Do You Own a Dog?

Divad on 26/01/2021 - 01:47
Last edited 27/01/2021 - 15:26

Today marks the first anniversary of COVID-19 arriving on our shores. Since then, our lives have changed in so many ways. One obvious change has been the increase in pet adoption. I've seen many more puppies and adult dogs in parks and around my neighborhood. Australia has always had a high dog ownership as a percentage of the population but i'm keen to see how what the % is now via an OzBargain survey.

So please vote and comment below on what dog breed you have!

Fun Fact: Poll results are very similar to another recent post on OzB on dog poo:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/599686

Poll Options

  • 407
    Yes, I own a dog
  • 229
    No, I don't own a dog but would like to
  • 186
    No, I don't own or want a dog
Pets Dog

Comments

  • Noire on 26/01/2021 - 02:27
    +8

    Wasn't allowed to get a dog went with the next best thing, ferret.

    • modsec802 on 26/01/2021 - 18:57
      -1

      Isn’t there a saying: ferret with benefits…

    • dogboy on 27/01/2021 - 12:49

      I didn't know they were legal in Aus. I have heard they have quite a strong smell as well. Can you confirm?

      • funnysht on 27/01/2021 - 21:49

        they're legal. smells yes but not too bad

        • skittlebrau on 28/01/2021 - 17:19

          Are yours spayed/neutered? I was under the impression the smell is tolerable after that. I've only handled a ferret once many years ago and can't quite remember if there was much of a smell.

        • DeepPocketsShortArms on 08/02/2021 - 07:11

          I used to have ferrets. Sometimes I miss their musty smell.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/01/2021 - 07:35

        they fukn stink. my sister had one in the house, its like a giant rat smelling slug

        which is also fairly bitey with very sharp little fang like teeth (think a small pumps teeth)

    • funnysht on 27/01/2021 - 21:49

      cool i had one long ago- they're nuts sometimes.No i have a cat.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2021 - 22:52

      They are the coolest. I had one for 10 years. Crazy little things. Was so sad when I had to put him down. If I got another one I would definitely build a better setup. They need a dedicated space for sure.

  • tallkid123 on 26/01/2021 - 02:48
    +1

    Yes, see my avatar.

  • whitelie on 26/01/2021 - 03:01
    +11

    2 dogs…had them well before covid.
    Nothing regarding covid would have made me consider getting a dog any more or less than before.

  • follow on 26/01/2021 - 03:50
    +20

    you forgot: they own me

  • try2bhelpful on 26/01/2021 - 06:46
    +3

    I know the comment about “dogs have owners but cats have servants” but my favourite cat comment is “not so much domesticated as moved in”.

    • payless69 on 27/01/2021 - 10:18

      Dogs have MASTERS!

    • Apoca89 on 28/01/2021 - 12:27
      +1

      In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.
      Terry Pratchett

      • try2bhelpful on 28/01/2021 - 12:49

        My favourite author. Taken way too soon. He was just getting into his stride.

        • sakurashu on 28/01/2021 - 15:03

          He was just getting into his stride said about Sir Terry Pratchett is the most casually seemingly innocuous insane thing I have ever heard anyone say

          • try2bhelpful on 28/01/2021 - 20:06

            @sakurashu: You read things like Carpe Jugulum, Thud, etc and it is so true. Unfortunately with the Alzheimer’s his later books dropped off.

            • Loopholio on 28/01/2021 - 23:35

              @try2bhelpful: They didn't drop off. He was trying to finish the story of some characters.

              • try2bhelpful on 29/01/2021 - 11:47
                +1

                @Loopholio: The writing isn’t as good.

                • sakurashu on 02/02/2021 - 12:39

                  @try2bhelpful: Agreed that the writing towards the end that his wife helped him finish wasn't close to being as good - but what I originally meant was that he was in his stride with masterpieces after the first few books - he wasn't "just" getting into his stride, he'd published dozens and dozens of brilliant books over years

                  • try2bhelpful on 02/02/2021 - 13:51

                    @sakurashu: Ahhh. Don’t get me wrong, his writing is brilliant it is just the last few he wrote before his illness were, particularly, fine. Without the illness he would’ve got better and better.

  • ms_caz on 26/01/2021 - 07:36
    +7

    2 black labs

    • Franc-T on 26/01/2021 - 08:36
      +13

      Another lab owner here. One cream and one brown.

