Hello!

Hi need some opinions on this. My kids and I really want a dog whilst my husband does not want one. He feels that it will be too expensive and that the dog would destroy our house. I have explained to him that yes dogs do cost money but not too much, unless you get a really old dog. I really would like the kids to have a dog just to gain some responsibility and also for the fun a dog brings into a child’s life. I’ve had a dog growing up and I would love for my kids to also have that same experience. Any advice on how to convince my husband on this?


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  • I don’t think you can put a price on the love and bond a dog can bring m. He will come around!!


  • A big yes to a dog from me. They are great company, not just for kids. And they don’t cost that much. A yearly visit to the vet and weekly food, if you get a smallish dog, that would reduce the food bill, reduce the destruction bill and even reduces the cost of de sexing


  • Based on the age of this post, I’m wondering if you ended up getting a dog. My suggestion would have been to have your husband choose the dog. Sounds crazy, but if he falls in love with a dog it will make the whole experience better for everyone.


  • Children learn so much from having a pet and it teaches responsibility.


  • Hope you had success with a dog!


  • Yes yes yes yes can’t say yes enough to a dog. Pet insurance will cover the biggest expenses for a dog. But the rewards for your family are HUGE!


  • There are a few things you need to consider. Who si going to mind your dog if you want to go away on a holiday. Some dogs fret if put in kennels and won’t eat until they are starving. The can’t get outside to do their “toilet” so it may mean start training again. Will you have sufficient shelter and shade during the whole year. You need to be able to put water in a couple of places so some is always in the shade. Are you prepared to feed it inside? Outside it attracts ants,. birds may come and steal it even when the dog is near it so you won’t know how much your dog actually ate. Who is going to be responsible for cleaning its poos up? If one child is expected to do it all the time, resentment will creep in. Seen that happen a few times. Not my kids or dog. It needs to be cleaned up at least once a day. It attracts flies and sometimes ants too.


  • Compromise with your husband – You want a dog, he doesn’t, so get a dog :)

    Jokes aside, alleviate his concerns by opting for a small dog of 2+ years who is house trained. Small dogs are easier to keep and less costly.

    What concerned me with your question is you say dogs are cheap to keep. Personally you need to ensure you can cater for your pets needs. Pet food can be cheap but very poor quality, so pick something good from http://www.petfoodreviews.com.au. Decent pet food could cost you $100+ a month. Then you need to account for vaccines, vet visits, pet insurance etc.

    Still… get a dog! Great for the kids, great for the family, and I 100% guarantee your husband will grow to love the new family member!


  • if your dog cannot be loved by all family members, and be an indoor dog DO NOT GET ONE – they are pack animals and need love and attention, or it is not fair on them!


  • all in or all out with a pet – he may see it as just another pressure/stress/thing he has to care for. Hope you get a pet, but your relationship is way more important x


  • Reading this brings back memories of my own childhood, my father was the exact same, no pets!
    My parents eventually seperated & we finally got a dog.
    My parents then reconciled & would you believe that my dead-against-pets father then became our dogs best friend! He loved the dog as much as we did!
    Your husband is only looking at the cons of being a responsible pet owner, perhaps you should sit down as a family & write out a list of pros & cons.
    Children shouldn’t have to grow up without pets.
    Pets are so beneficial to childhood!
    They do teach responsibility, they will keep your children active & increase their exercise & you can now get pet insurance to cover vet bills. There’s also the added security, if someone attempts to enter your property that dog will let you know!
    Pets become your childrens best friend & your children will learn & grow with their pet.
    It is not hard to train a dog, there are courses on offer you can attend as a family & dogs will not ruin your home or yard. If you keep them well exercised & occupied with toys & chew toys & bones.
    I personally reccomend getting a pup, they do go through the naughty stage but as pet owners you will teach them right from wrong. & they will grow with your children!
    Keep up to date with immunisations & regular vet checks & you shouldn’t come across any high vet bills, but bear in mind sometimes accidents do happen.
    I really do hope your husband changes his mind & you & your children are off to pick out a puppy very soon.
    Best of luck.


  • Amen to that! Dogs are great! And kids and dogs can have the best relationship. A dog can be a child’s only friend (at least, that’s how the child may feel) at times. They’re great playmates, great for getting everyone outside doing something. And they’re not that expensive, they’re as expensive as you let them be basically


  • Dogs cost a lot of money, vet bills, cut and wash, medication if they are sick, vaccinations, dental stuff, food etc. I am much like your hubby the rest of the family wants a dog but not me. A dog is a former thing!


  • I was the same. My brother in law died and left too many animals for one person to care for, so we inherited one of his dogs. Best thing we ever did! Now we have a second dog, even better. They don’t cost that much (as long as you avoid the veg) and won’t destroy your hone if you put in training time. Maybe try adopting an older dog to avoid too much house damage


  • depending on where you live you could raise a guide dog or helper dog for a year … test run???


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