• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Thinking of buying a dog. Should I do it? How has it changed your life?

M

Mysterious

Banned
So I have my own apartment, but I live alone and it's getting really lonely. So I'm thinking of getting a dog. Well a puppy.

Does it change your life? My work has a pet friendly policy, so I can bring it to work. But can you live it at home for a few hours when doing errands or going to the gym? What do I need to do before I make a big decision like this?
 
I wish I didn't. Love my dog but damn I miss the freedom. It's a lot of work if u want to treat them right. Look at your life and see how it will change. And if u have the needed time for them.
 
As a puppy, you're not going to want to leave it alone too much. As it gets older and can be crate trained or left at home to sleep, it'll be fine.

I brought Jameson home 9 years ago and he's the second best thing in my life.

The only downside is that any time you want to go pop out to grab dinner after work, you need to go home to walk and feed him.

If you go on vacation, you need a dog sitter.

Dog food ain't cheap, and dog expenses aren't either with regular vet visits for health and upkeep. Depending on the breed there's grooming costs as well.

Dogs are a big responsibility, but there's a reason they're called man's best friend.
 
Puppies are a lot of commitment, if itÂ’s your first dog I wouldnÂ’t suggest that. Also dogs need exercise so make sure you have time to walk it and play.

First thing before buying just go to your local shelter and look at adopting first.
 
callhitman said:
I wish I didn't. Love my dog but damn I miss the freedom. It's a lot of work if u want to treat them right. Look at your life and see how it will change. And if u have the needed time for them.
Click to expand...
This is the biggest change. Pick a breed because they fulfill what you want in a dog, not because they're cute. Shedding, take they can spend alone, whether they're like to pee are all big factors.
 
If you've never had a puppy before I would recommend doing some research if you hadn't so you're fully prepared and know that you can handle it. I had one in middle school a couple of weeks after it was born and it was almost like taking care of a baby at times (ex. it would cry in the night, etc.). After that and experiencing taking care of a kitten, I knew baby animals weren't for me but I'm sure there are others who feel differently.

I feel like the type of breed you want to get is important since some breeds might not work for an apartment? Also is there any particular reason you want a puppy? Senior cat/dogs tend to get overlooked a lot. I adopted my cat when he was a senior, had him for almost a year, and have no regrets. Just something to consider.
 
I couldn't imagine not have our little beagle greeting me at the door when I get home from work.

We have had her for two years, and while the puppy months were rough on my wife, we don't have a single regret. Just realize that there will be some rough patches (peeing/pooping in the wrong area, chewing on stuff he/she shouldn't, eating almost anything they can, etc.), But it becomes much less frequent with some basic training and the good far outweighs the bad!
 
gaugebozo said:
This is the biggest change. Pick a bread because they fulfill what you want in a dog, not because they're cute. Shedding, take they can spend alone, whether they're like to pee are all big factors.
Click to expand...

Lol he was my first dog. I make sure to treat him right. But after him I'll most likely not get another. Lol had to get him a dog treadmill this summer because it was to hot out to walk him. And didn't want to burn his feet. Street stays hot for a long time most people don't notice because they got shoes on.
 
It's a double edged sword. I loved my dogs. That feeling of always coming home and them jumping up greeting you is so fulfilling, but it's a huge commitment. I'm not sure I would get another.
 
Mysterious said:
But can you live it at home for a few hours when doing errands or going to the gym?
Click to expand...

Read about crate training. We say "<dog name> crate!" and he runs into his crate. It is his home and he loves it.

Besides adopting a dog the next thing to do is find a good local dog trainer. Not a chain store but a place where that is all they do.

How does bringing a dog to your employer work? Do they have a dog yard where they hang out all day?
 
Dubbedinenglish said:
Puppies are a lot of commitment, if it's your first dog I wouldn't suggest that. Also dogs need exercise so make sure you have time to walk it and play.

First thing before buying just go to your local shelter and look at adopting first.
Click to expand...

This.

I volunteer at a shelter and most of the dogs we send home are already house trained. People like me teach them to walk well on leash, sit, etc. and we monitor and log behavior in various situations so you have a pretty good idea of what kind of dog you're taking home. We also offer lots of training classes to the public.

