Discussion
I posted the following in the discussion about the 10 year old killed in Wales last week, but thought it might provoke some interesting discussion in the more civilised area of pistonheads. The question is "why do you like dogs?"
I found it really hard to explain to a non dog person why I love dogs, but ended up writing all this. Can you explain why you like dogs?
I'll try and have a go, no doubt you'll pick it apart but whatever. As others have said, I think you're either a dog person or you're not. If you don't get it, you just won't get it.
I'm 38 now, but all throughout my childhood we had dogs. They were just there, reasonably insignificant to me as a kid. Mum had horses, and the dogs just came along to lots of outdoors stuff with us. Didn't really think much of it. We lived in the New Forest so taking the dogs (we had two) out was always an excuse (read inexpensive) activity.
As I grew up, early teen, we were down to one older dog by this point. It was my job to walk her before school. Only round the block but it instilled routine and responsibility to a young me. If I didn't do it she'd be left crossing her legs and it would be my fault. She used to come and snuggle up on my bed at night, and was always just there, just a companion for us all. Always eager to please.
Roll on a few more years and I'm late teens now. Still living at home with parents and their new dog, a Springer who was very broken. We saved him from being PTS at a year old as he was wired wrong. Almost like he had an out of body experience and would come too growling and aggressive. He taught me so much about how to handle difficult dogs. He wasn't really my problem, but when out and about he snapped out of it and was a lovely dog. I used to take him out for nice walks on my own, just out on the forest and down to the river. It used to bring even a young, self absorbed me a huge amount of pleasure watching him just be so happy with life, running around catching a ball, throwing himself off the bank into the river.
Roll forward a few more years and I live on my own. I didn't entertain the idea of getting my own dog as I was late 20s, and it felt like something older, more grown up people did....so I got a cat, which my mates ripped me for. I loved (still do, she's 11 in March and currently on my lap) that cat, it was just me and her in my house and she'd be waiting for me to get home and we'd play and she would cuddle up to me. It wasn't until I got dogs that I realised how little cats really care for you.
Roll forward a few more years and I moved in with my now wife. She came with two, three year old Jack Russells. They were her problem, they didn't do much for me in all honesty. It was when they got to about 7 years old, she started making noise about getting another dog, and showed me a litter. We went and had a look and she wanted the runt with a gammy leg. I declined that one, but looking down this little ball of terror had climbed onto my shoe and started pulling at my laces. "I want that one, he looks like trouble" was the sentence I uttered.
From that moment on we had a great bond. It's been magical watching him grow up, from a yappy little puppy into the awesome dog he is now. I've taught him loads, and he's taught me loads in turn. He's my best mate. He's so pleased to see me when I get home from work, he's just happy to be with me. We've done loads together. He gives you a purpose each day, especially those days when you have nothing to do. It makes you do something. His time is short, you've got to make it fun for him. We go out for at least an hour every day walking in the forest which inturn makes me healthier. I run with him, because he enjoys it.
I wasn't sure I was all that bother by having a dog until we got him, now I couldn't consider life without one. It's impossible to sum it up really, it's just a really special bond. It's like having your best mate around all the time, who is well up for doing anything you want, whenever you want. I guess it really helps that I like being outside and active.
The older two are 13 soon, can't imagine they will have long left. We are now looking at a 4th dog. With the last one I didn't do much research, just got a mixed breed thing and whilst I love him, he is a pain in the ass with recall, meaning I can't really left him off the lead. Also our kids were only 3.5 and the other not born yet when we got him. This kind of curtailed what I could really do with him. I have lofty ambitions with the next, and particularly want a shepherd of some description which I can either do agility or tracking work with (finding lost people in the forest). Having a dog is a hobby and a lifestyle really.
I'd not want to live in a world where you couldn't have a dog. They just bring so much joy into your life. Everything for them is the best thing ever, and that makes me happy.
Pic of Chewie being majestic af
I found it really hard to explain to a non dog person why I love dogs, but ended up writing all this. Can you explain why you like dogs?
