i hate how much work it is too but I love my dog so much that it’s somehow worth it. We got her when she was a puppy and while she was cute that whole nipping stage and peeing on the floor blew.

She’s only one now and totally makes a mess in the house with her toys and bones everywhere but when she hops on the sofa or snuggles in bed with me it is just the best.

She has also been my ticket to socialization during the pandemic. I met so many dog people and people always stop to chat on walks to ask about her. Without that I don’t know if I would have had any social aspect during the really bad parts of the pandemic.

I don’t know if I would get another dog after her because it is a lot of work and planning for trips. Extra costs and worry. But for right now I just adore her and love her so much, she is definitely my fur baby.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way. Total mistake to get a dog, who is now 18 months old. I do love her, she’s very cute and good and the kids love her a lot (and she’s spoiled with attention and walks and toys and love). But I hate how much time she takes, I hate how much mental energy she takes. Once a week she goes to doggy day care and it’s my favorite day. I get so much more done. We just aren’t pet people, I guess. DH feels the same way, but she’s ours and we’ll love her for the next 10+ years and laugh about what a mistake this was.

+1

This, word for word- ours is even almost the same age (16mos).
!

So, in retrospect, what is the learning lesson here? For future posters and those on the fence? Are their feelings of hesitancy, fear of dogs, general anxiety, etc. what? I mean that sincerely when I read things like this because it seems common but also so entirely preventable.

FWIW I have 2.5 year old twins, a 12 month old puppy, and a 6 year old dog (all same 50+ lb breed) and we are thinking about adding in a puppy. I've never resented the time I put into my dogs, but every mom is different.

np Yikes, pp I wouldn't risk adding a puppy! Unless you live in the country perhaps and they can run around. Sounds like you have it good and I personally wouldn't upset the apple cart..lol

Anonymous wrote:This thread should be a cautionary tale to all those people with kids who are begging for a dog and mom or dad doesn't want them. This will be your future!

Op, We got a puppy one year ago and yes at times it is overwhelming but, I love going for walks and enjoy training him to be the best dog he can be. I can't wait to introduce him to agility. Maybe you could find a fun activity to do with the dog that would bring you both joy?Just a thought.

I agree that it will be such parents' future, right down to the people attempting (and I did it earlier on this thread, too, so no judgment from me) to solve a problem that can't be solved.

Wondering about whether to get a dog even though you don't want one? DON'T GET A DOG.

I'm really astounded by all of these regretful pet owners. Is this a pandemic thing? That people who were not dog people tried to become dog people, or jumped on the doggie bandwagon?

Our dog is really one of my favorite things in the house. He is my third dog, and I think he is the cutest, although he is not the smartest or the best-behaved. (To be fair, our previous dog was incredibly well behaved -- trainers were always telling us we should put him into obedience competitions because he was like the Michael Phelps of obedience. I was like "yeah, I'm not really a stage mom...").

I think people should at least pet sit a friend's dog for a week before you decide to commit. It won't be the exact same (because your friend's dog will likely be trained) but at least you'll get a sense of it. Also, if you're on the fence, probably talk your kid into a cat. I hear people say they are "meh" about their cat, but I never hear anyone say they seriously regret their cat (unless he destroys their furniture).

I also really think pepole should put their foot down and insist their spouse and kids step up to take care of the dog they wanted. We have a walk schedule posted on the wall, and it gets revised periodically to account for the kids' after school activities, but they each do 5 walks a week. They also generally do the brushing and help with baths (sometimes I left them do it themselves but that's not really what I'd recommend).

Anonymous wrote:I've had dogs before, but only adopted them as adults (5+ years). Our current 2 yo dog we've had since a puppy and he is super reactive and energetic. We've spent thousands in training and it's only helped a little. I'm tired of not getting a solid 8 hours of sleep and our cat is probably tired of getting chased all the time. I hope he will mellow out with time. It's going to be a long 10 years otherwise. He is our last dog and I won't get another. I will probably always have a cat though.

Just curious whether he is a labradoodle. I think the majority of people I know who got labradoodle puppies feel this way. Poodles are bossy so can be a little reactive, and labs are hyper, and it seems to me that labradoodles mostly get he poodle hair and bossiness/reactivity plus the lab hyperactivity and stupidity. They are adorable puppies but they always seem like they are really difficult to train.
The goldendoodles, bernadoodles and cavapoos seem like they are easier, but still kind of a mixed bag.
We don't have an --ooodle -- this is just based on my extensive survey of friends/neighbors dogs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way. Total mistake to get a dog, who is now 18 months old. I do love her, she’s very cute and good and the kids love her a lot (and she’s spoiled with attention and walks and toys and love). But I hate how much time she takes, I hate how much mental energy she takes. Once a week she goes to doggy day care and it’s my favorite day. I get so much more done. We just aren’t pet people, I guess. DH feels the same way, but she’s ours and we’ll love her for the next 10+ years and laugh about what a mistake this was.