      Neither of them fetch, someone needs to explain to them they are labrador retrievers.

      Oh, and had them before covid.

      • Randxyz123 on 26/01/2021 - 13:25

        Both golden retrievers I’ve had don’t retrieve either.

      • EyesWideOpen on 27/01/2021 - 17:34
        +5

        My old lab didn't fetch either, I'd taught her how, she knew the works, intelligent but just looked at me ridiculous - "why would I want to chase and fetch after something or carry in my mouth that's not food?" (She got her wings, bless her soul).

      • Gmetal on 27/01/2021 - 18:52
        +5

        Funny! Had a lab growing up, and the minute we got him home at a few weeks old i rolled a ball passed him and he brought it back to me! I have no idea how we managed to train a behaviour into their genetics, but maybe it doesnt always stick. Never had to teach him to use the toilet outside or how to swim either.

        He also used to play reverse fetch with me, find things that he'd think id want, like my socks, show me them, and then run away when i went to grab them.

      • lbsyc on 29/01/2021 - 12:48

        Are they at least good swimmer though???

  • pegaxs on 26/01/2021 - 07:48
    +6

    Don’t have a dog because the daughter is terrified of dogs… so we settled and got mice and gave them dog names.

    • bargain huntress on 26/01/2021 - 11:30
      +2

      my sister was terrified of dogs as a child also. she actually asked to get our first family dog as exposure therapy - and it worked; she loves dogs now.

      possibly an option for you guys. how old is your daughter right now?

      definitly need a puppy though for that situation i think - need to bond early on and have the cuteness and neediness

      • pegaxs on 26/01/2021 - 17:03
        +1

        Tried getting our own puppy, she was terrified of puppies. Our neighbour has small, really friendly older dogs, terrified. Other friends have great dogs that love kids… terrified…|

        Ironically, local cafe has a 3 legged dog that does all the meeting and greeting and my daughter is in love this with dog. It's a huge dog as well, but it is no problem. That is the ONLY dog she has ever patted or even been near. I have photos of her sitting on the ground with it and patting it because I knew my family and wife wouldn't believe me if I told them about her patting this dog.

        Daughter is 9 and has NEVER had a bad experience with a dog, ever. Never been chased, bitten, jumped on, knocked over, growled or barked at, she just has the terrifying fear of all dogs (except the one at the cafe.)

        Same with cats. Hates cats more than dogs. Liked the idea of a hamster… but they are banned in Aus, so we went the next best thing, mice. She loves her mice and has no problem with them… so I am working up to bigger animals one step at a time. Gotta start small :D

        • bargain huntress on 26/01/2021 - 17:07
          +1

          hmm

          what kind and age of puppy was it?

          and what kind of dog is the 3 legged dog? that's fascinating. do you have any idea what it is about this particular dog? could a disabled/special-needs dog be the answer i wonder?

          so I am working up to bigger animals one step at a time. Gotta start small :D

          lol

          so a guinea pig next?

          • pegaxs on 26/01/2021 - 17:17
            +1

            @bargain huntress: I've tried a few different puppies. Kelpie, dachshund, jack russell. Neighbours have a 14yo, really quiet and friendly timid jack russell. Friends have everything from pommeranians to border collies. Nope. (side note; she tollerates our pet spiders, Ebony and Roger, more than she does dogs)

            Cafe dog is a mix dog, but about the build, look and stature of a Labrador x Rottweiler. Only 3 legs. No issues. Best dog in the world… (I think it has got something to do with she thinks she can outrun it if required ? Not perceived at threatening.)

            Rats maybe next, then onto guinea pigs, up to rabbits and who knows!! Sky is the limit… working our way up to Elephants :D

            • try2bhelpful on 26/01/2021 - 17:20
              +1

              @pegaxs: Will end up with hay for your house horse.

            • bargain huntress on 27/01/2021 - 03:34
              +1

              @pegaxs:

              (side note; she tollerates our pet spiders, Ebony and Roger, more than she does dogs)

              What kind of spiders are they? I'm a bit of an arachnaphobe and have been thinking of getting a pet spider for the same reason for years.

              (I think it has got something to do with she thinks she can outrun it if required ? Not perceived at threatening.)

