Anonymous wrote:For those who say they will get a dog when they become empty nesters or retire, you might change your mind about this. I am both of those things, and the dog is tying us down from having the freedom we would otherwise have.

We trade pet sitting with family and neighbors and it's worked out great. Otherwise ita, what a pita it would be! I wouldn't want to deal with boarding, a stranger in my house coming to take care of them...

For those who say they will get a dog when they become empty nesters or retire, you might change your mind about this. I am both of those things, and the dog is tying us down from having the freedom we would otherwise have.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, can’t relate. I prefer the company of my dog to 99.9% of human beings. She is the perfect dog for me too, very similar personalities and energy level: we are both outdoorsy and athletic. I am happiest when I can go for a hike in the woods or a beach run with her. It doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous and loves me beyond measure.

This is so sad. Your dog does not “love you”. It would be equally attached to anyone who gave it food.

This is not true. My dog loves me best even though my dh feeds him too.

Anonymous wrote:The mistake most people make is getting a puppy. All my dogs have been young, around 1-2yr old when we got them, and well trained. All 3 were amazing dogs.
I am a dog lover but have no idea how to house train a puppy.

Where do you find well trained dogs? The shelters around here have a choice between pitbulls and pitbulls. And the breed rescues don’t seem to get well trained dogs. Makes sense that people capable and invested enough to train their dogs well aren’t giving them away…. You’ve adopted three, what’s your secret?

Dogs are not meant to live in the human urban world. Dogs have desirable features, but it's not a good mesh. They keep the home dirty. They can't walk themselves.
They are trapped lonely if humans goes to work.

Dogs should live outside nearly all the time, but modern humans don't. Dogs belong on a ranch.

I love dogs, I thought I would always want to have one.

I think young kids are a phase of life where I might not want one. I’m just overloaded on caregiving. I think that’s perfectly normal.

I’ll probably get one for the kids (ours passed away). But I’m enjoying the interim.

I think once we’re empty nesters, I’ll love having a dog again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, can’t relate. I prefer the company of my dog to 99.9% of human beings. She is the perfect dog for me too, very similar personalities and energy level: we are both outdoorsy and athletic. I am happiest when I can go for a hike in the woods or a beach run with her. It doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous and loves me beyond measure.

This is so sad. Your dog does not “love you”. It would be equally attached to anyone who gave it food.

Your spouse does not "love you" either.

Anonymous wrote:My last dog lived till 16, so all of you grindges might need to adjust your expectations of 10-12 years of life. I loved my dog and miss him every day.

What is a grindge? Do you mean grinch? I’ve always thought dog owners were dumb…

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, can’t relate. I prefer the company of my dog to 99.9% of human beings. She is the perfect dog for me too, very similar personalities and energy level: we are both outdoorsy and athletic. I am happiest when I can go for a hike in the woods or a beach run with her. It doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous and loves me beyond measure.

This is so sad. Your dog does not “love you”. It would be equally attached to anyone who gave it food.

My last dog lived till 16, so all of you grindges might need to adjust your expectations of 10-12 years of life. I loved my dog and miss him every day.

The mistake most people make is getting a puppy. All my dogs have been young, around 1-2yr old when we got them, and well trained. All 3 were amazing dogs.
I am a dog lover but have no idea how to house train a puppy.

Sorry, can’t relate. I prefer the company of my dog to 99.9% of human beings. She is the perfect dog for me too, very similar personalities and energy level: we are both outdoorsy and athletic. I am happiest when I can go for a hike in the woods or a beach run with her. It doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous and loves me beyond measure.

I adore dogs and was about to get one BUT I dogsat one for a week, a very lovable easy dog but I had to work late one evening and was in a panic. I will get one when I retire, for sure; I love the dog walks, forces me out into the fresh air and meet other people with dogs.

Anonymous wrote:I think there are some people who genuinely love animals (pets)…..and some that just do not.

OP you are obviously in the latter category.
How can you hate on an innocent, well-behaved dog??

This. My dog is kind of a pain in the ass but he makes me sooooo happy. My tween and teen and husband all frequently seem annoyed or irritated with me for some reason or another. My dog just gives unconditional love. He's snuggling up to me right now while I draft this monster of a thing for work and he is keeping my blood pressure down.

Anonymous wrote:Reading this forum solidifies my dislike of dogs. I’ve always felt kinda bad that I see most pet dogs as dumb, slobbering, annoying, and dirty. The constant care and neediness. The constant toileting, chewing, and bad behavior. I don’t feel bad any longer now that I realize even the people who own dogs despise them and are just waiting on them to die. Trained working dogs are another matter. But they are at the top of the heap and a long way from the empty headed and neurotic xyzdoodle from the puppy mill that’s crapping all over and barking every time a leaf falls.

dp Well it is good you don't have dogs but just to let you know dog lovers do not see dogs as "dumb, slobbering, annoying or dirty" Depending on the breed they do not need constant care. I can leave my dog alone at home and not get in trouble but, if I left my 2 year old home than they would call the cps. Dogs love you no matter who you are as long as you care for them. They are always happy to see you whether you are gone 2 minutes or 2 hours. The bolded is just flat out wrong. I loved my dog and when she died our family was heartbroken. Luckily we have another but, he can't take the place of our other dog. It is ok you don't like dogs but, I don't think you should put dogs down or their owners just because you don't get it.

I can not imagine life without a dog. Dogs are amazing and make life worth living.