Do you have a dog?

[JunieJay]

We are considering getting a dog. We've been on the fence for years, everyone wants one but me. Actually, I don't not want one, but I am a little leery of biting off more than I can chew.

If you have a dog, can you tell me a little about your dog and your family? Like what breed of dog you have, what are your family demographics, whether or not you had kids before or after you got the dogs, whether you leave the dog at home while you work, and if so, what is the arrangement (crate/free to roam the house), what you do with the dog when you are on vacation (dog sitting? kennel? take the dog with you?), whether you got the dog as a puppy or as an adult, the dog's temperment and anything else you can share. We are starting from scratch, haven't even started researching, but I know from experience if you want good information you ask the people on the DIS.

TIA!

 

[Liberty Belle]

We have Shiloh, a black lab.

We got him when ds1 was 6. He's a very good, kid-friendly, loyal, happy dog (awwww, I just love him!). He sheds and consequently I have a dog hair that is embedded in my toe (it's painful and I'm going to try a drawing out salve today - but that's another thread) and am constantly vacuuming the furniture and floor. Other than that, he's no bother at all. He's very protective and a good dog for kids to have.

Labs do need exercise and they can be quite large, so they need space. A walk around the block once a day (skipping some days when necessary) is fine with Shiloh. He loves to play with other dogs, too, so we take him to the dog run when we can.

They like toys but will "kill" just about any toy you give them, or so is my experience.

Here's his picture (the only one I have on here, but you can kinda see what he looks like):

 

[vettechick99]

My advice is to get a rescue dog that's over a year old. Puppies take so much time and effort and personally they drive me nuts. But dogs that have been rescued have been through their puppy years, usually have learn some good behaviors (already house trained), and are healthy. We got our Basset Hound from a rescue and we love her to pieces!

GL!

 

[KathyTX]

Wow, that's a lot of questions!!

We're "dog people", and they're a part of our family. DH and I adopted two Lab puppies in 1991, they were 6 weeks old and cute little bundles of love, energy and mischief! We crate trained them, and kept them crated or in restricted areas of the house when they were young unless they were with us. That was necessary for housetraining and to prevent them from eating the house. (We weren't 100% successful with that; Labs are chewers and ours still managed to eat some woodwork, drywall and carpet. And laundry. )

The dogs were two when DS was born, and were very gentle and protective of him.

They were a lot of work (bathing, shedding, exercising, training, eating), but they brought us a lot of love and enjoyment, and we miss them a lot now that they're gone.

We adopted an adult Beagle a year and a half ago, a rescue. She's restricted to the master bath when we're gone, and has the run of the house when we're home. (Just as the labs did.) She's pretty bossy and quirky, and not as affectionate as the Labs were.

When we travel, they're kennelled. We're pretty picky about kennels, and have one that we thoroughly trust.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

First of all, let me say good for you for putting in so much thought before getting a dog! So many people get them as a whim and often they turn them back in when there are problems. The people who put thought into it are more likely to know what they are getting themselves into (the good and the bad) and are making educated decisions and are less likely to make bad choices. So you've already earned many pet brownie points in my book!

We got a grown dog almost 9 years ago. Magic was around 4-5 years old at the time. We were looking for a dog who was about 1-2 years old because we (mainly my DH) did not want to go through puppyhood with a dog. Also, we wanted to rescue a dog who needed a home. I really wanted a dog, but would have settled for another baby, so gave my DH a choice and he choose the dog (we had 3 kids). 2 years later we had another baby, so I kind of did a bait and switch on my DH, but he handled that rather well (I really didn't want another baby when I gave my DH that choice, or at least I didn't think I did, so I wasn't really playing games, but looking back it certainly appears that way--makes a good story now, however).

Anyway, the bottom line is that we already had kids and then ended up having another one, which worked out well for us. about 3 years ago my sister needed a home for her dog, so we adopted a second dog then.

We waited to get our first dog until after our first trip to WDW and named him Magic. As it turned out, his tail looks like a Magic wand. He had been with a rescue organization for 2 years--nobody wanted an adult dog even though they kept bringing him to the Petsmart open houses. He basically chose us and he's been a sweetie.

I'm a SAHM and my DH currently works at home, so they have us at home during the day, but I know plenty of working people with dogs. It really depends on how many hours you work and your situation.

We crated Magic at night for a long time, but don't now. We do crate Sheena at night. Mainly so she won't bark since she barks at anything that walks by outside and so she won't play with the cats all night. They deserve a break, too.