              Well special dogs do come up for adoption occasionally including ones with mobility issues - 3 legged, 2 legged, dogs with wheelchairs, dogs with movement disorders. Some have special care requirements but not necessarily - a 3 legged dog isnt much different to a 4 legged one. You could keep an eye on the adoption websites. Possibly if you have a word with your nearest RSPCA location (and other shelters in your area if there are some) they could keep your daughter in mind and alert you if one comes up. Setting up alerts on gumtree etc might work too.

              Also visiting that cafe as much as possible is probably a good idea.

              Rats maybe next, then onto guinea pigs, up to rabbits and who knows!! Sky is the limit… working our way up to Elephants :D

              haha she's lucky to have a parent like you

    • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2021 - 12:11

      This might help https://www.google.com/?q=primary%20school%20boarding%20aust…

    • T1OOO on 27/01/2021 - 12:06

      Got a get her to meet a puppy Labrador then, fix her right up

  • morse on 26/01/2021 - 07:49
    +11

    Older lab, adopted him as an adult dog 7years ago.

    Perhaps you’re also seeing more dogs around as people are wfh or have lost jobs, so have more time do walk them and take them to the dog park.

    • T1OOO on 27/01/2021 - 12:07
      +3

      Awee who gives up labs.. prob a back story but their so lovable like children.

      • morse on 27/01/2021 - 18:31
        +1

        There's a whole organisation dedicated to it - Labrador Rescue. Our lab was someone who needed to move for work and left the dog with his mum, our lab was apparently barking all through the night at her house and she already had dogs. He used to bark when he first came to us too and then once his anxiety was alleviated he stopped and has been a typical happy, friendly and adorable lab ever since. Loved by everyone he meets. It does make me wonder if he ever thinks about and misses his first companion, since he was with him for 7years from being a puppy - like in that book, A Dog's Purpose 😢

    • Rocket on 27/01/2021 - 22:01

      Same here. Old black lab (11 now) adopted when he was about 3. Had no training or discipline when we got him, but we were persistent and he was amazing in no time. We often wonder what his back story was and why someone would give him up.

    • jjjaar on 26/01/2021 - 08:46
      +8

      Username checks out.

    • timthetoolman on 26/01/2021 - 08:50
      +18

      There are dogs who don't shed, don't smell, don't have bad breath, don't bite, don't bark, don't piss off your neighbours (the last few pending training of course)
      The constant need for attention I'm sure is what most dog owners would just consider companionship.

      I think cats vs dogs is summed up well like this.
      Dogs - this human feeds me and takes care of me, he must be a God.
      Cats-this human feeds me and takes care of me, I must be a God.

    • SF3 on 26/01/2021 - 09:11
      +4

      Sounds like you have “good” cats. They don’t take a 💩 on your laptop. 😬

    • soan papdi on 26/01/2021 - 09:42
      +12

      Wow, how long have you been waiting to let all that out!?

      • kolorijo on 27/01/2021 - 08:44
        +1

        Just waiting for the right thread :D

    • Frank Murphy on 26/01/2021 - 11:47

      Dogs have owners - cats have staff.

    • modsec802 on 26/01/2021 - 13:08
      +2

      Cats also smell and make your house smell

    • moto on 26/01/2021 - 15:24

      You’re a strange person to not like dogs. It’s something out of a particular subreddit that invites them there.

      • Quantumcat on 26/01/2021 - 15:34
        -6

        Strange to not like an annoying creature that smells, is noisy and kills children?

        • pegaxs on 26/01/2021 - 17:09
          +9

          Yeah, just get the pet that still smells, rolls its own shit around with its paws then licks said paws to clean itself, rips all of your belonging to shreds and gives you brain parasites. Excellent choice.

          • Quantumcat on 26/01/2021 - 18:02
            -3

            @pegaxs: Doesn't smell, and goes to the toilet in a way that is easy to clean up instead of leaving piles all over the yard and killing plants with urine. Or on the footpath and in parks for people to step in for those irresponsible dog owners

            • timthetoolman on 26/01/2021 - 20:26

              @Quantumcat: So if you got a clean, non shedding dog and trained it well, is there an issue? Aside dog poo
              Sounds like your problems are more with owners not training their dogs properly

              I assume you don't have kids?

