I think I don't like owning a dog

Now now I know the title is weird but hear me out, also please try to read the whole thing if possible. TL;DR at the bottom


I've lived with dogs since I have memory (13+ years now, Im currently 21) and I'm actually quite good at it. I've trained all the dogs we've had and with very good success.
So I know what it takes to be a good owner and all the responsibilities that come with owning a dog.


My problem is, my sister moved about half a year ago and she took her dogs with her (Literally all the dogs the house had) and well, after always having a dog in the house for my whole life I was kinda starting to miss having one, so I decided that it was a good idea to adopt a puppy (Plus I also have depression + feel lonely, and I've read so many times that having a pet helps whit both those things so I had an extra reason to do it), but this time it was gonna be mine, not my dad's (The only person I'm living with). Not anyone's, but mine.

I hate it.

Oh god I hate it so god darn much, even when the dog is an angel and and barely gives any trouble if any trouble at all (other than chewing, and I'm already working in fixing that) Jesus he even got potty trained in 3 days.

But I hate having to clean, I hate having to play, I hate having to shower him, I hate training, I hate having to be 24/7 with him and since I'm in college I hate leaving and being worried all the time of what he is doing and if he is doing in the right spot since he is alone for like 5-6 hrs a day early in the morning (Even when I take him out first thing in the morning) or if he is getting in trouble and so on so forth.

I think don't like owning a dog right now.

Thing is I honestly think this might be due to having a reality check with all the responsibilities that comes with owning a dog and this time I'm the only one looking after him (My dad is not exactly "good" when it comes to pets, and previously it would be a shared responsibility between my sister and I).
Or maybe because I just haven't fell in love with him yet (I don't attach to anything easily so for me its normal to take a while to get affectionate towards anything)
But I don't want this to be a burden, owning a pet its supposed to be a fun and fulfilling experience but right now its only adding more problems to the ones I already have since I want to give him the best life I can. (At least I'm responsible)

So, do you think I should wait to see if maybe things get better once I get used to it/feel affection towards him or should I just look for another family for him?.


TL;DR Recently adopted a dog and I'm its only caretaker, I've previously owned dogs so I know how to take care of him but I'm hating it even when I previously loved having dogs. Should I wait if it gets better or what gives?

Quote " he is alone for like 5-6 hrs a day" unquote

first big mistake a puppy needs socialisation and human company, I just cannot understand why peoples thought processes don't take this into consideration. As having already had experience with dogs you should have known better

You haven't ever owned a dog before, you've just lived with people that have and there's a big difference between that, where you can just dip in and out when you feel like it and having sole responsibility.
I don't know how you can hate playing with the dog, cleaning up maybe but playing?
I think you should accept you're not ready for dog ownership and rehome the dog to someone who can meet his needs.

Often what seems like a good idea, can turn out to be less than ideal. You sound like a responsible owner who worries about his dog so no recriminations here.

No one can tell you how to feel and no one can advise on whether or not you should carry on. Only you know that because only you are experiencing the feelings you are having.

I'm so sorry that it's not working out the way you thought it would. Whichever way you go, good luck

Well said, sadly we live in 2017 not 1917 and it's clear that a large percentage of humans have not improved their knowledge of many things (dogs in particular) in those 100 years

Totally agree. People, like the OP for example, don't understand the committment required. If you can't give it, don't get a dog.