Help! Need dog breed advice.

[KelNottAt]

DD is begging for a dog. She is days away from her 13th birthday. She's an awesome kid with perfect grades and a wonderful attitude. I would really love to get her a puppy, but a few things are holding me/us back:

1. Allergies - DH has tons, including dogs.
2. Loneliness - our house is empty 7:00AM - 4:30PM on school days. That can't be healthy or enjoyable for a dog, can it? Plus, we travel frequently on the weekends to visit for various family obligations. A dog would not be invited.
3. Mess - Indoors and out. I can't stand shedding.

So, taking all those factors into consideration, does a bread exist that would be good for us?

It breaks my heart to see DD want something so badly. But, even if I can manage to increase my tolerance for mess, could we still be a good family for a dog? And if so, what breed?

I've done some "breed matching" tools online and get a lot of poodle mixes in the recommendations. DH would never go for that. He thinks they're sissy dogs.

Advice??

Oh, DD wants a harrier. http://www.akc.org/breeds/harrier/index.cfm

 

[mrsv98]

Honestly, if you are going to be gone so much and dogs are not part of your regular weekend plans, I would not get one. Getting a puppy is like having an infant again, at least for the first few months and then like having a rambunctious toddler for maybe two more years.

Perhaps your DD could fulfill her doggie desires by vounteering at an animal shelter or starting her own pet walking/pet care service.

Truthfully, I don't think your life style is right to have a dog. Sorry, JMHO

 

[Crankyshank]

If you are set on getting a dog, I would get 2 dogs so they would keep each other company while you are gone. I don't think a puppy would be a good idea because they really need a consistent schedule for training and adjustment purposes and can't stay home for long periods without going to the bathroom.
And I would recommend bichons. Great dogs, super friendly, small, sociable, and allergy friendly.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

First of all, poodles are not for sissies. At least, not standard poodles. Have your hubby read Travels with Charlie. Until fairly recently, poodles were a man's dog...

Anyways, some good non-allergenic, no or little shedding breeds can be found here: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm

I had a miniature schnauzer growing up whom I adored. My parents requirements for getting me a dog was that it be small, family oriented, and not shed. The schnauzer was a perfect fit.

As for a harrier...well...they bay don't they? That's about 10 times worse, in my opinion, than a barker...plus they're not really common in the US are they? If someone were to ask me about getting a harrier my first question would be, why not get a beagle?

 

[KelNottAt]

Honestly, if you are going to be gone so much and dogs are not part of your regular weekend plans, I would not get one. Getting a puppy is like having an infant again, at least for the first few months and then like having a rambunctious toddler for maybe two more years.

Perhaps your DD could fulfill her doggie desires by vounteering at an animal shelter or starting her own pet walking/pet care service.

Truthfully, I don't think your life style is right to have a dog. Sorry, JMHO

I know. I know. You're right.

But, I still find myself wondering, if other families with our kinds of schedules (or worse) can manage a dog, why couldn't we? What's their secret? How do they do it?

 

[bekkiz]

I cannot handle dog hair myself, and required a non-shedding pup.

We went with a mini schanuzer for a few reasons:
1. The no shedding thing, of course. However, you need to know that non-shedding dogs require a lot more grooming than regular haired dogs. Indy needs daily brushing and professional grooming about ever 6-8 weeks

2. Size, our's is a little tall and is about 20 lbs, but most mini schanuzers are 12-20 lbs. The standard schnauzer is around 40 lbs, and I think the giant can be like 75 or 80.

3. Temperment, he's a BIG dog in a little body. Sort of has a napolean complex LOL But he's also very sturdy, which means walks and play time can be vigorous. He does well with bigger dogs. He doesn't need a huge amount of exercise though, he gets a 1 mile walk nearly every day, plus play time in the backyard and trips to the dog park on occasion.

My big suggestion, looking at your schedule is to either find an older dog (a year old at least) or bring the puppy home when you have some time off work and school. The first few weeks are CRUICIAL in potty training and staving off bad behavors (like seperation anxiety). If you can't spend a lot of time, like 16-18 hours a day for the first week or two, working with the dog, you can have a lot of trouble. More time=faster potty training=much happier owners in the long run!

If you can get the dog comfortable in the house and potty trained, 7-4:30 isn't too bad, and perhaps you can find a near by doggy day care for a day or two a week. There's also lots of toys designed to help pups pass the time. If you're going to be away alot, find a nearby kennel that you are really happy with. We travel quite a bit, and Indy LOVE going to the doggy "resort." He gets loads of play time with the other dogs and lots of attention from the gals that work there

 

[luvwinnie]

I just want to applaud you for thinking this through...so many people get pets impulsively without thinking of the care that an animal requires.