          • Loopholio on 28/01/2021 - 23:37

            @pegaxs: Hey! I like cats, but yeah, you're not wrong there :)

    • witheredcouch on 27/01/2021 - 10:23
      +1

      Some people like dogs, some people like cats, some people like both. Your dog arguments seem to be mainly issues with poorly trained dogs, and mostly subjective. EG: I don't feel cats are cleaner than dogs, and I personally don't mind the smell of dogs but find the strong stench cats leave around houses repulsive. But that is just because I grew up with and am used to dogs, cat's just aren't my thing.

    • Pretzel_Ninja on 27/01/2021 - 11:09
      +2

      You realise cats are far more detrimental to our environment when allowed to roam outside in comparison to dogs.

      "Pet and feral cats together are killing over two billion reptiles, birds and mammals per year in Australia, and most of these animals are natives, according to a new book written by three of Australia's leading environmental scientists."

      Source:
      https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/cats-kill-more-than-15-…

      Provided the cat is indoors and never allowed outside, I have no quarrel with them.

      Regarding the odor of cats, I certainly can smell them and would consider both dogs and cats on-par for smelliness. It all comes down to how healthy your pet (rotting gums, skin diseases etc.) is and how much you maintain it.

    • Skinnerr on 28/01/2021 - 19:33
      +1

      Cats kill more native wildlife in Australia than anything else short of natural disasters. Where's your care for them?

      Also dogs rescue people in earthquakes, avalanches and lost in the wild. Dogs detect landmine, bombs, IED's in warzones and save lives in all manner of ways. They are called man's best friend for a reason.

      Cats do nothing but preen themselves and hunt blue tongued lizards. Cats are selfish assholes (like their owners it seems).

      • chrisie on 28/01/2021 - 19:44

        "Cats do nothing but preen themselves and hunt blue tongued lizards. Cats are selfish assholes (like their owners it seems)."
        I think you have got it in one .
        Then again I don't mind a bit of (profanity) :)

      • Quantumcat on 28/01/2021 - 19:46

        Not indoor cats.

        Irresponsible cat owners have cats that kill birds and other wildlife, but irresponsible dog owners have dogs that kill people. Which surely you must agree is worse. (and bark all day and all night, and poo on footpaths and in parks and not get cleaned up after, and kill other pets and animals). If you had experience of a roaming dog slaughter your lambs, or bite you in the face, or savage your child you might feel differently about which are worse, irresponsibly kept cats or irresponsibly kept dogs (have personal experience of one of those and know people who experienced the others).

        The dogs that work as police dogs, shepherd dogs, sniffer dogs, rescue dogs etc are all highly trained and kept by responsible handlers. Cats kept by responsible people do no harm to anyone either.

        • Skinnerr on 29/01/2021 - 03:28

          Irresponsible cat owners have cats that kill birds and other wildlife, but irresponsible dog owners have dogs that kill people

          We can agree that irresponsible pet owners are the bigger problem than blaming the animals just doing what's in their nature that they evolved to do. We are supposed to be the 'intelligent species' after all.

  • chrisie on 26/01/2021 - 08:37
    +7

    I've got a Greyhound an ex racer which make a great pet and companion .

    • try2bhelpful on 26/01/2021 - 17:17
      +1

      I read an article where they are, basically, passive lazy dogs. You can give them a good run and they will be happy to sit around for the rest of the day.

    • payless69 on 27/01/2021 - 10:20

      Enjoy as virtual reality is taking over.

  • pharkurnell on 26/01/2021 - 09:59
    +1

    Have had Bull Terriers- my parents used to breed them… awesome dogs but usually owned by far kwits.

    Also had a black lab that did round 5000 in damage through being a pup and lots of boredom
    Last one was a adopted Spaniel…

    but I dont have time to be fair to a dog these days

  • Phlume on 26/01/2021 - 10:01
    +3

    Always wanted a dog and Mum always said no. Yet after last winter we inexplicably own 3 cats.

  • Orico on 26/01/2021 - 10:07
    +14

    A lady in my house calls me a dog when she's upset.

    • bargain huntress on 26/01/2021 - 11:32
      +1

      take it as a compliment

    • tallkid123 on 26/01/2021 - 13:45
      +3

      As someone said above, dogs have owners.

  • Baa on 26/01/2021 - 11:25

    Where is the option "No, the dog owns me"

    2 x senior mini Dachshunds

  • Downvoter on 26/01/2021 - 11:37
    +6

    Wasn’t allowed a dog growing up. One of the first things I did when I bought a house was get one.

