Strange how things sometimes work out.
For months, I’ve been pushing and pushing to get a dog. But Cari (my wife) wasn’t on the same page — she certainly didn’t want a dog, and didn’t want any pet, for that matter. Plus, I couldn’t get my son to agree to be in charge of cleaning up the dog’s messes. And my daughter … well, she was opposed because dogs like to lick, and she doesn’t like that.
A couple days ago, Cari comes home and tells me that one of her fellow real estate agents found a stray puppy that needs a home, and how they’ve put up “Dog Found” signs all over the neighborhood but no one has claimed the puppy. My son wants the dog right away, and even agrees to be in charge of cleaning up after it. His enthusiasm somehow changes Cari’s mind and she’s suddenly interested in the dog. Our daughter … not quite there yet.
So we get some photos this morning from the other real estate agent (who’s housing the dog until they find a permanent home). My wife says she’s in love with the dog. My son only wants him even more. And even my daughter admits, “He’s really cute!” Here’s one of the pix:
He is adorable, but now I’m the one who’s not sure. What if he’s not healthy? What if he destroys the sofa? What if he ruins the carpet? What if he bites one of us? What if he doesn’t like it here? Plus, taking care of a dog can get expensive.
I don’t know. We’ll be visiting the dog tomorrow morning to see it in person. I have a feeling we’ll be bringing him home. Oddly enough, I’m way outnumbered at this point. Better start thinking of a name……
8 Comments
Lots of questions indeed!
When I got Sierra there were way more questions than I could answer… for about a month I wasn’t even sure I should keep her.
The biggest issue you will experience is that the dog will be receiving inconsistent feedback. Might do one thing with one family member, and get one feedback, does it with another, and get another. They will adapt, but for instruction and feedback for training- it must be consistent.
Good luck buddy. I highly recommend the crating method if you can. It is not a bad thing for dogs if done right.
I’m in love with him. It’s amazing how people treat dogs so badly. You have great concerns – will the dog get along with your family, house, neighbors, etc. Good luck and I hope that it woks out.
I’ll second the training method and consistent voice. There can only be one master and hopefully, it isn’t the dog.
training is definitely the most important thing you can do to be happy with your dog. and by all means, if it isn’t working out, find him a better home – you’ll all be happier and it’ll be best for the pup 🙂
i think the difficult thing for a lot of people to conceptualize is that getting a dog (or most pets, really) is that you’re talking about a 10 year commitment to raise another family member, and sometimes even longer! for example, we have neighbors who get excited, get a pet and then after a month or so they get tired of it – and leave it free to roam the neighborhood (this usually means aggressive, poorly trained dogs, but has even included rabbits).
he is reaaaally cute… good luck!
Try to deny your family the dog…I dare you:.)
Dude, that is one of the cutest dogs I have EVER seen. And I have seen a lot of cute dogs. I’d say if your daughter has come around, you shouldn’t have any reservations.
NO ‘have a feeling’ about it. We’re getting this puppy!
Matt – get the dog, you’ll love it. Getting Hank (our dog) was among the best things I’ve ever done. how can you not love this? http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjaminlloyd/2525196531/in/set-72157594346146312/
My only advice (as others have said) – dedicate the time up front to training and get the whole family on the same page so the dog gets consistent commands, input, feedback etc. You’ll all be happier in the long run.
congratulations!
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