OT-New Puppy in the House

[cl1067]

Ok, so I have finally talked DH into a puppy. The girls and I are wanting to get a shih tzu, but he wants to look at other types of dogs...so a couple of questions for all the wonderful people on the dis...

1. If you have a dog, what kind? Are they good with kids?

2. How much did you pay for your dog? (this is kind of becoming a sticking point...I found a puppy I want, but he thinks its too much money)

Just a little background info...as much as I would love to rescue an animal from the humane society, for our family we really need a small dog. My middle daughter is afraid of dogs which are too big or too aggressive. I have been watching the humane society's page for something that will work for us, but around here most are bigger dogs.

Thanks in advance!

 

[crisi]

We have a dog - a rescue puppy we brought in this Spring - it was $300 to adopt the dog (fixed), but I'm spend $100 in food, $1700 in fence, $200 to date in vet appointments, kennel, toys, etc. Your initial investment in the dog is peanuts compared to the cost of owning a dog.

I'd do LOTS of breed research. I wanted a smaller dog (we have a Lab/German Shepard mix), but we couldn't find a small dog with the temperment characteristics we wanted and the look we were interested in. Puppies ALL bite (they have a lot in common with toddlers), and small dogs are often MORE aggressive than larger dogs. I really like terriers, but they are much harder to train and keep near the house. This mix should train fairly well (seems to so far - trainers said he's a smart dog). Also, know what the breed (particularly with purebreds) has regarding potential health issues. If you go purebred, only go with a reputable breeder - NOT a puppy farm.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

At our local Humane Society, you can actually put in a "reservation" for the kind of dog you want. You would get pre-screened and ready to adopt and you would have first choice of small dogs that come in. When I adopted my bunny (the black & white dude in the picture) I was waiting to pick him up after his neuter and take him home. This lady was waiting for her new doggy who had just been spayed. It was a Papillon, a cute fluffy little French doggy. The lady said she only wanted a Papillon and she put in a reservation to meet the first one that came in. Apparently they hit it off because doggy was on her way home with her new mom.

You might ask the Humane Society if you can be put on a list to be notified when small dogs come in. They are probably so popular that they never make it to the webpage. Hope you find a puppy you love!

 

[hsmamato2]

It depends on what ages your kids are also- pugs are great with kids,as are many smaller breeds- ****zus,lhasas are also good with kids-
just keep in mind, smaller dogs must have adult care at all times, as it's easy for little kids to accidentally hurt them-
check www.petfinder.com for lots of local listings for adoptable rescue dogs, or consider a car trip to a state that is overrun with unwanted dogs-
after raising puppies, i intend to get a full grown rescue next time- as an adult, their personality is set,and you kind of know what it will be like- with a puppy,you never can tell
Missouri,Georgia,Ohio,lots of puppymills,and thus lots of unwanted adult dogs in those states,the pounds are overflowing-and if you're not too picky about breeds, you could get a nice mix,or even an adult full breed small type dog.
We just visited MO,and their humane society was FULL of lovely,small dogs.
There are lots of beagle type mixes,and they're about 30 pounds or smaller-
I'm with your husbamd,I can't see spending big $$$ on a dog, as it costs so much just to have one for years afetrward too,and 'free' dogs make great pets too!

 

[hsmamato2]

oops, I think I spelled shih-tzu wrong in my last post...it got bleeped out!

 

[KelsiesMommy]

Ok, so I have finally talked DH into a puppy. The girls and I are wanting to get a shih tzu, but he wants to look at other types of dogs...so a couple of questions for all the wonderful people on the dis...

1. If you have a dog, what kind? Are they good with kids?


2. How much did you pay for your dog? (this is kind of becoming a sticking point...I found a puppy I want, but he thinks its too much money)


Thanks in advance!

We have a Yorki Poo and he is absoultely wonderful with my 2 and four year old

We paid $600 for him- the females from the litter were $800

He's the greatest little dog. My 2 yo DD also doesn't do well with larger dogs, and I wanted a smaller one, too. He's GREAT- we even had friends of ours who had bred a National Grand Champion American Eskimo say he's one of the best puppies they've ever seen.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

I don't know your DD's ages... If your kids are older than 6 years, I would reccommend a Jack Russell Terrier if you want a mighty dog in a small dog's body. They need a TON of exercise, preferably a fenced yard, LOTS of attention and lots of discipline. WE love ours. He is truly the coolest dog. He can do all sorts of tricks. He cost $400 from a reputable breeder 6 years ago. We had him before we had kids- and I must say that it was a tough adjustment for the dog. Our kids are toddler/preschooler ages now and I feel like I need to constantly monitor them with the dog. http://www.stock-photography.co.za/stock-photography-jack-russell-terrier-photos.htm

