tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post2908045769001520797..comments2023-09-28T08:31:02.877-07:00Comments on Responsible Pet Ownership Blog: Facing the Fear of Being a Bad Dog OwnerCANIDAE Pet Foodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14469755460646975188noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-52161085103066595572012-01-22T08:49:42.315-08:002012-01-22T08:49:42.315-08:00Dogs and cats are so different, but having grown u...Dogs and cats are so different, but having grown up in a house that had a cat and a dog that got along, I think you could do it. I know you are so in tune with your cats, Julia, and your concern about doing things right makes me certain you would do your research to find a dog whose temperament and nature fit well with those of your cats. They certainly do exist (check out our Wordless Wednesday post from this past week, for example). :)meowmeowmanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12513539249219283256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-78908187258614625842012-01-21T07:11:35.881-08:002012-01-21T07:11:35.881-08:00Julia - I have always had a house full of dogs and...Julia - I have always had a house full of dogs and cats. Now I am a cat only household but I do missing having a dog. They are a lot of responsibility though, and with my lifestyle, now is not the time for me to have one.<br /><br />As far as you, you are a kind, considerate, and compassionate human being - those are the main ingredients to having a happy dog and I don't think you could ever be a bad dog owner!Deb Barnes - Zee and Zoeyhttp://www.zeezoey.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-40831697651418183662012-01-20T19:55:19.863-08:002012-01-20T19:55:19.863-08:00We've never considered any issues with having ...We've never considered any issues with having a dog vs. a cat since we've always had both around here. The cats before us didn't like our sisfur Sadie though and would run from her so she's confused when we get close and don't run at all but she's never hurt us and mostly ignores us. It won't be easy to bring a dog into the household but it'll be worth it! The only negative for dogs is that they don't use a litter box so our beans can only be gone for 4-5 hours max since they have to come home and let Sadie out. Sometimes this is limiting and it means no weekend trips since Mommy freaks out at the thought of leaving us with a sitter.BeadedTailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14662802836032167316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-42711788999451101902012-01-20T18:13:36.723-08:002012-01-20T18:13:36.723-08:00Mom has never had a cat and really doesn't thi...Mom has never had a cat and really doesn't think any of us would be very good with cats. But it is probably a lot easier to bring a young dog into a family with cats than the reverse. You seem to love animals so much and are so well-educated on so many animal-related topics - go for it, do your research, decide what you are looking for in a dog, visit some rescues, and we guarantee you the right dog for you will find you:)<br /><br />Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥https://www.blogger.com/profile/07539957828544908415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-57241736231575827662012-01-20T17:02:15.827-08:002012-01-20T17:02:15.827-08:00Like many of the others, I think that you should w...Like many of the others, I think that you should worry less and "just do it" but just get advice from the group that you're getting the dog from on which dog will be best with your cats.<br /><br />I agree with the others too that a puppy would be most easy to socialize with the cats, BUT if you got a calm, older dog that would be OK too. That is, after all, what I did. We had to be firm in the beginning that the dogs were not to harass the cats, and if you want, I can privately send you info on how we did that (just to save space here, not that there's any secret.) The cats were NOT happy in the beginning, and we're never going to be a house that gets pictures of dogs and cats snuggled together, but they adapted and at least tolerate them. One thing that helped them accept the dogs was to give them their own area - just by putting a baby gate up in the guest room doorway with a big enough gap for a cat to get under but not a big enough gap for a greyhound to get under. THe cats can go in there and be dog-free whenever they like, and that's where their food and litter is too.House of Carnivoreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02860492929556303670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-24642713626340269882012-01-20T16:08:45.842-08:002012-01-20T16:08:45.842-08:00Well, you could find a dog that is part cat. Pip i...Well, you could find a dog that is part cat. Pip is actually very cat like and not very dog like so it makes life pretty easy! You might also consider adopting an older dog. This way you would know their personality and skip some of the difficult puppy years. <br /><br />Actually, we just adopted a rabbit and they are SO DIFFERENT from both cats and dogs it is crazy. We are now a three species household - Pip and the two cats are like one in the same compared to Lulu, our bunny. It's very interesting.The Daily Pip https://www.blogger.com/profile/17071013559078816245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-58624021992198011092012-01-20T15:46:43.681-08:002012-01-20T15:46:43.681-08:00Don't try to be perfect, dogs are very forgivi...Don't try to be perfect, dogs are very forgiving :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-77580492934021967112012-01-20T14:00:36.196-08:002012-01-20T14:00:36.196-08:00I'm