 

[Disney Doll]

Dogs need a lot of time and attention, or they get mischievious and then everyone thinks they are a "bad" dog. They're suually not bad, just bored and lonely.

Your lifestyle does not sound compatible with dog ownership the way it should be done.

 

[DabsandTroy]

I have to agree with MRSV, if you are going to be gone from home a lot, I wouldnt get one. DH and I have two dogs. Yes, they keep each other company. But, they are a lot of work! And you would have to include the cost of someone having to care for them on the weekends when you are gone.

DH and I like to travel. We enjoy going on weekend escapades, but we have had to stop them due to needing to be back in time to let our pups out. We board them if needed (i.e. vacation time, etc). However, boarding them can be expensive!

Maybe you can have your daughter go through a pet first aid class and get her "certification" and have her start to pet sit for friends/family. Some people need someone who can come over a couple of times a day for feedings and playtime (and potty times if there is no doggie door). I also like the idea of seeing if she can volunteer at the shelter.

Dogs are wonderful beings that truly enrich their owners lives if given the chance. I can't tell you the amount of joy that ours bring to us.
Lucy cracks us up on a regular basis.

If you should decide to get one for her, I agree that a bichon is a great choice.

Good Luck!

 

[hiwaygal]

First of all, here's some basic info about Harriers

From what I know of them (very little), I'm thinking your DH's allergies would not co-exist well with them and you wouldn't like the shedding.

Some folks will tell you that leaving a dog for 8 hours a day while one works is cruel. I'm not one of them. If I didn't have a job, I wouldn't be able to have a house for myself or my dogs! Unfortunately, it's a fact of life (although I'm lucky since DH can stay at home with my dogs). But, leaving them alone all day during the week and again on weekends doesn't leave a whole lot of time for the dog.

I would love to be able to tell you that I think a dog for your DD is a great idea...I would love for you and your family to be able to experience that unwavering love and adoration...but I'm not sure you are ready for the committment (and I don't mean to sound snobby when I say that).

The reality is that no matter how responsible and dedicated your DD is at 13, how interested is she going to be in 3 or 4 years when she wants to go out with her friends/boyfriend? At that point, the dog will still be very young and need lots of time and attention...will she still be there, or will you be taking care of it? And what about college...

My suggestion would be to find a nearby shelter that could use some help walking/playing with the dogs in it's care. Many of them are STARVED for affection and playtime out of a cage. Your DD could get her fill of a bunch of dogs while giving them some much needed TLC. She would be like an Angel to them!!! (and you don't have to clean up the mess )

You could also consider fostering a dog for a rescue group. This would give you an older dog to work with (much easier than puppies) as well as give your family a chance to "test drive" different breeds over a long period of time.

To be honest, I'm not sure how other families do it. We don't go too far from home because we don't like leaving our three dogs alone in the house too long. When we do go somewhere, we either kennel them, or take them with us.

I also applaud you for thinking this through...and I really hope my post didn't sound too negative...I really didn't write it that way.

 

[terri01p]

If I were you and wanted to get a dog, I might would get an older dog, take it from me, I bought a puppy three months ago and he is taking every bit of energy out of me, I could just imagine if I left him alone. I told my dh that I feel like I have just given birth, you will be up at least once during the wee hours of the morning and probably more, plus they want to play, play, play and I have a doggie door and a fenced yard and still the energy, my goodness. I feel with your life style it won't be no time before your trying to give the pup up, I agree with the person that said why don't you let her vounteer thats a great way to get your puppy fix. Dogs really want to be part of your family, I'm a SAHM and this dog already when I get my keys goes to the door to come with..lol.

 

[Poohgirl]

I had those same issues when I was choosing a breed. I did end up with a poodle mix, a cockapoo. It doesn't shed, has "hair" not fur so great for allergies (i mean NO hair mess at all ), he is extremely loving and great with the kids, loves to play fetch, frisbee etc. He is 26 lbs big enough to be a "real" dog but not an overwhelming size at all, white with dark brown saddle and spots and looks like a "puppy" version of a larger breed spaniel so he will forever have that cute puppy look. He is truely the best dog I have had. Don't rule the mixes out.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

www.perfectpetzzz.com take your pick

seriously though, if you are going to be out of the house for that long, I would feel bad for the dog. Dog's need love and attention. Puppies need constant attention.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

I know. I know. You're right.

But, I still find myself wondering, if other families with our kinds of schedules (or worse) can manage a dog, why couldn't we? What's their secret? How do they do it?

I think it's great that you're giving a lot of thought into whether or not to get a dog. I know there are several families in our area that have dogs, but treat them as after thoughts, and you can see how much these dogs crave attention and exercise.