Good luck with your dog search! Let us know what you get!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We have a Miniature Doberman Pinscher. We didn't pay anything for her. My DH's friend knew my DH & DS wanted a pet. He happened upon an older couple who used to breed them with their neighbors dog. They decided it had become too much work at their age, but the dogs apparently didn't get them memo. Anyway, they had surprise puppies, & didn't wanted to go through all the work of getting them shots, fixed, etc. They gave them away, & he brought our DS one. Mind you, I had told my DH & DS, "absolutely not", & he knew that. I didn't want a pet in my house, & especially on my off white carpet! Well, DH sent DS in with her begging to keep her, & I caved. Fortunately, she is very smart. It only took a couple weeks to house train her, & I had no clue what I was doing. I was surprised that she really doesn't mess the house (or carpet) up at all. She minds very well, & unlike full size dobermans, she can't really bite to hurt. Her teeth are actually blunt, rather than sharp. They're bred that way. She's very loving, & low key. Perfect for our family. I don't know if they're all that low key, but she's no trouble at all.

Good luck with your choice! (Sorry, so long.)

 

[hniki234]

I had a miniature schnauzer that I absolutely loved! They're more medium-sized than they are small. They can get anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds, I think. Mine got to 25 pounds but my sister's is only at 10 pounds right now. He was great with people. He liked to chew things, but that's been my experience with most puppies. He was big enough that my youngest sister who was 6 at the time couldn't hurt him. (She terrorized her Pomeranian (sp?)! The dog was so small that she was able to drag her around the house and play dress up with her.) I paid $350 for mine, but I think they're price has gone up to around $400-450 now. The llasa apsos (sp?) are great, too. My mom has one, and he's such a sweet dog. Loves to lick, though. He's great with kids.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

I had a miniature schnauzer that I absolutely loved! They're more medium-sized than they are small. They can get anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds, I think. Mine got to 25 pounds but my sister's is only at 10 pounds right now. He was great with people. He liked to chew things, but that's been my experience with most puppies. He was big enough that my youngest sister who was 6 at the time couldn't hurt him. (She terrorized her Pomeranian (sp?)! The dog was so small that she was able to drag her around the house and play dress up with her.) I paid $350 for mine, but I think they're price has gone up to around $400-450 now. The llasa apsos (sp?) are great, too. My mom has one, and he's such a sweet dog. Loves to lick, though. He's great with kids.

Actually..I agree with this poster... I grew up with two miniature schnuazers and loved both!!! (don't clip the ears though- they are much cuter floppy)

 

[Order66]

Deciding what kind of dog to get should be a family decision. Everyone in the house needs to agree on and like the choice. If you've narrowed it down to a smaller size then you should also think about your life style. Do you want to pay a lot from grooming or learn it yourself, or do you want short wash and wear coated? Really active outdoorsy family? Or like to sit inside and rent movies on the weekends kind of family? People mentioned Jack Russels and Pugs. Both great little sturdy breeds, a big dog in a small package, but JRT's are like energizer bunnies and if you don't exercise it A LOT it'll drive you nuts and can become a barker, chewer, digger, runner, etc.... Pugs are more laid back and don't require much in exercise or grooming, but if snot and drool don't match your home decor you'll be sorry you got one. Quiet doesn't exist in a pug home either. I'd say more than half of dogs end up in shelters because people just make the wrong choice of breed for them personally. ALL puppies are adorable....but consider what kinds of dogs fit what kind of family you are and then start narrowing it down. The American Kennel Club site is a good starting point for general breed info and referrals to the National clubs for each breed.

Once you have selected a few breeds you think you'd like, research them. Call breeders, visit local kennels...just to meet some in person. Ask them not only what's great about their breed (that's easy to talk about) but also ask them what kind of drawbacks there are...and all breeds have them.

Purchase price is the LEAST expensive part about owning a pet. My dogs have cost from as much as $2000 to completely free. Even a free dog needs shots, food, toys, training, etc.... Paying more from a responsible breeder vs. a Backyard breeder will eliminate some of the risk of the puppy developing a herditary illness. You can pay now or pay later...so to say. Rescue is also a great option and puppies are available any time as are already grown, trained and personality tested adults. Adoption fees depend on the rescue group. Your local county shelter or humane society isn't the only option to adoption. Rescues are out there for every breed, size, age, mix that you can think of. Often times these breed rescues pull from the local shelters before the public can adopt. They do this because they know their breed better and what kind of homes to place in and to make certain the dog doesn't fall through the cracks and get put down. The AKC will also have links available to the National rescue coordinator for whatever breed you may be interested in. Also don't think that you are limited by area. I adopted my latest dog from GA and I'm in OH.

