! This lazy one, we'll take her!"
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rachydc
Sapphire
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Post by rachydc on Sept 5, 2018 13:43:45 GMT -6
Noooo to fostering. I think that could be really hard on a person that’s not used to dogs. I would try and find a dog breed that meshes with your life style. I think there are quizzes out there, what dog is right for me. You don’t want to get a dog that requires tons of exercise if you’re not into that and vice versa. Some dogs are better with kids than others, etc. This is so, sooooooooo important. Example: do not get a border collie if you plan on leaving them home alone most of the day. Leaving them home is totally fine, just dont get a hyper breed where they need a couple miles of runs in a day
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adelbert
Amethyst
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Post by adelbert on Sept 5, 2018 13:46:56 GMT -6
My SIL used to be a big dog person (even did dog obstacle races and training) but now with 3 kids she wishes she didn't have a dog and is basically waiting for her dog to die (obviously she still takes very good care of it but she has commented multiple times to me that she would be happier without it). She has said that when all the kids are out of the house she could see having a dog again.
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Post by thebanich on Sept 5, 2018 13:48:56 GMT -6
After I had my kids I found myself wishing we didnt have a dog. It's just one more "person" for me to take care of. I still love my dog but we won't be getting another after he's gone. When people say they're thinking of getting a dog my initial gut reaction is "dont do it". This is my life. We have two dogs and we are gone from our house 10+ hours a day and have 3 children. It’s too much and I feel bad for them. And seriously. The fur. But alternatively I love other people’s dogs! All the dogs for everyone else!
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Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 5, 2018 13:49:30 GMT -6
@karenwalker, oh absolutely! I love love love the look of Australian shepherds and collies but I already know I'd never get one because of their high energy. rachydc, that sounds amazing, I am also lazy lol
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Post by spicysalmonroll on Sept 5, 2018 13:51:58 GMT -6
My SIL used to be a big dog person (even did dog obstacle races and training) but now with 3 kids she wishes she didn't have a dog and is basically waiting for her dog to die (obviously she still takes very good care of it but she has commented multiple times to me that she would be happier without it). She has said that when all the kids are out of the house she could see having a dog again. oh man, by bro has 3 kids and JUST got a 3rd dog/ puppy. I think he's absolutely nuts. But we are one & done with kids and would also be one & done with dogs if we got one, so I don't think it would be too much to handle.
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Post by frantastic on Sept 5, 2018 13:52:09 GMT -6
I think it's definitely possible to warm up to dogs, just be sure to do your homework regarding breeds.
And be honest with yourself regarding your lifestyle--i.e. if you get a puppy that needs housebroken, are you really going to run home every day on your lunch break to let him/her out? (obv this is an example, IDK if you work out of the home). Do you have the time in your schedule to accommodate the exercise needs of high energy breed? etc etc.
MH was not a dog person, but the dog came with me, and he has definitely converted.
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Post by frantastic on Sept 5, 2018 13:53:59 GMT -6
@karenwalker , oh absolutely! I love love love the look of Australian shepherds and collies but I already know I'd never get one because of their high energy. rachydc , that sounds amazing, I am also lazy lol Aussies may also try to herd children and can get frustrated when the kids don't cooperate.
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Post by AnnPerkins on Sept 5, 2018 13:55:57 GMT -6
First of all, I don't know why I'm here. Second, does this mean we all get to post the breeds we'd be most compatible with?
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Post by AnnPerkins on Sept 5, 2018 14:03:44 GMT -6
Boston Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever, Tibetan Spaniel
Still nah.
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Post by marygracerich on Sept 5, 2018 14:05:45 GMT -6
I don’t like dogs in general.
I did the breed quiz. I got a beagle. I could almost get on board with a beagle if I had more space.
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joy
Global Moderator
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Post by joy on Sept 5, 2018 14:10:32 GMT -6
Boston Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever, Tibetan Spaniel Still nah. [br Oh, hi. I got those, as well.
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