I'm getting a puppy! -update page 6

[Tigger&Belle]

I'm also not crazy about the outside dog thing. Sometimes I wish my dogs wanted to spend more time outside , but they are inside dogs. If it's a nice day Sheena might spend a couple hours basking in the sun, but that is her choosing. She's our pet, dog hairs, barking, and all. If young kids come over who are scared of her or we have a reparirman, etc in the house I might put her outside (or I might leash her inside or put in in another part of the house) but that's for a little while.

To the OP, please carefully think through your choice of a particular dog, talk to your vet, to various breeders (sounds like you're doing the breeder part), etc. Think about the lifespan, the arrangements when you go on vacation, the training involved, etc. And if you get a dog, please make it a forever animal!

 

[VSL]

I'm also not crazy about the outside dog thing. Sometimes I wish my dogs wanted to spend more time outside , but they are inside dogs. If it's a nice day Sheena might spend a couple hours basking in the sun, but that is her choosing. She's our pet, dog hairs, barking, and all. If young kids come over who are scared of her or we have a reparirman, etc in the house I might put her outside (or I might leash her inside or put in in another part of the house) but that's for a little while.

Oh definitely - we did the same with my dog before he died. Often on a summer morning we would let him out the back and when he didn't come back in he could be found basking on a sunny part of the lawn!

And Bouncer wasn't good with children so if there were any over we would close the door to the living room and leaving the back door open so he could go out the back or stay in the kitchen.

It's the whole thing where people have their dog living and sleeping out the back that I don't really like

 

[disneyaggie]

I called the ASPCA instead and reported the petstore for underfeeding.

Good for you! I would have done the same thing!

 

[Papa Deuce]

Yeah. I absolutely adore Siberian Husky's and had big plans to get (at least) 2 when Jay and I are living together, because I love running but Jay isn't so fussed, and it would have been great to take them with me (and apparently they're really good with endurance). They're also apparently really good with children/families.
However, they also like to run off a lot, and can escape easily (ie, they don't get 'attached' to you in the way that some dogs do), so I'd always have to have them on the lead when running (and I would much rather have preferred to take to some trails and give them some freedom). So, alas, it is not to be.

Apparently though Dalmatians or German Shepherds would really fit the bill (all of the above but they get very attached) - if we can afford a pedgree!

Definitely research the breed - if you have young children, get a family friendly breed.

I have known 3 Dalmations. All were way too hyper for me. And once, when I was walking my dog, a lady witha dalmation walked up to me and said " do yourself a favor and never get a dalmation"..... my dog was standing there calmly while her dog was yanking her in all directions.

 

[VSL]

PapaDeuce - yeah. I think that it's partly because they're working dogs (I've read that Dalmatians (and Husky's, for that matter!) are pretty hyper - but I'd be taking it running at least once a day, and would probably be taking it either for a walk as well or another run (that's part of why I want one). Our Border Collie (/lab mix) was the same - just absolutely brimming with energy. You couldn't take him for a walk - it had to be a run!

I also adore Boxer's, but wouldn't get one to come running with me because of their squashed muzzle (apparently they can have trouble breathing so distance running wouldn't be too much fun for one).

I've also read that they can be quite neurotic due to 'bad breeding' after all the hype with Disney's '101 Dalmatians'.

 

[MommyPoppins]

Hey OP -

Your title said for awhile that you had an update,that you found a breeder and had pics. Was waiting for a good dose of adorable puppy pics, but then you edited it out again.

So, how are you doing? Did you find a reputable breeder?

Let us know how things are going with the puppy search.

Yes, I found a breeder and I'll be picking up my pup on Thursday night at the airport. Sorry about the pic. I thought I was going to have some to post, but wasn't able to get to it. I'll post some pics probably on Fri.

 

[MommyPoppins]

I think what concerns me the most is this:I can't even express why, but the above is disturbing and very sad to me. I cannot imagine taking an animal into my home if I thought for a second that anyone in the home would be totally indifferent to the pet. I guess I just have a totally different outlook. And I think it is very naive to say with certainty "I know my dog and it will not have a problem' with another animal moving in. Any new animal introduced into the home is a HUGE adjustment, especially for the animals.

I wish the OP well and I hope it all works out as planned. I would advise against it.

The boxer is my husbands dog. My children don't really pay much attention to her because she doesn't pay much attention to them. She clearly favors my husband, because she knows HE is her master. He takes care of her and plays with her. When my boys are older, they'll appreciate her. But that doesn't mean we can't get animals because our kids aren't old enough to appreciate them yet. Also, my dog will be an inside dog, she'll only be allowed outside to play and potty and I'll be with her. Our boxer is an outside dog and has never met another dog she didn't like. Plus we used to have another dog, a puppy and Sadie(boxer) took to her right away. I appreciate your concern, but no one knows my family and our dog better than us.

