Dog owners of FDS - I have questions

If your dog will be living with your parent's dog, I would recommend bringing your parent's dog to the initial adoption meeting. That way you can see if they will get along before you bring the dog home.

I really like this YouTube channel for dog training: https://www.youtube.com/@zakgeorge

Although, I'm also the type of person who loathes spending hours and hours watching YouTube trying to find the answer I need lol. So I really like dog training classes, which is good for dog socialization, and then you also have the trainer right there who can help you if you have questions. My biggest regret with my puppy is that I didn't jump on training classes right away. She's a high-energy pup and needs lots of stimulation. Thought I could save some money doing the YouTube DIY route, but it wound up being more stressful for me than it needed to be at the beginning.

And oh my goodness, having a dog has been everything. She is so attentive and smart. If there's a bump in the night, she runs to my bed and lies on top of me to 'protect' me lol. I love going for walks around the neighborhood; I feel protected and less of a target with her near me. She knows when I'm sad; I've had days where I've bawled my eyes out and she comes next to me and licks my face and cuddles me. She's adorable when my alarm goes off--she knows that's wake-up time and we have a cuddle before I get up and feed her breakfast. She loves and appreciates everything I do--if I get her a chew toy, or if I pick up the chew toy from behind the couch because she dropped it there, and if I let her outside, or take her to the park--she is always grateful and appreciate, and frankly, it's nice to be appreciated for the care you take of someone else.

I trust her more than anyone. She loves people, but there have been men she has not liked, and I don't care about anything else--my dog who loves people growls at you? Well, that's the last time you see me.

Also an incredible vetting tool. Men who talk about how they would "beat the shit" out of a dog who barks, or complain about aLL the pOOp, or piss and moan about dog hair--take a walk, you pathetic scrote, I'll be a dog lady til the end of my days.

The companionship is everything. I even talk to her like a talk to a normal person lol.

Get a grown dog, and ask the shelter about their behavior with an adult dog you can basically walk in with a personality wish list and come out with that dog- you can get a better grasp on an adult dog's behavior than a puppy (you'll still have to house train them for manners as if they're a puppy, always start from scratch. We get frustrated w training when we expect more of the dog than we've taught them, or than they've proved they know)

Also, I got my dog when he was 8, senior dogs are amazing (he's getting a little senile now at 14, but he's still my best boy even compared to the puppy) So consider going for a senior dog, they'll have already mellowed out and you won't be scrambling to adjust to a dogs schedule AND dealing with high energy

I've met some great people from the dog park (the neighborhood one and the big local one)- simply from us both regularly taking care of our dogs. The routine, responsibility and reliability people show from taking care of their dogs means you're liable to make friends, or at the very least have a set up to exchange pet sitting when needed

I suspect my dog will actually be the love of my life. What I would say is that while you can research breeds and do all the planning you like, it’ll have its own personality.

My dog doesn’t help me meet people because she’s very antisocial. She’s gentle and sweet but just doesn’t like most people. It’s good for vetting as you can check how people behave (particularly those who are oblivious because she’s not being aggressive). When she met my most recent ex she was very jealous (mostly because she got shut out of the bedroom and she didn’t get to join in our game) but he was patient and kind and she soon adored him. But generally speaking she’d prefer if nobody ever approached us and that no other dogs on the planet existed.

Regardless of how much you travel now, think about where it’ll go when you are away. I only go to dog friendly places in the UK as I’d rather be with her but I also travel abroad. I have a number of friends and services I can call on because as you can imagine, my high maintenance miss would be miserable in kennels. I plan her trips before I palm my own.

Finally, buy a FURninator brush and a really good vacuum cleaner! Oh and get some anti-fox poo shampoo BEFORE you need it. Better you waste a little money on something you never use that not have it. Dogs are lovely but a peaceful home is clean and smells nice.

I adopted a grown dog. He provides security for my house (I live alone) and also is amazing at sensing dodgy men. One guy got too close to me down an alley recently and he lunged at him and sent him running. He keeps me company, gives me a healthy daily routine and something to focus my energies on. I'm currently struggling with a bad break up and he's the only thing that gets me out of bed sometimes. By the time we've walked around the park and listened to some good music, I'm out of my funk.

What’s your budget? What breeds are you interested in? Dogs help keep you happy and remind you of the goodness in this world. If you wfh you could even adopt a puppy - sometimes pregnant bitches appear in dogs homes. The most dog friendly holiday place is Brighton for when you want to go on a trip!

I love this! I'm glad to hear you are considering adopting. I long for the day when I will one day be able to take on the care and responsibility of a dog. They are gorgeous. I don't have much advice for you, so this post is just to celebrate with you. :) I bet there are tons of dogs after the christmas novelty wears off that you can adopt :(

My dog changed my life. I always liked cats more, but this rescue stole my heart. I got her when she was a puppy, and it was quite challenging, similiar to having to look after a todler. She destroyed some of my pants, but I worked with her, and the mental connection we now have is mind blowing.

Rescue greyhounds are just the most wonderful pet. Look them up. They’re low maintenance and great companions.