I will never get a pet... especially a dog

[tashamjoy]

I like pets i really do but not live with them i think its the most unsanitary thing ever you have dogs that go outside and have feces and pee on their paws may possibly eat there own feces then come into your clean home and stomp all over the floor and furnature then lick everything try to lick you, just dirty sleep with you gross just nasty plus another responsibility and cost not my thing at all anybody share my feelings.....

[maxinmotion]

They're dogs...what more can we ask from an animal with no way of communication beyond a few barks..woofs...and occasional cries...There way of living differs marginally broader than our oh so "sanitary" dispositions....Think about if the shoe was on the other "PAW" so to speak...I understand your perspective on this but you're being a little harsh IMO...Because if they are indeed mans best friend, shouldn't we treat them as such? shouldn't we teach them as much as possible to the point where we have rationalized their "mishaps" as them only being dogs...but hey whatever lol

[candyterrius]

You can choose to volunteer at a pet shelter without the obligation of owning a pet. For pet owners who truly love their dogs, I’m sure they are able to overlook those things you just mentioned. 

[Boise40]

I have a male dachshund and he is the best thing that has happened in my life. I could care less about my so called "friends" because my dog is my best friend. I know I can count on him to be by my side no matter what.

[jenniferhoder]

your opinion is your opinion but once you have a pet you would see how quickly you can look past all of that.
I hope that one day you are able to see how wonderful pets actually are!!

[donnitab]

My dogs are a joy in my life and truly are our little family members.

[Nancy5]

I can see you have never had a pet.  I have both dogs (small & large) and cats.  Pets are one of the best things that can happen to you.  Sure they might get your "clean" house a little messy, sure they poop & pee outside (dogs), where do you want them to go, on the living room floor?  Sure you have to clean the cat's litter boxes (same as dog's - where do you want them to go), but when they sit aside you, follow you, give you kisses, there is such a love.  All pets want are food, clean water, shelter and YOU!  I feel sorry for you, you are missing out on a great experience!

[lywb2168]

Sure they do their "Business outside, but if you really feel that it is unsanitary, then have a cloth or better yet some wipes and surgical disposable gloves, and clean their paws and privates when they come back in.  My family owns a very small dog and she is the best thing.  She really watches out for us, she goes out for a walk and sits and wait for us to clean her paws and privates when she comes in.  She is sweet and loves to sleep with my baby girl.  when my daughter was having issues due to some suttfed that had happened, my little boo felt her sadness, disomfort or whatever you want to call it and glued herself to my daughter, she whined with her and really just gave her comfort.  They are very close and I love her more for it.

If you really feel that way, then just go volunteer at a shelter, but your pets can be as samitary as you let them be.

[lvstephanie]

I think the "habits" that you describe are very rare in a dog... Most dogs, if trained well at a young age, don't eat their poo and try to avoid stepping on it as well. You can also train them not to lick, esp. people's faces. There are different breeds that are also easier to train. I have a mastiff that does nothing you describe. She doesn't dig through the garbage either, or roll in mud, lick people (she shows her affection by leaning against you or putting her head on your lap), etc. About the most "unsanitary" thing she does is shed (which just means I have to vacuum once a week at least). As for cleaning up her business outside, I just use latex gloves and a plastic bag, and then a quick wash after I'm done.

[reiddb]

I agree~we have a dog....love him, but GROSS!

[potluck6]

You must be a super clean freak,we have a lab and love him to death.I don't think dogs drag in pee from outside the only problem is hair and he did bite a little boy years ago but other then that love him maybe a cat would be better.

[dreamyxo]

I want a dog.  I will get one one day when I have the time to care for it properly.  I will keep the dog clean and give it baths and groom them often.  I will get a dog that doesn't shed much.  My boyfriend has a dog and I wash my hands after every time I pet her.  When I was a teenager my father had a Doberman and the only time she would step in her mess is when she was mad at my father for leaving her out too long.  I thought it was the funniest thing.  Other than that she was clean and didn't shed a lot she stayed in the house except to go outside during the day when the weather was nice.  She didn't lick people either I think that is nasty and would never let a dog lick me.  Thank goodness my bf's dog doesn't lick either.

[Boise40]

I also like to say that I bought a xbox 360 and I returned it because I was willing to give it up and use the money to get myself a dog. I think I made a good decision because I don't wanna sit around and play video games all day. I enjoy being outside more because of my dog and he keeps me busy too. So, I don't really have time to sit around and be lazy like I have in the past.

[shortnlovabl3]

yes dogs happen to go outside and walk on feces but think about whats on your shoes just from walking around outside? many micro things! Everything if you think about is unsanitary.  Animals expecially dogs are peoples best friends, they will never stab you in the back or hurt you in ways people can.

[queenofnines]

Like others have said, if you don't take your shoes off in the house, then you are no better than a dog. All of the problems you mentioned can be easily managed by wiping off paws, giving the dog a bath regularly, etc. The love a dog will give you is worth the extra dirt and hair!