with everyone else. The cats won't lik...I'm with everyone else. The cats won't like a new addition at first, but you never know, they may also fall in love with a new dog. Besides, you're older and wiser now and you have all of us to help you. Take the plunge. I bet you'll be glad you did.Lindahttp://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-30352606414750824002012-01-20T13:42:02.730-08:002012-01-20T13:42:02.730-08:00Dogs and cats are so different and I can't ima...Dogs and cats are so different and I can't imagine a life without both. There is excellent advice here already so I won't go into the details. But Julia, I know you can do it. You already know how. Love and compassion go a long way with dogs, and they'll train you just like cats do. Of course their body language and communication skills are different than cats but for a real animal lover, all you have to do is pay attention. It will open up a whole new world for you. I can help. Do it!Langley Cornwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02064219496272043638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-68981373343415495822012-01-20T12:53:34.170-08:002012-01-20T12:53:34.170-08:00First, if you think you should wait until you '...First, if you think you should wait until you 'know it all,'-Forget it!! I don't care what breed or mix of breed you get, if it's a rescue or a puppy, you are in for many surprises that you can't plan for. lol<br /><br />Personally, I understand dogs better than cats, and I'm horrible about following rules and such, I prefer to guided to the animal that is for me. :)<br /><br />When I first got Brut as a puppy, Boxer was already a couple year old and put him in his place. Well that only lasted for while and they still have a bit of a power struggle between them. They are both pretty stubborn. <br /><br />I agree with Marge, if you can, I would suggest getting a puppy. I think it helps with easing the cats with a new comer. If you get an older dog, I would avoid dog breeds with a high prey instinct if you can, that will help socialize the cats if they aren't being stalk. (another plus about a puppy)<br /><br />Of course the cats are going to have an attitude, lol, you just have to learn how to prepare for that. I would suggest taking it slowly and using as much time as necessary. If you get a dog, you can also use a crate for him, so the cats can have some alone time with you. Our cats have their own room to get away from dogs.<br /><br />I think the biggest thing is time and patience. And stop being so afraid. :) If it is meant to be, it will work itself to be that way. :)24 Paws of Lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06574070591449171093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-17833982101907450912012-01-20T12:16:11.931-08:002012-01-20T12:16:11.931-08:00Having dogs and cats for what seems like my whole ...Having dogs and cats for what seems like my whole life, it seems strange to me that you would worry so much about getting a dog. Julia, you love animals so much you will be fine. Dont' worry about the cats. They will have a hissy fit (literaly) but so what, they'll get over it. A puppy would be a better choice for the cats to get used to. Our cats always terroized any new puppy addition in the house and made the rules. When you think about it cats don't really want you to bring home a new kitten either. I say go for it.DMatsuuranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-7128153418678411692012-01-20T10:23:47.428-08:002012-01-20T10:23:47.428-08:00Oh yes, do get a dog. It will be hard at first for...Oh yes, do get a dog. It will be hard at first for the cats and dog to get used to each other. The secret is to get a puppy and to get the right breed or part breed.And take the puppy to doggie school just for socializing if for no other reason. And that is fun. Be sure you have enough time to take the puppy out to do it's business many times during the day. Also, get a pen kind of cage to put it in at night or during the day if you aren't going to be there. They like that. They think it is their very own room. You will love having a dog. It is a whole different deal than having cats. The cats will be nervous at first but they will get used to the dog. Just don't let the puppy maul the cats. I better shut up now. Take care.Marghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16571726966413507123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647675683976633621.post-1161045363623312462012-01-20T08:26:50.714-08:002012-01-20T08:26:50.714-08:00I actually felt and feel the same way about cats. ...I actually felt and feel the same way about cats. I grew up mostly with dogs and ponies, didn't really have cats until I adopted Chumley back in April 2001. I honestly don't know I'd have travelled down that road if I knew what I was getting into. So many worries, so many health issues, such massive and unmanageable vet bills.<br /><br />Such HUGE responsibility, caring for another Being unto death.<br /><br />I can't say it's a responsibility I ever would choose again, once the boys are no longer with me.<br /><br />And absolutely your cats could be jealous of a newcomer. Nicki is jealous of the attention Derry gets, and definitely had his nose out of joint with Annie for the almost-four years between his adoption and her passing. It's valid, how your cats would react, etc.<br /><br />So no suggestions from this quarter; I'm sure others will chime in with helpful thoughts.Fuzzy Taleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09505853082591216696noreply@blogger.com