Getting a Dog Advice

[robinandmark]

Petfinder or a specific breed rescue are both great guilt-free ideas. A lot of the breed rescues include mixes as well.
Our dog is a bischon/shi-tzsu mix. He doesn't shed, but he is high maintenance with the grooming, like once a month Both breeds are bred to be friendly, range between 10-20 lbs.

[beachbumbam]

Originally Posted by melliedee

Beachbum, connect with the people at your local no kill shelter. You don't have to pick out a dog on your first visit, and they are more than willing to help you. I visited the shelter where I got Gracie a few times and was getting discouraged because there was kennel after kennel of big labs that I knew I didn't have room for, or very young puppies that I knew I didn't have time for. On my second visit, one of the workers asked me what kind of dog I was looking for. I told her something smaller, and that I had been researching Bostons and wanted something along those lines but it didn't have to be a pure breed. After our conversation, luck would have it that they had two young Bostons in quarantine and not yet up for adoption. They were fine and after seeing them I filled out the adoption paper work.

I will definitely keep checking shelters, etc... I am planning on "getting more serious" about looking after I come back from PDC in May.

[beachbumbam]

Originally Posted by Skiptown

We have had Daucshounds in the past. Great small dogs Ours were minis and we always had two so the had a companion dog. Lost both within a month of each other to heart attack and cancer. Have not worked up the guts to get that attached to a dog agaoin yet. Have two cats for now.

Sorry to hear that. That must be really hard. I used to occasionally dog sit for some friends who had a Dachshund-she didn't like it when they would go away, and when they would come back from a trip, she would hear their car in the garage, run downstairs to the family room to greet them, and when they walked in from the garage, she would turn around, walk to the middle of the room and pee on the floor to show them her displeasure with their trip!

[beachbumbam]

Originally Posted by robinandmark

Petfinder or a specific breed rescue are both great guilt-free ideas. A lot of the breed rescues include mixes as well.
Our dog is a bischon/shi-tzsu mix. He doesn't shed, but he is high maintenance with the grooming, like once a month Both breeds are bred to be friendly, range between 10-20 lbs.

That is a lot of grooming! I will definitely check out as many options as I can.

[beachbumbam]

I went to Pet Smart this weekend. They had a pet rescue organization there and I wanted to get a feel for what it would be like to adopt through such a setting. There were some great dogs, but I found it a bit overwhelming-there must have been over 30 dogs and people were everywhere. How can you tell what a dog's demeanor might be like in such a setting? It has to be very stressful on the animals to be in cages, surrounded by people and barking dogs. How do you get a true feel for the dog-to know that the dog is right for you and you are right for the dog?

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by beachbumbam

How do you get a true feel for the dog-to know that the dog is right for you and you are right for the dog?

You really can't - for certain.
But dogs are pretty adaptable to a loving home.

[beachbumbam]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

You really can't - for certain.
But dogs are pretty adaptable to a loving home.

I think that is true-it is amazing how animals take on the characteristics of their humans sometimes. Or how they behave or misbehave based on how they are trained-the pets and their people!

[kaki321]

Miles and the boys want a dog fiercely. They have been working me over for 2 years about it. I am gonna be honest, please don't judge. But I am not a dog lover at all. However I want my family happy and I will adapt. Maybe even like the dog. I am hoping this is the case. Not only for my sake but for the dog's too.

So Miles has done a ton of research and feels the staffordshire bull terrier is a good fit for the family. Anyone know of this breed or have any experience? Hate to say it but they just look like pit bulls to me. I guess they are great with kids and very loving. Miles has tons of info to show me but we haven't had the sit down talk yet. Just 6 months ago he was dead set on a Boston terrier. I finally started getting used to the idea and he switched it up.

[taotoon]

Originally Posted by kaki321

Miles and the boys want a dog fiercely. They have been working me over for 2 years about it. I am gonna be honest, please don't judge. But I am not a dog lover at all. However I want my family happy and I will adapt. Maybe even like the dog. I am hoping this is the case. Not only for my sake but for the dog's too.

So Miles has done a ton of research and feels the staffordshire bull terrier is a good fit for the family. Anyone know of this breed or have any experience? Hate to say it but they just look like pit bulls to me. I guess they are great with kids and very loving. Miles has tons of info to show me but we haven't had the sit down talk yet. Just 6 months ago he was dead set on a Boston terrier. I finally started getting used to the idea and he switched it up.

They are great dogs but they WILL be called pitbulls and you may even need to purchase special insurance depending on your city/county laws. Getting one may also even raise your home insurance rates if you own your home. If you don't check with your landlord before adopting to make sure there will not be any issues on that front.

I am not trying to put you off getting one, I just want to make sure that you are aware that having a "bully" breed takes a lot more time and effort then having a black lab or other breed.

Best of luck on finding the right dog! It took us over a year to find our Izzy and it took 6 months of looking when we decided to get a second pooch.

[JillyinMN]

Originally Posted by beachbumbam

I went to Pet Smart this weekend. They had a pet rescue organization there and I wanted to get a feel for what it would be like to adopt through such a setting. There were some great dogs, but I found it a bit overwhelming-there must have been over 30 dogs and people were everywhere. How can you tell what a dog's demeanor might be like in such a setting? It has to be very stressful on the animals to be in cages, surrounded by people and barking dogs. How do you get a true feel for the dog-to know that the dog is right for you and you are right for the dog?

Pet Smart adoption days can be chaotic! I volunteer with a local rescue many Saturdays at Pet Smart. Talk to the foster about their dogs. They will be honest as they want their dogs to be a good match for their future homes. Ask if you can take the dog out into the store. They may even let you take it outside. Since we're in the same area, I could keep an eye out for a good younger dog if you'd like. I'm in Playa right now, but can think of one nice one that was at the last adoption day. She's a Cairn Terrier. I don't remember how old she is off hand.

