small inside dog recommedations

[sheilarose2]

I have been thinking about getting a small inside dog since the kids keep asking but here is my problem and I hope I don't offend any animal lovers out there- I am not a "pet inside the house" person or an animal lover myself. BUT I think that if I can find one small enough and cute then the little fellow will grow on me. I try to keep my house as clean as possible and smelling as good as possible and that is where my problem of "pets" come into the picture. Just the thought of it using the bathroom on my carpet or floor makes me not want to get one. My FIL&MIL got a "weeny" dog a couple of years ago and since then I don't even like to go to their house because of the smell and because their house looks trashed. I was hoping to get some input from you guys since I know that alot of you have pets(I've read the posts about them) and any advice would be appreciated. Like i said previously, I hope that I don't offend any animal lovers out there I just need some help with my decisionsheila

 

[totalia]

I sympathize. I don't much like dogs and find them annoying, loud, obnoxious, badly behaved, and stinky.

Cats are easier and alot less trouble.

Perhaps a compromise on the pet issue would work. Get a cat for a pet instead (with short hair). Could you stand them?

 

[luvwinnie]

I would strongly advise you to not get a dog. I respect your feelings and just think you would not be happy nor would the dog. A cat could be a compromise if you can live with the fur.

 

[bekkiz]

There are a number of small breed dogs that shed little to nothing. I love animals, but have some boardering on ocd issues with pet hair (I hate petting big furry dogs, it icks me out!)

we have a miniature schnauzer (http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/minsch.cfm). He shed a little when we first brought him home at 9 weeks, but after 2 groomings, I havn't seen any hair. They're also hypo-allergenic, and non-shed breeds tend to smell less to me (but I might just imagine that!)

Smaller breeds, esp ours, can be barkers, diggers, nippers and all other issues, however by being proactive at an early age, you can stave off those problems

 

[vettechick99]

We have a small bassett and she's great. When she starts smelling, we bathe her, so I dont think the house ever really smells. She doesn't shed a lot either and I rarely brush her.

But I caution you to get a dog since you're not an animal person. I can promise that YOU, not the kids, will end up taking care of it. Are you ready for that?

I agree with the others...start with a cat. They are so sweet and easy to take care of!

But if you want a dog, consider getting an older dog from the pound or through a rescue. I love animals but I can't stand puppies!!!!

Talk about work!

 

[Crankyshank]

Don't get an animal hoping it will grown on you! It's not fair to you, and it's certainly not fair to the dog.

Go with a cat or a hamster or something instead. Even with a cat you'll have to deal with the litter box smell, fur, and some destruction.

 

[cathyn]

If you are going to get a dog, you might want to consider a Maltese/poodle mix or a Lhasa Apso/Poodle mix. They do not shed. They can bark a lot if they are not trained not to. They are very good with children. They are also hypo-allergenic. We take ours to the groomer every month for a bath/touch-up, so they do not smell.
But, they do like a lot of attention.

I agree with the other posters that you have to get an animal you like. You will be the one taking care of it. If you do get one, you might want to consider getting a dog cage to train it in. The puppy stays in the cage unless you are playing with it or taking it outside. It worked really well with our two. They considered the cage their own room.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I would not get a pet. As others have said, it's not fair to the pet.
Pets are not toys that can just be given away when you are sick of them.

If you do decide to go for a dog, my recomendation would be a Bichone Frise. They are small, don't shed and are usually very friendly and good with kids.

But you will still have to housetrain the dog and it may have some accidents. Even an older dog from a rescue might have to be re-trained.

Also, take into consideration how much dogs cost.

You will need to buy a high quality food, and have the shots, and have the dog neutered at first. Than there will be shots annually, and who knows what else when the dog ages. Vet bills for older dogs can go into the thousands and your little friends life will depend on you being willing to shell out that kind of cash.

Also, remember, when you go on vacation, someone will have to dog-sit. Dog's can't be left alone for a few days like cats can.

But I really don't think you should get a dog. It doesn't sound like you want one and you are the one who will end up taking care of it, not the kids.

 

[Chicago526]

I agree with Esmeralda.

A cat or a caged pet may work better. A hampster or a guinea pig would make a nice pet. You'd have to clean out the cage, but you can assign that to the kids if they are old enough!

 

[kasar]

I'd suggest to skip getting a dog as well. Dogs need lots of love and affection despite their smell and fur. There's no getting around that - for dog lovers it's worth it, but it's probably not worth it to you.

Your kids will survive without a dog. Maybe you can go to the animal shelter on a regular basis and walk and play with the dogs. The kids will get their dog fix and you get to keep your clean house. Just a suggestion. I've always bought into the notion that "If mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy".

 

[bsnyder]

sheilarose2, we have a 2 year old Bichon Frise. My kids pestered me for years to get a dog, but our older son is very allergic to pet dander. I discovered through some friends that the Bichon is hypoallergenic and that solved that problem, but I was still very reluctant, for many of the reasons you mentioned.

I cried all the way to the breeder's to pick up our puppy, Gibson. They were NOT tears of joy....I did not want to have the responsibility and mess of a dog.

He is now a 4th child to me....I truly can not imagine life without him. The joy and happiness he has brought our family has FAR outweighed any of the inconvenience or mess. And yes, there have been messes....puppies are like babies, and they make mistakes during the training process. They also chew....alot! But that stage doesn't last forever. Can you live with the fact that some of your "stuff" might get damaged? (we replaced the carpet in two rooms after Gibson got over the chewing/housebreaking stage).

Good luck to you in the decision making process. I think it's one you have to think long and hard about, and only you know your tolerance level.