+1

This, word for word- ours is even almost the same age (16mos).
!

So, in retrospect, what is the learning lesson here? For future posters and those on the fence? Are their feelings of hesitancy, fear of dogs, general anxiety, etc. what? I mean that sincerely when I read things like this because it seems common but also so entirely preventable.

FWIW I have 2.5 year old twins, a 12 month old puppy, and a 6 year old dog (all same 50+ lb breed) and we are thinking about adding in a puppy. I've never resented the time I put into my dogs, but every mom is different.

Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way. Total mistake to get a dog, who is now 18 months old. I do love her, she’s very cute and good and the kids love her a lot (and she’s spoiled with attention and walks and toys and love). But I hate how much time she takes, I hate how much mental energy she takes. Once a week she goes to doggy day care and it’s my favorite day. I get so much more done. We just aren’t pet people, I guess. DH feels the same way, but she’s ours and we’ll love her for the next 10+ years and laugh about what a mistake this was.

+1

This, word for word- ours is even almost the same age (16mos).
!

Anonymous wrote:Op don’t let people make you feel guilty. Some people are blind animal lovers no matter the situation or reality.

It’s totally natural to change as we age. The emotional needs of a puppy is more of a burden now that we are carrying so much extra mental load. And it doesn’t help that our demographic (assuming a working mom) didn’t get enough “me” time and everything is always for others.

But definitely unload as much as possible to the kids and don’t feel guilty if you have to ignore the dog during the day while working. Lots of dogs are left alone during the day when their owners are out. Try to be consistent and I’m sure your dog can adapt.

Nobody can make you feel guilty without your permission, pp!

This thread should be a cautionary tale to all those people with kids who are begging for a dog and mom or dad doesn't want them. This will be your future!

Op, We got a puppy one year ago and yes at times it is overwhelming but, I love going for walks and enjoy training him to be the best dog he can be. I can't wait to introduce him to agility. Maybe you could find a fun activity to do with the dog that would bring you both joy?Just a thought.

I love our dog, do most of the caretaking, and also somewhat regret getting him. But, I know I'll do my best to care for him until he dies.

He gives me the physical affection that my kids have outgrown. He likes to spoon when watching tv. He calms me when I pet him. He makes me walk more, which is good for me.

Generally, it's as two way street or that's what I try to tell myself when he's barking in the night.

The difference between my dog as a >1 year old and even a 2 year old to now as a 4 year old is stark. She is now mostly a couch potato whereas she was NUTS in her younger days. Hang in there - it really does get easier.

I've had dogs before, but only adopted them as adults (5+ years). Our current 2 yo dog we've had since a puppy and he is super reactive and energetic. We've spent thousands in training and it's only helped a little. I'm tired of not getting a solid 8 hours of sleep and our cat is probably tired of getting chased all the time. I hope he will mellow out with time. It's going to be a long 10 years otherwise. He is our last dog and I won't get another. I will probably always have a cat though.

I feel the same way. Total mistake to get a dog, who is now 18 months old. I do love her, she’s very cute and good and the kids love her a lot (and she’s spoiled with attention and walks and toys and love). But I hate how much time she takes, I hate how much mental energy she takes. Once a week she goes to doggy day care and it’s my favorite day. I get so much more done. We just aren’t pet people, I guess. DH feels the same way, but she’s ours and we’ll love her for the next 10+ years and laugh about what a mistake this was.

I am 2 weeks into having a puppy and greatly regret the decision. I know these are just puppy blues but I think, I too, will feel like the OP. It is just not for me. We are doing everything we should - cuddle, train, play. But I seriously cannot believe I have committed myself to caring for this animal for the next 10-12 years. It was not a wise decision on my part - work, kids, etc and now the puppy. Just too much. And I fee tremendous guilt because he is so cute and sweet.

Op don’t let people make you feel guilty. Some people are blind animal lovers no matter the situation or reality.

It’s totally natural to change as we age. The emotional needs of a puppy is more of a burden now that we are carrying so much extra mental load. And it doesn’t help that our demographic (assuming a working mom) didn’t get enough “me” time and everything is always for others.

But definitely unload as much as possible to the kids and don’t feel guilty if you have to ignore the dog during the day while working. Lots of dogs are left alone during the day when their owners are out. Try to be consistent and I’m sure your dog can adapt.