More dog questions

[binny]

We have been talking about bringing a new dog into the house. Treasure, our 7 year old Golden Retriever, needs a friend I think. She is home alone more now and I think she is bored.

Our household consists of 2 cats ( one nice and one a snob LOL), Treasure, 3 kids ( 11, 8 and 7) and we go out a lot. Dogs are indoor with time in the fenced backyard, of course. We dont believe in just leaving dogs outside for long periods of time. My kids do play with the dog and so do we. We arent the best with walking them though.

Anyway, that is the scenario. We are looking into smaller breed dogs ( 2 big dogs would make me crazy I think)
Does anyone have any ideas on a smaller dog that might in fit in well here?
Does anyone have any tips of bringing in a new dog?
Thanks!

 

[Phrebert]

Hey ya fellow spud stater. Cocker Spaniels or Welsh Corgis, would be great buds for your pup and kids.
The cats might throw a fit(when don't they?) and the retriever should get along fine.

 

[binny]

Hey Phrebert LTNC how are you?

Welsh corgie, eh? Theyre cute arent they?

DH grew up with Lhasa Apsos and Im not a huge fan. They are generally "yippers" LOL

 

[PlutoPony]

How about a mixed breed rescue from an organization that fosters them in their homes before placement? Give them your situation and preferences (especially size) and see what they have.... The nice thing about this approach is that they have some idea of temperment and which dogs would best fit in with Treasure and your family (assuming you're not set on getting a puppy and going thru that stage). We did this years ago in a similar situation - one dog died and our lab seemed lonely and just not as engaged. Our rescue turned out to be a wonderful fit as she never challenged the lab for dominance and fit right into the household. We've had her for 10+ year now and she's on our 2nd lab (this one she got to train ), probably the nicest dog we've had .
Good luck - getting a new dog is so exciting!

 

[Mermaid02]

Considering what happened to Christine recently I would be hesitant to get another dog considering they will be left alone.

 

[binny]

oh a rescue dog is definately OK. I am on Petfinder as I type this.

I would prefer to resuce a dog but wanted to know what base of breeds I should look at. Ive had large dogs for most of my life though so Im kind of clueless when it comes to smaller ones. Well with the exception of a Terri-Poo that my brother called a poopy-terror it suited her better LOL.

Rescue dogs are awesome They are always so grateful. We rescued Treasure as well. She came from a friend of a friend who was going to turn her over to the pound because she didnt have the time for her or a fenced backyard.

 

[hiwaygal]

With all due respect to Christine and that awful experience...that really isn't "the norm" with more than one dog, or getting dogs at different times.

I have three dogs. "My" two (both basenji's) were adopted at the same time as a "matched set". Meaning, the adoption group would not consider separating them. Sally is the older of the two, by two years. She was specifically brought into Buddy's home for company by Buddy's former caretaker. They get along most of the time. But Sally is quite alpha and often puts Buddy in his place. They growl and have spats when we are there, but I am completely comfortable in leaving them alone together.

When I met DH, he had Daisy (retriever/setter mix). She had always been an only dog. I was not sure how they would all get along. I shouldn't have worried. Buddy and Sally literally worship and adore Daisy.

OP, I have a lot of different articles at home about adding another dog to your home that I can share with you later, if you are interested. I can PM you the links.

I would also suggest looking at a breed finder to see what breeds will "fit" better in your situation. There are many breeds that could fit in, but looking at a breed selector might suggest one you never considered before!

I would also recommend rescue as an option, but I know that people get tired of hearing that.

Is there a reason you don't want another Golden? Until Daisy was a part of my life, I never knew the joys of having one in my home!! I do love the breed now!

 

[Crankyshank]

What about a beagle?

