Low point- The Squits. Had the puppy out three times in the night, still managed to poop the liquid stuff all over the bedroom carpet and then wiped his bum on a T-shirt and jumper on the floor whilst I slept. All in the height of summer when it was really hot. Gag worthy.

I have no problem with reading 'downsides about dogs' lists, and have in fact done so endlessly. I do have a problem with the agressive YOU YES YOU MORON YOU WILL ABANDON YOUR DOG SERIOUSLY YES YOU WILL tone. It's not the way to achieve what you want to achieve.

I think it is not always easy to have someone tell you all the lowdowns of things cos people are generally worried about spoiling your fun.
I don't think anyone is trying to belittle anybody or sound more educated.
I wish someone told me all the mad things i had to endure with kids before i had them as i was in shock for about two years.

A lot of things you will not be able to know by just researching through articles and books.

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Sorry for repeating some things others have said, but it is also in my experience that dog ownership means:

* You're covered in dog hair. In my case ALL THE TIME. My labrador actually lives at my parents' home, not my home (he's my family's dog really), yet I always have short, hard to remove, white hairs on me. Even clothes that are freshly washed and haven't had contact with Kai!

* You cannot be always be spontaneous about going out, holidays, etc because you have to either plan dog-friendly activities, or you have to sweetly ask family or friends for free dog sitting!

* You have to make sure you don't leave anything lying around that might make good chewing material for the dog.

* You have to make sure you don't leave any food in reach of the dog, any cupboard doors slightly ajar, any bin unable to close properly...

* You have to learn to not be selfish. It doesn't matter if you're shattered from a hard day's work, or you don't like rain, or you don't feel in the mood to go outside. Your dog loves going outdoors, having a sniff, going to the toilet, meeting other dogs, exploring new areas and NEEDS to do these things every day!

* You have to get rid of any 'ickiness' you might have about poo or vomit. Because it's inevitable that it will happen at some point. Either your dog's poorly or, as it usually is in Kai's case, they have eaten something they shouldn't have (Kai's favourite is sheep poo ).

On a less serious note, the hardest things for me is:
* Accepting that you will never have a lie in again! Dogs can't tell if it's the weekend or not, and they don't care even if it is. They still need a wee at 7am.

Could you point out to us which bit sounds like that? i am genuinely interested to know.

and unfortunately a lot of these reasons list here are reasons why people do give up owning a dog...and to be honest i don't blame them a lot of times cos they really weren't to know.

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This is the reality. Several times I have seriously considered rehoming the pup because neither was I ready for her I didn't want her. I can't physically bring myself to do it because it's not fair but I have considered it - someone else may actually do it.

Besides thought this thread was for getting another dog. Not about new owners

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Forget nice carpets there's housetraining, shedding and nails to contend with they're not gonna survive
That day your puppy does his first proper bark might be amazing but it isn't at 4am when your neighbours get annoyed
Housetraining full stop. They don't come trained and it can take months be prepared to get up a couple of times a night to take them out.
You will have to be up at 7am whether or not you go back to bed afterwards the dog has to pee.
You will have to walk your dog everyday rain/hail/snow regardless. Even a 2lb chihuahua toy dogs need exercise too

No ones attacking new owners as idiots this is the reality of owning a dog which a lot of people skip over before they get a dog and expect a perfectly trained puppy.

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"A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such."
John Holmes

Owned by Buster cairn terrier mix and Leo netherland dwarf mix bunny

hope my post wasnt agressive or preachy???
Its just that even after doing tons of research, talking to breeders etc I was still not 100% prepared for what life with a mal would be like!!
I would hate for someone to get a dog based just on loving the breed and for it not to work out, that would be so upsetting for both the owner and the dog.
btw I dont think Id ever want to own another breed now, mals are hard work but when Storm cuddles up on the sofa or goes to sleep on my feet I know its worth it

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1 Alaskan Malamute Storm 1 rabbit Snuffy

Its nice to read the bad/good points but it does sound alot like Houler then tho

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Cats-Decker, Horris, Soda

Dog-Sophie

10 Gallon tank - 2 fantail goldfish.

Rest in Peace Kira (cat)2011