Dog Hire......?

[drinki]

Stick with me on this............... I have been talking with my children about getting a dog. I have had dogs in the past and understand how much attention and looking after they take. Children only see the "cute loveable dog" and noting else. I got to thinking what would be a great idea to get people used to dogs would be a "Dog Hire" service for a weekend or few days so they would understand how much they are. What do you think AB's Dog hire good or bad idea?

[burnhal]

awful idea!! Fine for the prospective owners but what about the poor old hound? They need stability and to know who owns them, who their own family is etc.

[shaneystar]

Awful idea.I would never dream of hiring my dog out to anybody.In fact the idea would never enter my head.Most dogs in rescue centres have had a bad deal anyway and this would make them more confused.You either commit yourself to owning a dog or you don't .Simple as that.

[woofgang]

bad bad idea, however you can volunteer to help at shelters, clean out dog walk etc which may give you some idea of the work involved and benefit the dogs too..not sure how old you have to be though. Imho, it should never be the kids pet or done because the kids want a dog but because the adults involved want a dog and understand what is involved

[hugoboss]

Like woofgang says, why don't you go the the RSPCA and ask them to be dog walkers, and do it on a regular basis so the kids can see what it's like. You know, walking in the cold and wet as well as nice weather.

[happy_face]

In theory I don't agree but why not put a note in the local supermarket to advertise that you'd look after dogs during people's holiday. As a dog owner I wouldn't rent my dog out to anyone but if I had to go on holiday and didn't have anyone who could look after it then I would much rather that a lovely family looked after it than a kennel.

[FP]

Dreadful idea.  I have taken on many rescue dogs over the years and they need total dedication, love and and stability.  The thought of hiring out dogs is quite horrible.  As others have said volunteering at shelters to clean out filthykennels and runs, as well as the nicer job of dog walking, is a great idea.

[FP]

Good idea Happy Face, but I would only let people look after my dogs who had loads of experience and probably those without young children.

[boodle]

bad bad idea dogs are not like bikes they are living things and they need love and affection not to be passed on from home to home just one house that would love and care for it very bad idea very bad but at a push you could have classes teaching how to walk puppy train feed ect.

[lilpixie]

Bad idea, i think. Animal cruelty above anything else, my advice would be to wait untill your children are responsible enough to look after one.

[Kingaroo]

All you kind ABers thought about it from the dog's point of view. I was thinking of it from a business owner's point of view -- I sure wouldn't want to rent out dogs and then be responsible for the dog biting someone or ruiinging property.

I have been lucky to have a family willing to dog-sit when I go away. The mother says she is always happy to do it because it gives her dog-loving daughter an opportunity to "have" a dog without the mother having to make a long term commitment. The mother and I would love to set up a shared-dog arrangement, so each household had the dog for a month at a time, but my children won't hear of it. They don't want the bother of walking our dog or picking up after her, but the don't want someone else to share her either.

Most parents with dogs will tell you the same as an earlier poster: DON'T GET A DOG FOR THE KIDS. Only get a dog to be YOUR dog, a dog you love and enjoy caring for.