[Anna Banana]

My opinion: if you are not a dog lover ( hence you have no experince with dogs) don't take such a dominant breed. True, its the owner that makes a dog agressive, aI agree, but lets face it, avery breed has its dna and characteristics, and pit bulls & co were fight dogs ( still are).
Why do you want yo make your life harder? take an easier breed if you really want to buy one. golden/labrador for example.
I had a bullmastiff. a mass of muscles. guard dog. good to people if invited in. with other male dogs, super agressive.

Originally Posted by kaki321

Miles and the boys want a dog fiercely. They have been working me over for 2 years about it. I am gonna be honest, please don't judge. But I am not a dog lover at all. However I want my family happy and I will adapt. Maybe even like the dog. I am hoping this is the case. Not only for my sake but for the dog's too.

So Miles has done a ton of research and feels the staffordshire bull terrier is a good fit for the family. Anyone know of this breed or have any experience? Hate to say it but they just look like pit bulls to me. I guess they are great with kids and very loving. Miles has tons of info to show me but we haven't had the sit down talk yet. Just 6 months ago he was dead set on a Boston terrier. I finally started getting used to the idea and he switched it up.

[Doggiemom]

Originally Posted by beachbumbam

I went to Pet Smart this weekend. They had a pet rescue organization there and I wanted to get a feel for what it would be like to adopt through such a setting. There were some great dogs, but I found it a bit overwhelming-there must have been over 30 dogs and people were everywhere. How can you tell what a dog's demeanor might be like in such a setting? It has to be very stressful on the animals to be in cages, surrounded by people and barking dogs. How do you get a true feel for the dog-to know that the dog is right for you and you are right for the dog?

Petsmart, Petco, in my area at least have pet adoptions every Saturday and Sunday. Actually I got 2 of mine at an adotion event at a Petco here, 11 years ago!!! Most if not ALL of these animals are fostered and you can get a feel of what they are like in a home setting by talking to the foster family. (what Jill said below)

Originally Posted by JillyinMN

Pet Smart adoption days can be chaotic! I volunteer with a local rescue many Saturdays at Pet Smart. Talk to the foster about their dogs. They will be honest as they want their dogs to be a good match for their future homes. Ask if you can take the dog out into the store. They may even let you take it outside. Since we're in the same area, I could keep an eye out for a good younger dog if you'd like. I'm in Playa right now, but can think of one nice one that was at the last adoption day. She's a Cairn Terrier. I don't remember how old she is off hand.

Talk to Jill here...she knows her stuff!

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by kaki321

Miles and the boys want a dog fiercely. They have been working me over for 2 years about it. I am gonna be honest, please don't judge. But I am not a dog lover at all. However I want my family happy and I will adapt. Maybe even like the dog. I am hoping this is the case. Not only for my sake but for the dog's too.

So Miles has done a ton of research and feels the staffordshire bull terrier is a good fit for the family. Anyone know of this breed or have any experience? Hate to say it but they just look like pit bulls to me. I guess they are great with kids and very loving. Miles has tons of info to show me but we haven't had the sit down talk yet. Just 6 months ago he was dead set on a Boston terrier. I finally started getting used to the idea and he switched it up.

I would also have to say the staffordshire is maybe not the best choice, for the reasons mentioned.

And, remember that as the mom, you will most likely end up looking after the dog once the novelty wears off ....if you really aren't a dog person, stick to your guns.

I had a GF in a similar situation, she gave in (they got a lab in the end) and within 6 months guess who was trying to squeeze walks and grooming into her already manically busy day? She got pretty resentful about it, which outweighed any advantages having a dog gave to the family....now the dog is at her in-laws farm.

Cats, now they are easy.

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by Anna Tortuga

My opinion: if you are not a dog lover ( hence you have no experince with dogs) don't take such a dominant breed. True, its the owner that makes a dog agressive, aI agree, but lets face it, avery breed has its dna and characteristics, and pit bulls & co were fight dogs ( still are).
Why do you want yo make your life harder? take an easier breed if you really want to buy one. golden/labrador for example.
I had a bullmastiff. a mass of muscles. guard dog. good to people if invited in. with other male dogs, super agressive.

Thanks Anna, I haven't heard all of Miles' reasons yet for wanting this breed / thinking it's a good fit, but I know he has done a ton of research. I need to hear him out. Apparently he said there are quite a few misconceptions on the breed, but who knows. I agree with you wholeheartedly though. I wouldn't mind (and could really grow to love!) a little teapcup poodle or something, but Miles is afraid our 16 pound cats would crush it

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I would also have to say the staffordshire is maybe not the best choice, for the reasons mentioned.

And, remember that as the mom, you will most likely end up looking after the dog once the novelty wears off ....if you really aren't a dog person, stick to your guns.

I had a GF in a similar situation, she gave in (they got a lab in the end) and within 6 months guess who was trying to squeeze walks and grooming into her already manically busy day? She got pretty resentful about it, which outweighed any advantages having a dog gave to the family....now the dog is at her in-laws farm.

Cats, now they are easy.

I hear ya...I have been sticking to my guns for over 2 years now, but it's been made very clear to me that it's 3 to 1 in favor of the dog - and we WILL get a dog. I don't think much of the responsibility will fall on me, but never say never, right?

We have 2 cats - Othello and Desdemona - so they are part of the equation too...what breed is most compatible.

I feel very exposed telling y'all I am not a dog person, but appreciate your opinions and advice nonetheless.

I am wondering if the Boston Terrier idea might be better. Don't know. I have been putting off "the big talk" to decide, and need to do that as the pressure has been mounting for weeks.

Right after our trip to PDC in June Then we'll talk