Should I get a dog?

Thread: Should I get a dog?

Should Haxan7 get a dog?

  • Yes

  • No

  • WOOF! WOOF! *steals food*

  • It depends

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Haxan7

Haxan7

Just beat it
Platforms
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I've realized recently that I'm pretty shut off emotionally. I live alone, have always valued my self sufficiency and independence above all else. I've pushed away everyone who tried to get close to me. I'm 38 and basically worried that if I stay like this much longer, I'm gonna end up being stuck this way and end up trying to bang hookers by the time I'm 50.

I was thinking that getting a dog would help me open up, and make it easier to put myself on a path where I don't end up a bitter, lonely, empty old asshole. I don't want a dog as an end in itself, but as a means to an end, basically.

With the above goal in mind, would you recommend I get a dog? Why or why not?
 
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Dogs can definitely be amazing. The unconditional love can, without exaggeration, be healing. They're man's best friend, after all.

I do suggest thinking about the things that come with it, because you don't want to be neglectful. What I mean is things along the lines of the walks in weather you don't want to handle, the vet/insurance costs (these can be significant), all other costs, the mess, (hair, sick, accidents), the potential damage, etc. Even the amount of time you get to spend with the dog is a factor, because you don't want to leave them for a long day without being able to do their business.

I don't want that to put you off, I just to be aware of it because so many people don't think of all that. The responsibility doesn't stop at the worst of times. The various things also get better or worse depending on the breed, too.

Do you have any preferred breeds? I'm by no means an expert, but if you have a breed or two in mind then between everyone I'm sure we can help steer you in the right direction. I'd recommend looking into rescues, because those dogs need love more than the rest and it could be perfect for you if you're looking for a companion. I don't know about where you live, but in the UK you also get some financial assistance for going that route. I'm personally not a fan of going to breeders, because "pure" usually means "inbred" and "built in health problems/risks".

Above all, I hope you find what you're looking for whether it's a dog or not.
 
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Are you open to the responsibility of it? Walking it at inconvenient times? Having it chew on your shit? Hair all over the house and furniture? Piss and shit where it doesn't belong? Etc..

If you're willing to put the time in to train it and take care of it properly, you could have yourself a best friend for life. If not, you'll just grow to resent it.

I wanted a dog (two, actually), but my yard isn't fenced, and I don't want to be taking no walks at 5am in the dead of winter, nor do I wanna drop $3k on a fence.

So I opted for a couple of cats. :)

(edit: Poll needs an "it depends" ;) )
 
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In my experience it goes like this:

Men who have never had a dog: "I should get a dog"

Men who have had a dog(doubly so of it was a childhood dog) : "ill never get another dog, or let my family have a dog"
 
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Soodanim said:
Do you have any preferred breeds? I'm by no means an expert, but if you have a breed or two in mind then between everyone I'm sure we can help steer you in the right direction. I'd recommend looking into rescues, because those dogs need love more than the rest and it could be perfect for you if you're looking for a companion. I don't know about where you live, but in the UK you also get some financial assistance for going that route. I'm personally not a fan of going to breeders, because "pure" usually means "inbred" and "built in health problems/risks".
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I'm pretty sure I'll just go get a rescue if I do get one. I don't want to mess with or pay for breeders / specific breeds.

The things I know I want are:
  • Able to go hiking, take around the water, etc.
  • Able to be trained / well disciplined
  • I've looked after a lab/basset hound mix quite a bit (heavy on the lab), and he's seriously a handful. Stops to sniff everything, bites people, hates kids, etc. So maybe a breed inclined to be slightly less difficult than him (I'm not sure if he's a result of lack of training or just breed/personality).

Catphish said:
Are you open to the responsibility of it? Walking it at inconvenient times? Having it chew on your shit? Hair all over the house and furniture? Piss and shit where it doesn't belong? Etc..

If you're willing to put the time in to train it and take care of it properly, you could have yourself a best friend for life. If not, you'll just grow to resent it.

I wanted a dog (two, actually), but my yard isn't fenced, and I don't want to be taking no walks at 5am in the dead of winter, nor do I wanna drop $3k on a fence.
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I'm going to be living in an apartment until next April, so it will be a bit of a pain to take him out all the time before then. But I'm planning to buy a fenced home when my lease expires so I'll plan accordingly with the dog. I know what a pain in the butt it is having a dog where I'm at now (I've infrequently had the dog I mentioned above stay with me here). I actually had him when he was a puppy so I went through the whole phase of him shitting, stepping in his shit, walking it around my apartment, barking like mad if I went to the bathroom, etc. He chewed up shoes, a $200 pair of Oakley's, and more of my crap.
 
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The companionship from dogs is great, but as many others have mentioned be prepared to put in the work.

What sort of breeds were you thinking of getting?
 
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p_xavier said:
I like my pets like my ovens, self-cleaning. So no dogs.
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Let me tell you about something else that's self cleaning...

