Getting a Dog Advice

[Anna Banana]

cats and dogs do get along...really, getting a dog is a huge decision, it will last for years and years...consider also that a smaller and easier breed is also easier for many things: walking ( walking a dog/people agressive dog is a nightmare, especially if u already have to concentrate on 2 kids!), and as Riss says, its the mom that is with the dog for most of the time. Aso consider leaving a bigger more agressive dogs to people when you are on holiday...less chance someone will keep him/her....there are many things to think about...alos on how much time you are willing to spend with the dog, walking him...bigger dogs need to walk more...smaller dogs, in general, need less wlaking tim ( but they still need it)
what a bout a jack russell? good spirit and small thing! although high energy

Originally Posted by kaki321

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

[Neil G]

I'm not a small dog guy but... my sister breeds Shih Tzus and all of hers are friendly, playful, not at all yappy and they don't shed. They do require grooming. When hers are in show coat they are a PITA to maintain but you definitely can just clip them shorter if they are pets.

+1 to the votes against the Staffordshire - not a beginner's dog.

[Rissask]

I'm not really a dog person either, kaki....no worries, not everyone is! But I bet once you get one you grow attached quite quickly.

Best of luck with whatever you decide. I agree about the Shih Tzu, nice breed. Jack Russels are less 'frou frou' but can be a handful, to say the least- very high energy and mischievous.

I love this dog, my GF's Papillon/Chihuahua cross, they got him at the SPCA, he is the nicest little dog. good with cats, too...or at least my cats love him and he is good with them.

[Anna Banana]

true!!!
and Papillon has something of my Finn!!! Also a rescue dog!!!

Originally Posted by Rissask

Best of luck with whatever you decide. I agree about the Shih Tzu, nice breed. Jack Russels are less 'frou frou' but can be a handful, to say the least- very high energy and mischievous.

I love this dog, my GF's Papillon/Chihuahua cross, they got him at the SPCA, he is the nicest little dog. good with cats, too...or at least my cats love him and he is good with them.

[Neil G]

Our neighbour has had a few Jack Russells - yappy and aggressive in my brief experience. It's probably owner error but they still have made a bad impression on me.

Our last dog was an SPCA rescue, lab/border collie cross. Quiet, obedient, smart, about 50 lbs. Not very unique though, just another black lab cross with a few white markings - we always joked that he should have just had "DOG" stamped on his side.

[Anna Banana]

i agree, there are quieter and calmer breds. although i'd go for a rescue dog, they are so sweet and thankful ( and smarter...)

Originally Posted by Neil G

Our neighbour has had a few Jack Russells - yappy and aggressive in my brief experience. It's probably owner error but they still have made a bad impression on me.

Our last dog was an SPCA rescue, lab/border collie cross. Quiet, obedient, smart, about 50 lbs. Not very unique though, just another black lab cross with a few white markings - we always joked that he should have just had "DOG" stamped on his side.

[kallileigh1]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I'm not really a dog person either, kaki....no worries, not everyone is! But I bet once you get one you grow attached quite quickly.

Best of luck with whatever you decide. I agree about the Shih Tzu, nice breed. Jack Russels are less 'frou frou' but can be a handful, to say the least- very high energy and mischievous.

I love this dog, my GF's Papillon/Chihuahua cross, they got him at the SPCA, he is the nicest little dog. good with cats, too...or at least my cats love him and he is good with them.

That dog is ADORABLE!


Regarding the adoption days @ Petsmart/Petco... as others have said, those dogs are usually living with fosters. The rescue groups that I have worked with have arranged for me to meet the dogs at their foster home. That way we got to see the dog in an environment that it's comfortable in. It helps you get an idea of what the dog could be like in your home and with your family. We're actually adopting another Bichon this weekend. We met him last weekend at his foster home and now the foster mom wants to bring him to us for a home visit. If all goes well with our home visit she will leave the dog with us then. Fingers crossed that Chubby likes his new brother!

[Anna Banana]

Originally Posted by kallileigh1

That dog is ADORABLE!


We're actually adopting another Bichon this weekend. We met him last weekend at his foster home and now the foster mom wants to bring him to us for a home visit. If all goes well with our home visit she will leave the dog with us then. Fingers crossed that Chubby likes his new brother!

[queencityfan]

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?

I would call the Rescue and see if you can set up an appointment to visit the dogs in their home setting away from the crowds. I also urge you to talk with JillyinMN, she's a real dog lover and has been involved in finding dogs homes for several groups.

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.

Hi Kaki,

Any kind of terrier, Bull,Pit, even a Boston are stubborn dogs, they will hang onto a toy for dear life, this is what makes them popular for fighting etc.... They are very headstrong and not the easiest to train. Pair that with size and a body that seems like it's one giant muscle an Am Staff or Pit Bull are a lot to handle.

Now that being said, my daughter and her husband have a wonderful red nose pit that we love! He is a submissive male and is excellent with other dogs due to this plus lots of training when he was a puppy. He was raised with a cat and in fact we always said the cat was in charge of the dog but they played together well and the dog really missed him after he died.

Taotoon is very right when she tells you that owning this kind of dog ( Pit,Am Staff,Pit Mix) can cause issues that you must investigate before you get one. In fact some areas that have breed bans will not allow them at all.

I urge you to consider adopting a dog that needs a home, I grew up with a mixed breed dog and he was with us for 16 years. It not only helps the animals it sets a wonderful example for your children.

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I'm not really a dog person either, kaki....no worries, not everyone is! But I bet once you get one you grow attached quite quickly.

Best of luck with whatever you decide. I agree about the Shih Tzu, nice breed. Jack Russels are less 'frou frou' but can be a handful, to say the least- very high energy and mischievous.