I would go with an older one. They are stubborn and clever little buggers but are friendly, rough and tumble, excellent with kids, excellent with other dogs, and are small without being too small. A fenced in yard is perfect for them

 

[LynnTH]

We have a Golden Retreiver (80 pounds) and a Pekingese (8 pounds). They get along great. They hang out and lay by each other all the time. The little dog will lick the Golden's face all the time. It's funny, cuz if the Pekingese is bugging the Golden - the Golden will just put a paw on the Pek's tail so he can't move. Of course, The Pek will win any argument and the Golden will be backing up and out. They are 10 and 9 now, so we have had them a while.

 

[Phrebert]

MAKE SURE to have a secure fence for a Beagle(which translates in French to Useless). They are great dogs but watch out head down + tail up = brain off.

 

[bekkiz]

I'm TOTALLY biased, but our mini schanuzer is fantastic with bigger dogs (and kids and other people LOL) but he really does much better with dogs who are bigger than him. People refer to it as a Naploean complex, I think. I'm pretty sure our Indy (who is 20 lbs) thinks he's closer to 80! His best friend (before we moved) was a 80 lb. german shepard. And now he plays with our neighbor's lab pretty often.

We had picked this breed because they are small, but also very sturdy. We are very lucky as Indy is not a barker (he does make these funny Chewbaca sounds), and not a digger. Some schnauzers (most terriers, in fact) can have these traits.

We also socialized him from a very young age to be around loads of other people including kids and babies. So, he doesn't mind when out neighbor kids chase him around!

The icing on the cake is that he doesn't shed One unfortunate side effect is you find lots of schnauzer mixes in the shelter and rescue groups, because people are trying to mix the non-shedding characteristic with other dog breeds.

Here's a message board w/ lots of scnauzer rescue contacts. It does cover all 3 sizes. You'd probably want a mini or maybe a smaller standard (I think they're somewhere around 35-40 lbs.)

http://home.earthlink.net/~msfriends/rescueboard/available.html

 

[MELISAZACK]

we have a Lhasa-poo 10 lbs female -she is a great little dog - we socialized her from 8wks on and she loves all other animals.

 

[binny]

Thanks I would love to see those articles when you get a chance

DH would just like a littler dog I am not opposed to another Golden, she is wonderful, but I would like DH to have his way this time ( once a year wont hurt anything, right? )

I hadnt thought about a schnauzer they are really sweet dogs arent they?

Whatever dog we bring in to the house has to be mild-tempered and accepting of kids. We have a lot through the house besides our 3 so they need to do well with utter chaos LOL

 

[Crankyshank]

MAKE SURE to have a secure fence for a Beagle(which translates in French to Useless). They are great dogs but watch out head down + tail up = brain off.

That's actually not really true. Beagles are the #1 problem solving breed. I wish my beagles' brains turn off when they catch a scent. Especially when it's involving food in my kitchen

 

[lesroi]

oh a rescue dog is definately OK. I am on Petfinder as I type this.

I would prefer to resuce a dog but wanted to know what base of breeds I should look at. Ive had large dogs for most of my life though so Im kind of clueless when it comes to smaller ones. Well with the exception of a Terri-Poo that my brother called a poopy-terror it suited her better LOL.

Rescue dogs are awesome They are always so grateful. We rescued Treasure as well. She came from a friend of a friend who was going to turn her over to the pound because she didnt have the time for her or a fenced backyard.

Kudos for going to Petfinder! I would suggest a Keeshond if you want something medium-sized that loves kids, other dogs and cats. Our Kees have been great. They DO require regular brushing as they are furry, but they are also very beautiful and smart. Keeshond Club of America has a rescue site and there are others. I know there are some listed on Petfinder as well.

We have had Goldens and Kees together and they get on great. Right now we have 2 Kees, a Lab and a Doberman. (Yes all in the house, lol!) We even have a cat!

Tracy

 

[Taylor]

Brutus thinks all small dogs are wimpy.

 

[hiwaygal]

Taylor...I just have to tell you that I LOVE that pic!!!!

 

[PlutoPony]

You might check into West Highland Terriers. Small, cute and terribly barky for a small dog. There are 2 on my small street, both family dogs, and both have wonderful temperments - almost laid back. Don't know about potential health problems, etc. however...