Dogs Don't Make Good Pets...or Do They?
Ranked #2,649 in Pets & Animals, #67,496 overall
Dogs Are a Nuisance and Cost Too Much
Dogs Don't Make Good Pets
I see my neighbors walking their dogs. It's raining, and 7:30 in the morning. In one hand they clutch a plastic baggie to scoop up their dog's poop. In the other hand is the leash and they are trying to keep the dog off their cantankerous neighbor's lawn so they won't get yelled at again.
This is not my idea of fun. The dog barks and disturbs the neighbors. It tears up the furniture and sheds fur all over the house.
One of the biggest problems with owning a dog is the cost. Many people can't really afford to buy gourmet pet food, to take their dog for proper training, or to pay high veterinarian bills. I've known people who pay for their dog's weekly treatment for allergy to grass. Others pay for surgery or cancer treatments which can be a real strain on the budget. When they travel, the dog stays at a kennel and this is another expense.
Dogs don't make good pets...or do they?
Table of Contents
On the other hand...
maybe dogs make great pets, for the right people!
That was written by a dear friend of mine, Vallain. I'll show you, with this lens, how absolutely correct she is -- and how absolutely wrong, too!
Golf, swimming, gardening and so many other activities and hobbies cost a lot, too. There is some flexibility with veterinary bills and gourmet pet food is not a requirement. Dog owners get so much back from their charges -- do you get kisses from a golf cart?
Properly trained dogs do not ruin the house or furniture. Dogs who are a cherished part of the family are rarely nuisance barkers, with the exception of those poor small dogs who are turned into mini human infants -- but that is not their fault, and the topic of another lens on another day. A large fenced yard, when available, eases the urgency of going out in all weather.
head shot1, BAD DOGS, HAVE MORE FUN by colliechaser
View more Bad T-Shirts
good dog bad dog- long sleeved tee-STephen Huneck by dog_mountain
More Good T-Shirts
Or...
The neighbors are getting exercise as well while they exercise their dogs. What other reason would most people get out and walk in the rain at 7:30 am?
The dog should be trained so it won't go in the neighbor's yard, tear up furniture - - OK, it will still shed. But if trained to accept gentle vacuuming, the shedding will be a lot less and so will the mess.
Vacuum away the dog hair before it's shed!
Vacuum your dog! I did it long before it became a "fad".
Add a Reason for Not Having a Dog as a Pet
Reasons Not to Have a Dog
Dog In Blinds by ansel51
View other Humor Postcards
Dogs have to be walked
you can't just set up a litter box and leave them more...1 point
get rid of ticks on dogs
Dogs are our friends and it is our responsibility to more...1 point
Dogs attract fleas.
What can I say? You know them by the company they more...1 point
Dogs are destructive.
Just look at the picture (above) of the dog in the more...1 point
Dog Kennels
Dog Kennels | Chicken Coops | Rabbit Hutches more...1 point
Boarding Kennels
Find the best boarding kennels for your dog. more...1 point
self serve dog wash
self serve dog wash - coin-operated K9000 dog wash more...1 point
Dogs Looks so good
Chandeliers | Loft Ladders | Vivarium | Wood Burning more...0 points
Dogs are jump on people.
Briefcase, Inflatable Kayak, Waistcoat more...0 points
I like dogs..
Hamster Cages, Parrot Cages, Bird Cages more...0 points
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling lights | Wall Lights more...0 points
High Quality Dog Products
We provide every kind of High Quality Dog Products more...0 points
Blanket for dogs
We provide every kind of High Quality Dog Products more...0 points
eBay for dog haters
Hate is such a strong word
What's better than a dog?
TWO DOGS! But watch out for the multiple dog mistakes!
But don't make the mistake of getting another dog if your first dog is wild! Your new dog will not train your old dog, but the old dog might teach its bad habits to the new one.
If a dog was always raised with another dog(s), then it can experience separation anxiety when suddenly it is the only dog. In that case, adding another dog is a good idea. But if your dog has separation anxiety around your presence, no number of additional dogs will help.
Another multi-dog mistake is adopting two puppies at the same time. Unless you are very, very, very, very experienced, DON'T!
But if your dog is well-behaved and likes other dogs, and you are enjoying having the first, then absolutely, a second dog would be a happy experience.
Dog lovers: Add your Reasons to Have Dogs
Everyone, get in on the action! List your reasons or vote for the ones that are already listed -- or both. If you are not a fan of dogs, be sure to list reasons in the other section -- Reasons Not to Have a Dog.