I'll go out of my way to play with the puppies sometimes because they're so damn cute, but they're so much more difficult to care for. Even though as a volunteer I can basically pick any dog I want before it's available to the public I'm likely going with one closer to 2 or 3 years when I take one home in the next couple of months.
 
You have to be committed.

Doing the hard stuff like cleaning its urine/poo, taking care of it etc. For years.

Please don't get a dog and then lose interest after a few years.
 
kendrid said:
Read about crate training. We say "<dog name> crate!" and he runs into his crate. It is his home and he loves it.

Besides adopting a dog the next thing to do is find a good local dog trainer. Not a chain store but a place where that is all they do.

How does bringing a dog to your employer work? Do they have a dog yard where they hang out all day?
Click to expand...

They sit with you near your desk.
 
Like others have said, a rescue dog is a better alternative than contributing to a puppy mill.

A lot of people only consider the potential benefits to themselves of a pet, but remember that this animal will be dependent on you for pretty much everything - food, shelter, love etc.. for its entire life.

Don't go into adopting a pet half-hearted.
 
Use something like petfinder.com to find a dog to adopt. Since you have an apartment you should definitely get like a small lap dog that just likes to chill. Don't get a puppy, you can still get a young dog that is already potty trained. Some are even crate trained which would be a bonus for an apartment. Mix breads generally have less health issues, so don't get set on some specific breed, however, you might want to avoid anything terrier mixed, they're super high energy from what I've experienced and read about.

Personally, I avoided getting a dog while living in apartment. Considered a cat?
 
I just got one two weeks ago. He has changed my life.

I thought I was too cold and cynical and busy to care for a less intelligent being than me at this stage of life.

But I have always wanted to bond with a dog. I never got the chance to.

You can spend years ruminating about if it will work for you, but at some point, you just have to decide if you want a pet. If you do, and if you're willing to put in the time and care and money, and if you do want a pet, commit to it and just do it. Of course, don't do it if you legitimately can't care for its needs, but not all dogs need lots of attention. I can leave mine at home all day and he's very satisfied to lie in bed and be a lap dog.

My dog loves me and my partner more than anyone in the world, and that's an amazing feeling. Picking up shit and feeding him and taking him to the vet is not even a chore because he's added so much joy to my life. And now I sound like a parent, something I never thought I would say.

Getting this dog has done wonders for my mental health too, and although I rescued him from a shelter, he kinda rescued me too.


TBH he hasn't changed my freedom at all. I brush my teeth twice a day, my dog eats and goes potty twice a day. It's a simple routine. Otherwise, he just does what I do and hangs out at home until we come home and play with him and pet him.
 
The Lamp said:
I just got one two weeks ago. He has changed my life.

I thought I was too cold and cynical and busy to care for a less intelligent being than me at this stage of life.

But I have always wanted to bond with a dog. I never got the chance to.

You can spend years ruminating about if it will work for you, but at some point, you just have to decide if you want a pet. If you do, and if you're willing to put in the time and care and money, and if you do want a pet, commit to it and just do it. Of course, don't do it if you legitimately can't care for its needs, but not all dogs need lots of attention. I can leave mine at home all day and he's very satisfied to lie in bed and be a lap dog.

My dog loves me and my partner more than anyone in the world, and that's an amazing feeling. Picking up shit and feeding him and taking him to the vet is not even a chore because he's added so much joy to my life. And now I sound like a parent, something I never thought I would say.

Getting this dog has done wonders for my mental health too, and although I rescued him from a shelter, he kinda rescued me too.


TBH he hasn't changed my freedom at all. I brush my teeth twice a day, my dog eats and goes potty twice a day. It's a simple routine. Otherwise, he just does what I do and hangs out at home until we come home and play with him and pet him.
Click to expand...

Which dog do you have?
 
My 10 year old miniature pinscher is my best friend. I can't imagine life without her at this point.

Dogs are wonderful. But like others have said, you need to be 100% sure you'll be committed to your new family member. If you're not wholly convinced you're up for the task of caring for a pet, don't do it.
 
ItÂ’s a commitment. Seriously think about it and ask yourself if youÂ’re ready to take it out, get home to let it potty and eat instead of going out for happy hour
 
Puppies and kittens are no fucking joke. Lovable little things but be prepared for the commitment. If you don't have a ton of time or are concerned about personal belongings getting destroyed, consider an older pet.
 