CCCS said:
otolith said:
It’s probably not something you can explain to someone who doesn’t get it.
Why not give it a try, how else would one get it. Isn’t this one reason for a site like this?I'm 38 now, but all throughout my childhood we had dogs. They were just there, reasonably insignificant to me as a kid. Mum had horses, and the dogs just came along to lots of outdoors stuff with us. Didn't really think much of it. We lived in the New Forest so taking the dogs (we had two) out was always an excuse (read inexpensive) activity.
As I grew up, early teen, we were down to one older dog by this point. It was my job to walk her before school. Only round the block but it instilled routine and responsibility to a young me. If I didn't do it she'd be left crossing her legs and it would be my fault. She used to come and snuggle up on my bed at night, and was always just there, just a companion for us all. Always eager to please.
Roll on a few more years and I'm late teens now. Still living at home with parents and their new dog, a Springer who was very broken. We saved him from being PTS at a year old as he was wired wrong. Almost like he had an out of body experience and would come too growling and aggressive. He taught me so much about how to handle difficult dogs. He wasn't really my problem, but when out and about he snapped out of it and was a lovely dog. I used to take him out for nice walks on my own, just out on the forest and down to the river. It used to bring even a young, self absorbed me a huge amount of pleasure watching him just be so happy with life, running around catching a ball, throwing himself off the bank into the river.
Roll forward a few more years and I live on my own. I didn't entertain the idea of getting my own dog as I was late 20s, and it felt like something older, more grown up people did....so I got a cat, which my mates ripped me for. I loved (still do, she's 11 in March and currently on my lap) that cat, it was just me and her in my house and she'd be waiting for me to get home and we'd play and she would cuddle up to me. It wasn't until I got dogs that I realised how little cats really care for you.
Roll forward a few more years and I moved in with my now wife. She came with two, three year old Jack Russells. They were her problem, they didn't do much for me in all honesty. It was when they got to about 7 years old, she started making noise about getting another dog, and showed me a litter. We went and had a look and she wanted the runt with a gammy leg. I declined that one, but looking down this little ball of terror had climbed onto my shoe and started pulling at my laces. "I want that one, he looks like trouble" was the sentence I uttered.
From that moment on we had a great bond. It's been magical watching him grow up, from a yappy little puppy into the awesome dog he is now. I've taught him loads, and he's taught me loads in turn. He's my best mate. He's so pleased to see me when I get home from work, he's just happy to be with me. We've done loads together. He gives you a purpose each day, especially those days when you have nothing to do. It makes you do something. His time is short, you've got to make it fun for him. We go out for at least an hour every day walking in the forest which inturn makes me healthier. I run with him, because he enjoys it.
I wasn't sure I was all that bother by having a dog until we got him, now I couldn't consider life without one. It's impossible to sum it up really, it's just a really special bond. It's like having your best mate around all the time, who is well up for doing anything you want, whenever you want. I guess it really helps that I like being outside and active.
The older two are 13 soon, can't imagine they will have long left. We are now looking at a 4th dog. With the last one I didn't do much research, just got a mixed breed thing and whilst I love him, he is a pain in the ass with recall, meaning I can't really left him off the lead. Also our kids were only 3.5 and the other not born yet when we got him. This kind of curtailed what I could really do with him. I have lofty ambitions with the next, and particularly want a shepherd of some description which I can either do agility or tracking work with (finding lost people in the forest). Having a dog is a hobby and a lifestyle really.
I'd not want to live in a world where you couldn't have a dog. They just bring so much joy into your life. Everything for them is the best thing ever, and that makes me happy.
Pic of Chewie being majestic af
This is going to turn in to one of threads where everyone posts a picture of their dog in the same mistaken belief as parents have about their kids that everyone will care, or else some of the weird people on PH - presumably socially awkward loners - who seem to detest dogs with a burning passion will turn up.
So I'll comment now then click ignore when it goes either way.