You and your family have a busy schedule, so what is everyone willing to sacrafice for the sake of having a pet? For example, less activities or staying home more on the weekends. You also have to consider that if you leave your house around 7 am, you need to be up really early feeding and walking the dog, so that they are tired out by the time you leave.

Is getting a dog walker an option for you during the day? Pay someone to come once or twice, and take the dog on a good 1/2 hour walk.

Do you have a friend or family member that you can dog sit for a week for, so that everyone gets an idea of the work and time needed to take care of a dog?

I think that there are other pets that a child can have that do not require as much work and commitment as a dog, and children will still love them.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[flipflop]

My mother and stepfather got a Tibetan Terrier in May. She is adorable, hypo-allergenic and will get to be about 30 pounds. She has a fantastic disposition and is great with my 3, 2 year olds already and she is still a puppy.

That said - I agree with the other posters who have said it doesn't seem that you have a lifestyle that is conducive to owning a dog (especially a puppy who needs to be house trained and let out every couple of hours). I would love to have a dog but we keep similar hours to you and for us we feel it would be unfair to the dog.

Having a dog also means you have less mobility. With a puppy especially, you can't decide to go on a day trip for 6 hours unless you have someone that will come over and watch the dog - or you are will to have a dog walker come in. Travelling requires more thought.

It's great you are putting so much thought into this decision.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

It doesn't sound like from what you've posted, that your family is suitable for a dog.

#1 - I'd be worried that your husband would be allergic, no matter what breed you chose. There's just no way to know for sure. That would be a recipe for disaster, for both the dog and anyone who became attached to it.

#2 - You're gone far too much. Dogs are pack animals and need to be around their pack. One of the biggest sacrifices I make, is to not travel as much as I'd like, because I don't have the heart to leave Chloe with people that she doesn't know, and I can't ask my mom to watch her constantly. My husband's parents live two hours away, and we go for a day-visit, I have to pay someone to let Chloe out. It's a pain, but it's a sacrifice I make, because I love her.

I don't know too much about cats, but maybe that would work? They seem to be more independent, and they're sure easier to take care of in regards to feeding and taking care of their business.

Now I feel all mean...

 

[Camicar]

I could have written your post! Exactly the same situation.

I love dogs, had a wonderful cockapoo growing up. I will say that I have told my dd no. A firm no.
Here's why:

I personally don't think it's fair to leave a dog alone for that long. Leave two dogs alone for that long and what a mess you might come home to.

I do not want to curtail my weekend activities.

Who is going to come home in the middle of the day to deal with a puppy? Who is going to clean up the messes? Who is going to pay for it when the dog poops on and destroys a wood floor?

The cost of vet care is astronomical. A friend of mine just had to cancel her vacation to pay for vet care. Now, that was her choice. But as for me, the only thing that keeps me going every day is looking forward to my vacation, so I don't want to take a chance of losing the one thing I look forward to all year.

My dh has no interest in dogs, is a neatnick and would resent any mess they made.

Who is going to be walking that dog at 11pm at night in freezing weather or the rain? Or conversely, if we get the invisible fence, who is going to be picking up the poop?

What happens when she goes away to college?

I don't feel that at 13 she has the commitment to take care of a dog and that all of the work would then fall on me. Since I don't want a dog myself, why would I get one?

 

[southernbelle_amy]

I have a wonderful Maltipoo. She only sheds as much as a normal person just losing normal hair. She is about 7lbs, so easy to travel with her. We got her when she was almost 5 or 6 months, so we crate trained her, and I think in less than a month she was trained. She pretty much can lay around all day, but then is very playful when played with. We leave her out all day in our apartment usually from 8-5 and she does great 95% of the time, the other 5% is if i forget to put away something tempting around her. Especially for kids I think smaller dogs like under 10 or 15 lbs. are good. Anything bigger can be hard for them to handle properly. Good luck.

 

[phillybeth]

Honestly, if you are going to be gone so much and dogs are not part of your regular weekend plans, I would not get one. Getting a puppy is like having an infant again, at least for the first few months and then like having a rambunctious toddler for maybe two more years.

Perhaps your DD could fulfill her doggie desires by vounteering at an animal shelter or starting her own pet walking/pet care service.

Truthfully, I don't think your life style is right to have a dog. Sorry, JMHO

Gotta agree with this. Allergies + busy schedule + not wanting a mess = no dog, IMO.

A dog is a lifetime commitment. If you and DH are not in it for the long haul, then don't do it. Your DD will be off to college in 5 short years- meanwhile that dog could live 15 years or more.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I just want to applaud you for thinking this through...so many people get pets impulsively without thinking of the care that an animal requires.