The stories from above are mostly true, just wanting to add my two cents:
In case it is not obvious, during the summer months the weather is so hot that you must be prepared to keep your dogs inside the house. The vets can tell you all about ignorant owners who have kept their dogs outside, only to find them dead when they returned. It is also worth noting that unless you are getting a good housing allowance (minimum 15k) you will find it difficult to find a house with a garden that has at least grass and a good fence (more for your dogs privacy than others convenience). I am a very fortunate exception because i found an old compound with 2 bedroom villas (with all the problems you would expect), but it had a garden (with trees!!), in Doha, all for just 8k! (That is a great price in Doha terms). It is also worth mentioning that I have heard of some pets getting stolen, but i am not aware if this is a common occurence.
I don't know why yurizacky thinks you can walk a dog in the park, every one i have ever been near with my dog, security guards have told me very quickly not to come in. THe only way to let the dog really run free is when you head out of town to less built up areas.
In general, i can only agree with the sentiment that most of the locals, and immigrant labourers around here don't have any understanding of pet owner relationships, and think of all animals generally as dirty livestock, and dogs in particular as dangerous. I can also agree that it is really annoying the way many children and adults will just bark at the dogs, because they have so little contact with them otherwise. I know there are many cultural and religious reference points for this, so it is unlikely to change very soon.
For the record, proud owner of a rescued doha special german shepard and a rescued cat.
The stories from above are mostly true, just wanting to add my two cents:
In case it is not obvious, during the summer months the weather is so hot that you must be prepared to keep your dogs inside the house. The vets can tell you all about ignorant owners who have kept their dogs outside, only to find them dead when they returned. It is also worth noting that unless you are getting a good housing allowance (minimum 15k) you will find it difficult to find a house with a garden that has at least grass and a good fence (more for your dogs privacy than others convenience). I am a very fortunate exception because i found an old compound with 2 bedroom villas (with all the problems you would expect), but it had a garden (with trees!!), in Doha, all for just 8k! (That is a great price in Doha terms). It is also worth mentioning that I have heard of some pets getting stolen, but i am not aware if this is a common occurence.
I don't know why yurizacky thinks you can walk a dog in the park, every one i have ever been near with my dog, security guards have told me very quickly not to come in. THe only way to let the dog really run free is when you head out of town to less built up areas.
In general, i can only agree with the sentiment that most of the locals, and immigrant labourers around here don't have any understanding of pet owner relationships, and think of all animals generally as dirty livestock, and dogs in particular as dangerous. I can also agree that it is really annoying the way many children and adults will just bark at the dogs, because they have so little contact with them otherwise. I know there are many cultural and religious reference points for this, so it is unlikely to change very soon.
For the record, proud owner of a rescued doha special german shepard and a rescued cat.