Here's a picture of the two dogs--not the best pic, but it's the only one I have on Photobucket of the two of them together.

They are both mixed bread dogs. Sheena was about 1 1/2 years old when we adopted her. We used to kennel them when we went on vacation, but Sheena hates being kenneled. The last trip my college DD stayed home, so that worked out. We need to find a good pet sitter to stay in the home. But even when we left the animals with my DD Sheena was stressed. She's fine if I'm gone or my DH's gone, but if we're both gone, she gets very upset. My DD had to crate her in her bedroom instead of the hall where she's usually crated. She really is a baby.

 

[JunieJay]

My advice is to get a rescue dog that's over a year old. Puppies take so much time and effort and personally they drive me nuts. But dogs that have been rescued have been through their puppy years, usually have learn some good behaviors (already house trained), and are healthy. We got our Basset Hound from a rescue and we love her to pieces!

GL!

I was leaning toward an adult dog, mainly because none of us know the first thing about training a dog. I mean, I'm sure we could and would learn, but an older dog seems more logical.

But if we were to get a puppy, I also wonder how you know about breeders. Like if they are good, or not good?

Thanks for the responses so far and the pictures. Your dogs are precious!!

 

[KT27]

I was a cat person for years. We got a puppy in April. It's an yellow lab mix. She was 10.5 lbs at 10 weeks and now is 56lbs just over 6 mos (and still growing!). We crate trained our dog. I think that has helped her ALOT. We just moved to a new house this week and her fence isn't up yet so this week has been tough as she loves to run freely in the back yard. She really doesn't shed that much as most labs do but we are not sure what she is mixed with. My DH deployed a few weeks ago & I am so happy I have her. She is great company. I call her Minnie (Minnie MOOSE).
Puppy Pic

~Katie

 

[Jen_in_NH]

We have 2 dogs - a 14 year old lab/shepard, and a 5 month old Newfie. Both are great dogs. They're both big dogs though, and don't seem to realize that We don't have any kids yet, but they play with our neighbors kids all the time. They're both really good about having hair pulled, fingers stuffed in their mouths, being ridden, etc. The only problem either of them have with kids is that the dogs don't realize the kids weigh less than they do, so when the dogs lean up against them, they tend to get pushed over.

We leave them in the house while we're gone, and just make sure the trash is out, and all shoes are put away. For vacations, the older dog stays with my father in law, and the puppy is with my parents (father in laws house is NOT puppy-proof )

Getting a puppy is more of a handful than an adult dog. Obviously you have to train them to pee outside, but they are also harder to leave alone for any length of time. Also, how well do your kids like dogs? Will a dog licking them make them scared? Some kids are afraid of the bigger dogs, and some are afraid of the littler ones that bark a lot.

Good luck!

Jen

 

[cyndibelle]

We have a golden retriever max..we got him when he was 10 weeks old..our children were 4 and 1.5 at the time...max was no problem to train what so ever..we lucked out..he was house trained within a week..we did crate train him and i recommend everyone do that...he never made noise at night nothing....goldens can adapt to any lifestyle but i do recommend they go on walks at least every other day if you dont have a yard..we do but he still doesnt wanna go out in it..whether be where ever we are...he sheds a lot put that just requires some extra sweeping no big deal considering all the joy he brings our lives..

 

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

My answers are in pink.

We are considering getting a dog. We've been on the fence for years, everyone wants one but me. Actually, I don't not want one, but I am a little leery of biting off more than I can chew.

If you have a dog, can you tell me a little about your dog and your family? We have two dogs: One springer spaniel and one toy poodle. (Both females.) They are absolutely wonderful with children. They complete our family.

Like what breed of dog you have, Springer Spaniel and Toy poodle.

whether or not you had kids before or after you got the dogs,
Yes, my oldest was 3 when we got our Springer Spaniel. Now she's 114. We got the Toy Poodle when my yongest was a few weeks.

whether you leave the dog at home while you work,
Yes. They don't dig in the trash, or climb on the furniture. They are completely housebroken, too.

and if so, what is the arrangement (crate/free to roam the house)
We used to keep them in their crates, but now that they're older and housebroken, they roam freely around the house.

what you do with the dog when you are on vacation (dog sitting? kennel? take the dog with you?)We have Dog Sitters come. (Either my sister or my best friend.)

whether you got the dog as a puppy or as an adult
Both when they were puppies.

 

[JunieJay]

Any input on how one goes about choosing a breeder?