On topic: Absolutely. Unless you're a giant piece of shit that can't handle the basics of taking care of a dog. Also, get a medium sized dog, they're the bestest!
 
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I grew up with dogs around and continue to have them as an adult. I love dogs, but they are also a big responsibility and require a lot of active care. I wouldn't have it any other way, but a lot of people don't realize the amount of "work" they take and end up being really shitty owners who neglect their dogs.

As long as you know you're committed to making the dog a family member and understand it's basically a forever toddler, you should be good.
 
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Make more human friends if you can. A dog will just make you a standoffish guy who also owns a dog. Not saying dogs are bad. Their companionship is great. They are also a chore. So if you're going to saddle up with a chore, might as well hit up a social club to meet men and women with similar interests.

Joining a gym is popular. tbh I forget @Haxan7 if you've been apart of the Fitness thread back on GAF or here, but you mentioned hiking so perhaps I am preaching to someone who already lives an "active" lifestyle of some kind. Anywya, a gym is a pretty honest filter to weed out negative-minded people. A sports club is also great, especially if it's an in-road to local meets, matches, and tournaments. I have a friend who did/does bodybuilding for years, but about a year ago he fell hard into disc golf, and he's been happier (and fitter) because of it, driving around Michigan and even down to Ohio to play in tournaments on the weekends. Myself, I decided to join a boxing club instead of a gym because I dislike lifting plates. I think pursuing something like this is a sensible route for some very mundane, very sensible reasons:

- getting fit and healthy will improve your brain function and mood, and you will age gracefully. Meaning, you take away the pressure and hurry of meeting someone or establishing the long-term structures that will carry you into old age, whether that's a wife or family or sex robot or whatever because your body will be "younger"
- attaining higher levels of fitness -- paired with a sport or active hobby -- will let you do that more and enjoy it more. Pretty obvious. If you are already hiking then you probably know what this means.
- hanging out with people who also want to get fit is generally a positive thing, significantly better crowd than a bar. Sure there are plenty of weirdos, assholes, and mediocre people at gyms and sports clubs, but the ratio is probably better.
- even if you meet zero people at least you got shredded.
 
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I went to my county's animal shelter site and here are the first ones that pop up available. I can't believe there are so many cute little puppies.

image.png
 
Pets are absolutely amazing as long as you're willing to take full responsibility for the fact they will be totally reliant on you for their needs.

If you're getting a dog, look into their breed's behaviors first. Some will need a lot of walks, others will need constant grooming, and some will have health issues you'll need to watch out for.

But the benefits to your physical, mental and emotional health will be profound. Pet owners are healthier and happier than thwy would be otherwise, simple as.
 
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like others have said, pets are needy, especially dogs. They cant be left alone for long at all. If you are a very orderly person, be prepared for the pet to inject some chaos into your life. It might be a good thing depending on your disposition.

Also depending on your disposition, it might make your current attitude towards other people worse. The older I get, the more I like my pets and the less I like people.
 
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Yes.

I love my dog. She makes me happy even in my worst days. It's such a cool bond. Go for it. Choose wisely (preferably a dog that has an attitude similar to yours - if you're more outgoing or more reserved, etc).
 
Haxan7 said:
I've realized recently that I'm pretty shut off emotionally. I live alone, have always valued my self sufficiency and independence above all else. I've pushed away everyone who tried to get close to me. I'm 38 and basically worried that if I stay like this much longer, I'm gonna end up being stuck this way and end up trying to bang hookers by the time I'm 50.

I was thinking that getting a dog would help me open up, and make it easier to put myself on a path where I don't end up a bitter, lonely, empty old asshole. I don't want a dog as an end in itself, but as a means to an end, basically.

With the above goal in mind, would you recommend I get a dog? Why or why not?
Click to expand...
Reading the thread title I was "HELL NO".
I know a few people that were very social before, and after they got their dog they suddenly had to stop going to parties and events. It's a bit like having a kid that won't grow up.

In the case that you describe a dog would be a huge benefit, though.
You will probably just get to know a lot of people by just walking around with the dog in your neighborhood. if you get a cute one like a Chiba or something, you might even have women talking randomly to you. No joke.
I once had a little puppy to care for for a a week, and I could barely walk ten meters with him without a girl or woman stopping me who wanted to talk to me about the little dog. One girl even gave me her phone number because she wanted to meet the dog again. lol.


So, do it!
 
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Stifler's Mom said:
Reading the thread title I was "HELL NO".
I know a few people that were very social before, and after they got their dog they suddenly had to stop going to parties and events. It's a bit like having a kid that won't grow up.

In the case that you describe a dog would be a huge benefit, though.
You will probably just get to know a lot of people by just walking around with the dog in your neighborhood. if you get a cute one like a Chiba or something, you might even have women talking randomly to you. No joke.
I once had a little puppy to care for for a a week, and I could barely walk ten meters with him without a girl or woman stopping me who wanted to talk to me about the little dog. One girl even gave me her phone number because she wanted to meet the dog again. lol.


