Dog Dilemma

[HydroSqueegee]

So... My wife really wants a dog. I dont. She really does want a dog. My reasons for not having one are as follows: we have 3 kids, 4 cats and its nice not having to clean up dog shit from the yard plus im not that crazy about pets in general. Her reasoning is she likes dogs and the kids want one too.

What shall i do here? Shes been very adamant about getting one lately, but ive stood firm in saying no. But the contention wont end. Opinions?

 

[BoomerD]

Sounds like you're getting a dog. You will have to come to terms with that...hopefully you'll be allowed to help decide what kind of dog shit you're going to have to clean up.

 

[gotsmack]

tell her you can get 1 dog for every 2 cats she gets rid of. and she had to walk it, every day.

 

[JManInPhoenix]

It's not fair to the dog unless everyone is on board with this. Unless everyone in the house is wants the dog, it is a bad idea.

 

[mnewsham]

If you do it. Do it right and get it properly trained and socialized with people, dogs, and other pets. Unless you're looking for a guard dog. But seriously, proper training, healthy amount of interacting daily with the dog, and a proper diet you will have an amazing friend until they day they die.

 

[EliteRetard]

Yeah I agree with the others, 4 cats and a dog is to much...you need to get rid of at least 2 cats if you want a dog. Otherwise it's to much insanity and not fair to the pets. And proper training is a must for dogs, even if you have to pay a professional to help out.

Mixing cats and dogs in the same environment is also usually a bad idea, you'll need to setup a proper environment for the cats to get away. As in give them access to lots of high places. They need to be able to pretty much move around the main living areas without touching the floor. Not much different than if your parents all decided to move in with you, you most certainly would want to have your own space even if you generally get along O.K.

 

[techs]

A dog is a wholly different kind of companion for kids. The fact they need more attention than cats can teach kids responsibility. Plus a dog can be a good companion for kids when they are going thru the rough spots of childhood.

I didn't have a dog but my sister got one when she moved out. She traveled a lot and I got to take care of the dog. Even at 15-20 years old the dog taught me a lot and was a great, though infrequent companion.

I just love me a big friendly dog.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Make a deal with her, if she's willing to ditch 2 of the cats and 1 of the kids you can get a dog.

 

[Imp]

Four cats is already going overboard. Get rid of two cats.

 

[EliteRetard]

...1 of the kids...

lol

 

[Linflas]

Yeah I agree with the others, 4 cats and a dog is to much...you need to get rid of at least 2 cats if you want a dog. Otherwise it's to much insanity and not fair to the pets. And proper training is a must for dogs, even if you have to pay a professional to help out.

Mixing cats and dogs in the same environment is also usually a bad idea, you'll need to setup a proper environment for the cats to get away. As in give them access to lots of high places. They need to be able to pretty much move around the main living areas without touching the floor. Not much different than if your parents all decided to move in with you, you most certainly would want to have your own space even if you generally get along O.K.

Getting rid of 2 of the 4 cats is "fair" how? Given the absolute numbers of unwanted cats and dogs put down daily in this country what you are really saying is kill 2 of the 4 cats to get a dog. As for mixing cats and dogs in the same environment there is no reason they can't get along if introduced properly. We have 8 cats and 4 dogs and they all get along just fine.

 

[JManInPhoenix]

Naptime! :thumbsup:

 

[Ruptga]

You know your situation better than we do. As things stand now, who would actually be caring for it? If she won't (whether she promises to or not is a different matter), then tell her it's not going to happen because it would become your problem. If she does have the time energy and work ethic for all those cats, kids, and a dog, then why not?

 

[DrPizza]

Mixing cats and dogs in the same environment is also usually a bad idea, you'll need to setup a proper environment for the cats to get away. As in give them access to lots of high places. They need to be able to pretty much move around the main living areas without touching the floor.

Nonsense.

Re: dog - do you guys go on vacation? Cats are pretty easy - clean the litter box before you leave, leave out a bag of cat food, and leave out plenty of water. Dogs usually require a bit more effort when you're away.

 

[TwiceOver]

That sucks OP. I feel for ya. Dumbest animals. If you have a lawn, I hope you don't care about it.

 

[Geekbabe]

Getting rid of 2 of the 4 cats is "fair" how? Given the absolute numbers of unwanted cats and dogs put down daily in this country what you are really saying is kill 2 of the 4 cats to get a dog. As for mixing cats and dogs in the same environment there is no reason they can't get along if introduced properly. We have 8 cats and 4 dogs and they all get along just fine.

Hmm ... where do the humans sit?

 

[norseamd]

Hmm ... where do the humans sit?

anywhere

 

[Markbnj]

I would definitely trade four cats for one good dog, but that's just me. Oh, also, I have two large ones and I don't clean up the dog crap in the yard. It's not like it's dayglo orange or something. Back to the soil, I say.