Also, most of you encourage crate training. Why? Is it actually beneficial beyond having your house in one piece when you get home?

 

[Blondie]

Well, I have a Shiloh as well, but he's a 9 y.o. Weimaraner.

We had our first Weim several years before we had our boys. There was no problem introducing the new baby when the time came. Weims are great in that they hardly shed, are not prone to "pointless barking" and make a great watch dog, as well as a family dog. They can be high strung though, and most of them are not happy living all day in a crate or confined area. They want to be a part of the family just like their human siblings.

If the puppy will be left unattended for most of the day, my recommendation is to get a rescue/older dog. If you don't have a yard, don't forget that someone's going to have to walk it come rain, snow, sleet or hail, and almost always at the most inopportune times. The only downside to pet ownership is when vacation time comes around, it breaks my heart to have to board him. When there's a dog in the family, spontaneous overnight trips & long weekends become a thing of the past unless you have someone close by that can check in on him, or maybe even take them into their home.

We've decided our next dog will be a Greyhound Rescue and we've already established contacts with Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption. At this stage in our lives, we don't want another puppy that we'll have to start from scratch with, though we do realize a Greyhound Rescue will require work in the beginning. They have the sweetest personalities and all the ones I've met so far have been so mellow!

I still have a soft spot in my heart for Weimaraners though, always will.

Good luck in your decision, dogs are great additions to the family. I know I'll aways have one!

 

[arminnie]

My advice is to get a rescue dog that's over a year old. Puppies take so much time and effort and personally they drive me nuts. But dogs that have been rescued have been through their puppy years, usually have learn some good behaviors (already house trained), and are healthy. We got our Basset Hound from a rescue and we love her to pieces!

GL!

I really, really second this. I had cocker spaniels for 25 years and will again after I finish mourning for the one I lost 2 months ago.

I got my first cocker from a breeder and went through all of the puppydom and training. Besides it being very time consuming and very hard work, he ended up with some aggressive tendencies when he was about two. It turns out that the father also developed some aggressiveness as he aged (after he was bred). I LOVED him dearly, and he was never that way with me, but I never let him be alone with others.

My second cocker I got from a cocker rescue group when he was a year old. All in all he was by far the better dog - in terms of health, temperment, etc. He had not been very well trained when I got him, but he was old enough to catch on quickly - unlike an 8 week old puppy who has to mature some to get it right.

I will definitely go the rescue route again - but this time I might even go for a little older dog. Sometimes because of an owner's death or a move some great dogs end up needed a home. Most people want a puppy or very young dog, but you have a much better idea of what you are getting with a grown dog. Plus you are past the chewing and housebreaking stage. Petfinder.com is a great resource.

 

[golfgal]

We got a Rat Terrier this past Christmas. We got her from some friends who's farm dogs had puppies but she is a full breed Rat Terrier. We paid $50 for the dog, $300 for all her "stuff" (kennel, collar, leash, toys, toys, toys, etc). It has been about $400 in shots, check-ups, etc. plus another $250 to get her spayed. It turns out she has a degenerative hip disease and had to have surgery for that, another $900. All of this since last December. Just giving you another side of the dog thing. They can be very expensive. My SIL just paid $2500 for their dog's leg surgery (different surgery then we had done).

Don't believe the kids when they say "I'll take care of it, I PROMISE", you know they won't. I knew our's would do ok with things but I am the one that takes care of her the most and wanted the dog the least. I refuse to pick up poop in the yard though. That is for the kids. Guess who the dog is the most attached to though .

She is a good dog and the breed is great because you get a big dog attitude in a small dog. She isn't a yippy, snooty thing like a lot of small breed dogs. She LOVES to run around and play in the yard. Before her leg started bothering her a 3 mile walk was like heaven. Her mom/dad go for 3-5 mile runs with their owners every day. Running around in the backyard is good enough exercise for them though too.

One piece of advice I got about getting a puppy vs an adult dog is that a lot of dogs are rescue dogs for a reason, most commonly the owners can't seem to house train the dogs. Just make sure you KNOW why the dog was rescued.

 

[Stacerita]

We have a Tibetian Terrier that we rescued from the shelter. He is probably the best dog we ever had. I grew up always having a dog so you can say we are a dog family.

We got him when he was just under a year old. Never had to "house train" him. He was found living on the streets when the shelter got him. He looked mangy and dirty. But he had an adorable face and he answered to his name. When we went looking for a dog, the sweetpea knew her dog's name was Harrison. So when I was at the shelter checking out the dogs, I saw this dirty dog in the "last row" looking all happy. I called his name, and the dog sat and paid attention. He knew that was his name.