Dogs love unconditionally.
Dogs love without regard to gender, age, health, m more...2 points
Even a tiny dog alerts you to intruders.
As long as the dog is well-socialized, well-cared- more...2 points
Ordinary dogs have saved many a family from fire, carbon monoxide or other dangers.
Dogs put their keen sense of smell to good use and more...2 points
Dogs make excellent emotional support animals for people with autism or other social disorders.
Specialized training after passing the good canine more...2 points
Like good wine, dogs age well.
There is no better companion on this earth than an more...1 point
Dogs give people an excellent excuse to exercise and socialize.
Dogs are a catalyst to get a shy or nervous homebo more...1 point
Adopt a rescue dog! Please don't buy "designer" when there are so many loving animals wanting good homes. We LOVE our rescue dog! :)
0 points
Where to Put THIS? What do you think?
I'm not sure if these are reasons to LOVE dogs, or HATE them?
Next is the conclusion and Gus and his pool. Dogs make REALLY BAD PETS!
Last is an Australian RSPCA promo. Um, do only BIG Dogs make BAD PETS?
Google Dog News
Good news about dogs
- Film Review: God Bless America
- The 2006 comedy Sleeping Dogs Lie followed the romantic struggles of a woman who performs a sex act on a dog.) His previous films used outrageous premises to relate engaging, emotional, and relatable stories about lonely, lost, and messed up people.
- Monologist Mike Daisey's painful odyssey through the new media machine
- A hero, who is mostly a good and decent person, makes a mistake that arises inevitably from a fundamental character defect, often something of no great importance, like hubris or pride, but that dogs the character at every step.
- Pooches strut their stuff at Million Paws Walk at Albert Park
- Competitions to find the cutest dogs and the Best Tricks held a packed audience. Agility tests and working dog competitions to round up sheep and ducks were also a humorous hit with animal lovers. And celebrity dog owners including singer Anthony ...
- 'God Bless' director Bobcat Goldthwait
- In 2006, the famously screeching comedian wrote and directed "Sleeping Dogs Lie," a movie whose exceedingly foul premise (a woman guilt-ridden over having once sexually pleasured her dog) probably obscured viewers to its uncommonly big heart; ...
YOUR TURN to AGREE or DISAGREE!
Tell me why you agree or disagree - no login needed
Neurotic Little Misfit Pet t-shirt by DoggieAvenue
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Do Dogs Make Good Pets?
Yes, you're right!
wanda withers says:
No. They stink and there is no way on earth I am going to pick up their crap. Do not wish to be licked by an ugly tongue. Dogs do not show "love" because it is a human emotion.
KaD says:
The only thing better than one dog is the shotgun used to dispatch it with. I live with a dog and cat and dogs are AWFUL pets. Filthy, noisy, expensive, stupid, ugly, vicious, unpredictable, destructive...moron dog owners are like drunk drivers; clueless to the suffering they cause others as their shithounds wake up the whole neighborhood barking, run loose, or just attack my LEASHED dog on site.
naheedahsan says:
ya, they are
dreams12 says:
I firmly believe that dogs make good pets....but more importantly they only make good pets for the right people! Dogs are hard work. I would venture to say that they can even be more work than children! They require time and dedication and yes, lots of money to properly care for them. Love the view!
theoneyouhate says:
dogs are terrible creatures. they should be like a cat and mind their own business. if i ain't bothering you don't bother me. don't come up to to sniff me don't look at me, don't bark.
they have made my life a trauma. i always have to be watching for loose dogs where i live.
jseven says:
Yes, they make wonderful pets, but if they have been abused, it may be hard to retrain them and them you should not have one unless you have the patience for them. Dog Whisperer says it's the owners that make bad pets and I agree. :)
jseven says:
They make wonderful pets, it's the owners that make bad pets. Dog Whisperer says. ;)
tracysmith159 says:
My husband excuses too for not owning a dog. We have cats. Although it is fun to play with someone else well trained dog. We lare azy and don't want all the extra work.
Frischy says:
You are right, but our love for our dogs somehow defies all logic. They are so much trouble, and yet we love them so. Who can explain it?
sally says:
they pee and poop everywhere and they stink
emeraldsteve says:
Dogs should be ground up for asphalt.
LKW31 says:
Dogs are horrible smelly creatures with nasty sharp teeth! Though I think they probably do make good pets - if their owner can care for them properly. I wouldn't want one though, all that hairy smelliness and flopping tongue. Yuck.
alexkazam says:
I find the smell of the house where dogs live to be pretty horrible, too!