Mysterious said:
Which dog do you have?
Click to expand...

A shepherd mix/mitt (probably has some heeler in him too)

IMG_2570.jpg

IMG_2574.jpg
Click to expand...

Mysterious said:
So I have my own apartment, but I live alone and it's getting really lonely. So I'm thinking of getting a dog. Well a puppy.

Does it change your life? My work has a pet friendly policy, so I can bring it to work. But can you live it at home for a few hours when doing errands or going to the gym? What do I need to do before I make a big decision like this?
Click to expand...

Also yes you can leave your dog while you go do things. That's how most people live their lives. You can crate train so it goes to its crate when you need to leave the house, or you can get a dog like mine that just naturally doesn't touch or sniff or chew anything that you don't explicitly tell him is his (I have no idea why he's so polite, I'm lucky lol). He's very well-behaved. The only problem is he doesn't care about treats or toys so I can't easily incentivize him, but thankfully his behavior is really tame anyway.
 
Mysterious said:
So I have my own apartment, but I live alone and it's getting really lonely. So I'm thinking of getting a dog. Well a puppy.

Does it change your life? My work has a pet friendly policy, so I can bring it to work. But can you live it at home for a few hours when doing errands or going to the gym? What do I need to do before I make a big decision like this?
Click to expand...

1. Yes
2. Depends if it's allowed at your job
3. Yes after some house breaking in
4. Figure out the right breed and get a crate.
 
Puppy are a huge chore so as long as you understand that and are committed to it then go for it. But if you have even a second thought then I'd recommend an older dog. Also make sure you get a breed that does well in apartments. A lot of breeds need a large place with a yard to really thrive. That said not all do. I am adopting a greyhound soon which is a breed perfect for apartment/condo living.

Mysterious said:
Would pugs be a good dog to get for me?
Click to expand...

They are genetic abominations with health problems bred into them.
 
Like most purebreds, they are more susceptible to health issues, for pugs that's here, I'm not sure if they're anymore prone to separation anxiety than other breeds.
 
I was feeling a little lonely this year and decided to get a dog. I love my dog, but I wish I would of waited a bit and prepared a bit more. She tears up everything and has already cost me a ton of money. It actually stresses me out. Still love her though. I guess stuff happens for a reason lol. Just take your time with getting a pet.
 
They're great company and I recommend it if you're ready to develop a consistent daily routine (walks / recreation, feeding, potty breaks) and provide it great healthcare (monthly heartworm prevention, annual vet visits, baths). That's awesome that you're allowed to bring your dog to work.

I wouldn't recommend a puppy if you've never had one before. They're a ton of work for the first year or so. They take a while to house train and they will destroy your things. I suggest going to your local shelter and seeing if they have an adult dog that is already house trained and just needs a good home. Don't forget to check breed restrictions set by your apartment.

Nearly 3 years ago I adopted a large (75 lbs) adult dog from a shelter who was already house trained and I wouldn't trade him for the world. Our daily routine is we get up and go for a 30-60 minute walk or jog, come back home and eat, and then I leave for an eight-hour work day while he has the run of the house. He's never destroyed anything of mine or had an accident. As soon as I get home I take him out to relieve himself and then we have dinner. Later in the evening we go for another 30-60 minute walk or jog. Even if I added a time in the morning or evening when I stepped out for the gym I would aim for consistency and make it part of our routine. If I know I'm going to be out for a happy hour, dinner, or on a vacation I've always managed to work it out so that he's taken care and isn't thrown off his routine.

Do it only if you're ready. Don't be that person who returns a dog.

VXzELUM.jpg
 
My dog has been such a massive positive influence on my life. Definitely takes work though, and your life will change to some degree depending on the dog. I couldnÂ’t imagine living another way, though.

But yes, prepare for ruined socks. Also a yard to some degree is a must.

zJjTHhT_d.jpg

iaRhDmA.jpg
 
my brother has a dog. He works most of the day and then whenever I see him, he has to bring the dog along and its always running around and barking and doing stuff. and he's 3 years old!