We got very lucky with him. He suits our family perfectly and has been the best dog we have ever had. After we got him, we did some reading up on his breed. What we found out, was that they are intelligent dogs who generally take up the traits of their owners. Thats why he is so well suited for us. Which also explains why he likes to nap, watch tv and relax.

He also has been a great watch dog.

Seriously consider going to a shelter to get your pet. Good luck!

 

[minkydog]

Take your time and get to know what you really are looking for in a dog. You have to be brutally honest with yourself--everybody has to decide for themselves how much shedding, barking, activity level,etc they can tolerate.

In our case, everything pointed to a golden retreiver. We have a handicapped child and I know a golden would be so right for us...except for the shedding. My child was not walking at the time and the thought of him lying on the floor in dog hair just made me sick. Ultimately, we decided on the next best thing, a Standard Poodle.

We wanted a puppy because the time was right--I was home a lot ,I had the time to train it. We crate trained from the start and it made house-breaking a breeze. If I ever get another dog though, it would be an adult. Puppies are as much work as babies!

We found our dog through a rescue group. He is a mix of standard poodle and something-else-tall. He weighs about 75lbs and looks very poodley. He is devoted to our family and wonderful with my son, particularly. I think the reason this has been so successful is that we spent a number of weeks determining what we really needed and ruled out breeds that we knew would not work for us(terriers=too much energy, hunting dogs=too much barking,big working dogs=too much fur). Every family is different. I never thought we would be Big Dog people, let alone own a poodle but it's a match made in heaven and we couldn't be happier.

 

[kayeandjim00]

One warning - one often leads to two
We adopted Maxine our 3 year old lab from the Humane Society last August
She has been an absolute DREAM! Never had an accident, never been a problem, the easiest dog I've ever had. She's housebroken and has free reign of the house during the day and we trust her implicitly. She's never gotten in to anything or chewed anything she shouldn't. If she finds a shoe she just cuddles up with it and goes to sleep so I think it's more for the scent than anything. I HIGHLY suggest an adult rescue dog. They seem to just know that you've rescued them and give you tons of love!

My BIL/SIL fostered a basset/beagle mix for the humane society in May but were unable to keep him for themselves because he didn't get along with their dog. We met him and fell in love but alas we didn't think a second dog was a good idea, we were about to go to WDW, etc etc so we didn't try to adopt him. HE was adopted out and we thought - we had made the right decision he was meant for another home. While we were at WDW he was returned - apparently he didn't like living in a home that had a day care. So two days after our return we decided he was "meant to be" with us. And now Leonard is happy here

He was not house trained or crate trained had separation anxiety and at 1 1/2 was still very much a puppy. He's passed basic obedience and is going on to be CGC certified like his big sister and is by far the cuddliest sweetest dog I've had. The first few weeks were stressful but he's been a great addition to our family. He likes to chase the cats too much so he's still crated during the day. DH comes home at lunch but if he runs into something and can't he can make it the whole day. We don't like to do it but know that many people don't have the luxury to pop in during the day so we realize that the dogs are ok when we have to do it.
Do lots of research on whatever breed you choose and look into breed rescues or your humane society. The last thing I'd add is they are expensive. Heart worm preventive, vaccinations, food, toys, etc. but they are worth all of that and more but I think some people really don't realize the financial commitment a dog is.
Good luck!!

 

[kayeandjim00]

One last thing - shedding! We have a lab so we've become accustomed to a certain amount of dog hair despite our daily vacuuming but it's not for everyone. I just steam cleaned my carpets and the amount of hair It's not pretty The basset on the other hand hardly sheds at all so that's a definite breed difference.

 

[AKLRULZ]

Our 3 kiddos were pretty small 5 years ago when we decided to get a dog - we went with a lab as they're known to be great with kids. She is, indeed, the most gentle dog you could ever know, but one thing that you need to know about labs is that they shed which I hate. We vaccum daily, sometimes twice daily. We never had a problem with her chewing and she is crate trained and stays in her crate when we are not home. Overall, I'd choose a lab again, but probably not a black lab because of the shedding issue.

 

[Hercules10]

I support going to the shelters. Let the dog pick you out. Happened this way with one of my dogs and the cat.

If no one in your family has had experiance with raising a pup then maybe adopting an older dog is better. Personally I prefer the pups since soooo much can be imprinted on them at a younger age.

Good luck!!!!