 

[MommyPoppins]

Just a thought. The kids might be indifferent because the boxer is big (might be intimidating or too energetic to play with). A small dog might spark their interest. I really think that our baby (almost 2) prefers our smallest dog. We have an 80lber, a 45lber and a 12lber.

And I don't get the outside dog thing either. That's my red flag.

I don't think there is anything wrong with having a dog outside. Dogs are outside creatures. Our old house was only 900 Sq. ft. living and having a dog the size of a boxer inside would have been hard. We did keep her inside until she was a little older and we had a fenced in yard. She would much rather be outside running around in a large shaded yard, chasing squirrels and playing in the water than sitting inside until play time. Boxers are very energetic dogs. She LOVES to be outside. The kids are outside all the time and while they don't throw a ball with her or anything, she does follow them around. They are just too young to really appreciate a dog, but I don't see why that should keep a family from getting one.

 

[castoff]

Tina, what breed is Dante? I have a westie, and I think Dante looks kind of like a westie or a bichon. I know, totally different looking breeds, but I can't see his fur well in the picture.
I got Mac at a pet store- it is a local, small pet store that I knew the owner. I don't think they use puppy mills, but you never know. I had no intention of getting a dog- I was with my friend. I also had no intention of buying a westie- I wanted a Bichon or a pom. But, I saw him in the window, and fell totally in love with him. We were lucky, as he was healthy, and he has a great disposition. He loves people, and, a year later, I still think he is the cutest dog I have ever seen.
That said, I will not buy from a puppy store agin, no matter how reputable it is. The first few days of having him, I felt torn, because I loved this tiny furry boy, but felt so guilty for buying him at a pet store. Our next dog, which will hopefully be in a couple months, will be from our local Animal care and control, and will likely be a mutt. Shortly after we got MacIntyre, I found www.puppymillrescue.com/ online. If there is a site that will make you think very carefully before you purchase a dog from a pet store, this is it. Warning: there are graphic pictures on this site. I have not even looked at most of them. However, this organization is doing wonderful things to try to stop puppy mills.
Ultimately it is up to each person to do what they feel is right for their situation. But, there are many well behaved and loving dogs put down every day. Please consider all of the options before you decide.

Dante is a maltese. Our other dog is from a shelter and he is a mutt. We love both dogs the same. The only reason why we wen't through a breeder is I wanted a certain kind of dog this time. Puppies are alot of work but they are so worth it.

 

[VSL]

Tina - Dante (if that is who your picture is!) is a gorgeous little thing! How adorable.

 

[MommyPoppins]

Tina-

How do you keep your Malteses eyes so clean? What do you use? I cared for a maltese for a few weeks when I was in highschool and it has HORRIBLE tear stains. I want to be able to avoid that with my dog.

 

[mainewmn]

I appreciate your concern, but no one knows my family and our dog better than us.

Your thread title is “I'm getting a puppy! Good choice” which sounds like you soliciting opinions of posters here on your decision to get a dog. While I will agree with you that you know your family best and ultimately will make the decision hopefully with their best interest in your heart what you got so far are others opinions on this matter. Whether you choose to accept it or not it’s your decision.

 

[castoff]

Would you mind sharing that information or the link to where you found it? We have a 1 year old dog that we adopted from the local humane society and are in the application process of getting a second dog from a local rescue shelter and this information would be helpful.

SrFgrl07: The fact that we were getting a puppy from another state and our dog hadn't been around alot of dogs had me concerned. Our dog was really needy. We think he was abused before we got him from the shelter. He was 8 months old when we got him. First I googled. May sound weird but I had him tested for social skills. I was able to observe him through a window, There was no charge. Chris took down all background info first then slowly one by one introduced him to a dog to see how he would react. He was looking to see if he had any AGGRESSION in him at all. He had none. Brewster wen't to doggie day care for 4 hours a day 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The cost was 15.00 a day.
Now if you know your dog doesn't have aggression and is used to being around other dogs then your one step ahead of me. You introduce your dog away from the house. It has to be done slowly. I couldn't do that so Chris said I could do it in the garage which I did. I had puupy in crate at first they sniffed then I let out. Do not have on leash. When brought in house puppy was in crate again, repeat process.They must do on own with instict. Brewster is pack leader and knows he is a puppy but will let him know when he doesn't wan't to be bothered. He has never hurt him and they are best buddies. They play GREAT together. My bigfgest problem is keeping Dante out of Brewster's food and Brewster out of puppy food. The place I took them to is the place where I board Brewster and train Dante. Sorry so long.

 

[castoff]

Tina-

How do you keep your Malteses eyes so clean? What do you use? I cared for a maltese for a few weeks when I was in highschool and it has HORRIBLE tear stains. I want to be able to avoid that with my dog.