Pukeko says:
Also, dogs are limiting on travel plans and spontaneity
vallain says:
dogs take a lot of time and attention. It costs a lot to feed and care for them and they can have expensive health problems.
No way, Monkeybrain!
TheWhistler says:
All the money in the world wouldn't pay for one fourth of my little dog.
GayleMcLaughlin says:
I love dogs--they are so loving, loyal and want your approval!
HSSchulte says:
Well, I've always preferred dogs over cats, but I admit I don't own either one. It seems that letting you doggie live outside in a large pen and comfy doghouse would eliminate a lot of the problems listed; no need to walk them, no hair on the couch, etc. The only problem I have with my goats who live outside is finding someone to care for them when I go on vacation.
bossypants says:
No, no, no! Life without my dog would be empty.
gottaloveit says:
Oh, Virginia! We differ! I am a huge dog lover. I couldn't exist without the feel of a wet nose resting on my back as we sleep. All of the expense, noise, picking up is so worth it. Now, you couldn't GIVE me a child....
Tipi says:
I'm getting closer to getting a dog again and am looking forward to it.
WildFacesGallery says:
Um your list of why not to have dogs could be applied to children as well. :) No matter the cost or effort they give so much back to me that I doubt I shall ever be without at least one dog.
pmolinero says:
I had dogs in the past and I will have a dog again. Don't look at time or cost, dogs give so much back to their owners.
awakeningwellness says:
My dogs aren't pets they are my family and my best friends. They give unconditional love, loyalty and devotion and ask for nothing in return. They guard my home, keep me company, make me laugh and yes they drag my lazy rear end outside to get some badly needed exercise. So to me they are well worth the price of gourmet dog food and a little extra vacuuming!
hotbrain says:
Dogs are smart and compassionate. And, getting out of the house at the break of dawn is actually a good way to start the day!
Othercat says:
Ach! Dogs are the perfect pet! I don't know what I would do without my chi.
mukunda22 says:
Ulysses is my constant companion. Like Mukunda was--and still is, in spirit. I love all dogs. A better word for Pet, is our Loving Companion.
Joan4 says:
Our dogs are members of the family. I cannot imagine life without a dog!
OhMe says:
I love dogs and we have had some wonderful dogs for pets.
ChrissLJ says:
Virginia, I couldn't disagree with you more. Dogs make wonderful pets. Yes, you do need to exercise them, feed them, and take them to the vet. Yes, they can be expensive but much less so than even the healthiest child. My TWO dogs cost me about $100 per month if you include vet bills, food, pet insurance, flea/tick preventative, etc. Show me a child that doesn't cost that much in a single week.
Study after study has shown that people who have pets live longer, are healthier, and have a better quality of life in later years. Dogs are often recommended for people unable to work because it forces them out of the home in order to take care of the dog and thus lessens the effects of depression. There's a good reason why there are therapy DOGS and not therapy cats, iguanas, or rabbits.
There's not a single day that I haven't been thankful for my two wonderful dogs. I would move heaven and earth to keep them happy and healthy, but they do so much more for me.
Are dogs for everyone? No. But it's not because they make bad pets. It's because their lifestyles and personalities may not mesh.
rgasperson says:
Dogs only work if you want a pet who needs to be part of the family... like a child. Most any other pet could care less if you interact with it. Dogs are pack animals. They need to interact with you.
I think Dogs are only good if you have a job for them. They are great for hearding farm animals or tracking prey when hunting. They are great guide dogs and I get a bunch of them at the store who can tell wen their owners are about to have a seisure.
People who just want to have a dog just to have a dog... they just don't need a dog.
Problem Behaviors in Dogs
Or an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...
Allergic to Boredom Dog Shirt by RoamingRosie
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There's an Amazing Number of Books about Dog Problems
Here's one of the best...
Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 05/31/2012)
This is an excellent classic. Karen Pryor broke barriers with this book, applying behavioral techniques which were already being used on dolphins and other animals at places like Sea World, to dog training. It works, too!
DISPROVE MY POINT (fine, be that way)
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that show why dogs are useful, helpful, beneficial, earn their keep, etc.
http://www.tdi-dog.org/images/TDIStudy.pdf
Mental and physical benefits of people in hospital more...1 point
Micro Pigs
Micro Pigs are quickly becoming one of the most po more...1 point
Why get a dog, reasons for getting a dog.
