Question:
I >My hubby and I are considering a dog, we have two children, a 2.5 yr old > and a 6 mos old. We plan on getting a shelter dog, most likely a puppy.
You may not have time for the dog with children of that age. First time pet owners (as you can see by the postings) have a difficult enough time dealing with just a dog. Your children will make it even more work. Wait til the kids are more self-sufficient. In addition to the books Lynda mentioned, I would recommend: "Your Purebred Puppy—A Buyer’s Guide" by Michele Lowell (Henry Holt) it gives an HONEST evaluation of all breeds. Also: "The Chosen Puppy" and "Second Hand Dog", both are by Carol Benjamin(Howell Book House). The info you need is too lengthy to post. If after reading all the books, you may find that a pup or dog is not right for you right now. No problem, nothing lost ‘cept a bit of time reading. Bob Maida (raised four kids but was a dog trainer before parenting) Dog Training/Problem Counseling Manassas,Va
Response:
>My hubby and I are considering a dog, we have two children, a 2.5 yr old > and a 6 mos old. We plan on getting a shelter dog, most likely a puppy.
Remember that raising a puppy is like raising a human baby — a LOT of work. It’s usually too much for a parent with a toddler — you’ve got a toddler AND an infant. Perhaps you should consider an older puppy (6-12 months) or a nice adult dog. >I am new to this group, and apologize for asking a question you must see >every day. If there is a list compiled of questions we should consider, >could someone send it my way. We have no idea what type of dog we want, >but if we had enough questions/things to consider, and answered them to >you all, I’m sure that you could provide us with some great suggestions.
There’s a wonderful FAQ on rec.pets.dogs.info … I can’t remember the exact title, but it’s something like "Choosing a breed" or "Selecting a dog". It was a group effort to write, compiled I think by Amy Hendrix, and it should have just about all the questions you should consider. BTW — as a former shelter volunteer, I recommend selecting a few breeds that you’re interested in before looking for a shelter dog. That way the staff will know what personality and size characteristics you’re looking for ("I’d like something in a shepherd mix or lab mix, thank you") and will be able to help make a good match with the available dogs. >Also for dogs that are rescued by breed (sorry for the inaccurate >terminoligy), what are the cost involved in adopting. From what I >understand it is usually safer to get a dog that is not a mixed breed, >lest you get a mix of some breed that doesn’t work with the lifestyle you >can provide.
The most important thing is getting the right individual — but yes, you should figure out what characteristics you want. A well-bred purebred is more predictable in terms of personality and size and disposition — but if you’re getting a dog from rescue or a shelter, let the volunteers/staff help you pick a dog that meets your criteria. This is another benefit of the older puppy/adult dog idea — you get a better idea of what the adult personality will be like. Most 8 week old puppies are pretty similar (although you can tell some general things if you know what you’re looking for) — if you find a calm 18 month old — he’ll be calm for life! The other thing you should do is READ. There are some great books out there — start with "How to raise a puppy you can live with" by Rutherford and Neil, "Good owners, great dogs" and "Childproofing your dog" by Kilcommons. There are lots of other good books — but for you, these would be my first recommendations. Oh — and when you get a dog, go to puppy kindergarten classes or formal obedience (positive reinforcement, not yank-and-jerk) classes. The best way to have a well-mannered dog is to train, train, train and socialize, socialize, socialize. & Edric, the Wonder Mutt, Kati, the world’s hairiest Akita,__ /|__ Joy "quit helping!", the Aussie sheep-butt puppy / ___/ ^_/ and Battlecat & Cringer, who don’t like to be herded / | (oh, yeah, there might be a husband under all the hair) / — / || ||
Response:
My hubby and I are considering a dog, we have two children, a 2.5 yr old and a 6 mos old. We plan on getting a shelter dog, most likely a puppy. I am new to this group, and apologize for asking a question you must see every day. If there is a list compiled of questions we should consider, could someone send it my way. We have no idea what type of dog we want, but if we had enough questions/things to consider, and answered them to you all, I’m sure that you could provide us with some great suggestions. Also for dogs that are rescued by breed (sorry for the inaccurate terminoligy), what are the cost involved in adopting. From what I understand it is usually safer to get a dog that is not a mixed breed, lest you get a mix of some breed that doesn’t work with the lifestyle you can provide. Sorry again for my naivete, all of the dogs we have both ever had have been strays. Melissa
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