If we have lunch, we have to find a restaurant with outdoor seating. And he can't go out for long cause he has to go back to his dog cause it has separation anxiety :(

So yes its a lot of work. And don't just get a dog based on its cuteness, like Norbert here (not my brother's dog)

tmg-article_tall;jpeg_quality=20.jpg
 
1. Ensure you're ready to make it part of your daily routine, so it isn't neglected.

2. If you are, please adopt.

3. Put in the time and effort to train it properly.

It'll be fine on its own for short stretches. For longer stretches, have a responsible friend/family member dogsit.
 
sarcastor said:
my brother has a dog. He works most of the day and then whenever I see him, he has to bring the dog along and its always running around and barking and doing stuff. and he's 3 years old!

If we have lunch, we have to find a restaurant with outdoor seating. And he can't go out for long cause he has to go back to his dog cause it has separation anxiety :(

So yes its a lot of work. And don't just get a dog based on its cuteness, like Norbert here (not my brother's dog)
Click to expand...

My dog initially had this, too, but three things helped resolve it within a day or two:

  • Exercise the dog and make it tired, so it wants to rest.
  • Move the dog bed to the living room and right before you leave tell the dog to "place" or "stay." This may take some practice if s/he doesn't know that command, but they should learn it. When they have done what you've asked leave without looking at or saying another word to the dog.
  • Develop a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. They have an internal clock and if they know the order of the day they know what comes next and when to expect you'll return.
 
I'd get a 1-5 year old dog from the shelter over a puppy, puppies are a LOT more work -- way, way, way more than people imagine - and they are good when a family is involved or more than one dog already in the house, but not a good first dog imo.

I've had dogs for most of my life, the pros are all listed above. My last dog passed away last year and I haven't gotten a new one yet. I'll list some cons to think about, I still will probably get another dog soon-ish but it is a more "carefree" life without one, as it is another life you are responsible for:

- you have to consider the dog when making travel / extended plans. Yeah, pet resorts and dog sitters are an easy thing but still, your dog probably won't like being away from you and sometimes you can include your dog in your vacay but then it might turn into problems when you want to go out to dinner, etc.

- unless you jog and your dog runs too, walks are gonna be slower and a lot more stopping. I've enjoyed listening to podcasts while walking briskly the last few months, with a dog its a lot of stop, smell, stop, smell, stop, pee, etc.

- its nice just sleeping in on mornings and not having to let the poor dog out to pee.
- you don't have to pick up dog shit, put it in a bag, and dispose of it
- sometimes your dog is gonna get sick and puke/pee/poop in your house. I never found it a big deal but some people won't like it
- most dogs shed a LOT. Like tons and tons of hair everywhere. Again, never really bothered me but my wife never liked the messy aspects, especially the shedding and getting dog hair on clothes.
- its a lot sadder when your dog passes away. When a human relative or friend passes away you are sad, but they had a full life usually and lots of things happening in their lives that didn't involve you. The dogs life revolves 100% around YOU, and their entire life is devoted to just you. It will hit you a lot harder than you think.
 
Certain breeds are far easier for first time owners. Look into it, do some googling.

It might be too much, but consider picking up two dogs if possible, it's great for them to have a companion while you are away.

My personal recommendation would be the Cocker Spaniel. Lovely dog that gets very affectionate to the hand that feeds it. Will follow you around the house and is relatively easy to train.

Here is my pup. 11 years old and still going strong.

14469699_10153800113456646_6500260931054682377_n.jpg
 
Buy, dont adopt.
Only cause you cant get French Bulldogs from the pound.

Pretty much house trained the day theyre born. Wont chew or scratch furniture, dont dig, and wont chew on your shoes unless they realllly look like hides. They only bark when they have to, and they pretty much live to cuddle.

CONS: They love running.. but if youre pretty fit then they will not be able to keep up with you for long periods. Especially if youre doing things like stairs.
 
Adopt an older dog and try your best to treat it right.

Don't get a puppy unless you know what you're doing.

EDIT: Don't really worry about breed too much. If you go to a shelter more often than not they allow you to chill with the dog and you can get a good feel for what the dog is like. (to an extent, anyway.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

What has been the worst year of your adult life?
47
882
Baemono replied
  • Poll
Do you think the Sequel Trilogy should be decanonized?
2 3 4 5
213
1K
Major Insano replied
How do You overcome laziness?
2
63
203
German Shocks replied
The Dog Stars
6
189
NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt replied
How much do you love tacos?
2
75
779
Tunned replied
Top Bottom