Believe it or not Dante has none. Neither does his parents. It's the quality of the dog. The breeder gave me 8 pages of instructions. One thing is eye envy in case but I haven't had to use it yet. Check out www.eyeenvy.com she told me he might get some when he starts to cut his teeth. I was also told he needs to keep his face dry. I only give him purified water and he drinks out of a bottle.
My DH works for a water treatment so the water is plentiful.
I know he is spoiled. He can only have clear treats also. This infomation all came from my breeder. She has been in business for 8 years and she knows more then me. If you really want to see the kind of dog I got check out www.alwaysmaltese.com I will be doing competion with Dante. Not only did I check her out but she interviewed us to decide if we were right for the dog.

 

[castoff]

Tina - Dante (if that is who your picture is!) is a gorgeous little thing! How adorable.

Thank You ! This is what he looked like when we got him on Dec. 1st

 

[MommyPoppins]

I did not get a puppy in mentioned at first, I vow to never go into a pet store again. I researched breeders and found someone with a female, which is what I was wanting. I talked to her and she only has a few Pomeranians that she breeds and they are rasied right in her house. My little girl will be arriving on Thursday night, we have to go get her at the airport. I'm planning on calling around to different groomers in my town so in a week or so I can take her for some pampering. Every breeder that I contacted, I mentioned my kids, ages, and the fact that we have another dog. They all had kids themselves and said that their Poms are great with their kids. Plus I have known some people with them in the past, and they also have had kids. So I changed my title, because it seems most everyone here thinks I shouldn't get a dog and that keeping a dog outside is bad, even if it's a big active dog. So it seems that everyone thinks getting a dog is a bad idea. So, now please just celebrate with me. Offer me tips with housebreaking, training, and such. I know it will be a lot of work, I mean, I do have 4 kids. I KNOW what work is. But I am a stay at home mom and besides schooling, and cleaning and DISing, I have nothing to do but add a puppy into the mix. I know everyone is concerned, but most of you just seem so condesending and I just want a place I can come and talk about my puppy without everyone being so negative. I promise not to abuse her, or abandon her. I won't let my kids bother her, my boxer won't maul her, and it's no different with a Pom or a lab, it's how you raise your puppy that results in how they react to you. Our Sadie(boxer) is a wonderful dog, she is loving and obedient. Most other boxers I've ever come into contact with jump on you right away. Sadie NEVER jumps, we trained her not to. She trots up to you, sits down and looks at you until you pet her. We aren't white trash, starving our dog, making her stay outside. She has a nice yard, toys, a dog house, she plays int he water when it's hot, she comes inside when its a raining day. We love our dog, and we'll love our new puppy. So PLEASE just rejoice with me. I've been wanting a small house dog for over a year now. This isn't just a complete impluse. Yes, the idea of a Pom was new, but not the idea of a dog in general.

 

[goofyforlife]

Thanks for all your replys. I HATE buying dogs from a pet store, but Poms are NEVER in the paper here.

Not sure if this has been mentioned but good breeders DO NOT advertise in the papers. Good breeders always have lists of people waiting for their dogs.
A good way to find a breeder would be to attend a couple dog shows or to find a dog club in the area. (Yes, you may have to look around the state or country)

Dogs advertised in the paper come from people who got them from puppy mills themselves and are brokering the dogs or are backyard breeders.

There's also reasons why that pet store dog is only ACA and not AKC......
(AKC has stricter standards on pedigrees)

Backyard breeders do not care about the health history of a male and female; just how much the puppies can sell for. They don't do all the expensive testing that a breeder will do and they won't be there in the future if you have questions or concerns with your dog later on.

Please, please, please reconsider how you acquire your new family member.

 

[castoff]

MommyPoppins: Although Brewster doesn't stay outside he does his business outside. Dante is strictly a inside dog. It's one of the reasons on how I keep his white coat so white. He's never been so he's not missing anything. Think about training the pom to go in a box. It's sooooo easy. Dante well his business is soooo little.
I buy a case of plastic bags at our local store and each time he goes, I just tie up in the bag. I have one of those silver garbage cans that you step on to open and toss the tied bag in. No smell !! My son takes Brewster out and everytime he's says why can't you go like Dante. Now we live in NY where it's COLD. Congrats on getting a puppy. Listen to the breeder as I think she can give you the best advice.

 

[mrsv98]

Congratulations! Have fun with your little girl, we bring our's home on 3/25...she will be our third lab so life will be a bit nutty for a while!

 

[Nana Annie]

Congrats on your new puppy.

Did she come with a limited registration? What kind of contract did she come with? Are you required to spay her within the next year? What health clearances were done on the parents?

Just curious, as my son is currently researching the different toys.