I cannot imagine a life without the specific breed of dog that I have had in my life for almost every day since I was born in 1973. I won't name the breed but other breeds aren't as good to an extent that I'm not sure I'd bother owning them if my breed died out.
From my chair at the dining table I can see one sat in her bed looking sad at me for no reason, and can hear another snoring away in the living room.
I don't have kids and never wanted them; I can imagine this house would be funereally quiet without dogs. I can't imagine getting home without being greeted like a king returning from the crusades, when all I've done is pop to the shop. Dogs love you more than they love themselves, and reward you massively for loving them back.
And as for cats as an alternative.... I don't get it at all.
So I'll comment now then click ignore when it goes either way.
I cannot imagine a life without the specific breed of dog that I have had in my life for almost every day since I was born in 1973. I won't name the breed but other breeds aren't as good to an extent that I'm not sure I'd bother owning them if my breed died out.
From my chair at the dining table I can see one sat in her bed looking sad at me for no reason, and can hear another snoring away in the living room.
I don't have kids and never wanted them; I can imagine this house would be funereally quiet without dogs. I can't imagine getting home without being greeted like a king returning from the crusades, when all I've done is pop to the shop. Dogs love you more than they love themselves, and reward you massively for loving them back.
And as for cats as an alternative.... I don't get it at all.
I can only echo the comments that has already been said already. We have 2 dogs (Cockapoo, 3 and Springer X, 2) and while they test my patience at times I couldn't be without them. They both have very different personalities, but they do give me a purpose. I love talking them for a walk, no issue getting up early to let them out for a wee.
Whenever I come back home, the older Cockapoo will run to the door, say hello and then disappear off into the house and comes back with present for me. Normally is a manky dog toy but it just makes me smile.
I dont think I will ever not have a dog in my life.
Whenever I come back home, the older Cockapoo will run to the door, say hello and then disappear off into the house and comes back with present for me. Normally is a manky dog toy but it just makes me smile.
I dont think I will ever not have a dog in my life.
It's interesting getting insights like this but I still don't get it so I agree that if you're not a dog person, you'll never understand. I'd never be cruel to an animal but dogs are extremely irritating creatures. I'm not a pet person but I much prefer a cat. You can get a cuddle when you feel the need but the rest of the time they are happy to do their own thing.
Growing up, we had a wheaton terrier but my parents didn't replace her when she died.
My best friend has a black lab and it is the most annoying creature I've ever come across. You go to visit and immediately my clean jeans are adorned with snot. My crotch is attacked with a wet nose. I then try to move and the thing insists on tripping me up or whipping me with her tail. Once I've moved the muddy paws off my clothes and everyone's shouted at her to calm down and sit, she then decides to grab my sons trainers and pierce the fabric with it's teeth. 5 minutes of Benny Hill chasing to get the shoe off her and she's eventually banished to the garden. I watch as she then destroys the plants and makes a mess. Their grass is patchy where the dog urinates.
I look around my friends kitchen as explain why they can't replace the old sofa as she would just scratch and trash it. Then they argue over who is taking her out for a walk in the cold. My mate then whinges to me about the cost of vets fees, picking up s
t in from the garden, kennels when they go away, dog food, etc. As I sup a beer and watch all of this, I ask him why the hell they have a dog. "Ah but she's cute" is all I get back. No, no she's not cute, she's a complete and utter pain in the backside.
I do actually quite like border collies. My ex FIL had one and it was a lovely dog but I still wouldn't want to have one myself.
Growing up, we had a wheaton terrier but my parents didn't replace her when she died.
My best friend has a black lab and it is the most annoying creature I've ever come across. You go to visit and immediately my clean jeans are adorned with snot. My crotch is attacked with a wet nose. I then try to move and the thing insists on tripping me up or whipping me with her tail. Once I've moved the muddy paws off my clothes and everyone's shouted at her to calm down and sit, she then decides to grab my sons trainers and pierce the fabric with it's teeth. 5 minutes of Benny Hill chasing to get the shoe off her and she's eventually banished to the garden. I watch as she then destroys the plants and makes a mess. Their grass is patchy where the dog urinates.
