HELP me make a decision. Should we get a puppy?

[JerseyJanice]

NO!!!!!!

Puppies are cute and stuff, but man, are they a lot of work! Especially if you're crazy enough (like me) to agree to get a large, always-shedding labrador. They mess up your house, it's a huge pain when you want to go away, and if they're sick, they'll drive you crazy and bankrupt you at the same time.

I love my dog, but when he goes, that's it. I don't even want houseplants.

 

[bevgray]

I never had a dog, Mummy was a cat person. I love all animals however and have kept the feline tradition alive. I can't conceive of not having a furry one around. I got my first kitten at the age of 6 and will never forget the feeling of being told, "Oh, you like that one? Well, you just take him on home. Happy birthday!" My mother had arranged the kitten visit with her "friend" and I had no idea it was a ploy for me to get my own little cat.

However, since your daughter is only 8, I would not volunteer to foster. No matter how mature she is, I'm not sure an 8 year old can really grasp the concept of foster (as in we're keeping it only until it is adopted by its "forever" family). If she is passionate about dogs the way I was with my kitten, you'd have to kill her to get it away from her.

I think exposing her to shelters and/or volunteering is a good way to go. Also, do you have any relatives/friends/neighbors who have dogs? Perhaps she could "dog sit" for them which would be a good way for you to gauge her patience/boredom level with the "work" side. Most animal lovers adore talking about their pets and I'm sure would be very helpful in sharing the happy/busy side of animal parenting with her. Also, head to the library/bookstore and start getting her books on dogs. Not just the pretty breed picture books but books on training, care, and all the ins and outs of dog ownership.

I think you are showing wonderful concern as a Mommy to research this issue. I don't see that you asking a question is an indicator that you are not 100% sure at all. The internet (and its message boards) are a very effective way to find out information. You might also go to the different dog breed/association web sites as they will have descriptions of breeds and links to breeders who can provide a lot more indepth information about specific animals. Good luck!

 

[ladycollector]

I agree with this post. An 8lb dog can be hard to handle - notice all the people carrying them instead of walking them? It's training that counts, not poundage

What? I have a 6lb dog and I will tell you the majority of the time we are carrying them because they are either 1) tired 2) too darn cute and we have to hold them. My dog walks perfectly on a leash but if he gets a little slow and starts walking behind me, I pick him up to give him a break - not because he's a brat.

I do agree that training is important, but as a 100lb girl living on her own, I picked a chihuahua because I have much more control over him than I would with a lab. I agree a well trained lab is just as easy as a chihuahua, but very few people train their dogs well enough to stop on command while in pursuit of a squirrel.

With a small dog, you are in control physically even if the dog is not perfectly trained. Personally, I'd go with a smaller dog for an 8 year old.

 

[samshane]

Dh and I have been married 14yrs - we've had 5 dogs - only one was a puppy. At the time we had a 1yr old and were pregnant with DD2. So getting up at night and caring for a new "baby" was something we were used to.

My kids are now 11, 9, and 8... never again will I have a puppy. I like the older dogs - we adopted dogs that were 2 and 3, and took in a couple of seniors that were aged 10 and 12 when we got them. Every dog we have had has come from a shelter or rescue.

Puppies are cute and cuddly - but they need lots and lots of extra care. Our only puppy is now approaching 11yrs old. I don't regret having her as a puppy, but once she got out of that puppy stage life with her was so much easier (IMHO).

Just my 2 cents!

 

[SandrA9810]

Even when I adopted my dog, who they said was about 3 yrs old. It took a few years before she finally mellowed out. I never worried about her tearing up things if she was home alone, or peeing and pooping (unless she had an upset stomach) in the house.

but walks and her stubbornness, just about drove me up a wall sometimes. We had our good days and our bad days, but I wouldn't trade anything for the world for that experience.

There's a perfect dog to fit your household, whether it's a big dog or small dog. I personally can't stand little dogs besides Corgis, and probably would never go for that size. Kiani was only 35lbs, which worked perfectly for apartment living, as that's usually the cut off limit. But she was tall and slender, perfect for running, that made her a good size. And no matter how much I love the Sammy breed or the spitz line, it's not the perfect breed for every owner. You have to figure out what's going to be that perfect fit for the family.

 

[Cooky]

.

 

[Tinkh]

We have 2 dogs and a cat. Our son begged for his own puppy (and the other was bought by my husband as a surprise b-day gift. I would never, ever regret that decision. My son and his dog have grown together. He has not always done the work involved, but for the most part he has. We love our pets and they are our family. If you feel comfortable that your daughter will love and care for her puppy, then I say go for it! Just remember you will have to pick up the slack and help too.

 

[JessicaR]

These are my rescues. We've had them since puppies. It was a concerted family effort and everyone was on board. Ready for more!

 

[SadieDog]

These are my rescues. We've had them since puppies. It was a concerted family effort and everyone was on board. Ready for more!

Wow, absolutely beautiful.

 

[JessicaR]

Wow, absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, we love them LOTS!

 

[Tinijocaro]

My thoughts: just get the dog. Yes, it requires a bit more work but it is so worth it. Don't overthink it-expect to do most of the work.