The Downsides Of Dog Owning.
As much as we might love our dogs dearly, there are certain times when they just – well, get on our nerves a bit. Read our Holidays4Dogs article for a light-hearted look at the downsides of dog owning.
There’s no doubt about it – dogs provide us with a sense of well-being, companionship and love. How could anyone think there might downsides to having a dog in your life – there aren’t any, right? Well, even seasoned dog lovers understand, there are a few little niggles that don’t always make sharing your life with dogs a bed of roses.
The explosions.
Well – it does happen. It happened to me the other week. Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t my dog’s fault. It never usually is by the way. My little Chihuahua had an upset tummy and I was quite flabbergasted by the amount of erm…liquid, which was expelled from such a tiny dog.
Thoughtfully, she had run to the bathroom and used the bath mat. However, the bath panel and the walls didn’t escape a splattering. This was definitely one of those moments, when one questions the logic of sharing your home with an animal that doesn’t know how to use the toilet.
But you know. Like I said. It happens.
Shedding.
Some of the more general annoyances of living with dogs in the house might be things like shedding. I love dogs, but it can be tiresome having to vacuum so many times a day. Sometimes, there is enough dog hair on the carpet for me to knit another dog if I was so inclined.
Over the years, I’ve also got very used to picking dog hairs out of the butter.
Jumping up.
Jumping up is one of those common irritations to humans when it comes to sharing your living space with a dog. Particularly so when it involves muddy paws all over your best jumper. To be fair – some people don’t mind and even encourage it. Others – understandably – just don’t like being punched in the nether regions by a large friendly dog. Even small ones can snag your tights before you are able to politely push the offending creature off.
Licking (kissing).
Now this is another pet peeve that many people – including devoted dog owners – dislike. I’m on the fence with this one. I don’t mind, as long as it doesn’t involve French kissing. That’s a step too far.
Some say, being ‘kissed’ by a dog is endearing, while others argue it’s an exercise in nasty bacteria transmission and should not be encouraged. If you want to read more about whether you should kiss your dog – or let them kiss you – read our other article here.
Barking.
Now, all dogs bark. If you don’t like barking just don’t get a dog. Barking absolutely does come with the territory of dog owning. Barking is a natural behaviour and one of the key ways a dog communicates.
BUT – excessive barking surely has to be one of the number one pet peeves people have about dogs. Dog owner, or not – relentless barking can drive the most laid-back human to absolute distraction.
Whatever the weather.
No matter what the weather throws at you – dogs still need walking. While walking in the howling wind and rain might be some people’s cup of tea – ‘bracing’, some call it – there’s always the clean up operation afterwards. Whoever wrote “mud, glorious, mud” – didn’t own a hairy hound.
Bound together.
This isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, because developing a strong bond with your pet is definitely a good thing. However, while people develop strong connections with their pet dogs (the very reason why people love dogs) – occasionally this can be a tie.
Just like having small children, you can’t just leave them home alone for hours, or days, at a time. You can’t always drop everything and go on that last minute cruise, or even a day long shopping spree – because there has to be, ‘someone to look after the dog’.
While we can’t necessarily help you with all the other downsides of pet owning – we can help with dog care when you need to go away. Granted, we may not be able to help on the very last minute, as we do tend to get booked up in advance. However, it’s worth giving us a call all the same, if you’re stuck.
We can guarantee to match you with a carer for your dog, who will love and care for them just as you do – pet peeves and all! And by the way, you and your dog, always get to meet your carer before a stay is booked.
We only accept dogs from one family at time – no canine mayhem of strange dogs mixing. All dogs are boarded in loving family homes – strictly no kennels. To find out more – follow the paw 🙂