 

[poohtown]

i'm with the others who think you should not get a dog. If you get one with your obvious disliking, you'll only end up resenting the dog and your kids. Not fair to anyone including you.

I have a long hair chi. Love her to death and wouldn't give her up, but she comes with her problems. Like a child she is extra responsibility. She needs to be bathed and groomed, she needs medical attention, she gets sick, she eats, goes the bathroom, etc. etc.....but, she showers you with attention, she always wants to play, she loves you unconditionally, etc. etc. etc.

I'm a firm believer that everyone in the household has to want the pet at the same time.

 

[lilpritch04]

Dogs are a lot of work and require a lot of attention. If you are not willing to do the work and give the attention, think about getting another animal.

I am not a fan of cats, but they tend to be more independent and are litter box trained.
A friend of mine has 2 rabbits and they are also litter box trained. She likes them as pets because they don't claw her furniture or walk on the counter tops like cats, but aren't as much work as dogs. That's another option.

Good luck with your decision. I like the idea of taking your kids to the shelter to get a dog fix! I did that for a long time after my dogs passed away and it really helped. Also, the dogs there love the attention

 

[disykat]

I wish you lived closer - you could petsit my miniature schnauzer and take a trial stab at it! Getting a dog was the best thing we ever did. I had many of the same hesitations you do - I wanted a clean house plus we have allergies. After a lot of thought and a full year of waiting hoping for an appropriate "rescue" to become available at a shelter, we got Ruxie from a breeder.

We waited until I was ready. I chose her name and made all the decisions. I wanted to be very clear that she was my dog since I knew I'd be responsible for her and didn't want to resent it. We get her groomed every six weeks and I bathe her once or twice in between. I crate trained her so accidents weren't too bad during potty training. When she throws up I worry more about her than the mess. It's like your kids - the mess becomes secondary to "oh, my poor baby!" I honestly don't think our house smells.

My husband is working on me to get a second dog. Once again we'll wait until I decide when and if. Honestly the only "problem" we've had with getting a dog is trying to force myself to leave her to go on vacation. She stays with a friend of mine, so it's not too bad but we miss her desperately and worry about her.

I just have to add - IMO you should NOT get a cat. Sure they require less attention - did I miss something? I didn't see anywhere where you said not wanting to spend time on them was the problem. If smell and mess are your issues then you'd be better off with a dog.

 

[Rozzie]

Maybe Goldfish? I am really being serious, dogs are a lot of work. I admire your honesty, I wish all people went into things with their heads attached. the shelters are full of dogs people got rid of because they were too much work. Just remember that the dog will have a accident and something will get destroyed. But just go into it slowly. I love the idea someone had about visiting the shelter, shelter dogs though need forever homes. All our pups are rescues, and you cannot imagine their devotion.
A kitty? mnnn...depends on the cat. all cats are different and I don't like to group them all into one general opinion. Our cat pukes more than the dogs mess.....

 

[princessbaileigh]

I am an animal lover......However, I think you should really think about getting any animal (cat,dog, ect.) inside. You seem to be wanting an animal for you children....think about having one outside, and just put your foot down that you just do not want them in the house.

If you do decide to get a dog inside......I would suggest a Scottie. I have had many different breeds and can say that MOST little dogs require your undivided attention. Some short hair dogs will shed A LOT. A lot of small breeds will bark (even yap). However, most scotties do not bark unless someone is at the door (Great Watch dogs!) and because they have longer hair do not shed. We take ours to the groomer maybe once or twice a month, if she gets dirty while outside we will bathe her at home. She NEVER smells. Most scotties are not really lap dogs, mostly independant. But, affectionate. You would need to talk to a breeder about getting one that is a children's dog. Breeders (the good ones) can give them a character test to determine what their demeaner will be. This will all depend on the age of you children.

I would really research different breeds before settling on one and would think long and hard about getting one.

If you are worried about messes and behavior problems with any dog......I would take them to Obedience school. I would recommend one that you would do along with your dog. These trainers can help you train your dog, and give helpful hints to keep them manageable.

Getting an animal is always a big decision and one that requires a lot of responsablity. If you want to teach your children these things a dog or cat will definately teach them!

 

[airhead]

Please don't get a dog. By the sound of your post,it won't take much to push you over the edge and the poor animal will be destined to a lonely life outdoors. Dogs aren't for everyone.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Scotties are adorable, but as a rule, any terrier is going to have that terrier personality and you might get one who is very stubborn and strong willed.

 

[Snowysmom]

I agree with others than getting a dog is probably not a good idea especailly since you are not a big dog person. You will be taking care of it most of the time, not the kids. Puppies and even older dogs will have accidents in the house. My 7 year old westie still does when thunder storms come in. Plus, she was on medication this week that made he pee more than usual so she had a couple of accidents during the night. I just clean it up and carry on. Dogs are alot of work and fur will be flying and they don't always smell great. An indoor cat, hamster or other small furry creature is a better idea.

 

[Serena]

Please, for the dogs sake. Don't get one right now. You don't want one, that is reason enough.

If and when you may change your mind. Please do your research. Get a dog with the least amount of problems, also, make sure it's not one with small bones. They do not do well with little children.

My nieces treated their maltese like a doll and almost killed it. And believe me, I talked to my sister until I was blue in the face about not getting something that fragile. I took the dog for a while.

There are lots of other animals out there too. A four legged dog might not be what you prefer.

At any rate, if your children are trustworthy with small animals, visiting animal shelters and petting them, walking them, etc, is a great thing to do.