I love this dog, my GF's Papillon/Chihuahua cross, they got him at the SPCA, he is the nicest little dog. good with cats, too...or at least my cats love him and he is good with them.

I could totally get behind a cutie like that!

Miles is a long-time dog owner and lover (aside from the last 20 years with me, where we have had only cats). We also support rescue and shelters, and got all 4 of our cats from the local humane society. I don't think he is looking at specific breeds because he is interested in a purebred, he is really trying to match a dog with our (well, alot of it is mine) criteria. One thing he keeps missing the boat on is the cuteness factor, though, IMO

So, his criteria has been a dog that is good with kids, affectionate, very little grooming/shedding, no major health concerns, no yipper-yappers (I work from home alot and can't have a dog barking in the background), trainable, lots of personality, etc...I know he was seriously considering the Boston Terrier, then he got on a Greyhound rescue dog kick - - even took me up to PetSmart to see some Greyhounds that were up for adoption -- but they did nothing for me. On the docile continuum scale, they all seemed drugged or something.

Now he is on the Staffordshire kick, and he seems REALLY into it. Watches youtube videos, got a few books from the library...ready to do his sales pitch on me. I have been dodging it. They just aren't cute at all, and yep - - that is important to me!!

I like the little dogs, our neighbor has a Bichon that is so cute. But he wants a manly "man's" dog I guess.

They boys have been jocking me too, almost non-stop....playing the "we can't grow up without a dog!" card.

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by queencityfan

I would call the Rescue and see if you can set up an appointment to visit the dogs in their home setting away from the crowds. I also urge you to talk with JillyinMN, she's a real dog lover and has been involved in finding dogs homes for several groups.



Hi Kaki,

Any kind of terrier, Bull,Pit, even a Boston are stubborn dogs, they will hang onto a toy for dear life, this is what makes them popular for fighting etc.... They are very headstrong and not the easiest to train. Pair that with size and a body that seems like it's one giant muscle an Am Staff or Pit Bull are a lot to handle.

Now that being said, my daughter and her husband have a wonderful red nose pit that we love! He is a submissive male and is excellent with other dogs due to this plus lots of training when he was a puppy. He was raised with a cat and in fact we always said the cat was in charge of the dog but they played together well and the dog really missed him after he died.

Taotoon is very right when she tells you that owning this kind of dog ( Pit,Am Staff,Pit Mix) can cause issues that you must investigate before you get one. In fact some areas that have breed bans will not allow them at all.

I urge you to consider adopting a dog that needs a home, I grew up with a mixed breed dog and he was with us for 16 years. It not only helps the animals it sets a wonderful example for your children.

Thanks for the input, our posts just crossed but I think the main reason he is looking at a breeder dog is to try and nail down criteria more as opposed to a mixed breed. He is trying to make me happy I guess - he knows I am a hard sell and if he can present me with stats on a breed I think he thinks it will help.

We have always gotten our cats from the shelter, and I like that idea too. It's only a few blocks away and maybe we will take a walk up there this weekend just to start to get a feel for the dogs they have there.

(p.s. to the OP Beachbumbam, sorry for hijacking your thread!!!)

[Anna Banana]

Originally Posted by queencityfan

Hi Kaki,

Any kind of terrier, Bull,Pit, even a Boston are stubborn dogs, they will hang onto a toy for dear life, this is what makes them popular for fighting etc.... They are very headstrong and not the easiest to train. Pair that with size and a body that seems like it's one giant muscle an Am Staff or Pit Bull are a lot to handle.

Now that being said, my daughter and her husband have a wonderful red nose pit that we love! He is a submissive male and is excellent with other dogs due to this plus lots of training when he was a puppy. He was raised with a cat and in fact we always said the cat was in charge of the dog but they played together well and the dog really missed him after he died.

Taotoon is very right when she tells you that owning this kind of dog ( Pit,Am Staff,Pit Mix) can cause issues that you must investigate before you get one. In fact some areas that have breed bans will not allow them at all.

I urge you to consider adopting a dog that needs a home, I grew up with a mixed breed dog and he was with us for 16 years. It not only helps the animals it sets a wonderful example for your children.

[Mr Cancun]

I have 5 cats & 2 dogs all living together. I especially love my Maltese. Our Big dog is a Golden Retriever.

[queencityfan]

Originally Posted by kaki321

Thanks for the input, our posts just crossed but I think the main reason he is looking at a breeder dog is to try and nail down criteria more as opposed to a mixed breed. He is trying to make me happy I guess - he knows I am a hard sell and if he can present me with stats on a breed I think he thinks it will help.

We have always gotten our cats from the shelter, and I like that idea too. It's only a few blocks away and maybe we will take a walk up there this weekend just to start to get a feel for the dogs they have there.

(p.s. to the OP Beachbumbam, sorry for hijacking your thread!!!)

Great that your kitties are rescues! I understand the breeder thing, he thinks he will be able to control what kind of behavior/look/size you'll get, and to some degree you can tell that by the parents and siblings.

Has there been any discussion about a young adult dog? You certainly could tell more about their personality and behaviour that way.

Best of luck in your search.

[kaki321]

Originally Posted by queencityfan

Great that your kitties are rescues! I understand the breeder thing, he thinks he will be able to control what kind of behavior/look/size you'll get, and to some degree you can tell that by the parents and siblings.

Has there been any discussion about a young adult dog? You certainly could tell more about their personality and behaviour that way.

Best of luck in your search.

Thanks - - yep, he does not want a puppy or the housetraining. So, it will be a young adult dog for sure.

Me? I'd like a cute fuzzy lil' puppy that doesn't ever get any bigger, and already comes to you fully house/potty and discipline trained . One that can fetch me a glass of wine...I know...not gonna happen...