Dogs. What are they good for?

[FishBox]

My partner loves dogs, and wants us to get one. I'm a cat person, and find dogs quite repulsive, particularly their sycophantic devotion and the disgusting way they poo. we're moving to Weymouth next month, though, and I quite like the idea of chucking sticks for it on the beach. Can anyone tell me nice things about dogs? I know this would have been better asked in 'Animals & Nature', but they're odd.

[Michael H]

I think your partner should definately not now be considering getting a dog,if she is aware of your attitude toward them. Not everyone can be a pet person and it is not your fault if you consider dogs to be repulsive. You should be aware however dogs a re extremely sensitive creatures who can experience pain, fear, misery as well as contentment and joy. The point about dogs is the same as cats. They are companion animals, loving and playful, as are cats but in a different way. A well looked after and happy dog will enrich the life of any family or individual, and in many instances provide protection and security. Oh, and poop is just a fact of life. Most responsible owners clean up......you don't have to look!! Ever changed a nappy Fish Box? I think you should stick with your cat.

[woofgang]

I agree, your partner shouldn't get a dog. BTW is this the only thing that you disagree about or is it a straw in the wind??

[smudge]

Fortunately, neither husband or I are dog lovers, but I'm afaid if he ever wanted one, he'd have to chose between me & it! We have a few dog owners in our street & get sick to death of the barking competitions & dog c@p! Not everyone like cats, but we do. At least they're quiet & bury their poo! OK, OK, not if it's in someone else's garden, I hear you say!

[jenstar]

The mindset of dog-lovers is utterly incomprehensible to me. They're such vile creatures. I really, really hate the fact that I have to share a planet with them.If I was in charge, I'd have them all shot, or drowned, or somesuch, and their dogs as well.

[smudge]

Glad to see we're not alone then jenstar!

[eggcup5]

Hi. I don't really know what 2 say. Just that we own 2 dogs and we live in weymouth! They are great company and there are lots of places 2 walk them in weymouth. They also keep you fit ( cause u gotta walk them). All i can say is why don't you get 1 and if it doesn't work out you could always take it back ( that sounds so mean. :)

[FishBox]

Thanks for the replies. My GF's choice of dog would be a border terrier. I actually met some last week, and they were quite cat-like, i.e. small, quiet and sort of ponderous. Not as smug, though. If I can get over the poo thing, I think I might be OK with one. Michael, your nappy analogy is helpful. Woofgang, no, we're sickeningly compatible; the dog/cat thing is about the only thing we've disagreed about in four years! Eggcup, we love walking - can't wait to move. where are you? We're trying to find a place in Wyke, Preston or around Nothe.

[tartanwiz]

What are dogs good for? Well, they help the police track down criminals and sniff out drugs, they guide and lead blind or deaf people, the round up sheep for farmers, they guard the home against burglars, fend off attackers, make great companions and will always show you love and affection even when people don't. Their devotion is not stupid sycophancy but pack instinct, but they are affectionate creatures and you will never get the same devotion from any other pet, even cats (and some cats can be very affectionate and attention-seeking). I never could get my head round this 'dog people' and 'cat people' thing. I just love all animals.

[sophie21]

hello dogs are great and they are very good company but before you have one think carefully what type of dog, will you be at home to look after it. we have a dog but she has a lot of problems she is three and she has started growling at people she is costing us a lot of moneywhat with vet bills and dog councilling and time and stressx

[saffstar]

Tartanwiz has said almost everything I feel about the subject. If you had a human friend who behaved like a cat - only coming around to see you when they wanted something and blowing hot and cold with you all the time, would you think they were fantastic? I wouldn't. Give me a loyal, funny dog who's there for you to cry all over when ever you need them to be and is always pleased you're there, any day of the week. My boyfriend & I do have two cats and I love them very much, but I just don't think you get quite as much from them as you do dogs. Fishbox, I think when you get your dog you'll be pleasantly suprised - their good points far, far outweigh the bad - good luck with the move.