Have you considered that maybe your husband feels a shih tzu is kind of a "girly" dog? Maybe he just can't see himself walking down the street with little Fluffy with the pink bows in her hair? Perhaps he's thinking of something a little more "manly" at his side? Maybe a dog that is small but "macho" like a Pug, Boston Terrier or French Bulldog would be a compromise? Two of my husbands cousins recently got Bostons. Small enough for the wives, good and sturdy for the kids to play with and manly enough the guy will be seen with them.

I know we have that problem in my home, only it's my husband that likes the little froo-froo lap dogs and would have no problem walking toy poodles. It's me who loves the big slobbering brutes. I win. I'm also the dog walker.

 

[cl1067]

Thanks for all the great advice! For those of you that asked, our kids are 1, 6, and 11...I should have put that in my original post.

It sounds to me like I need to do some more research. The main problem is that DH thinks we should spend no more than $250 on the cost of the dog itself...which I'm finding is almost impossible, ok, not impossible, but very hard for the kinds of breeds we are looking for.

Thanks!

 

[cl1067]

Have you considered that maybe your husband feels a shih tzu is kind of a "girly" dog? Maybe he just can't see himself walking down the street with little Fluffy with the pink bows in her hair? Perhaps he's thinking of something a little more "manly" at his side?

LOL I never even thought of it from that perspective...we have talked about why he would like a different breed...and he says he wants a dog with a nose! That a shih tzu is flat faced...which I guess is true...but maybe its just cover for his true reasoning

 

[crisi]

Thanks for all the great advice! For those of you that asked, our kids are 1, 6, and 11...I should have put that in my original post.

It sounds to me like I need to do some more research. The main problem is that DH thinks we should spend no more than $250 on the cost of the dog itself...which I'm finding is almost impossible, ok, not impossible, but very hard for the kinds of breeds we are looking for.

Thanks!

I shouldn't say this, but our dog has THREE professional trainers. They all agree - there should be no running in the house. Also, its very important, even with a small dog, that the dog does not become dominant to any family member.

We have a hard time with our puppy and our seven year old. She can't stop running, which he thinks is playing, then he jumps, scratches, she shreeks, backs off, and now he is convinced he is dominant to her. And she we are constantly reinforcing that she is more important than he is. It isn't the puppy's problem - he is a really good dog - with everyone else. And she consistantly behaves in a way that encourages him to misbehave. In puppy class there were several households with kids smaller than ours, and they were all having issues - puppy bites, puppy chases, puppy scratches - the baby.

Your house, your kids, your choice, but think very hard about what a toddler and a puppy in the same house are going to be like. You may seriously want to consider an older dog who has gotten through his chewing, biting, jumping stage. A lot of rescue agencies will not place a puppy in a home with a child younger than six - it often isn't a successful placement and the puppy ends up needing a new home.

 

[pbharris4]

I have a 6 yo Shih Tzu (Chloe) and just got another Shih Tzu (Starbucks) a month and a half ago. He was born on March 6th. Shih Tzus are a very loving breed. They are tuly lap dogs. Chloe is like my other daughter. She follows me everywhere. If I am doing too much she'll bark for me to sit down ad take it easy so she can cuddle me. Starbucks we are training right now, but he has been very quick to pick it up.

I have 2 DD's one is 11 and the other will be 4 on Sunday. They are both very good with dogs. My 4 yo will even clean up the wee wee pads (unless they are too soiled). I don't want her to, but she insists. DH wanted a bigger dog, but he loves both our dogs very much. He calls Starbucks his "mancub." Because he's the only man in the house and we're done with kids. You're DH will love a Shih Tzu. I think men just have that "a small dog isn't macho" perception.

If I could I'd have 3 or 4 Shih Tzus.

But you have to do what you think is right for you and your family. I always wanted a Shih Tzu and nothing else. Always. I wanted that little lap dog to cuddle with. Best of Luck on whatever you decide!

