What type of dog and how many should we get?

[MrsPiglet]

I seen the other thread about the cats, so I am going to ask too.
I have a 11 year old DD and we lost our poodle when she was 2 so she does not remember her at all.

She has always asked for a dog, but we were renting most the time an apartment so I never agreed to getting a dog.

Now we finally have bought our house and sort of got settled (been here a month). She is asking for a dog again.

So I have agreed to get her a dog or two. What is the best age to get her. We have a local shelter where we can get dogs that are already at least a year old with shots and spayed or neutered. Or we can find a puppy that we need to take care of all that?

Little known fact DD is scared of some dogs. We do have a guinna (sp) pig that is three years old and in the cage.

So my question is would it be better get an older dog or should I look for a puppy? And how many should we get? Does one dog not need a companion?

Thanks for the help

 

[aahmom1]

Noi matter what kind of dog you get, I strongly advise you to only get one at first. Training a puppy is hard enough, but training 2 is REALLY difficult. You never know which one made the mistake and it makes it really hard.

 

[fklhou]

We have bearded collies and think that they are great with kids. Beardies are sort of like Lays Potato Chips, it is hard to just have one. Members of the herding group tend to be very intelligent dogs and fun to play with.

One idea may be to take you DD to a dog show and let her learn about the various breeds. There is literally a breed out there that will fit most people.

There is a picture of one of our Beardies at six months of age in my signature line.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[yasuern]

The type of dog or puppy you bring into your family depends on many things - the link below may help you decide what size type temperment etc dog/puppy will be right for your family.

http://www9.activebuyersguide.com/abg/nav/StartGuide.cfm?CatID=5&PID=0X9X102X24556X36333&RefID=0


We have a mix 1/2 German Shepard and 1/2 Black Lab named BJ he is 8y/o and is the best dog in the world - he got all the best qualities from both breeds

We also have a cat named Lenny and a new kitten named ? - hey did you vote in the name our kitten pole yet? If not PLEASE DO!

Good Luck in your quest for the perfect K9 companion
Sue

 

[KathyTX]

I really support the idea of adopting an adult dog from your local shelter. There are lots of reasons... (besides the most obvious, that these dogs need a home!)

1) With an adult dog, you're going to see what kind of temperament and personality the dog has, and judge how well it will fit in with your family.

2) You'll avoid the "puppy destruction" phases. I adopted two lab mix puppies at 6 weeks old, over 12 years ago. The first two years were pretty trying and expensive. Between the chewing (on furniture, fingers, walls, clothing, vinyl flooring) and the housebreaking, these were very high maintenance years. After about that two year mark, these guys were much better behaved housemates!

3) You'll have a better chance of knowing the dog's health profile. Dogs can suffer from lots of different health problems, many of which will manifest themselves during that first year. With a healthy adult dog, you can avoid lots of heartbreak and vet visits.

4) Adult dogs are more stable and predictable with children. Although your 11 year old DD is old enough that it's probably not an issue with her, puppies are still learning their manners and how to interact with other animals and humans.

If DD is nervous around some dogs, it might be a good idea to plan a couple of visits to your animal shelter. Give her a chance to interact with some of the dogs, and get a feel for the kinds of dogs that she feels really comfortable with.

She might really feel a connection with a particular animal. Love at first sight does happen! If so, see if you can spend some time with that dog before you make a permanent commitment.

The link yasuern posted is a good one to start you thinking about what you're looking for in a pet. High energy and athletic, or a mellow couch potato? An 80 pound running and playing buddy, or an 8 pound lap dog? How do you feel about frequently vacuuming dog hair- absolutely hate it, or have no problem with it?

My lab-mix babies? Lots of work and a significant expense over the years, but I don't regret a minute of it. They've been great companions to me and DS, and provided tons of affection, amusement and comfort. One of them is gone now, and the other old gray-haired lady is my constant shadow, a comforting source of unconditional adoration.

 

[mtemm]

whatever you decide to do, I would advise not to buy at a pet store, to definitely try to spend time with your dd and the dog/puppy before you buy, and if you do go for more than one, make sure its either male and female or female and female. I wouldn't go for a male male combo, even if they are fixed.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Originally posted by mtemm
. I wouldn't go for a male male combo, even if they are fixed.

Actually everything I have read says that the female female combo is by far the worst.

We have two 15 month old male labs from the same litter... got them when they were 6 weeks old. They are indoor/outdoor dogs in the new home that we just built.... and we would not trade them for anything.

I agree that the shelter would be a good place to start.... you might find that your daughter finds a perfect match. You can always add a second dog later if you find you have enough time and energy!

Our two are best buds.... the main thing you have to watch with two is that they each get time alone with your family members so they can bond to the humans as well as to each other.

Good luck!!!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I'll second all the advice so far but I think cocker spaniels are sweet dogs

 

[KathyTX]

about the gender combinations-

I had two females (littermates), and they got along just fine.

I've spent time with different friends with multiple dogs, and have never been able to find a true gender-related pattern to whether two dogs get along or not. Two very dominant "alpha" personalities will tend to clash, but I've met both male and female alphas, and both male and female submissives. (Just like with humans!)

Again, if you decide later to get more than one dog, find a way for them to spend time together and observe closely to see how well they get along.

 

[mrsstats]

I would go to a shelter and get an adult dog. We just adopted a 3 year old chi/mix. No puppy problems, housebroken and a little sweetheart (most of the time). Just don't settle, let her pick one and tell her you will keep checking back if she is not sure at the shelter. We drove from Long Island to Ct. to find ours as the shelters on LI did not have the size dog we were looking for.

 

[doxdogy]

Another one that votes for a shelter dog. But, if she has her heart set on a particular breed, do some research to see if they have any breed rescue groups. There is a dachshund rescue group that I belong to for e-mails. They even have an underground dachshund railroad (that is what they call it). If someone wants a dog that is in another state, volunteers will help to transport the dog to the new owners.

 

[DocRafiki]

Find the love(s) of your life...www.petfinder.com



Don't breed or buy while homeless animals die.


And please check your budget to make sure you can afford to take care of a pet for 10 years or more.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I also agree to only get one dog. If you want another in a year or so then so be it. Even with an adult shelter dog there may be some "accidents" and problems in general until he or she gets used to its new home. Do some research on your lifestyle that would determine the best breed for you. And research that breed, all breeds have health problems associated with that breed. So its best to know all you can. And also know that even though your 11 yo says she will take care of that dog, I hope you realize you'll be taking care of the dog. Kids get bored pretty quick, no matter how much they want that dog initially. And BTW, I have 3 females and they all get along. Good LUck!

 

[MrsPiglet]

Thanks for all the responses,

After your help and our thought we have decided to wait til saturday and visit our shelter. We have researched the local shelter sites and they have some beautiful dogs. DH is saying go tomorrow and get one of them. But i keep telling him that DD needs to go and pick one out. I think when we go she will fall in love or we will have to wait and visit later til she does fall in love.

I am hoping for one that is already housebroken, because I can't stand the thought of having a dog in my yard when we are home. I feel sorry for them and don't want a yard dog.

I will keep you all posted and any more help or suggestions are more than welcome.

 

[MrsPiglet]

sorry double posted and it will not let me delete it

 

[cowtownmom]

Welsh Corgi is a wonderful breed for children. They are a good size too because they don't get too big, but also aren't so small that they get stepped on. Just make sure to choose a dog based on the space you have. A large dog (most breeds) need large spaces. Many that tend to act up are not given enough room. Good luck!