    • s1Lence on 27/01/2021 - 12:54

      how'd it turn out?

      • Downvoter on 31/01/2021 - 12:01

        Beyond my wildest dreams

        • try2bhelpful on 31/01/2021 - 13:54

          One of my ex bosses grew up in an abusive household where he couldn’t own a dog. His unbridled joy at getting his first dog was amazing. He was one of the gentlest souls I know.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2021 - 12:08
    +13

    I'd like a dog but it puts me off when I go to a dog owner's house and the house stinks. Worse part is the owner doesn't realise that their house stinks.

    • modsec802 on 26/01/2021 - 13:09
      +2

      Is it crazy to consider having a dog who stays outside?

      • Quantumcat on 26/01/2021 - 15:35
        +1

        That's cruel to the dog, and just pisses off your neighbours because then they bark all day.

        • bargain huntress on 27/01/2021 - 03:37

          Its not necessarily cruel, it depends on lots of things.

          Maremmas for example like staying out with their wards.

          • Quantumcat on 27/01/2021 - 08:10
            +2

            @bargain huntress: A maremma outside in 40 degree heat 24 hours a day would be a very unhappy dog

            • bargain huntress on 27/01/2021 - 09:12
              +3

              @Quantumcat: Where is it 40 degrees 24 hours a day on planet earth?

              I've met some and they seemed pretty happy to me but I guess I can't know for sure

              I used to have outside dogs which wasn't my choice

              One really wanted to be an inside dog and eventually achieved this thanks to me I guess

              One liked to come inside for short periods but always wanted to go back out. I'm really not sure he would have liked being an inside dog

        • Nereosis on 27/01/2021 - 15:24
          +1

          Unless the dog has no undercover area how is that cruel?
          As long as they have shelter, water, food, and attention what else do they really need?

          • Quantumcat on 27/01/2021 - 15:26

            @Nereosis: It's still hot in the shade. The sort of people that lock their dogs outside and ignore them probably also neglect to get them clipped in summer

            • Nereosis on 27/01/2021 - 15:29

              @Quantumcat: Guess the breed is an important factor. My Kelpie pup only likes being inside for a short amount of time if we're in there but then gets bored and wants to go outside.

              Also, it's not usually much cooler inside my house than it is in her favourite spot under the verandah.

              • ChocStrawberries on 27/01/2021 - 17:02
                +2

                @Nereosis: My border collie is exactly the same. She had to have ligament surgery a couple of years ago and was on 6 months "bed rest" inside. It was 6 months I'd rather not repeat! We bring her inside occasionally, which she likes for about an hour, then is whining to go back outside again. She loves being outside, free to run, and watch the birds, and roll in stuff, and just be a dog. Anyone who says keeping dogs outside is cruel, clearly doesn't know dogs very well!

    • gromit on 27/01/2021 - 10:16

      depends on the breed of dog, cleanliness of the owners and type of flooring and window dressings etc. But yes Dogs and/or Cats make a house smell over time. We have 2 small dogs and we keep the house clean but even so when we are away for a few weeks and return we can notice the slight underlying odour.

  • Dogsrule on 26/01/2021 - 13:17

    What do you think?

  • ChocStrawberries on 26/01/2021 - 13:51
    +1

    We only had cats growing up, but my husband and I adopted a border collie 10 years ago, and she's been our greatest joy. Super smart, loyal, always happy to see us, and almost trained herself. She's absolutely a member of our family. I'll never go back to being a cat owner again!

  • try2bhelpful on 26/01/2021 - 17:19
    +3

    We had Pugs, when I was a kid. Big dogs in little dogs bodies. Stubborn as hell and greedy for food. Most of them turn into Ottomans; a leg in each corner.

    • PugHugger on 27/01/2021 - 09:00
      +2

      So greedy, so much dog hair, but so much personality.

      I have one left. The second fell asleep mid-last year and never woke up taking a good part of me with him. The remaining one now rules the roost. I am definitely staff now.

      • try2bhelpful on 27/01/2021 - 15:33
        +1

        It tears me apart every time I have to put down one of my kitties. The love is worth the pain, though. Pugs are, certainly, people.

  • cassidy02 on 26/01/2021 - 19:03

    Samoyed puppy

    • cktftw on 28/01/2021 - 09:49

      Was hoping to get one soon when I move to Melbourne next month! Mind if I PM you?

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