Animals, take work and exercising them. They shed and make messes, but they are lovable animals. Don't get one unless you can afford the time and energy to take care of one

My neighbors have allergies, asthma and are very particular about dust etc. They inherited a poodle from the husbands father when he passed away. They didn't want it but did fall in love with it. He was low maintenance as far as dogs go- no shedding. The dog died and they eventually got a a coton de Tullear - a small non shedding breed that they love.

You might want to consider a small non shedding dog. You might even look for a poodle (or other breed) rescue. Many of these older (not puppies) dogs are already housebroken. I think there is a pet out there for you if you want one. Do your homework and find one that fits your lifestyle.

We love dogs, but have cats. They are pretty self-sufficient since they play together. If I am gone all day it's alright, since they have a litter box. Dogs are a lot more work. Dog sitters are not cheap. If you are going to be home a lot, and can handle the pet hair (which can be daunting), then great.

If you need a fenced in yard for a dog, consider that expense, vet bills, quality food, someone to watch them while you are gone for longs days or vacationing.

Puppy training can be taxing, especially in regard to carpeting. Consider your flooring choices. Consider that a dog may be inclined to chew (and just not on slippers). Some chew woodwork. Some say crate the puppy, but in any event, you are in for a lot of work and training of a new puppy.

For our lifestyle, we just enjoy having the cats. After we retire, maybe a dog.

Some can't live with 'em; some of us can't live without 'em. I agree with the advice to do your homework first.

YES, Dogs are awesome.

I was raised to prefer dogs over cats, but am now a cat over dog fan. However, due to pet dander, if I had not inherited my cats already, I wouldn't get them. Fish need some care but are proven to be emotionally soothing and they don't cause allergies. Nothing is as stunning as a beautiful fish tank. More and more doctor's offices are installing them to calm the patients and add beauty.

Well, since you never had one, I'll jump in.

As @willy4, there is the care for the pet but if you want a clean house, the house is going to need more care too. Do you have family or friends who are allergic? I worked in a house once where the customer kept her golden retrievers inside. The pet dander was so bad, I had to wear a dust mask so I could finish the job. Another customer had dogs(actually one was hers and the two other dogs and coyote were her daughters) in her house and one dog peed on my furniture blanket and another dog was known to leave piles on the carpet. Dogs are also social animals, so they do better in the house.

At least with cats you have a litter box, but take into account the fact that they like to scratch and cats do not discriminate between an expensive sofa and a cat tree from Walmart.

Personally, I would recommend doing without.

Absolutely! But adopt from a shelter!

Only if you love dogs! Like others have said, puppy training is lot of work for a good 2-3 years. Then the hard work pays off. I'm a designer and a neat freak, so my home is pretty tidy. But I do have 3 kids and a golden retriever who we love dearly, he's part of the family and I can't imagine not having him! We worked consistently at training him and knows he can only stay on the main floor of our home and he stops on his rug when he comes in the house from outside and raises his paws to have them wiped! There's always a balance....you need to live life!

I could not enjoy my life without my dogs. I love them to death and cannot imagine life without them. Our dogs bring so much fun to our lives. Do your homework. Read about all the different breeds and read about training and behavior issues. Contact your local animal shelter and pet rescue organizations. Bringing a dog home to your family is a life long commitment and the decision should be thoroughly researched.

Only if you can commit to the lifetime of the animal no matter what! I'm a full time Realtor and a part time volunteer at a senior dog rescue, as well as a dog mom to two senior girls. The stories that come with these animals are heartbreaking. Somebody moved, the didn't want an old dog anymore so dumped the family dog of 10 years to get a puppy and will do the same thing when the puppy gets older I'm sure. And much worse. I encourage you to adopt from a shelter as well. Please do NOT buy animals online because you are probably and unintentionally supporting puppy mills. If you have the time, patience, resources and desire, bringing an animal into the family can be the biggest blessing. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

I feel like this is a trick question. I've had both cats and dogs and currently have one of each. Please understand that it is a HUGE responsibility. Seriously, it's almost on par with "should we have a child?" The answers will be similar. Only do it if you are in it for the long haul. Think about end of life issues. It's a lot of work and responsibility, but you will fall in love with them and it will all be worth it.

Since you've never had animals before, I would go with a cat. They are much easier. Get a kitten and train it early. Having a puppy is like having a toddler. . .they need lots of attention and training. The dog we have now was a year when we got him. I knew I didn't want to train another puppy. .. lol. He came very well potty trained and well behaved. It took me a long time before I found the dog I wanted. . .the one with the personality that would fit in our family. He still wants a lot of attention, but he's my little shadow. I love him!!!