 

[wehavesix]

I have 4 dogs. Two are West Highland White Terriers (a male and a female), one is a Jack Russell Terrier, and one is a Cairn Terrier. All 4 have been great with my kids and grandkids. Dixie, the JRT, adores babies and follows my grandkids around all over when they are here. But I will say that I think we have been VERY lucky with our JRT. The breed tends to be a bit high strung and difficult to train. Well, actually all terriers can be headstrong. Our Westies are really sweet and friendly dogs too. Only our Cairn is a little bit stand offish. One of the great things about Cairns is that they don't shed and don't need to be bathed or groomed often. Daisy has had maybe 3 baths in the 2 years we've had her. She usually smells like grass from laying around outside on the lawn. Terriers need LOTS of exercise. Ours have a doggy door into our fenced back yard. If you don't have a fenced yard, you'll definitely need to plan for daily walks. Our pups range in size from about 13 to about 22 lbs so they are considered small/medium size dogs.

As far as what we paid, well that has a pretty wide range. One Westie was an impulse buy over 9 years ago at a flea market. I'm sure she was the product of a mill. I paid $250 for her. The JRT was bought from a local hobby breeder for about $300. The male Westie was bought from an established breeder who had gotten him from a breeder in another state. He was going to be one of her stud dogs but due to a minor flaw, she decided to sell him to us. We paid $600 for him. We drove 3 hours one way and paid $600 for our Cairn terrier. She also came from an established breeder with a good history and recommendations from AKC.

All are great pets and suit us well. My advice is for you to really look at your lifestyle and how much experience you have with dogs to help you decide what breed is best for you. Pet quality dogs are available in abundance but if you want a pure breed dog, check with AKC and see if they can steer you towards a breeder. Good luck with finding your new furry baby!

 

[wehavesix]

Aw! pbharris, your fur babies are so cute! The human ones are pretty awesome too!

 

[princess jackie]

I'm big fan of rescue dogs. I hate to see them suffer. We just put one of our dogs down yesterday. We are very sad but now we feel that BJ is a lot happier. We rescued him from the humane society and he was a great dog and friend. We also have a Dalmation named Pongo. (he has a hidden Mickey on his back.) When we saw him at the humane society I knew he would be coming home with us. But we have 2 small children and we heard that dalmations were bad with kids. All I have to say is that just because most of the breed are high stung and bad with kids doesn't mean all of them are. We brought our kids along with us before we adopted him just to see how he would be with the kids. He was great and now he is our DS's best friend.

I think you should try petfinder.com to find a dog near you. If you are looking for a smart little dog that doesn't bother people with allergies too much, I would look into a puggle (pug/beagle mix) They are super cute and very smart. Or at least the one I know is.

 

[leanan]

I have a rescued Italian Greyhound named Arthur. I wanted a dog that would enjoy just hanging out with me since I am a computer geek. I took a poll to find out my perfect dog. It came up poodle, Bichon Frise, or Italian Greyhound. Shih Tzus are great as well. My niece has one. The reason it is not my perfect breed is because they shed more than the IG does.

I wanted a low shedding hypoallergenic kind of dog because of family members with allergies. I wanted my brother and mom to be able to visit me without issue. Yes the IG for whatever reason is less allergy triggering than other breeds. My brother was quite shocked that it was really true.

With getting a child friendly dog, you also need to teach your children to be dog friendly as well. Nature and Nuture work together hand in hand. If your kids are too rough with the dog it will affect the dog. My daughter because of her Aspergers is not so great with the dogs. Dad's two big dogs handle her better because they are less delicate. She never means to hurt them. She just likes big tight hugs. Arthur however HATES big tight hugs.

 

[bluejaygirl]

I am too afraid of rescue dogs over the age of 3 months. Too many variables in my home with kids and their friends, cats and small rodents; neighbors who don't like barking, etc. Plus I am pretty set in what traits I look for in a breed, and most pure bred rescues don't have dogs to place in homes with kids anyhow, for that very reason.

My long haired dachsunds have been great with the kids that were added to the family after I had the dogs for several years.

I love my Pembroke Welsh Corgis.. they are the perfect breed for the family for right now. Sturdy, loyal, playful and enough energy to run and run in the fenced yard all afternoon. Friendly enough to let a parade of kids come through with no worries. Yet protective enough to bark like no ones business when someone knocks at the door. but not so noisy they are "yappy". Smart in the 'easy to train' way, not the conniving 'what-can-I-do-thats-bad' way.

Shih tzus are sweet dogs but maybe not the dog for you if you want to go on long hikes or if it will be out in the yard playing for hours. Same with Pugs and any of those flat faced breeds. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are great little family dogs too but you'd be looking at closer to $800 or 1k.

The least I have paid is $350 for a female dachshund 15 years ago. The Corgis each cost over $600 in the past 3 years. as others have said, thats just the tip of the iceberg. The real cost is in vet bills and supplies.