Information about various kinds of dog health care more...0 points
Another Breed of %u201CService%u201D Animals: STARS Study Findings about Pet Ownership and Recovery from Serious Mental Illness
Service dogs come in all kinds...
Service Dog Manners more...0 points
Dog Playpen
Compare different kinds of popular dog play pens a more...0 points
Bloggers Talk about Their Problems with Dogs
- A Problem Faced by Both Retirees and Dogs, and a Common Solution
- ... and dogs that are living lives that are less happy than they could be. And unhappiness can lead to heightened cortisol levels, obesity, and other life-threatening problems. Really, this isn't such a different issue than one that many humans face, ...
- 'Dogs in the City' pooches the right NYC buttons
- Every year he organizes Funny for Fido, a standup benefit that raises money for homeless dogs. Silver is the guy you call when you have a problem with your dog, and if you do make that call, he turns out to be exactly the guy you want at the door.
- Dog Breed Legislation Is Inherently Dangerous
- ... to grasp that the Court's proposed solution has little bearing on the problem at hand -- and is profoundly unpopular with the voting public. Much of the conversation focuses on the fact that discrimination against dogs based on appearance is wrong.
- Dogs banned from Yellowknife school properties
- Even dog owners who pick up after their dogs are contributing to the problem because janitors say it is still a health issue when they put their pick-up bags in school garbage bins.Even dog owners who pick up after their dogs are contributing to the ...
More Great Lenses About Dogs
OK, and one about chipmunks (I love chipmunks)
Last Chance to Give Your Opinion on the Dogs-as-Pets Debate
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naheedahsan
Mar 7, 2012 @ 1:28 pm | delete
- very interesting lens on dog
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ChihuahuaClothesInfo Aug 6, 2011 @ 6:07 am | delete
- Lol, I like dogs, so much so that I even run a little chihuahua clothes blog in my spare time, so you can definitely say I'm a fan of them, but still, I found this funny! Thanks for sharing it with us.
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jseven
Jun 27, 2011 @ 4:05 pm | delete
- Sorry, I posted two comments above, but I thought the first one did not go through. Nice lens!
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scarlettohairy Jun 12, 2011 @ 7:33 pm | delete
- Pretty funny. I'm a cat person but even I like dogs.
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Frischy
Jun 10, 2011 @ 8:20 pm | delete
- Very interesting and entertaining lens! I like the angle of taking a controversial stance. I thought it was going to be a humorous lens, the title is so unexpected! I agree with you that dogs are a lot of trouble, but they are very worth it.
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- Load More
Twitter Mood for DOGS
I love dogs.
- What are your plans for today ? I'm off to pick up Eedee to be my 'dog' for Fast Match Gold Coast Must Love Dogs... http://t.co/FVMXHkBu
- They love dogs!
- I love dogs. I'm going to adopt at least six of them when I have the financial means to do so. #crazydoglady
- RT @num1sweetheart: @vampirediaries so cute. Love dogs. Well all animals.
- RT @ifyoulovedogs: If You Love Dogs is out! http://t.co/w8OTNo8R ▸ Top stories today via @dancingdogblog @LorieAHuston @Raelynn0017
- RT @LorieAHuston: Thx! RT @ifyoulovedogs: If You Love Dogs is out! http://t.co/c5m1IDYB ▸ Top stories today via @dancingdogblog @LorieAHuston @Raelynn0017
- Love dogs. Love. http://t.co/mO9LZUIG
- I love dogs
- @rainatran my parents told me to move out and then get one. But shit, I'm willing to take care of them. I love dogs!!
- Why do dog owners have to shit on everything, literally? I love dogs too but that's doesn't mean I love your dog and its feces.
Twitter Mood for DOGS
I hate dogs.
- @PrincessCarla10 yeah I hate dogs lol
- @tohu_632 Dogs. I hate dogs.
- I bet all the other animals in the animal kingdom hate dogs because they get credit for the most popular sexual position ever!
- Girl: I hate dogs! Boy: yes you do, ain't you still w/ ol' boy? Lmao most of the beautiful women are attracted to dogs. Why?
- I fucking hate dogs !!!! They smell like shit & are annoying as fuck.
- Locking myself up in this room because I HATE dogs !!!
- I hate dogs. Like really, I do!
- My Moms fiance- when we move if we get a dog... ME- I HATE DOGS were not getting one! Them- o.0?? Ahahhha
- "@Iamboatright: I hate dogs that bark for no damn reason stfu" Bentley..lol
- I hate dogs that dont shut the fuck up. In my case, its a 7 yr old manchester terrier
by AJTyne
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