5 Downsides of Owning a Dog – That Nobody Ever Mentions!
We know so well here at Holidays4Dogs that there are numerous good things about owning a dog – too many to mention, in fact. Dogs can keep you fit, provide companionship, lower your heart rate, keep you safe and make you laugh. Dogs are, undoubtedly, the most loyal of friends anyone could hope for. We wholeheartedly believe the benefits of caring for a dog, far outweigh the disadvantages – but see what you think.
As any seasoned dog owner will tell you; the rough often goes hand in hand with the smooth. So, are there any downsides to dog owning? If you’re thinking about getting a dog and wondering what negative points, if any, to take into consideration, this Holidays4Dogs article should help you.
Having a dog can sometimes feel like having a small, energetic, child in the house! 
Even when trained, dogs can have an unpredictable habit of surprising you. It has been said, dogs have the mentality of a two year old child and, as such, get themselves into trouble just when you’re least expecting it.
Think, overturning the rubbish bin to get at the leftovers you put there yesterday, (dogs are ever the opportunists!). Or, chewing the table leg in half while you’re busy on the telephone. (Granted, neither of these things small children tend to get up to). Children and dogs together are quite another matter as, this too, can pose challenges. It is lovely for children to be able to grow up with dogs are there are so many benefits. However, careful considerations are required when supervising children and dogs.
Dogs can wear you out, (rather like a small child can!).
If you like lazy mornings, prepare to have them interrupted by a dog that needs to go outside to the loo at the crack of dawn. Except, he will rush outside with urgency, then proceed to sniff around aimlessly. Or, bark at everything and nothing and wake up all the neighbours.
Dogs can be incredibly time consuming with their need for multiple walks, play and training sessions, vet visits and grooming. While all this is also the fun part; it can take up an enormous amount of time. This is especially so when it comes to puppies.
Dogs aren’t naturally clean and tidy.
If you like a pristine house, it may take more effort to keep it that way if you have a dog. And, the more dogs you have, the more mess they leave behind. Multiple dogs means multiple tasks. 
Even the smallest dog can bring in a phenomenal amount of mud after a wintry walk.
This can be splashed on walls, door frames and splattered all over the kitchen floor in the blink of an eye; (usually just before you’re expecting visitors ).
Some breeds will moult enough dog hair to knit another dog with.
Training can take much longer than you expect.
Training can be a very long process and can actually be quite boring and repetitive. You will find yourself going over things again and again, (and your dog still looks at you with a blank expression).
Dogs don’t speak English and they don’t understand the rules of human society. They learn through kindness and patience as well as positive, motivational training. You must have oodles of patience.
Our wonderful Holidays4Dogs carers, Gill and Russ.
You can’t always just get up and go.
While having a dog will almost certainly give you some get up and go, they are also a responsibility and, to a certain degree, a tie. It’s not always possible to take your dog everywhere with you, so you need to plan ahead with a carer if you want to go on holiday without your dog, for instance.
Staying later at a party, going out with friends, or even going on a long shopping expedition are much tricker when you have a dog who depends on you waiting at home.
Conclusion.
While many of these aspects are really just normal expectations for dog owners, it can be a bit of a surprise if you’re new to dog parenting.
However, a little preparation can go a long way to making sure everything runs smoothly. For you and your four legged friend! If you need someone you can trust to take care of your dog while you are not around, you can find further information about Holidays4Dogs carers here.