 

[SP33Demon]

Stand your ground. No dog. 4 cats is already borderline ridiculous unless the 3 kids are taking care of them. How old are the kids btw? If younger meaning none of them are of age to walk the dog, then no way in hell. If older then they are walking it every day, but you know what's going to eventually happen. They'll be out with their friends and you are the only one who can do it. So if you're ok with this, then get it. I'm still sticking to my guns in saying no. They have to learn they can't always get what they want in life, and this is a good place to start. Clearly 4 cats means you have a hard time saying no.

 

[tynopik]

compromise and get a dog

 

[SP33Demon]

Getting rid of 2 of the 4 cats is "fair" how? Given the absolute numbers of unwanted cats and dogs put down daily in this country what you are really saying is kill 2 of the 4 cats to get a dog. As for mixing cats and dogs in the same environment there is no reason they can't get along if introduced properly. We have 8 cats and 4 dogs and they all get along just fine.

That is absurd not to mention unsanitary. Just open up a shelter out of your home already, the house probably already smells horrible. How many times are you steam cleaning everything? It better be at least 3X a month with that zoo.

 

[mnewsham]

That is absurd not to mention unsanitary. Just open up a shelter out of your home already, the house probably already smells horrible. How many times are you steam cleaning everything? It better be at least 3X a month with that zoo.

LOL, you are obviously a pretty bad pet owner, or have only known bad pet owners. If properly taken care of there shouldn't be much in the way of excessive stink, a well trained dog is perfectly capable of keeping their mess outside, and as long as you bathe them regularly and are willing to put in the work they wont really smell.

Sounds like you just dont have the time to dedicate to proper animal care, which is fine, but don't act like that's how it is for everyone, if you're a decent pet parent you can have plenty of animals safely, cleanly, and without any real problems.

Now there are plenty of crazy cat or dog people who have 10-20+ animals and aren't taking care of them the way they should be, they will stink, be dirty and generally have poorer health, these are the people however, not the animals fault. These people will generally have the same issues with a single dog or cat as well, so it isn't usually the number of animals that's the problem, these people just shouldnt have pets in general.

 

[vi edit]

Where do you live? Who's the one going to be taking it outside at night when it's 20 below, or pouring down rain, or taking it for walks daily? What about work schedules and making sure you are home in time to take it outside?

Dogs require a considerable amount of attention if you want to own them responsibly.

If she insists, then check the shelters for one that's housebroken out of the box, a bit older(out of the puppy phase) and ideally from a home that already had kids. Most shelters are pretty good about screening things and will check for aggressive behaviors.

 

[HydroSqueegee]

Kids are 2, 6 and 8.

Weve had a couple dogs in the past. One died years ago and the other passed last year. Ive been enjoying not having a dog. No shit to scoop, can shove the kids outside without worring about the stray lawn pickle.

My wifes worked at a vet clinic for the past 12+ years, hence the 4 cats and previous dogs.

 

[norseamd]

Stand your ground. No dog. 4 cats is already borderline ridiculous unless the 3 kids are taking care of them. How old are the kids btw? If younger meaning none of them are of age to walk the dog, then no way in hell. If older then they are walking it every day, but you know what's going to eventually happen. They'll be out with their friends and you are the only one who can do it. So if you're ok with this, then get it. I'm still sticking to my guns in saying no. They have to learn they can't always get what they want in life, and this is a good place to start. Clearly 4 cats means you have a hard time saying no.

That is absurd not to mention unsanitary. Just open up a shelter out of your home already, the house probably already smells horrible. How many times are you steam cleaning everything? It better be at least 3X a month with that zoo.

you are making decisions based on your own biased views

and not giving someone a dog is not teaching them that they can not have everything

Where do you live? Who's the one going to be taking it outside at night when it's 20 below, or pouring down rain, or taking it for walks daily? What about work schedules and making sure you are home in time to take it outside? Dogs require a considerable amount of attention if you want to own them responsibly. If she insists, then check the shelters for one that's housebroken out of the box, a bit older(out of the puppy phase) and ideally from a home that already had kids. Most shelters are pretty good about screening things and will check for aggressive behaviors.

make sure it has been with cats also

So... My wife really wants a dog. I dont. She really does want a dog. My reasons for not having one are as follows: we have 3 kids, 4 cats and its nice not having to clean up dog shit from the yard plus im not that crazy about pets in general. Her reasoning is she likes dogs and the kids want one too. What shall i do here? Shes been very adamant about getting one lately, but ive stood firm in saying no. But the contention wont end. Opinions?

you need to soften up a little. try owning a dog and then you will not need to act so tough

do you have a garden or compost? you could use the shit for fertilizer