The answer to your question depends on how much you want to have a pet and how much of your time, energy and funds you are willing to commit to that responsibility. Our pets are such a huge part of us that we cannot imagine life without them. Do your research, talk to pet owners. Cats are certainly easier to manage than dogs, as are fish and gerbils. If you know you want a dog, and can provide well for it, but are not sure about a long term commitment, talk to a local rescue about fostering. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

I agree with everything flopsycat1 said, with this caveat. . .if you foster, be honest with the rescue that you have never had a dog before, your family details (kids, small kids, etc) and that you have a nice, beautiful new house. They may or may not have a dog for you. It's been my experience that many rescue dogs have behavioral problems. It's not that they are bad dogs, but they need someone who is experienced with dogs. I just don't want to see you get into a situation that you are not prepared for and then think pet ownership is not for you.

I don't want to offend anyone by keep comparing this to parenting, but I'm a teacher by profession and have a post graduate degree in human development. I wouldn't recommend a young couple that is contemplating being parents, become foster parents. The reality is that instead of the bouncing, happy newborn, they will end up with an angry teen with a host of psychological issues. And it's not that that teen doesn't deserve love and care, but the teen needs, deserves, someone well experienced in dealing with their issues. Leave the dogs. . .and kids. . .to those who are well equipped to handle them.

Flopsycat1 and Hambirg I will add that the role of a foster is not to see if the dog is a fit, but to provide a loving home until that special someone comes along to adopt the dog. The rescue I volunteer for has many "foster failers" meaning that the foster parents fall head over heels in love with the dog and end up adopting them. I have fostered 5 dogs in the last 9 months and they are all very different and all have different needs. Not all rescues come with behavioral issues, but some do. I adopted a 10 year old dog a little over a year ago. It took her a year before her "real" personality came out and it's adorable. She was very submissive when I first brought her home - she is gaining more confidence every day and she is more and more affectionate. Many rescues are so shell shocked from abuse, neglect, being bounced around, etc., that their true personalities may not surface for a long, long time. Hambirg I really appreciate your insight and you made some great talking points!

I'd say no to a dog or cat, unless it is an outdoor dog.

Hazzaran, a beloved family member does NOT belong outside. If you banish an animal outside 24/7 then you should not have an animal under your care!

Having a dog or a cat is almost like having a child........They are a big commitment and you must be ready to love this new addition to your family.

I disagree with the previous comment ........... please do not get a dog or a cat if you plan on keeping it outside. Pets need affection and they love to be part of the family.

I have always had a dog and a cat and I love them both. They bring me so much joy on a daily basis.

It is a lot of work and you must be home often and have help that you can trust to take care of them when you are out of town.....

Also, especially with dogs, you need to get training on how to be the leader of the pack. I highly recommend reading the books by Cesar Milan, the famous dog whisperer television personality.

Finally, do your research on personalities of different breeds of dogs (cat breeds too)
Look at adopting your pets from rescue groups. You can even rescue purebreds who have been abandoned. They may come with a few issues, but they can be worked out.
Rescue animals seem to know that they were saved and they are forever grateful to you.

I included a few photos of my pets who were all rescued........

I agree Lampert, that is why I do not have a dog. I always lived on a farm and there were warm shelters available for the dogs such as barns and sheds. We never considered our outdoor dogs and cats as being banished, they just were not house pets.

Are you in a hurry to get a dog? If not, wait a year or two until the new house honeymoon is over and you can relax and enjoy the dog. I have 3 dogs and need to vacuum daily. My family wore me down, as I was not accustomed to having pets in the house. I love them, but it's a challenge to keep the house looking great.

I agree about not having a dog that you force to live outside as a lot of cities and towns have very strict barking ordiances. My in-laws didn't want their dogs to be house dogs so the kept them in the shed at night, and outside during the day. They have a very large lot with a lot of trees that squirrels lived in so the dogs barked half the day. Finally a neighbor who worked graveyard shift came over and told them that he'd talked the police about the situation, and was going to report them if they didn't do something about the constant barking that was preventing him from sleeping. When he told them that the fine for the first offense was $1,000, the dogs moved in the house.

We have a new family up the street who go out partying on Saturday night and leave their dogs out till all hours. I've called 911 over it several times, the last time with their address. I assume they got a visit from the police as the dog wasn't out Saturday night!

In the words of Peter Venkman, "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria! "

Totally worth it, but after being a cat guy for 13 years I was unprepared for how much work a dog was. Good thing she's cute.

I strongly suggest one that doesn't shed, or sheds very little. I can say that our German Shepard sheds a lot and it's no fun having to vacuum 2-3 times a week.

It is love that makes a house a home, and animals give unconditional love! Sounds like a plan to me:)

I think if you have to ask, you aren't ready. Wait a bit longer until you actually desire a pet, not just wonder whether you should get one.

Looks like an advertisement for this builder. What a turd.