So, do it!
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My dog is a total pussy magnet. Whenever I take her to a park or a mall when I'm alone a lot of women end up flirting with me because of her. lmao

I always tell my wife that. She knows I'm chill but I won't deny I like the attention.
 
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King of Foxes said:
You should get an access ramp for people with wheelchairs
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That makes 0 sense.

Update: I started applying to dog foster programs near me. I think I'll volunteer as a foster or to help with anything they need before committing to adopting one.

Also decided I want a retriever who can be trained to collect ducks in the event I decide to become a duck hunter for some reason.
 
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Haxan7 said:
That makes 0 sense.

Update: I started applying to dog foster programs near me. I think I'll volunteer as a foster or to help with anything they need before committing to adopting one.

Also decided I want a retriever who can be trained to collect ducks in the event I decide to become a duck hunter for some reason.
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Not really, people in wheelchairs are people too you know
 
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Haxan7 said:
I've realized recently that I'm pretty shut off emotionally. I live alone, have always valued my self sufficiency and independence above all else. I've pushed away everyone who tried to get close to me. I'm 38 and basically worried that if I stay like this much longer, I'm gonna end up being stuck this way and end up trying to bang hookers by the time I'm 50.

I was thinking that getting a dog would help me open up, and make it easier to put myself on a path where I don't end up a bitter, lonely, empty old asshole. I don't want a dog as an end in itself, but as a means to an end, basically.

With the above goal in mind, would you recommend I get a dog? Why or why not?
Click to expand...
Jesus Christ, dude. You don't need a dog. You need a hug and a therapist.
 
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Just be sure to take the time to train them while they're young. Pet's arent as high maintenance as people make them out to be as long as you give them the minimal required grooming and care. As long as they know the rules and know what's acceptable and what isn't, and you give them their own space to be an animal they're fine.
 
Dogs are a lot of work. I have three. Between routine vet bills, food and treats they cost a couple thousand each year too. One thing to keep in mind is that dogs need to go out every few hours. It makes it harder to do things further away or events that are longer unless you have someone willing to stop by and let them out.

I've done volunteer work at rescues for 20 years now. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you decide a dog isn't for you after adopting it is really hard on the dog if you have to return them. It's best to be 100% sure before adopting. Some rescue dogs can have some issues and take time to get used to a new home. So you also have to be patient and willing to work with them if anything pops up.

I didn't know what I was doing with my first dog and he ended up being a ball of energy. I had to start taking him to the dog park or running with him daily. My second dog was really chill and moved in comfortably right away. She's been perfectly behaved since the beginning. My third dog was abused for a long time and was terrified of pretty much everything, so I work daily with her to build up her confidence. So three dogs that were all different. The rescue can help you pick out one that works for your lifestyle.
 
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Dogs are cool as hell. We had a brindle boxer growing up that I loved the hell out of. And a pug too.

But I am turned to the dark side and prefer cats. They're just so much easier to deal with. And when you wear them down and they start to actually want to be around you, they can get very loyal and sweet. There's no such thing as missing the party because you have to scoop 2 turds from a litter box.
 
DonDonDonPata said:
Make more human friends if you can. A dog will just make you a standoffish guy who also owns a dog. Not saying dogs are bad. Their companionship is great. They are also a chore. So if you're going to saddle up with a chore, might as well hit up a social club to meet men and women with similar interests.

Joining a gym is popular. tbh I forget @Haxan7 if you've been apart of the Fitness thread back on GAF or here, but you mentioned hiking so perhaps I am preaching to someone who already lives an "active" lifestyle of some kind. Anywya, a gym is a pretty honest filter to weed out negative-minded people. A sports club is also great, especially if it's an in-road to local meets, matches, and tournaments. I have a friend who did/does bodybuilding for years, but about a year ago he fell hard into disc golf, and he's been happier (and fitter) because of it, driving around Michigan and even down to Ohio to play in tournaments on the weekends. Myself, I decided to join a boxing club instead of a gym because I dislike lifting plates. I think pursuing something like this is a sensible route for some very mundane, very sensible reasons:

- getting fit and healthy will improve your brain function and mood, and you will age gracefully. Meaning, you take away the pressure and hurry of meeting someone or establishing the long-term structures that will carry you into old age, whether that's a wife or family or sex robot or whatever because your body will be "younger"
- attaining higher levels of fitness -- paired with a sport or active hobby -- will let you do that more and enjoy it more. Pretty obvious. If you are already hiking then you probably know what this means.
- hanging out with people who also want to get fit is generally a positive thing, significantly better crowd than a bar. Sure there are plenty of weirdos, assholes, and mediocre people at gyms and sports clubs, but the ratio is probably better.
- even if you meet zero people at least you got shredded.
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A lot of this.
 
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