More people than ever are getting their first dog and the owners have provided some fascinating insights into how it changed their lives.
Dog owners are opening the lid on things they’ve only discovered since picking up their pooch and have revealed the things no one told them about buying a dog.
Of the happiness and love a dog can bring to picking up poop and chewed furniture, they share the good, the bad, and the sometimes weird situations they have found themselves in.
Are you thinking of taking the plunge yourself and finding your own canine companion? These stories give a glimpse into your future. But that means no matter what unexpected things they may have found, we are sure that none of these dog owners would change their four-legged friend for the world.
Rachel and Finley
Rachel and Finley
“What I didn’t realize until I got a dog was that it’s like a child – but one that will never grow up or become independent! I’ve been told that four years is the turning point, so I’m counting down the days until this familiar maturity appears, until then I’ll continue to squeak a toy in my face every few hours!
“People don’t tell you how much space dogs can take up either – personal space! It’s been years since I’ve sat down or slept without my dog leaning against me or cooking food without him between my feet and the cupboards. Even if your dog is tiny, he will find a way to lie in the worst possible position and take up as much space as possible! ‘
Lucinda and Bonnie
Lucinda and Bonnie
“Bonnie is our nine month old Westie and she has completely changed our lives since arriving in June 2020. I would describe her as naughty, stubborn and full of fun so we never have a boring day.
“One of the most important things I didn’t know before getting a dog was that our evenings would never be the same again. I imagined cuddling on the sofa and watching TV together … The reality is that I spend more time saving I think she loves shoes and clothes more than I do – and that says something!
Charlotte and Angel
Charlotte and Angel
“I wish I had known that my dog is as important to me as any child. At first, you just want this little cuddly, fluffy toy to spend time with, but in the end, you end up worrying about them as much as you would a toddler. But it’s all worth it because you can just tell that they care about you the same way just by the way they look at you and comfort you if you ever have a bad day. You are great listeners! ‘
Natalie, Fraser and Timmy
Fraser and Timmy
“My kids have wanted a dog for a long time, but the time was never right. We finally decided it was a good time and found what we were looking for, a red cockapoo. We picked him up on a Friday, brought him home and we were all very happy. But there was still one puppy alone, the dwarf. Well I came back the next day and bought it too. Two for one!
“I never thought how tough and exhausting puppies could be, but believe me, I found three kids easier than the first few weeks with puppies. But honestly, the hard work has paid off as we all enjoy them. There’s a but … people don’t tell you about things like picking up their eye bogies or picking up dried feces off their curly cockapoo butts !!! or the amount of paper towel you need to wipe it off. it gets easier and they are well worth the effort. ‘
Jess and Flanders
Jess and Flanders
‘The concern and concern for this beautiful little furball was particularly unexpected. If he doesn’t move for a few minutes, I panic for a few seconds that he’s dead. And my friend is obsessed with our dog’s feces and spends way too much time talking about it and what it means for the dog’s health. ‘
Liam and Billy
Liam’s dog Billy enjoys the beach
“I never thought I’d be a dog owner who acted like my dog was my child, but I’m definitely going that route. And we’re both obsessed with analyzing his poop to see how we think he’s doing. ‘
Gemma and Scamp
Gemma’s dog Scamp yawns very loudly
“My dog barks at anything, even a fart! And I didn’t know that dogs could yawn – he yawns so loudly! ‘
Gina and Jordan
Gina told us how much hair her dog Jordan sheds
“I didn’t know that I had to suck every day. Jordan sheds hair like you don’t believe it. And they’re worse than kids. When you tell them they tilt their head to one side and give you those eyes and you instantly forgive. ‘
Shannon and Amaya
German shepherd Amaya
“That your fear goes through the roof and worries you and it’s worse because they can’t tell you what’s (obviously) going on.”
Niall and Harry
Niall and his dog Harry
“People say that petting a dog makes you feel happier. It is true and I have learned this from my own experience. A few times my furry little four-paw friend greeted me when he felt down and pointed his own paw at me to ask for a pet. Whether this is because he felt I was down and wanted to cheer me up, or whether he just wanted a stomach scratch is a whole different debate. Anyway, I know I felt a hell of a lot better 30 seconds after petting it. ‘
Suzanne and Pongo, Peldon and Cassie
Pongo, Peldon and Cassie
“If you think the room is devoid of anything you could possibly eat, think again … carpet is apparently edible!”
David and Molly
Molly out in the country
“They love sunbathing and will move around the house as the sun moves to make sure they have a place to lie down.”
The UK is known to be a nation of dog lovers and we brought those dog lovers together with the launch of our new website – TeamDogs.
TeamDogs is a one-stop-shop for dogs that is filled with the latest news, important expert advice, and recommendations.
You can also sign up for our TeamDogs newsletter. All we need is your email address and you will become part of our army of dog lovers.
Every week you will receive a newsletter with loads of stories, advice and the best deals on dog products. Here you can sign up.
You can follow TeamDogs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Would you like to explore advertising opportunities with TeamDogs? Visit this page.
Jessica and Tegan
Jessica and her chocolate laboratory Tegan
“I didn’t know how much a dog complains and how much hair there is. It’s literally everywhere! I have to empty the vacuum cleaner three times a day and I still find hair on the sofa, TV, sink, and even on dishes. ‘
Laura and Frank
Frank’s owner Laura thought that children are easier than dogs
“You will have more dog clothes than real clothes! You have poop bags in every coat you own. Children are definitely easier than dogs. ‘
Simon and Buzz
Buzz eyed his owner’s dinner
“I used to feel guilty eating pizza after going to the gym, but even more so when an extra pair of eyes was watching me! And having to close all the curtains in the house when the window cleaner arrives to keep Buzz from believing someone is trying to get inside. ‘
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Lisa and Tiny
Lisa and her dog Tiny
“I didn’t know a dog would bring you so much luck. The loyalty and love they give surprised me as I was never a dog until I saved my girl. It’s surprising how much they become a big part of your family. Choosing the right pet insurance takes a lot of time and research! ‘
Leah and Obi
Obi’s owner described a dog as a baby
“A puppy is really like a new baby, only luckily the sleepless nights last for weeks rather than months (years). And if your dog eats something that for some reason he shouldn’t have or has a sensitive stomach, you will likely need to wipe his bum … and baby wipes won’t work nearly as well on fur. ‘