I look around my friends kitchen as explain why they can't replace the old sofa as she would just scratch and trash it. Then they argue over who is taking her out for a walk in the cold. My mate then whinges to me about the cost of vets fees, picking up s
t in from the garden, kennels when they go away, dog food, etc. As I sup a beer and watch all of this, I ask him why the hell they have a dog. "Ah but she's cute" is all I get back. No, no she's not cute, she's a complete and utter pain in the backside. I do actually quite like border collies. My ex FIL had one and it was a lovely dog but I still wouldn't want to have one myself.
Challo said:
I can only echo the comments that has already been said already. We have 2 dogs (Cockapoo, 3 and Springer X, 2) and while they test my patience at times I couldn't be without them. They both have very different personalities, but they do give me a purpose. I love talking them for a walk, no issue getting up early to let them out for a wee.
Whenever I come back home, the older Cockapoo will run to the door, say hello and then disappear off into the house and comes back with present for me. Normally is a manky dog toy but it just makes me smile.
I dont think I will ever not have a dog in my life.
Pretty much sums up my thoughts, expect I have 3 dogs, 2x Collie crosses and some form of rescue supermutt. Whenever I come back home, the older Cockapoo will run to the door, say hello and then disappear off into the house and comes back with present for me. Normally is a manky dog toy but it just makes me smile.
I dont think I will ever not have a dog in my life.
They make me smile, they are the reason I walk so much. The only downside is they burn bright but short lives.
I think dogs complete a family - or create one if you're not fortunate to have one.
I spent most of my life to date being an admirer of dogs but ambivalent to owning one but bit the bullet earlier this year with a Corgi. It's up there with getting married, having kids, buying a house as one of the best things we ever did.
I spent most of my life to date being an admirer of dogs but ambivalent to owning one but bit the bullet earlier this year with a Corgi. It's up there with getting married, having kids, buying a house as one of the best things we ever did.
Jasandjules said:
I like all animals. It just makes sense to have a dog so that I can ensure that I never get peace to eat, I never get a lie in, and if it is p***ng down or a hurricane wind blowing through the street, I still get to go out for a walk......................
Im lucky that my two are lazy sods and hate getting up in the mornings so late starts on a weekend are easy. StevieBee said:
I think dogs complete a family - or create one if you're not fortunate to have one.
I spent most of my life to date being an admirer of dogs but ambivalent to owning one but bit the bullet earlier this year with a Corgi. It's up there with getting married, having kids, buying a house as one of the best things we ever did.
Definitely. Two dogs in, we have or first child due in Jan, lots of our peers have children already but nowl dogs.I spent most of my life to date being an admirer of dogs but ambivalent to owning one but bit the bullet earlier this year with a Corgi. It's up there with getting married, having kids, buying a house as one of the best things we ever did.
I'm sure the dogs have taught us a great deal out how to raise children, as well as about ourselves and working together as a couple.
Watching freinds trying to teach their 18month to share (with a 2.5yo who could) while they where on the brink of tears, and it was obvious to my and my partner it was a complete misuse of energy. More chance trying teach our greyhound recall while he was chasing a squirrel.
Daniel
Gweeds said:
People who aren't dog people are either a) dead in the heart or b) have just not yet had a dog
My Mrs wasn't a 'dog person'. She very much trusted me on what to get and training etc.Now 14 years into being a dog parent, she loves our Maple more than me.
At least it proves she's not type a) person.
Gweeds said:
People who aren't dog people are either a) dead in the heart or b) have just not yet had a dog
Dead in the heart since birth and a nasty streak too. A work colleague used to bring his collie to his place of work, I had to share that workplace when I took shift,
as the chair and floor were full of dog hair, and the smell of eau de canine pervading the ambience I reported him
to management and from then on the dog was banished to his master's car for the 12 hour shift.
He was a bit frosty towards me from then on, moral of the story, it's not the law that everyone should like dogs.
Edited by coppernorks on Tuesday 23 November 18:19
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